Posted on 12/06/2016 12:55:42 PM PST by lafroste
I have an old 2 GHz machine running Windows XP Pro. This computer has sat unused for several years in an un air conditioned/heated space. It was working fine when I turned it off for the last time. I have recently developed a need to use this machine and it has valuable data on it. However, when I turn it on all I get is an immediate and rhythmic beep. The BIOS doesn't even start it just beeps at me. What is it telling me is wrong with it? I tested the hard drives in another computer and they work. (and I recovered the data).
Physical inspection of the machine does not show anything obvious. Any help is appreciated.
I suspected as much. :)
And I believe commented as such.
At 128 Kbps, five megabytes is a little over five minutes playing time.
Or enough for one or two smart phone pictures.
Or most of a cabinet full of 80-column punched cards.
Q: “So how old are you Shibumi?”
A: “I’m so old that I have actual hands on work experience with IBM 360 series - and that was after I got out of the Army.”
(Footnote - We processed the output on IBM 1403 Chain Printers.)
Beep codes are mobo-specific.
1) look at the board and get the model #.
2) internet search for the model and “beep code”.
3) resolve issue.
4) Install Linux Mint
usually a solid beep with no video/post is a memory issue
sometimes it is a motherboard issue, mostly with leaking capacitors which is common with older machines during the 2005-2008 era.
Goodness!
That was B4 electricity was commonly available. How did you ever do it? :)
Hamsters.
————(Footnote - We processed the output on IBM 1403 Chain Printers.)-———
oh yes the infamous 1403s, but they were fast for their times
Cut my IT teeth on dual System-3’s with 3741 readers and 1403 printers.
Truly massive old machines.
Thanks, I knew it ended in 032 and was calling on my memory to provide. At my age, that is probably not the best thing to do.
Thanks, I knew it ended in 032 and was calling on my memory to provide. At my age, that is probably not the best thing to do.
I’m using NitroPDF
I used add/remove programs to get rid of Java. Maybe that will do the trick.
I downloaded the Java removal tool and tried to run it just to make sure, but get the message that this is not a valid Win32 application?
Dang, that screen evokes some memories.
If your computer shuts down randomly, odds are good the power supply is on its last legs.
Replacing it is the way to go and will give your computer many more years of service.
The best application to remove programs is Revo Unstaller (freeware).
I’d be wary of a removal tool unless I really knew it was legit.
Here are reasons you might be getting the “not valid” warning:
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000726.htm
I’ll do a hard drive search for any Java related files & give Revo a shot if I find anything.
That’s about as old skool as you can get unless you want to go all the way back to the BTM bombe.
I’m retired now, but up till the last day I worked I kept those cards in the pocket of my suit jacket to take notes.
I also wrote my daily and weekly schedules on them.
Sort of like a vest pocket Franklin Planner.
What people do now on their phones and Blackberries I did on 80 column cards.
When they stopped using cards, I went to a print shop and ordered several reams of cut card stock.
As a kid, I remember helping my mom and my aunt to make Christmas punch card wreaths.
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