InterviewSolution
Saved Bookmarks
InterviewSolution
This section includes InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.
| 20151. |
Solve : pls help? |
|
Answer» i replaced the power supply in my emachine w3503 now it powers up but as soon as the light on the moniter comes on it shuts down again its running xp and has ATi Radeon Express 200 in it its an Intel celeron D356 33.3GHz . i dont really know what else to put on here about it if ne one knows ANYTHING that MAY help me i would really APPRECIATE your taking the time to let me know thank you Did the system work before you replaced the power supply? What size is the power supply you are putting in? I had the same problem once and the supply I was trying to install was too small for the system. |
|
| 20152. |
Solve : 64 bit or 32 bit ?? |
|
Answer» Hey frnds, http://tips4pc.com/computer_tips_and_tricks/do_i_have_a_32bit_or_64bit_operating_system.htmGood catch Allan.The only thing I know (or at least I think) is that if your device drivers were included with windows, it should work. Check the device MAKER's website to see the drivers for 64 bit. Some devices like the Intel PCI gigabit card may not work on Win 7 64 (I found about this while looking for upgrades for my P4-1300 machine running XP PRO) |
|
| 20153. |
Solve : What would you give as your choice as the 1 to buy of 2 graphics cards?? |
|
Answer» Hello. I have a question with a sincere honest answer or opinion. Looking to buy a new graphics/video card. |
|
| 20154. |
Solve : doesn't boot up - need 2nd opinion? |
|
Answer» My beloved desktop PC at home suddenly gave up. There's a power. Monitor and all fans (processor, video card, chassis) are RUNNING. But it doesn't boot up. No response on my monitor. I bought it last 6/17/2009 and is now out of warranty. Remove processor then return it. - failed Why not? Have you inspected the motherboard for any burst or leaking capacitors?*** Can't remove the processor from its heat sink If you mean Carnot because it is stuck to it, then this is most likey the corse, it happend to me and was due to the manufactures not put enougth (forgot name) cooling STUFF between chip and heat sink. everything you said that is happening to your PC was also happeng to mine, the only difference is mine was under warranty still I think you should change the CMOS (CR2032) battery. It could be dead by now.Quote from: JJ 3000 on February 07, 2011, 03:56:39 AM Why not?because there's a compound thingy (like a dried grey glue) that binds the two Quote from: JJ 3000 on February 07, 2011, 03:56:39 AM Have you inspected the motherboard for any burst or leaking capacitors?yes, so far I haven't seen any damage in capacitors Quote from: experimentaltech on February 07, 2011, 09:20:50 AM I think you should change the CMOS (CR2032) battery. It could be dead by now.hmmm... I think I have an extra CMOS battery at home. Let me try tonight.1. I tried to replace CMOS battery but it still doesn't work. 2. I tried again to remove the processor from the board. Upon removing the heat sink, the processor also removed - it was stuck-up with heat sink. This time I forcefully removed processor from its heat sink. Then return it back again. -- Successful and my desktop PC boot up in Windows. I'm happy now 'cause I didn't bring it to a tech shop -- means no expenses. Hehe. =) THANKS to all who shared their opinions and suggestions. =)I hope you cleaned it thoroughly and re-applied Thermal compound.... |
|
| 20155. |
Solve : New Samsung Monitor Trouble? |
|
Answer» I just purchased a new Samsung BX2431. I have changed the resolution to 192x1080. Picture quality is good but I have an aprox. 1" band around the edge of everything i do, reducing the screen size to about 22". The mouse cursor will not enter the black area it is as if the screen ends there. Any ideas? |
|
| 20156. |
Solve : My RJ-45 Ethernet cable is not working? |
|
Answer» Hi |
|
| 20157. |
Solve : ASKING about Components (Motherboard, AGP Port,etc)? |
|
Answer» 1. What is in the ROM memory on motherboard? |
|
| 20158. |
Solve : How to create a RAID array without reinstalling Windows 7? |
|
Answer» I have Windows 7 Ultimate X64 installed on my PC |
|
| 20159. |
Solve : Upgrading Chipset from an acer veriton 6900? |
|
Answer» Hi Im currently using an Acer Veriton 6900pro with a 3.0ghz single core processor and was wondering if the processor would be upgradable from the motherboard that comes with this COMPUTER pre-installed, I wan't to know if I can put a dual core or even up to a quad core into this mother board or would I have to buy a new mother board all together. |
|
| 20160. |
