It's a scenario no computer owner wants to go through, you are working away at something important, and suddenly your computer shuts down. It can be rather frustrating, especially if you haven't saved your work.

Here are a few reasons for a computer to shut down suddenly.

Overheating: If a computer is running on overdrive, especially when playing games or even video or audio editing, it will cause the unit to overheat, and most computers these days will shut down to prevent damage to the parts.

Make sure to clear the cooling fans off any dirt and debris, and if you are using a laptop, we suggest a cooling pad to help cool it down.

Hardware issue: Another reason your computer shut down is failing hardware. When a part isn't installed correctly, the computer will turn off. You can open the computer up and check if any parts are loose if you're comfortable.

Surge protector: In a power outage, surge protectors prevent damage to electronics. Most power bars have surge protectors, and too many devices plugged in can overload the power bar and cause the computer to shut off.

Virus: One of the common reasons for a computer to shut down unexpectedly is a virus or malware program. Some of these are designed to cause a computer to shut down. If you think you may have a virus, run a scan if you have one or download one.

Once a virus has been detected, depending on the severity. The program will remove it and any malware. If the virus is deep in the system, you may need to reformat the computer to remove it.

If that's the case, be sure to back up any important files, so you don't lose them for good.

Operating system issues: Sometimes, the computer's operating system can cause it to shut down. You can try to reinstall the operating system to correct the error.

Reinstalling your operating system can be tricky if you're not computer savvy. An installation error can cause more issues to the computer. That's why it's always best to leave it up to the experts. Like the ones, you'll find at The Computer Geek.

Our experts specialize in all things computers and websites. So if there's a problem with your computer that you're not comfortable fixing yourself, we can help you.

Visit our website for more information on our services or call us at (905)426-1784.