I stand corrected it is E-management tchnology. The 2 little computers have a red x against them but I also have that on this laptop. The single computer shows the soundwaves but when you click on it it says no connection - when you click on that it says - cant tell you as it has started back to the switching on/off though it stayed on for about 20 minutes - I thought it had gone into safe mode but when I checked it was off. I think there maybe something in the virus booting thing (as I believe son was downloading something at the point it really went into meltdown) which I can use my laptop to download onto a usb? Or what else could be making it switch on/off Wont be able to try anything else tonight as it usually takes at least a few hours for it to stay on for any length of time.

Well OH opened up the back (I was cringing!!) - masses of fluff around the fan, all cleaned out gently and reassembled (to my great relief). Computer has started and so far so good. However there is no internet - empowering technology is not working - No1 son says that is the Acer part for the internet? so there is nothing for it to find? Does that make sense? Next step?

Hi Tezcatlipoca - it is Vista. So far we dont get as far as the windows loading or a log in. Hitting F8 gave us start in normal mode or launch windows repair (recommended) - then cut out and started clicking to restart again. Thank you Keanaz, NO 1 son is out so not sure where the discs are but will certainly try that. However you lost me by the 2nd line:confused: -bootable usb with virus checker on etc? Way above my (and sons) ability Im afraid:(

Hope this is in the right place. Bought son laptop Sept 2008 (Acer Aspire 5520G) started having various problems mainly since Oct (see below) so of course out of years warranty. Tesco say have to send it to Acer who will charge just to look at it. At £600 I feel it is not a reasonable situation but dont know what other options I have? I paid on cc if that is of use? wont start up at all Starts but only gets so far then restarts - continuously if it does start tried to start in safe mode but again then only gets so far then stops or restarts again. no internet connection at all -empowering technology stopped working (though as we cant get that far for long it is difficult to check properly) Any help would be gratefully received:)