Hello: I don't know if this is a MS software problem, a hardware problem, or what. I'll try to describe what goes on:
I have an HP Pavillion dv4000 and have been using it a lot for about 2 YEARS. Usually, the fan didn't COME on when I used it; there was no noise at all unless I used the CD drive. Then gradually I noticed that the fan came on sometimes. Now it comes on usually. And it gets stronger and stronger and then the computer goes black--no hibernating, just complete shutdown.
Here, let me tell you that I use Microsoft XP 5.1 with service pack 2 and Firefox for my DEFAULT browser. The computer has 55GB with 35GB used. Do you need to know anything else about the system?
At first this problem seemed to happen when I had more than 7 tabs open in my Firefox (I teach online, do research, etc.) In fact, before I switched to Firefox, this never happened at all. But now it happens even if I'm off line. The fan just whirs and whirs and then sometimes the computer hangs and then shuts off or sometimes it just shuts down without any warning.
Also, this evening when I try to restart it after shutting down, I get the "Active Desktop Recovery" page. If I click "Restore the active desktop" I get this: Internet explorer SCRIPT error Line 65: Character 1 Error: Object doesn't support this
URL: F:6:///C: /Documents%20and%20Settings/jalali/Applications%20data/Microsoft/Internal%20Explorer/Desktop.htt

If I click No" to Do you want to continue running scripts on this page, then everything comes up. If not the computer may or may not continue to come up.

I wonder: Why does this error seem to be related to Explorer when I'm not using it at that time, and in fact haven't used it in months?

Also: The Main problem is: Why does the computer shut down? Will this damage it? What can I do to prevent this?

Thanks.
Dr. D.Sounds to me like the computer is OVERHEATING, causing the computer to shut down.

Not a good idea to let your fan be left alone when having issues....So what do I do about this? Is this something I can fix myself?Also, why do you think it is overheating more often than before? Why has this only recently happened? Do you think it needs cleaning or something? What could be causing this overheating and how do I solve it?
thanks again Dr. D.You could try pointing any fan (desk fan, box fan, etc) towards the computer and try things out that way. However, in the state the computer's in, it's possible you could lose any/all files and even damage the processor or other components (if it were to continually overheat).

It's up to you if you want to risk it. Otherwise you could always go buy a fan to replace your problem one, they're pretty cheap at your local computer parts store.Quote from: Drd on January 23, 2008, 02:03:30 PM

Also, why do you think it is overheating more often than before? Why has this only recently happened? Do you think it needs cleaning or something? What could be causing this overheating and how do I solve it?
thanks again Dr. D.

Now, let me ask this: Would replacing the fan in a laptop be a complicated thing to do? You see, I live in a rather remote area and I don't want to trust my laptop to someone who would have to be a really big expert. If this is just a small techie thing that anyone can do, then fine. If not, I'd be worried. What do you think?

Also, I do think that two things could be causing the overheating: I think it could need cleaned.

Also, my kids have loaded things that are always running in the background. Can I simplify this background stuff on my own? And if so, how?