Major problem with computer!

For some reason, my computer randomly shuts off without warning. It doesn't shut down as if you were to go to Start > Shut Down, but it just shuts off.

Nothing feels hot, and it didn't smell like anything was fried. I cleaned the dust out of it and at first I thought it was just over heating. That may still be the case, but I'm not 100% sure of that...

Sometimes when it shuts off, it won't even turn back on. I have to flip off the power supply switch in the back, wait awhile, then turn it back on. I really hope it's not because my power supply is crapping out on me...I just got it new a couple months ago.

Right now, I have the computer shut completely down, power supply switch turned off, and the monitor turned off. I'm going to wait until the morning to turn it back on.

I don't know why it is doing this, and I really really hope someone can help me out...

I'm using a 500W power supply.

Please please help! It's my main computer with all my stuff on it (games, pictures, etc...).

I had that problem with a computer about less than three but more than two years ago. Sadly I didn't figure out what was wrong with it and I lost everything on it because one day it finally decided that it no longer wanted to turn on ever again.

I never looked into it because I had just purchased a new computer though and it wasn't worth it for me to bother with the old computer.

well surely if it's turning off and sometimes not even turning on again it's a power supply issue. Especially if it is a pre-built computer like a dell since they always use the cheapest power supplies they can which is a bad idea because when a power supply finally goes it can fry everything else with it.

Might not be but sounds like it could be.

Only other obvious thing is to make sure all the cables in the case are connected properly so there's nothing loose.

If it's only a few months old then it should be under warranty. Get the power supply replaced. I don't know what brand you have, but a lot of computers have a battery inside of them to provide just enough power to shut down properly if it loses power, see if you have one. If you do, that probably needs to be replaced too.

Yeah, turns out it is the power supply...

I just switched it with my old one and it's working again. I may just save my money and get a new one that is from a very good brand...

so your going to buy a replacement power supply? Sounds like a good idea I've seen a video were a guy turns on his pc and smoke comes out and all the components are broken because the power supply broke.

ALSO totally unrelated.... Your avatar girl wont stop sneezing it's scaring me.. well not fear, i dunno but get a tissue!:shock:

I'm surprised no one's brought up this diagnostic yet....

slayer, it could be a virus. certain kinds of viruses can control various computer functions, and that includes shutting down the computer. my friend had the same problem with his Sony Vaio desktop.

in any case, I suggest you keep googling your issue until you find more possible reasons why this is happening. I'm sure you can find more thorough help beyond what any of us on these forums can offer you.

my freind had a similar problem.
does the blue screen of death come up?

random reboots are usually an overheating problem, or faulty PSU (voltage spikes & drops)