Just within the past 2 or 3 days, my computer will shut itself off. I've heard this may be a power supply problem. If so, is this a big deal to fix and/or what else could be wrong?

Thanks for any help.

Sure sounds like a PSU issue, although it could also be a heat problem. Generally they're not a big deal to replace, but it depends on the OEM, some use proprietary replacement parts.

What model is your PC, and who was the manufacture?

My computer is HP. Don't know model no. Didn't get a manual with it.

Some HP computers have the model indicated on the front, top or side of the machine. I also just worked on an HP computer that had the manual on the hard drive of the machine.

Will this help
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=us&lc=en&docname=bph07555

Wow, that's a great resource, Winfrey.

Could it possibility be the battery needs replacing Laurette?

Laurette,
Did Winfrey's link help you find your model number?
The reason to find the model number is to check and see if your model computer needs a special proprietary power supply.

The CMOS battery wouldn't cause the computer to shut down, Gerry. Unless you're thinking this is a laptop - I don't think it is.

Laurette, just in case it's not the power supply, I'd suggest opening up the case and checking for anything that would cause heat build-up... dust, non-working fan etc. Make sure you ground yourself before you touch anything.

Thanks, Winfrey and everyone. The model number was found on lefthand side of computer. I was surprised that it was so easy; not many things are! Anyway, it's p6510y. And, it's a PC, not a laptop.

Hope this helps me get help. Hate to have to take it in and be "computerless"!

This computer has a tiny 250 watt power supply and they are fairly easy to replace. You can generally find replacements at places like Newegg. You can open up the case and take measurements of the old power supply to ensure you get the correct size. If you attempt to replace it yourself, make not of how and where everything is plugged in. If you've never done it before, it can be a bit daunting.

But there is no point in replacing the power supply unless you first make sure the issue is not overheating. A good dust-out with a can of compressed air might also do the trick.

Draclvr: Thank you very much for your input. I've unplugged/replugged the various wires on my computer, so I'm not scared of that. And, at first it is daunting!

I'll first try the can of sprayed air. I'll let people know what's happening - unless, of course, I am computerless and will take awhile.

P.S. I can hear the fan working; how well, that's a different question!

Fan singular? There should at least be one fan on your CPU and maybe on this computer one small exhaust fan and of course one on the power supply. After you get rid of the dust bunnies and make sure the cooling fins or fans or whatever on your CPU are clear of dust, go ahead an boot it up with the side still off. Check to be sure all the fans are running.

Wish I could loan you my power supply tester! That little tool has been a real boon for me as far as trouble-shooting goes.

This is just kicking me in the rear to power down my main computer and do a thorough cleaning too - I've been putting it off for too long!

I can hear a fan(s) working; don't know how many,as haven't opened it up yet. Thanks.

I took a look around and found this if it turns out to be the PSU -

HP Pavilion p6510y Power Supply

InlandAZ: Thank you very much. Haven't purchased the air can yet. I did some investigation on computer maintenance, and was told there was too much time before the computer sleeps. (had it at an hour). Was changed to 30 mins. I doubt this will work, as it seems too simple. Will find out.

Never heard of such a thing... You should be able to set the time for your computer to go to sleep to be anything you want.

I know you can set it for any length of time you want. But, when I tried to find out what the computer's problem was, this suggestion was given. In my opinion, maybe it was on too long before sleeping, and this may have caused the shutdown. As you can tell, I am no computer technician, so am assuming.

I've had computers on for over a year, never sleeping or hibernating, and only being turned off when the power went out.

Having a power supply go bad isn't uncommon, especially when the computer is given an underpowered power supply to start with. The more underpowered the power supply, the quicker it will wear out. 250 Watts is ridiculous for a modern computer.

You need to fix the actual problem, not try to mitigate the symptoms by "sleeping" the computer all the time.

Agreed.. I did notice the power supply Inland linked to was 550 watts - a nice upgrade that might be worth it even if that isn't the problem. But unless you find a massive build up of dust or something else that's causing overheating, I'll bet that's it.

Thank you both. I've had this computer approx. 7 years, and have never opened it up. To ask your opinions, would it be better to take it in to where I purchased it and have them go over the problem; and if it is the power supply, have them put it in?

P.S. In the past, I have installed modems, more memory and a video card; although this was awhile ago. IOW: don't want to mess anything up!

I'd say do what you are most comfortable with. There was just another individual who finally just "had someone (reputable) look at it." Most times, the best solution.

However, if you DO take it somewhere and they replace a power supply, make sure it's more that 250 watts this time! If this computer has Vista on it, you've got a couple more years before Microsoft stops supporting it.

You might check out some YouTube videos that show how to change a power supply. That would give you an idea of whether or not you want to try it yourself.

If you've never opened up the case in seven years, you may have a lot of dust bunny build up which is impeding air flow through the case. Canned air is good to use if you're careful, and so is a vacuum made especially for computers.

I wouldn't use your standard vacuum to clean out the case because it has too much suction which might pull out lose components. But you can use it to help suck up the bunnies you blow out with the canned air, which is what I'd do in order to keep dust from resettling inside the case.

Also, make sure to unplug the power cord from the wall outlet before starting to clean out the insides. No sense having power inside the case and accidentally touching something which shouldn't be touch.

And make sure you ground yourself before doing anything inside the case.