T30 shutting down unexpectedly to protect data

[baertracks]

I am trying to help a colleague in DR Congo troubleshoot a problem with a T30 (running WinXP) that is shutting down to protect data. This occurs while the computer is connected to power supply (220V).

Does anyone have an idea of what might cause this sort of problem, or what questions I should be asking him to help diagnose the problem?


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My friend writes:
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Dr Frank,
Greetings
I am Dr Nzaumvila, I received one laptop from you via Dr Kitaudi 5 months ago. I have a little problem, when I am using it, it shut down saying that Windows has some problem, to protect my data, he has to shut down. I can not use it during one hour long that it shuts down. Would you be so kind to help me to resolve this problem? I do not think that it is battery that is running low because the laptop is connected to electricity at the time that I receive that message, and that happens any time, with whatever program.

Dr Nzaumvila
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Regards,
FRANK

[slagmi]

On the face of it that that sounds like it may be a Windows problem rather than a hardware problem.

How long has this been happening?
Has the System Restore tool in windows been tried?
Can the issue be duplicated while running the computer in Safe Mode?
Is the environment the ThinkPad is used in particulary hot or humid?

[baertracks]

How long has this been happening?
Has the System Restore tool in windows been tried?
Can the issue be duplicated while running the computer in Safe Mode?
Is the environment the ThinkPad is used in particulary hot or humid?

Thanks for the suggestions.
I understand that the problem has been occuring for several weeks. I do not think that he has tried Safe Mode. I will suggest that option.

The climate in Congo in May has been rainy and hot, so the answer is probably yes to your last question.

Regards,
FRANK