Dell laptop turning off suddenly

[rossmont]

I have a dell laptop Window 7 home edition..

About once or twice a day, the laptop will shut down instantly, and have to be re-hard booted..

It always comes back up, but it is very annoying and I do not understand why?? I have owned lots of laptops and this never happened?

Could it be Windows 7 and/or McAfee ?? ps-I have only noticed it happening while the laptop is connected to the internet??

Thanks--ross

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[buwish]

It seems like it is overheating. Do you know if the fan(s) are working on it? Have you gotten any blue screen errors (BSOD)?

 

[rossmont]

it appears the fan is operating--heat is coming out of the back of the laptop?? perhaps I should elevate it and let it breathe better from its bottom?

 

[buwish]

That could help narrow the issue down. Try using it on a flat, hard surface like a coffee table, etc.. to see if that stops the issue. If so, I'd get in touch with Dell to see what, if anything can be done about it. What is the model number on it? Perhaps it is a common issue with that particular laptop.