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Alright. Why the fuck would a computer just start randomly powering down? As in, one is typing a post, and it just stops running. Could this be related to a virus?

There are viruses that do that. It could also be a power hiccup...

"dirty" power... virii, dying power supply, mad at you because you don't clean it... could be any of those reasons.

Would the 'on' button remaining lit offer any clues?

Not really, if the power supply is interrupted for even a split second the machine would reboot without you noticing anything. Is this a one time incident? It doesn't sound like you have Sasser though

SirNitram wrote:Would the 'on' button remaining lit offer any clues?

I had this exact same problem a few weeks ago I think. At least it sounds almost perfectly identical. The problem is most likely your power supply. You may need to get a replacement.

You could try taking a vacuum to your box, it's never a bad idea. The power supply could be going, in which case you'd best get working on getting a new one

SirNitram wrote:Alright. Why the fuck would a computer just start randomly powering down? As in, one is typing a post, and it just stops running. Could this be related to a virus?

Hrm, have you run a virus scan on your box recently? Do you have the latest Windows security updates installed. (On the software side, this sounds rather like the old Blaster worm, or one of its variants, though that worm was so 2003.)

Moving onto hardware, either your power supply is overheating and getting ready to die, or perhaps something in your computer is overheating, such as your CPU. A quick thing to try, get a can or three of air used for dusting, open up your computer (with it off and unplugged, ideally,) and blow out the dust you find in there. Blow it out of your power supply too. Also, a thing to check, with the computer open, is if the fans are spinning (on your CPU/chipset heatsink, and in your power supply.)

What's your computer plugged into? A regular powerstrip or an UPS? And check your computer for dust (but, IIRC, isn't your computer new?).

Arrow Mk84 wrote:What's your computer plugged into? A regular powerstrip or an UPS? And check your computer for dust (but, IIRC, isn't your computer new?).

This is my old one, which Tev is using. I'm gonna have to hold off until we can actually get some canned air...

SirNitram wrote:I'm gonna have to hold off until we can actually get some canned air...

I perfer an air compressor (a decent size one, not the kind that plugs into a cigarette lighter), if you can access to one (neighbor, perhaps?). Its a lot better at removing dust, and your not paying a for can air.

An air compressor? That's sort of a wierd thing to have around, it's not like you need to dust your PC every week...

My step dad has three large air compressors, so I have easy access and they get rid of the stuck on dust that canned air can't handle.

Get a 19.99 fan from Wallmart or countries similar(The Box old nosiey box fans, comes in a box, is a box, is cheap)

Turn it on high, aim it at the computer and works just fine

As for your computer brownouts and power spikes over the years can, will and do @$@$ up computers

Based on advice here and at a local computer parts shop, we inspected: The power supply fan don't do shit when turned on. Signs of dust buildup are present. Now we have to steal/borrow/beg a can of air... Ugh.

Arrow Mk84 wrote:My step dad has three large air compressors, so I have easy access and they get rid of the stuck on dust that canned air can't handle.

Well not everyone has immediate access to your dad's 3 large air compressors, now do they?

On another note, if you have a powerful vacuum, chances are it can do the job. Some will even push air (though I suggest changing the bag first), I know our old electrolux can

Vacuums set to suck are bad, as they can generate static electricity.

Arrow Mk84 wrote:Vacuums set to suck are bad, as they can generate static electricity.

I've, uhm, never heard that before...

Its something I read on a tech site years ago.

Chances are it's the power supply. That'd be the first thing I'd test, at any rate. I hope they gave you a standard PSU, and not one of those supermicro eMachine ones that I sometimes see.

Arrow Mk84 wrote:Its something I read on a tech site years ago.

Okay... well I think it's safe and google searches don't say anything, so with that in mind, don't let the vacuum nozzel touch anything metal and you should be okay

White Haven wrote:Chances are it's the power supply. That'd be the first thing I'd test, at any rate. I hope they gave you a standard PSU, and not one of those supermicro eMachine ones that I sometimes see.

It looks like a fullsize powersupply when I had the box open. I'll see if I can 'acquire' a can of air from here at work.

And micro-atx systems don't have much in the way of power requirements. Assuming it's standard, you can get a good, high-quality 300W for around 39.

White Haven wrote:And micro-atx systems don't have much in the way of power requirements. Assuming it's standard, you can get a good, high-quality 300W for around 39.

WH: There is a little cutout window on the powersupply. there's a red 115 inside it.

Jebus, 115!?!

I knew eMachine shorted on PSUs, but...115?