Let’s Try this Again

Q: I am having a problem with my daughter's computer. I am running XP pro on a 1.8 GHz. The problem is it is constantly turning off all by itself while she is doing something on the computer i.e. word. Now it is in a constant loop. It starts up and then asks if I want to start in safe mode, regular start, or in its last known configuration.
Glenn
A: It could be a little spooky and very stressing when you computer goes on strike and shuts down by itself. Believe it or not, a computer shutting itself off happens more frequently than you think, and it is probably for the best. There are a mini myriad of causes for this action, and you guesses it, they range from the simple to the expensive.
Let us start with the simple. The first question that I would ask is if you are plugging your computer into the wall or using a surge protector? I hope that you answered that you use a surge protector. A surge protector prevents fluctuations in electric current from reeking havoc on your system. If you do not use one you may be playing a game of Russian roulette with your computer and the information on it. In the ideal situation you would want your system plugged into a surge protector and an uninterruptible power supply. This would drastically decrease your odds of computer damage due to power fluctuations. Most systems should be fine with only a surge protector.
The other easily remedied ailment could be that the fan on your computer is not functioning properly. This could take on several manifestations. It could be inundated with dust. It could be malfunctioning and not operating when it should. The area directly in front of the fan could be blocked or air flow could be restricted. Or it could be a combination of all of the above. Fans can be easily replace, cleaned, and unobstructed.
Now comes the more expensive and troublesome alternatives. When the fan does not get enough air to cool the computers’ internal components then those components can overheat. Which may cause your computer to go caput. This usually happens when the computers processor or CPU becomes too hot to operate properly.
You may also want to consider that your computers’ power supply may have become faulty. This would cause it improperly distribute current through out your computer. In other words, all of your components may not be getting the electricity that they need. Another thing to look at is if your motherboard has become defective. I have seen this happen sometimes when people over clock their processor or change the settings on their computer so that I will run at a higher processing speed.
In the case of the computer fan and surge protector, you can replace those yourself. If the problem is your power supply, processor, or motherboard then you may want to let a certified computer tech verify the problem for you.