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I have a Gateway 600YGR, and it always shuts itself down anytime I try to install any software (from CD or web), or run a program from cd drive. I used to (last week) be able to use the computer (browse net, solitare, and use previously installed programs) for several hours at a time, but since this morning it will only stay powered up for about 10 minutes (MAX). I have virus protection (Norton Anti-Virus Corp. Edition) and am running Windows XP Pro. I'll go ahead and list all of the ino that I know about the computer (had it for about 4 months- mother-in-law bought it used).
OS: Microsoft Windows XP Pro Version 2002 (Service Pack 1)
Intel Pentium 4 Mobile CPU 1.90GHz
512 MB Ram 60G HD CD R/RW/DVD Rom Drive 3.5"Floppy.
Need to know anything else, ask.
Thanks, Ron

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Dani AI

Generated

This looks like a classic power/thermal versus software conflict. The symptom—stable for a while, then sudden shutdowns that often happen when the optical drive or installers run—makes a failing power-delivery or overheating issue more likely, but antivirus/driver conflicts can also trigger abrupt shutdowns. was right to call out both possibilities; should use a methodical isolation approach so the cause can be found without guessing.

Try these prioritized checks (do them in order until the laptop stays on long enough to gather evidence):

  • Boot to Safe Mode (press F8 at startup) and leave it idle or try the same CD action. If it stays up, suspect software (drivers/antivirus). If it still dies, suspect hardware.
  • Turn off automatic restart on system failure so you can catch a blue-screen or error: My Computer -> Properties -> Advanced -> Startup and Recovery -> uncheck "Automatically restart". Review Event Viewer (Administrative Tools -> Event Viewer -> System) for errors logged right before the shutdown.
  • Remove Norton temporarily (use the vendor removal utility if possible) or uninstall it from Safe Mode to rule out AV-induced crashes.
  • Check cooling and power: verify the fan spins, clean vents with compressed air, feel for excessive heat after a short run, and watch for fan noise. Try a different AC adapter or wiggle the DC jack briefly while powered (carefully) to see if a loose jack causes a cutout.
  • Run a non-Windows boot (Live Linux or a memory test like memtest) to see whether shutdowns occur outside Windows. Also run HDD/SMART checks if you can.

If cleaning and a different adapter don’t help, back up data immediately and consider professional service—possible DC jack, power circuitry, or thermal sensor/motherboard fault. These parts are common on older laptops and will need shop diagnostics.

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Member Avatar for caperjack

does this happing when its plugged in ,or running on battery or both !!

Member Avatar for nomadron

does this happing when its plugged in ,or running on battery or both !!

When plugged in. I haven't been able to run it on battery because my battery does not hold a charge.

Member Avatar for caperjack

When plugged in. I haven't been able to run it on battery because my battery does not hold a charge.

Has it always had nortons on it or did you just reciently install that ,i've seen norton do this to my brother-inlaws laptop ,worked fine after we removed norton 2005.

also it sound like a heat problem ,has it been taken apart and cleaned around the CPU heat sinc and fan lately

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