There's no question that yrag is THE go to guy with respect to computers (Windows...don't know about Unix/Linux/Mac).

That being said, maybe some easy questions, Lou.... I know it sounds stupid, but is the electric supply uniform and dependable?

in the line the computer is plugged into? Are the plugs firmly seated?

Next, is the computer new or old? Please put in the specs of the computer, and the OS. If you have Windows 7,  in the control panel there's an Action Center. Are there messages there about critical system events? Here's what it looks like:

If there are, please copy and paste them into your response with the computer's system info ... Not Windowblinds "About".

With all the other easy things to check that have been suggested loukeeya when is the last time you clean out the 'dust bunnies'?  It may be something as simple as that causing the computer to shut down, don't laugh, it happens.

Check all the easy things first before moving on to the other more critical things.  It can't hurt.

Also when is the last time you ran your security, anti-virus and maleware scans?

Guess the problem isn't urgent.

It’s time to upgrade from the Windows 7 Release Candidate


While most people who tested Windows 7 have now moved to the final version, some are still running the Release Candidate. If you haven’t moved yet, it’s time to replace the RC.

Starting on March 1, 2010 your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Your work will not be saved during the shutdown.

The Windows 7 RC will fully expire on June 1, 2010. Your PC running the Windows 7 RC will continue shutting down every two hours and your files won’t be saved during shutdown. In addition, your wallpaper will change to a solid black background with a persistent message on your desktop. You’ll also get periodic notifications that Windows isn’t genuine. That means your PC may no longer be able to obtain optional updates or downloads requiring genuine Windows validation.

IF the OS is 7 RC then that is the definitive answer.

oh dear - well it ended in tears. hdd froz completely so i re-installed windows7 on a 250 gig hdd and guess what? - it did the same this morn  lol

i always go thru a check list like dust, cables etc coz i rely on pc for everything. the pc is less than a year old but will become a 2nd when i get my dell laptop. i mite not survive the day at this rate, have a HUGE hammer in my hand  lol

You might want to take a look at this link: HDD Diagnostic tools.

Age of the computer not withstanding, a HDD can go at anytime. Do supply the info about the copy of W7, also. loukeeya, see if you can get the error info above, if your computer can reboot.

intel core 2 quad CPU Q6700 @2.66 ghz

8 gig RAM

Nvidia 8,17.11.9621

windows7 ultimate 64bit its an RTM version

when i was using vista - couple of wks ago - it did the same thing and was very slow

.

Lou, good luck with this. just mentioning that the nvidia driver is the current version (just updated mine)

From my experience, it's mostly an overheating computer that behaves like that. You can verify it easily with a tool like SpeedFan.

Lou in case you need to replace HDD, de-register your Adobe programmes first if you can, saves hassle of Support in India, Adobe programmes even on a post reformat have misbehaved on me without changing any hardware.

oh dear    ausvet - have just been trying to re-install my adobe ae and it wont  lol    i didnt de-activate other just formatted hdd.   still on a positive note i went out and bought my own windows7 ultimate rather than relying on the kindness of a friend.

next month i will update graphics card and prob get a tetrabite  hdd  lol

thanxs guys for all your advice tho, its really appreciated 

Would like to see what is in that event list myself.