Posted on 07/21/2006 7:30:18 AM PDT by savedbygrace
Have you tried unplugging the computer, then plugging it back in?
Before you try this, first unplug your peripherals, including your monitor from the computer.
FR has some great people here. You will find expert advice on just about everything. Actually FR is the first place I look, I do a web site search on the issue i am interested in and bam I ussually find what I am looking for.
I have two Dells from around the same time (2000-2001). They have the name Foxconn on them inked into the transformer box.
how do you load the OS to the RAM?
I had a ribbon cable come undone but only on one side so I reversed it so the damaged side is connected to the motherboard until I can get a new one just so I can still change out the HD if I want to.
Huh?
Have a great week end.
(Go Israel, Go! Slap 'Em, Down Hezbullies.)
That's an excellent idea. Check the power supply. They are relatively inexpensive and just might fix the problem. I've had two of them go bellyup.
Bookmark - I might need this advice for a computer I'm fixing. Thank you!
Sorry - I wasn't trying to split hairs. Your original post said that chkdsk will "ensure the major OS components are in line with the standard Windoze setup". Chkdsk doesn't do that - it only checks for errors within files that are on the hard disk, and, if used with the /f command, it will repair those files.
There is a utility within Windows called "sfc" that will compare the existing Windows files with the files on the original installation media and check for corruption - it will then replace corrupted files with the original version.
From Microsoft's website:
CHKDSK
Creates and displays a status report for a disk based on the file system. Chkdsk also lists and corrects errors on the disk. Used without parameters, chkdsk displays the status of the disk in the current drive.
/f : Fixes errors on the disk. The disk must be locked. If chkdsk cannot lock the drive, a message appears that asks you if you want to check the drive the next time you restart the computer.
System File Checker (sfc)
Scans and verifies the versions of all protected system files after you restart your computer.
/scannow : Scans all protected system files immediately.
My first hunch is a bad video card and/or motherboard. I had a similar issue about a year ago.
For confirmation or additional troubleshooting try the following:
1) Winternals - this is a boot-from-CD Windows-like environment. It will allow you to see if your video hardware is functioning. Once it boots up, you can also view/edit your disk configuration, edit registry, reset Admin password, etc. Not cheap but an enterprising lad like yourself may be able to locate a copy in a pinch.
2) Knoppix - this is a Linux distro that is self-contained on CD or DVD (knoppix.net). Again, no HD involvement hence no Windows involvement - this will allow you to check hardware operation (video, motherboard, etc.).
This is why I just bought two new Dell computers. It comes with all of the software installed and you just plug it into the wall and are ready to work. I've built these machines but I don't think it is even't cost effective. If your hard drive is four years old you are living on borrowed time anyway. Hard drives are dirt cheap. With rebates they can be bought for $0. I'd just replace it and would also consider just getting a complete unit down at Office Depot or someplace like that. Then you'll have everything you need. Take the other computer and toss it in the trash.
iChat AV videoconferencing on Macs is compatible with AOL Instant Messenger videoconferencing on PCs. They speak each other's language.
A lot of people have taken that advice, and they are happy with their new Macs. It is the best solution for getting rid of the most common computer problems.
I didn't see anything obnoxious from you or the Linux people; in this instance a Linux LiveCD might be a useful way to get his data off the dying HD. No one said "switch to Linux and you'll never have a hard drive fail". The only rude comments I saw were from Mac people who flippantly tossed off "get a Mac" as though that would either solve this problem or prevent it from happening again. I just think that kind of thing should be kept to computing news threads, not requests for help.
The poor guy didn't ask for advice on buying a new computer, he asked for help with a current computer problem. Buying a Mac (or any other kind of computer) would neither fix this problem nor prevent it from occurring in the future, so the suggestion comes off as flippant and rude. Just something for you to consider in your evangelism.
My comment wasn't flippant or rude, it was simply a reply to your "aside".
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