HP 15-f233wm laptop shuts down after start up - no fan in this model, not overheating

[LetsTryThat]

My mom has an HP laptop (HP 15-f233wm) she uses for daily web browsing, and she let me know about a problem she's having. As I search for fixes, I see this model has a notoriously bad rep, so I think a realistic goal would be to get her up and running until she can buy a new one.

The problem - System boots and loads to desktop. Starting Firefox takes at least 60 seconds, everything runs slow but Chrome loads faster than Firefox. Shortly after, the system completely crashes and shuts down.

Here is what we've tried so far:

1. She bought canned air and sprayed around through vents

2. I began disassembling the case to get to the fan - and read that this model has NO fan

3. System Quick Test - Battery, Processor, Wireless Module, System Board, Hard Drive SMART check, Hard Drive Short DST, Memory Quick Check - all PASSED

4. Installed Windows 10 update and updated all drivers

5. Installed Advanced Sytem Care and performed a Full Scan - auto fixed all items

6. Checked temperatures reported by Advanced System Care - normal

7. Malware Bytes found a trojan that I quarantined

8. Discharged static by removing battery and charger, holding power button down for one minute - reinstalled battery, connected charger and restarted. Repeated with only battery (fully charged at 100%), then only charger to diagnose if either was the issue

9. Startup Repair Tool - Troubleshoot - found no issues

10. I asked her to just use Chrome in case Firefox or one of the add ons is causing system crash. System took longer to crash, but still did

11. Uninstalled McAfee

What's next, other than a fresh Windows reinstall?

Thanks

[iomare]

Hi,

The notebook is never going to be that fast, but should not be so slow either.

I would not install software such as "system care" as they can do more harm than good.

I think the only real solution would be to perform a clean install and see if the problem persists. I would still think a Hard Drive Problem.

Actually, in my opinion, the best idea would be to replace the HDD with a cheap SSD and reinstall the latest version of the OS . After installation, completely update so that Windows finds all the drivers and then only install the needed software.

Example

https://www.amazon.com/Kingston-240GB-Solid-SA400S37-240G/dp/B01N5IB20Q/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords...

On page 44 you can see the steps to replace the drive

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c04763947.pdf

You can create a bootable USB drive directly from Microsoft.

Download Windows 10

It will at least be a lot more functional for your mother to use until the new PC, and at a low cost.

Hope it helps,

David

[LetsTryThat]

Thanks, but the main issue is the shut down.  I realize this model is notoriously slow, but only about 1/3 of her HDD is full, and no more of 25% of RAM is being used at any time.  I'd like to find the cause rather than start replacing components that cost 1/4 of the price of a new lower-end laptop.

[iomare]

OK.

So what happens when the system crashes?

Does everything freeze?

Does it shut down as  "Windows shuts down"?

Does it shut down as if suddenly losing power?

Do you have to turn the PC off by holding the power button?

If you boot into safe mode does it shut down there too?

Let me know,

David

[LetsTryThat]

When it shuts down, it doesn't freeze, no message appears, the screen goes black and everything powers off.

Just booted in safe mode and it crashed and powered off.

[LetsTryThat]

Just attempted to run HP PC Hardware Diagnostics and it shut down before it could load

[iomare]

Hi,

If you remove the battery and use only ac adapter does the same happen.

If you use only on battery does the same happen?

Let me know,

David

[LetsTryThat]

I already performed that test.  See step 8 above.