Packard Bell laptop
 

I have a problem with a Packard Bell laptop. After starting it up, after closing down some update notifications it turns off abruptly. No shut down or anything, it just turns off straight away, about 5 minutes after starting.

Is this a common thing with Packard Bell Laptops, and is there a way to fix it, or will I need a new one? It's about 3-4 years old.

Have you tried getting into safe mode?
I wouldn't say it's is specific to just Packard Bell laptops, as most laptops will do that if there is a dusty problem. Try cleaning the fans with some compressed air, make sure all air ducts are free of dust, and air ducts are not blocked in anyway. What operating system is that running?

Thanks for your advice

It's running Windows XP. I just found out that if I start it up immediately after it shuts down, it lasts a shorter amount of time. The third time it barely lasts 10 seconds from pressing the on-button. I think there's something wrong with the battery.

I'm planning to merely get a new one, all I need it for is small time programs like mIRC, a word processor, internet explorer, and some graphics software. Looking for something in the cheapish range. Any ideas?

I have the same laptop and the same problem a few months ago. The time it stayed on grew less and less. I planned to throw it and get a new one, but a couple of days later my daughter switched it on and it worked fine. It does not cut off at all now! wierd!