Thread: computer behaving strange in 'Safe Mode' using xp

I am using Windows XP SP2 Professional operating system and I am facing a strange problem. Whenever I try to work in 'Safe Mode' my computer suddenly turns-off after some time. After booting again in 'Safe Mode' that same thing happens but this time the duration is shorter than the previous one. How can I work without any interruption in 'Normal Mode'. I am using AVG Internet Security 8 as the anti virus. Why is the computer behaving strange in 'Safe Mode'?

Firstly, I fail to understand the need for working in 'Safe Mode'. Anyways, the possible reason for your problem can be overheating of the processor (CPU). In the safe mode, the software or driver that controls the speed (RPM) of the fan after monitoring the temperature of the processor is not loaded. Hence the CPU fan is running at a normal speed or a particular RPM assigned by the motherboard, but the processor is heating above its normal temperature.

The CPU fan cannot be controlled accurately to speed up the RPM and this is the reason the CPU shuts down when overheated. The cause for this problem is a dirty or jammed CPU fan, clogged or dusty CPU heatsink,improperly mounted CPU fan, or dry CPU heatsink paste. Remove the CPU fan and the CPU and clean the fan and the surface of the CPU and heatsink carefully. Apply a fresh new coat of heatsink paste on the CPU surface and mount the fan firmly on the CPU again. Also clean the dust from within the power supply (use a blower if possible, we would not advise opening the PSU unless you are technically sound to handle electronic components) and other internal parts of the computer. Now check if the problem exists.

If it does, then it could mean that the CPU fan is either faulty or not efficient enough. Try replacing the fan with another one and check if it helps. If you do not have another CPU fan, then you can try this trick - open the cabinet and face a table fan in the direction of the CPU and the CPU fan. This will cool the CPU in a more efficient way. Monitor the computer's behavior and decide if the CPU fan needs to be replaced. If you still cannot figure out the problem, I would suggest you to call in an expert to help you out in this case. He will be able to analyze the problem by replacing certain parts inside the cabinet.