PC randomly sleeps on its own while being used.

[inf1nity]

So, I have a weird issue with my PC, where it goes into sleep mode on its own, despite no command being issued by me. This doesn't happen during a period of inactivity, it happens even when I'm using it; like, I'm typing out an e-mail and the display fades to black, and then it goes to sleep.

I tried googling but I can't find anyone who's had a problem similar to mine.

Things I've tried:

• Blew out all dust with a vaccum cleaner as I thought it was shutting off to protect itself from overheating. The problem didn't happen for like 2 weeks but then it happened, and I'm sure another dust buildup can't happen so soon.

• Changing power settings. Set it to "High Performance" mode and specified that it was to neither sleep nor turn off the display. The problem persists.

What do I do now?

 

[VirtualLarry]

Pretty sure your mobo may be going.

Edit: Does your keyboard have a "sleep mode" key? Have you spilled liquids into your keyboard at any time in the (recent) past?

I would try a new keyboard, before a new mobo.

Edit: That actually did start happening to me, after spilling some Mt. Dew into my Logitech wireless keyboard. I immediately removed the batteries, and ran it under water for a while to get rid of the sticky. But then I let it dry for a few days. Then when I went to use it, some keys were producing weird key combinations, and some keys were causing my PC to suddenly sleep. I ended up having to dry it out for like 7 days before it started working normally.

 

[inf1nity]

It is very likely that the motherboard might be dying, I have had this feeling too. Its cheap(Jetway), old(8 years), and used rough(overclocking)

My keyboard doesn't have a sleep key and I haven't spilled anything on it. However, your suspicion holds weight as there is this other issue i have while typing where sometimes, a single key press registers as multiple presses especially when typing fast.

Example: If i type "Virtual Larry" quickly, it will show up as "Virrrttualll Laarryyy"

It doesn't happen too often, and when it does, a reboot usually fixes it.

What do you think?

 

[VirtualLarry]

Are you able to beg / borrow another keyboard from someone and try using it for a week and see if the problem goes away?

 

[mauiblue]

Darn, that is an old computer. Time to look for a good deal or build a new box.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Just thought of something else, a remote possibility is that the CMOS battery is going. Cheap fix. But that's probably not it.