ok, i can't get my computer to boot up. it hasn't booted up in 3 days. it's happened before. what happens is i'll be on my computer, then all of a sudden, i'll hear the computer like power down, and within a few seconds, niether the mouse nor keyboard will respond. I'll cold boot the computer, and the same thing will happen a few minutes later. Each time I do it, it happens faster and faster, until it will freeze while booting. This has happened before, and i wasn't able to boot up my computer for a day or two, but then it started working again. This is the 3rd day that it won't boot up. Now, it just like wont boot up, but my computer responds to ctrl alt del. help...

This could be a heat problem. Can you tell if the fan is running? If the processor isn't being properly cooled, it usually shuts itself down. If you open the case, then turn on the computer you should be able to determine if the fan is running. If there is a lot of dust, you can blow the dust out and see that helps.

Dwight

that didn't help...the fan was running, i blew the dust off, and the computer still wont boot up. at one point it said 'problem reading operating system' or something like that, so i reinstalled windows, but that still didnt help.

I suggest you run the Scan Disk or "Check Disk", depending on your Operating System. Run it it the "Thorough" mode with the "Automatically fix errors" option checked.

Tutorial Here

You may need to run this in the DOS or Safe Mode if it keeps shutting down before running the utility.

Dwight

I would, but my compter won't boot up.

If it will not start even in Safe Mode, the hard drive may have failed. You will probably need to take it to a shop for repairs. They may be able to copy the contents of the drive by running it in a different machine.

Dwight