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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Deneb on November 24, 2005, at 14:45:56
My computer doesn't work anymore. :-(
I have a feeling my computer is a piece of crap. I'd gotten it less than a year when it stopped working. There was something wrong with the motherboard or something. Now there's something else wrong with it. Argh!
Is there a way to transfer all the info from my computer to a new computer if I end up buying a new one? I don't know anything about the darn things. I didn't get a chance to burn all my Hammie pictures onto a CD and I don't want to lose them forever.
Deneb
Posted by Gee on November 24, 2005, at 16:44:26
In reply to Something wrong with my computer, posted by Deneb on November 24, 2005, at 14:45:56
It depends on what is wrong with the computer. Sometimes they can trasfer files, othertimes they can't
I hope you can get your pics back!!!!
Posted by Impermanence on November 24, 2005, at 21:14:18
In reply to Something wrong with my computer, posted by Deneb on November 24, 2005, at 14:45:56
Hi Deneb,
Yes there's many ways as long as you still have access to your operating system (i.e. actually see whats on screen). If you have a fire wire or U.S.P. port (most/all do these days). You can transfer them through a cable to a second hard drive or another computer.
I get the feeling you don't even need to buy another P.C., have you had a pro come over and play around with it for a while? You'd be suprised how many people I know had (or what they thought was a machine that was finished and all their files delieted when it just took a little fiddle around here and there and bingo, system like new again. :), It could just be a dead fan, GPU or something. Main thing is don't panic, it can probably be fixed with ease. BTW who told you it was your motherboard, maybe they ment a component of the motherboard??
Let this be a lesson to you, ALWAYS back up your files LOL. Get it checked out by a geek/pro and DON'T PANIC, it'll be o.k. ;-)
Posted by Deneb on November 25, 2005, at 11:55:03
In reply to Re: Something wrong with my computer, posted by Impermanence on November 24, 2005, at 21:14:18
> Yes there's many ways as long as you still have access to your operating system (i.e. actually see whats on screen).
I can't access the OS. :-( The screen is blank. I don't think it is the monitor because we just got a new monitor not that long ago when the old one stopped working a few months ago.
How much do you think it would be to fix it if it is fixable?
Lesson in backup indeed...
Deneb
Posted by Impermanence on November 26, 2005, at 5:58:29
In reply to Re: Something wrong with my computer » Impermanence, posted by Deneb on November 25, 2005, at 11:55:03
> I can't access the OS. :-( The screen is blank. I don't think it is the monitor because we just got a new monitor not that long ago when the old one stopped working a few months ago.
>
> How much do you think it would be to fix it if it is fixable?
>
> Lesson in backup indeed...
>
> Deneb
Hi Deneb, first off I can't really help you without more information, post your FULL system specs and software (including the monitor manufacturer and model number, and if it's LCD, CRT or whatever. Does the actual system itself turn on (i.e. do you hear it start up as it usually would, does it make any strange sounds??? I think its definitly your monitor or maybe even the cables behind the monitor. Do you get any 'ms dos' messages at all on the screen or even messages from the monitor company or as you said is it COMPLETELY blank?I'd love to help solve this annoying problem for you but I need as much info as possible.
Imp :)
Posted by Deneb on November 26, 2005, at 12:51:32
In reply to Re: Something wrong with my computer » Deneb, posted by Impermanence on November 26, 2005, at 5:58:29
> Hi Deneb, first off I can't really help you without more information, post your FULL system specs and software (including the monitor manufacturer and model number, and if it's LCD, CRT or whatever.
I don't quite remember all the specs. It's an e-machine with an AMD 2000+ processor I think. It's about 3 years old, nearing the end of it's life anyways I guess. 80 GB hard drive, don't remember the RAM. OS is Windows XP. Monitor is a CRT, don't remember the manufacturer right now (I'm at school).
>Does the actual system itself turn on (i.e. do you hear it start up as it usually would, does it make any strange sounds???
The green light on the computer turns on and then it goes out. The system did make some strange mechanical sounds a few days before it broke. I also sort of smell something burning, not sure if it's my imagination. There are no Windows sounds or anything.
> I think its definitly your monitor or maybe even the cables behind the monitor. Do you get any 'ms dos' messages at all on the screen or even messages from the monitor company or as you said is it COMPLETELY blank?
The monitor is completely blank...black. There are no messages at all. The monitor is less than a year old and I haven't noticed anything wrong with it. Last time the old monitor made weird sounds before it broke.
> I'd love to help solve this annoying problem for you but I need as much info as possible.I think I'm going to bring it in to the repair store tomorrow. Thanks Impermanence for your help. It's good to see you posting again. I still remember how you helped me when I first got here. :-) I was Shy_Girl.
Deneb
Posted by Impermanence on November 26, 2005, at 16:30:46
In reply to Re: Something wrong with my computer » Impermanence, posted by Deneb on November 26, 2005, at 12:51:32
> The green light on the computer turns on and then it goes out. The system did make some strange mechanical sounds a few days before it broke. I also sort of smell something burning, not sure if it's my imagination. There are no Windows sounds or anything.
