Computer shuts down when I compile kernel

[sr71pav]

I've tried doing the kernel compilation both manually and with genkernel. It's a fresh install on this machine (switching from windows) so I'm wondering if I missed a step, though I haven't been able to find what that might be since I tried to go through the installation guide step-by-step. The machine is an HP ze1250. It's actually a friend's and I'm trying to convert him to Gentoo, so I can't say I know a lot about the specs other than it's an Athlon XP. Anyone have any ideas

Thanks

[PovMan]

which part of the build makes it shutdown, like what does it say before shutting down?
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[sr71pav]

It makes it to at least modules, I don't know if it makes it to modules_install. I can't just sit and watch the screen for however long it takes before it fails. If I glance away at the wrong time, I'd miss a message. Is there a log kept somewhere I can look at?

[PovMan]

I don't think it keeps a log, but just do a

[sr71pav]

This last time I tried it, it actually compiled just fine, which leads me to an interesting thought: is it possible this machine could shut itself off if it gets too hot? When I tried this all last night it would shut down, I'd power it back up and try again, only for it to shut down. I left it off all night and tried compiling when I got up this morning and it worked.

[Jerri]

If your bios supports it, (perhaps under the heading PC Vitals or something similar) Check the temp of your cpu. If not, pop the case open, and (ground yourself by touching the frame) then stick a finger on your cpu's heatsink.. if it burns, its too hot