[ChihuahuaMomma]

Hi there,

My laptop just keeps shutting down at random times. It's a Dell Vostro 1000. What could be the problem?

[cdad]

Random could mean that its something your not noticing. Like setting it in your lap of on a soft surface and blocking the holes for cooling. If they overheat they will shut down. Then return to normal once they have cooled. Does it feel hot when this happens?

[ChihuahuaMomma]

Nope, it's sitting on my lap... My knees are spread so that the bottom can breathe...

[cdad]

With the change in weather it still could be overheating. You might want to drop by a local store that seels office supplies and take a look there for laptop pads. Another thing is how is your disk space on it? Is it getting full? When is the last time you ran "defrag" ?

[ChihuahuaMomma]

It's not that full. I did it 3 days ago. The weather is always changing here, I'm not sure what that has to do with it. It's pouring outside right now.

[cdad]

Sometimes there is a connection between the 2. Like humidity etc. Other causes can be bad sectoring on a hard drive and also bad memory ( not yours the one in the machine ) :)

[ChihuahuaMomma]

Yeah, it's an old laptop... and slow... I wish someone would just come over and make it like new.
<LOL>
My USB ports don't work and neither do the buttons for my built in mouse... So there's no right clicking on anything either.

[cdad]

Yeah, it's an old laptop....and slow....I wish someone would just come over and make it like new.
<LOL>
My USB ports don't work and neither do the buttons for my built in mouse....So there's no right clicking on anything either.

You could always consider a docking station if you can find one. Then you can use fullsize keyboard and reguler mouse. Also if its old then it may also require a good cleaning on the inside. Its amazing what they can gather through the years. Wait till close to end of August and beginning of September because most laptops go on sale then. Also depending on the state you live in some have a sales tax freedom day and it inclludes laptops and that can save a chunk too.

[ChihuahuaMomma]

What's a docking station? Does that involve USB usage? How would I go about cleaning out the inside? I have four USB ports and none are working. It's weird though cause I have a mouse that has a light that lights up when its plugged in. When I plug it in the light comes on but the mouse doesn't work. I've check the mouse on other computers and it works fine and I've checked other devices on this computer and they don't work. What could that mean?

[cdad]

It sounds like you have issues either with the usb controller or the driver for it. Have you looked in the "control panel" under "devices" and checked to see if any yellow flags are in it? Also go there to update to the latest drivers for your unit. The light at the port indicates "power" is at that port. Your problem is "communication" at the ports.

[ChihuahuaMomma]

I went to control panel and didn't see devices..

[cdad]

You should see "device manager" in the control panel section.

[ChihuahuaMomma]

Nope..

[cdad]

What Operating system are you using?

[ChihuahuaMomma]

Windows XP.

[cdad]

If your not seeing it in control panel try this:

XP Device Manager - How to Access Device Manager From the Computer Management Utility in Windows XP

[ChihuahuaMomma]

OK, I found it.. now what do I do?

[cdad]

There should be a section heading that says "universal serial bus controlers" with a plus sign next to it. Is there a yellow falg there? If not click the plus sign and then you should get a list. Any yellow flags there?

[ChihuahuaMomma]

Nope, no yellow flags.

[cdad]

Are there listings for "generic" usb hub or for "USB root hub" ?