>
"Smell something burning" - sadly not a good sign I'm afrid, somethings obviously burned out. One of your fans died :( I'm sure of it, (components with moving parts like fans can have a lot of problems and a short life span depending on the condition and build quality of the machine; always spend a few extra quid on computers, if you can afford it go for a high quality custom built beauty but I understand thats not always an option). Most computers today are designed to turn off or automatically reboot if the processor, or any other device in your computer gets too hot due to a fan or heatsink falure. Unfortunately it seems this was not the case with your system. :( CPU's, hard disks, graphics cards, power suppilys, and the many other internal components generate a HUGE amount of heat in such a small compartment, and in turn need a very cool constant breeze, and/or a water cooling system.
If you use your P.C. for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing your machine can get VERY hot, Even simple internet use generates a lot of heat. Many new motherboards include hardware monitoring which enable you to track your CPU's internal temperature at all times which might be of intrest to you for future computers. Also make sure you keep your system in a well ventilated environment, don't store it near any device that generates heat. Keep it out of direct sunlight and as dust free as possible. Every now and again open up your computer (use caution as this can be dangerous) and use compressed air (you can get cans at any computer store) to give it a clean out. Remember cooling fans also suck nasty dust INTO your machine blocking the air flow and may also attract moisture because of a big nasty dust build up!!! NEVER allow anything to obstruct the air intake vents, even office stuff like folders or briefcases.
Remember, Heat shortens the life of electronic components and overheat in such a small compartment will slaughter them. Make that a priorty on your next purchace presuming you'll need a new system. Or if you're lucky enough to get your aging old dog fixed :) look out for the things I pointed out.
>
> I think I'm going to bring it in to the repair store tomorrow. Thanks Impermanence for your help. It's good to see you posting again. I still remember how you helped me when I first got here. :-) I was Shy_Girl.
>
> Deneb
Thats a good idea Deneb, there's not much else you can do about it except kick the damn thing lol.I think I remember you Shy-Girl, did you read books by any chance???? Anyway it's lovely to meet you yet again, I'll stick around longer this time.
*Is chuffed you remember me LOL.*
Take care hun, hope you get it (or a new one) up and running soon.
Imp ;)
Posted by verne on November 26, 2005, at 17:13:51
In reply to Something wrong with my computer, posted by Deneb on November 24, 2005, at 14:45:56
Hi Deneb,
I used to hang out at a friend's computer repair shop. E-machines were famous for smoking, turning off and on by themselves, and making strange sounds.
I researched this for him and came across several articles about e-machines smoking or otherwise burning up - but this was in 2000-2001 and I would have to regoggle it.
In fact, about the time we started to see smoking e-machines in the shop, one of his many backup computers, an e-machine, would not turn off or stay turned off. I remember the last thing he did before he closed the shop was unplug the unholy, the undead, e-machine. After a few months, the machine that found no rest in this world, died and stayed dead.
Before I buy a computer I really give the model a good begoggling and check out consumer sites like epinions.com.
Wish I could help more but I don't even open my own computer. I once dared to change the video card and heard the 2001 Space Odyssey music, "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" in the background. I had stepped out of my comfort zone and evolved, or maybe, just mutated a little.
Verne
Posted by tryagain on November 27, 2005, at 14:19:27
In reply to Something wrong with my computer, posted by Deneb on November 24, 2005, at 14:45:56
> My computer doesn't work anymore. :-(
>
>
> Is there a way to transfer all the info from my computer to a new computer if I end up buying a new one? I don't know anything about the darn things. I didn't get a chance to burn all my Hammie pictures onto a CD and I don't want to lose them forever.
>
> DenebDeneb: As long as your hard drive is still readable, your info is still available. If there is no problem with the hard drive and you get a new computer, the repair tech can install your old hard drive on the new computer. The other choice would be to install your current hard drive into a workable computer and download the info. (this is an easy install) If there is a problem with the hard drive (e.g. viruses, etc) the repair person can retrieve the files you want, however, this will take time and probably be the most costly option.
Good luck.
Posted by Deneb on December 2, 2005, at 13:45:21
In reply to Re: Something wrong with my computer, posted by tryagain on November 27, 2005, at 14:19:27
I spent $40 to find out that it will take about $300 to fix my computer. It's not worth the money. My computer probably sells for less than that. I'm just going to get a new computer. I don't know what kind of computer to get. I'm thinking Dell...are they any good?
Deneb
Posted by Larry Hoover on December 2, 2005, at 13:54:27
In reply to Going to get new computer, posted by Deneb on December 2, 2005, at 13:45:21
> I spent $40 to find out that it will take about $300 to fix my computer. It's not worth the money. My computer probably sells for less than that. I'm just going to get a new computer. I don't know what kind of computer to get. I'm thinking Dell...are they any good?
>
> DenebConsider MDG.
Canada's best-selling brand, for a good reason. Do a point by point comparison with Dell. You'll see what I mean.
Lar
Posted by Deneb on December 2, 2005, at 14:24:41
In reply to Re: Going to get new computer » Deneb, posted by Larry Hoover on December 2, 2005, at 13:54:27
Thanks for the tip Lar, I'm going to check it out.
This is the end of the thread.
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