Turns itself off after about a minute....

Hi I have an Acer Aspire 5100 that shuts down shortly after powering on. Doesn't even get to windows. I cleaned the fan and area, I've tried a cooling pad and bought a new power adapter. Can anyone help? Thanks in advance.

 

Hi donmaine, welcome to WindowsBBS

How far past the post do you get? Can you access BIOS? Have you tried safe mode or last known good configuration?

Windows Version may help here

 

Thanks

No, I can't even get to windows.

 

My windows

My version is Windows Vista

 

OK, let's try again.

Does your system get past the POST (Power on self test)?

Can you access the BIOS setup screen?

 

No, I can get to the system restore screen and it'll go as far as 80% restored then click off. If I try the setup in any way I can't go for more than about 30 seconds.

 

My apologies, I did think an experienced user would know what I meant...

When you first turn on your computer does it pass the POST (a single beep indicates success)?

If so, do you get a message, eg press F2 for setup (this is an example, F1, Esc, Del, F10 are others)?

If you see this message what happens when you press the relevant key?

 

I get to an F2 for setup

 

I didn't mean to mislead.. I'm not experienced in hardware issues.

 

OK, let's start from basics here.

I doubt this will work but it's easy and costs nothing...

Remove the battery and power adapter then press and hold the power switch for 30 seconds, reconnect battery and adapter and power up, post back the results.

 

No, nothing........

 

We're not Psychic's here

No, nothing....

Are you now saying the laptop doesn't even start? donmaine It is important that you supply some information.

Assuming there's no change from before, humour me and start the Acer, press F2 when prompted and just let the BIOS Setup screen sit their for a few minutes. Let me know if the laptop still shuts down in that state.

 

It didn't do anything different - it still shuts itself off quickly. could it be a motherboard problem? Should I take it for an $80 analyzation?

 

Probably best, it could be anything to be honest but I'm having major problems getting any information from you. A hands on technician will probably find things a lot easier.

 

I understand. I don't know of any other way to explain the problem though. But thanks for giving it a shot. I appreciate your time. don

 

Look up your model at the Acer website and check the FAQs, never know, you might get lucky. At least you might get some knowledge so that you are well-armed when you take it in. Tell them that you want the problem explained (even if you don't know what they are actually talking about ...although, tell them you have researched and treated it as you mention in your original post ).

See if anybody will do a free quote for you (you don't have to accept it). Paying $40 to get the dust cleaned out might get it working again.

I expect you have disconnected any added devices.

Matt

 

I'll do that today, thanks Matt