I'm installing linux on a laptop for a friend and it keeps cutting itself off and back on. I discovered it's due to overheating. I tried to remedy it by sitting the laptop on top of frozen vegetables. I got linux installed, but then it crashed while updating the kernel and totally fuxored itself.

The external case is staying below room temperature. The air blown out by the fan is maybe 90 F tops. It seems to only cut off and back on during long install operations (lots of CPU and HD access with CD-ROM spinning). The only problems I can think of that would associate with these conditions are (a) insufficient power, (b) overheat.

The problem used to occur under Windows playing games, but not during low demand usage. Can anyone think of how to get this to not crash so I can finish the OS install and upgrade?

It's an HP Pavilion ze4400

5/2/2006 9:54:36 PM

Get a Dell

5/2/2006 10:07:24 PM

Take the keyboard off and get to the CPU.


remove the HS and apply arctic silver and check for large accumulations of dust.

5/2/2006 10:08:24 PM

ill look inside after i get an install working. i got it to stop overheating though. when the fan comes on i attach the vacuum to where the air blows out and leave it there for a minute or 2. problem solved. HAHAHAHA

5/2/2006 10:27:09 PM