Laptop Shutting Down

[chrissa1]

My laptop keeps shutting down suddenly, which is infuriating when I'm in the middle of writing a long e mail.Can anyone tell me what is causing this and how I can stop it happening? My "memory status" is fine.

[DanAB]

if it is randomly shutting down then my initial guess is that it is overheating.

how are you sitting with the laptop? is it on a desk or as the name suggests, on your lap?

computers need airflow to work, if it is on a desk then have a look at the bottom for any dust. try to remove any dust if possible as it can build up and clog fans

[chrissa1]

Oh good point DanAB! I use it on my lap or on the settee that I'm sitting on.However, it shut down just a couple of minutes after I had started to use it this afternoon.
I'll certainly give that a try. Thank you.

[DanAB]

how is the laptop being powered? using the battery or the mains?

maybe a short battery life could be the problem

[chrissa1]

Thanks for that DanAB. I've been using on a lap tray since your answer and, touch wood, it hasn't happened since. I always have it plugged into the mains so a low battery is not the cause. Thank you for your help. Chrissa1