Yes, it is a strange problem indeed!! Last week on doing a disk cleanup using the WinXP utility I noticed that my PC (PIV 3.6 GHz, 3 GB of memory and GEforce 6800GT of 256 MB) closed itself without any error messages (just switches off!!) when it reaches the "compress old files" part.After that my FS9 and also FSX show a similar behavior! After flying a certain amount time (random), in any part of the world, my PC just closes (it is not a CTD - it just closes as the power cord were taken out from the wall socket).I made a search and I read at MS website that when problems with the "compress old files" arise one should delete that entry on the registry that I did. But that didn

Hi Edmundo, I had a computer do this once and it turned out to be a failing hard drive. You could try running scandisk and make sure you check "Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors" as this will perform a surface scan of the disk looking for damage. Do you get have S.M.A.R.T. enabled on the drive? If you find any errors - look for a new HD as it will only get worse.Otherwise it sounds like it could be a heat issue, measure your temps to see if you have a fan fail(ing). Also could be a PSU issue - got a backup to swap-in?. I'd start there and see what turns up. Hope it helps.Regards, Kendall#1: [email protected]/Coolermaster HyperTX2 Gigabyte P35-DS3L 4GB Crucial Ballistix Tracers PC6400 Seagate 250GB 7200.10 SATA2 Gigabyte X800XT -Cat 6.12's CH Yoke/Pedals/Saitek Throttle Dual Monitor: Dell 2405/1905 #2: Dell 8400 3.2 H.T. 3GB PC4200 Diamond Xtreme/Logitech X-530's

Ken,Mauch obliged for your suggestions. Some of them have already crossed my mind such as an overheating issue - it seems the problem arises only when I use "heavy" applications (FSX and FS9 but not with MS Word for example).Best regardsEdmundo

Run a chkdsk for sure, but it really sounds like a power supply in the process of givin' up the ghost.

I'd go with the power supply being the culprit as well.......from past experience.Paul

Thanks mates!From MB BIOS I get a CPU temperature (from switching PC ON) increasing steadly and stabilizing around 88

88 ?? eighty eight degrees??That's just a bit too high .. might want to check there's any thermal compound left on the cpu!Your PC will definatley power off to save your house at that temp. Agh, those P4s .. talk about global warmer >_

Ideally, your CPU should stay below 70C. Intel publishes on its web site the environmental max for each CPU it makes as they are not all in the same range. Most BIOSes force a power shutdown if the CPU temperature gets too high to protect it.If you have a vacuum cleaner, you can run a small test by leaving your case open, and sucking air near the CPU (make sure all is secure before so nothing gets sucked in the vacuum - it should be). Don't use a metal or brush tool - I used a plastic crevice tool. This will increase airflow temporarily and let you verify the theory without going into much trouble with new coolers or fans. It's also a good idea to clean your fans and heatsinks on a regular basis to remove any dust that would decrease cooling efficiency. You can best to this with a can of compressed air.Lastly, make sure your case fan configuration is set to suck air from the front of the case and blow it out the back (usually, via the power supply). Some power supplies blow air inside the case and usually this is right over the CPU heat sink.Hope this helps,Etienne