Laptop powers down during startup

Question

When I press the power button, the computer starts just fine, the Windows are loading just fine, then heavy fanning (REALLY loud) is heard for about two seconds and then the computer shuts down. This happens few times in a row, but when the laptop survives the loading, it won't crash in Windows. Also, happens in Ubuntu.

Thinking it's a heat related problem, I cleaned the fan and changed the thermal paste, but the problem persists. I checked the round condensators on the motherboard and they seem fine.

Happens with and without battery or power plugged in. When I measure temperature (openHwMonitor), it's at most 60 during the whole time.

Edit: I cannot get to Windows anymore. I can boot to Ubuntu, but it seems the fan is not turning the whole time. It starts only for the two heavy seconds, but it is silent otherwise the whole time. I also think the fan used to start for a brief moment right after the power button was pressed, but it does not anymore. Edit 2: ok it DOES start sometimes in Ubuntu, but it is not running right before it enters the berserker mode.

Answer 1

UPDATE: I cracked the 2 second problem!

There may be several factors contributing to this... Some recommended solutions are:

1. Clean your laptop. Few people seem to realize this but dust can actually cause really major problems. Also, try it with a cooling pad beneath it and see any results... Open the case up and use a blower or a compressed air can and blow it all away. [Rahul's Awesome Tech Tip: If you don't have a specialized Blower/Air Pump/Compressed Air, try a Hair-dryer on normal mode! (the one without heat)]

2. Take the battery out and disconnect the charger. Then press the power button about 7-10 times. This will drain all extra power out of the motherboard. You'd be surprised at how often this works.

3. Power-Supply Problems/Short-Circuits - Not much you can do about it

4. Try Falcon4BootCD or Hiren's Boot CD, it can be useful.

Strongly Recommended: Before trying anything, try to boot into a lightweight OS like DamnSmallLinux, or MiniWindowsXP (preferred) from Falcon4BootCD and take a backup of all your data.

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The two second problem: I just realized that with most BIOS, At first, when you start a computer, everything is powered for about two seconds-- So, even it I disable the keyboard backlight on my Lenovo y50-70 using the Fn+Spacebar shortcut, the next time I start my computer the backlight lights up for two seconds before the BIOS loads fully and realizes/remembers that it was disabled... The only thing is, since fans are always on, so you never realized this before!

This is NOT a glitch and is normal behavior. This is also why on many computers you'll hear the DVD drive click when they are first switched on.

[What this means: Your BIOS is not corrupt and you are probably facing a hardware issue like heating] :P

Answer 2

Do you still have your Windows OS on the drive? If so, have you tried to revert back to a known, good day say: 2-3 weeks ago? What about Safe Mode? I know Safe Mode in Windows 8 is a little funky to get into. Even though you say that Ubuntu does the same thing may suggest you still have a virii on the drive.

What about going to the OEM: Dell/HP/etc. and looking at:

• Some laptops/desktops have built-in diagnostics within the BIOS for memory/drives/etc. Results?
• Have you tried to flash/re-flash the BIOS with an updated one?
• Any updated drivers from the OEM?
• What about drivers, e.g. video?

How old is the laptop? If it is within a year, can you go back on a warranty service/replacement?

Answer 3

Had that problem and it was related to processor temp rising too high, so it shuts down itself to avoid physical damage. Take it to technical service to get it clean inside. Might have dirt between processor and fan, keeping it from cooling properly.

I tried runnung Ubuntu, liveCD and installed (yeah, wiped Win) and it happened to be less intensive, allowing a full boot, discarding physical damage.

Answer 4

Since the problem arrives in both Windows and Linux, and now even during the POST, it is most likely a hardware problem.

If the computer is still under warranty, the best solution is to use that immediately, because too many manipulations may void that warranty.

If the warranty has elapsed, the possibilities for failing parts are endless, but in my opinion are principally the PSU and motherboard. To further isolate the problem, disconnect all possible equipment and take out all possible cards (if not a laptop) before booting, to ensure that the problem is not coming from the connected ones.

If you have a spare PSU lying around, try it. Even if the PSU does not fit inside the case but is of sufficient capacity, connect the wires just to see if the computer powers up.

If the PSU is not the problem, then I suggest to call upon a qualified repairman/shop, which might have enough spare parts of all kinds, with which to identify the faulty one by replacement.

Answer 5

This is a crazy problem for sure. I don't believe that 60C is hot enough to make the computer forcefully shutdown to prevent damage, so in my point of view, I don't believe overheating is the issue.

After reading things from other forums, here are a few things you can try.

• Reset/clear the CMOS by removing it for 10 seconds in case something in the BIOS got messed up.

• Replace the CMOS battery. An underpowered or dead CMOS battery can cause a system to fail booting.

The CMOS is the only thing I do not see mentioned in other answers/comments. If replacing the CMOS does not work, I would say the problem is related to the MB. There could be a short circut or some sort of problem that is causing it to not deliver power efficiently. In that case, getting a MB replacement should fix your issue.