Computer going into sleep mode

[carolc]

Hi Brian my computer goes into sleep mode and I can't wake it up or turn off.  It did it while I was in p.s editing. I'm at a loss . Do I need to crash it and visit the shop 

[Brian]

Is this a laptop or desktop? What version of Windows are you running? 

[carolc]

Hi Brian it's a desktop pc and Windows 8 I thinkthink. Trying to check but it's asleep again.  I have just turned it on again and it's started up asleep already.  last night I turned off the sleep mode in my setting but it hasn't fixed it 

[Brian]

Try this:

Hit the Windows Key + W and just start typing Power Options, then click on "Power Options." Windows 8 is kinda foggy, but you want to change the Power Plan to HIGH PERFORMANCE and not something like "Balanced" or whatever.

It is possible that something is wrong with the computer, a fan is clogged and it's overheating, but lets dork-around with the power settings first.

[carolc]

Yes I think something May be wrong . I just turned it on . Into sleep mode already from the start, no fan going yet 

[carolc]

At five mins after I started it the main screens up to start then it goes back to sleep. Can't even shut it down and no fan on at all.  Shop visit is now on the cards. Thanks 

[Brian]

On 11/9/2017 at 4:27 AM, carolc said:

At five mins after I started it the main screens up to start then it goes back to sleep. Can't even shut it down and no fan on at all.  Shop visit is now on the cards. Thanks 

How old is your computer? I have a sneaky suspicion that you have bad (Poofy) capacitors on the motherboard. I've seen this problem that you are describing over the years and it's due to either faulty capacitors (bad motherboard,) or if it's a laptop, a clogged fan or faulty heat-sink.  I think a trip to the repair shop is in order. Let me know what they find.

[Brian]

For those wondering,
 

Quote

"...a faulty heat-sink in a laptop? Huh?"

Some laptops have a heat-sink that contains fluid in them that acts similar to a radiator in a car. The fluid circulates from the CPU chip area to where the fan is located. Every once-in-awhile, these type of heat-sinks develop a small crack or pin-hole and the fluid evaporates. Then the CPU overheats, which results in shutting down unexpectedly.

[carolc]

Hi Brian.  I have taken it for a checkup.  Computer is working perfectly. It's one of the cables causing the problem apparently.   Have got a HDMI cable from computer to monitor and turning on HDMI on my screen tonight. Will see if that works . Will let you know . If not, it's the monitor and I am still under warranty . Dell are aware. 

[Brian]

Well...I sit corrected!! Yeah, come to think of it, I've replaced those VGA cables more than once.

The traditional VGA cable isn't meant for today's fancy flat screen displays. I you do have the option to use DVI-D, HDMI, or DisplayPort...always use one of those. You will have better colors and contrast, the display will be sharper since it's a digital and not analog connection.