Laptop shuts down during virus scan in safe mode

2 GB.

Hello. Lets free up some resources first and see if it makes any difference.

• Open HijackThis
  
• Choose "Do a system scan only"
  
• Check the boxes in front of these lines:
  
  
  O2 - BHO: (no name) - {5C255C8A-E604-49b4-9D64-90988571CECB} - (no file)
  O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
  O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [hpqSRMon] C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqSRMon.exe
  O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
  O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
  
  
  
• Press "Fix Checked"
  
• Close Hijack This.
  

Reboot normally.
Try running a virus scan now in safe mode and let me know if there's any difference.

Ok, I got rid of those files with HJT. I'm going to reboot and try a full scan in safe mode, so I'll check back with you as soon as I'm done. Thanks...

I was able to run a full scan with Malwarebytes without the computer shutting down, but when I rebooted to regular mode it shut off a few seconds after the Acer screen popped up. However, I powered it up again afterwards and it didn't shut off.

This is the report from Malwarebytes:

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.36
Database version: 2024
Windows 6.0.6001 Service Pack 1

4/22/2009 7:20:21 PM
mbam-log-2009-04-22 (19-20-21).txt

Scan type: Full Scan (C:\|)
Objects scanned: 156951
Time elapsed: 29 minute(s), 30 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 0
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 0
Registry Values Infected: 0
Registry Data Items Infected: 0
Folders Infected: 0
Files Infected: 0

Memory Processes Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Well, the scan ran to completion after freeing up some resources, so hopefully it stays that way.

True, but I just ran Avira in safe mode and the machine shut down again. It took me three tries just to power it up completely.

Hmm. Sounds like something hardware related could be happening if it took over 3 times just to boot normally.

Moving this to software, lets see if Doc has any ideas.

Hello joeK64,

This could be due to overheating especially when it took you 3 tries to turn it on again.

I would like you to use the computer normally, and see if it shuts down automatically.

Another possibility would be a faulty PSU (Power Supply Unit)

Also, is there a particular percentage during the scan when your computer shuts down?

No, it happens during various stages of the scanning process.

For the most part, the computer doesn't shut down when I'm on the internet, but I've had problems before with this same issue. The first time this happened to me, it got so bad that it would shut off constantly within a few minutes whether the computer was hot or cold. I took it to a shop to be repaired and they did a clean install, but instead of using Vista proprietary to Acer(I have a Aspire 5520-5912 laptop) I believe they used a version meant for Dell computers. It also came preloaded and I am unable to get another copy of it from Acer on disk. In addition, I always used an additional computer fan to keep the CPU as cool as possible, and now my Outlook program doesn't work because I used Revo Uninstaller to delete Firefox. I really don't know what to do anymore...

One last thing that I forgot to mention - I ran a full scan with Avira in regular mode yesterday and the machine didn't shut off, but it did shut off when I ran Avira in safe mode.

If it happens during various stages then I don't think it has to do with malware. Only 4 possibilities I could think of:

1. Overheating
2. Faulty power supply unit (PSU)
3. Faulty motherboard
4. Corrupted Windows, but still, I have never heard of a corrupted Windows shutting down by itself.

This may not be the best solution, but I recommend performing a format of Windows, since there's nothing else to try.

I'm beginning to agree with you, and I'd like to do the reformat since it's the only option that I have. I ran the online scan from ESET yesterday and it showed no signs of any threats, and I ran Malwarebytes again in Safe Mode and it completed the full scan with no infections, but the computer did shut down one time when I rebooted to regular mode. The problem with the reformat is that I tried to contact Acer and they couldn't(or wouldn't) help me because my computer is out of warranty, and I really cannot afford to buy a copy of Vista to do a reformat or clean install at this time because I am unemployed at this time. If you know of any other options, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks...

JoeK64 wrote:

I'm beginning to agree with you, and I'd like to do the reformat since it's the only option that I have. I ran the online scan from ESET yesterday and it showed no signs of any threats, and I ran Malwarebytes again in Safe Mode and it completed the full scan with no infections, but the computer did shut down one time when I rebooted to regular mode. The problem with the reformat is that I tried to contact Acer and they couldn't(or wouldn't) help me because my computer is out of warranty, and I really cannot afford to buy a copy of Vista to do a reformat or clean install at this time because I am unemployed at this time. If you know of any other options, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks...

linux is freeware

Aurora Range:

Sounds interesting - I always wanted to learn Linux anyway. I'm downloading Kubuntu right now and burning it to CD to test drive it. I do have one concern though: I use Verizon wireless broadband for my internet connection, and I'm not sure if they make software that's compatible to Windows.

I'm sorry, I meant compatible with LINUX, not Windows. I've had enough problems with the latter OS to begin with...