Solve : random flashing on use of a program? |
|
Answer» i have a eVGA nVidia GeForce 8400GS 512 MB PCI-Express Video Card and when i RUN a JAVA PROGRAM that makes use of GL after a while my screen starts flashing then javaw.exe crashes then windows says the video card drivers recovered from a serious error then everything is normal what causes this. |
|
| 20161. |
Solve : Video *almost* dead?? |
|
Answer» So, I FELL asleep watching a movie on my computer, as I normally do, and when I woke up, my monitor was displaying nothing as though it was asleep, but it had the blue power light on (getting signal), and the monitor always goes into sleep mode under these circumstances. So, I tried waking the computer up, and nothing came on screen. When I inevitably went for the hardware reset switch, POST came up, but disappeared after just a second or two, leaving me in the dark about 3/4 of my POST screens, and keeping me from seeing my bootloader, GRUB. When Windows starts up, there is another part I can see, just as the mouse becomes available, right as the login screen is about to come up, and then a second later it disappears again, accompanied by the windows startup music. Starting into Ubuntu Linux, there is no video output during startup. I never indicated the BIOS could be the problem; it was simply one of the two periods in which I got video output. Then why this ? ? Quote I have a theory, but I know too little about the BIOS to know if it's viable (but it's the only theory that makes sense atm). The idea is that the video card has crapped itself, and the splintered fragments of output I AM getting are when the BIOS / windows have the CPU handle video out, rather than the video card; when the video card is put to task, the ride is over. The one thing really holding this theory back is that I don't know if the BIOS would use the video card; seems like a waste, since it's (presumably) simpler to have the CPU handle video output rendering and pass it 'through' the video card... not exactly an intensive task.Didn't know if the BIOS would call the GPU to render output; it was the one aspect of my theory that didn't make sense, and now I know why. Interesting way for a monitor to die, though... Quote from: Rapid_Dissent on February 11, 2011, 12:35:59 PM The idea is that the video card has crapped itself, and the splintered fragments of output I AM getting are when the BIOS / windows have the CPU handle video out, rather than the video card...Quote from: Rapid_Dissent on February 11, 2011, 12:35:59 PM I have a theory, but I know too little about the BIOS to know if it's viable It's not viable Quote from: Rapid_Dissent on February 11, 2011, 12:35:59 PM (but it's the only theory that makes sense atm). It makes no sense. Quote from: Rapid_Dissent on February 11, 2011, 12:35:59 PM The idea is that the video card has crapped itself, and the splintered fragments of output I AM getting are when the BIOS / windows have the CPU handle video out, rather than the video card If the video card had crapped itself, you would see nothing at all, certainly no POST. Your understanding of what goes on inside a computer is sketchy indeed if you think that the "BIOS" or the "CPU" can somehow magically send video signals down the lead (which is connected to the video card) to the monitor. Quote The one thing really holding this theory back is that I don't know if the BIOS would use the video card; seems like a waste, since it's (presumably) simpler to have the CPU handle video output rendering and pass it 'through' the video card... not exactly an intensive task. The BIOS is a kind of flash memory which contains binary code. Nothing else. It has no video hardware at all. Neither does the CPU. Your monitor is connected directly to a display card which is where any video signals must come from, and nowhere else. Hrm, I suppose that's one way of answering a question. You're right that I am unfamiliar with the specifics of how the hardware works, but I don't think you understood where I was going with that. The output obviously goes through the video card, but whether or not it is rendered on the video card was the bit I was angling toward with my previous assumption. I assumed that if the CPU calculated output and handed it to the video card, most of the video card's facilities (including damaged ones), would be bypassed and the video card would likely hand the output over to the monitor verbatim with minimal calculations. It's not as though computers aren't used to doing this; even as 'recent' as Unreal Tournament, you could elect to have the CPU render video out. Also, given how my 8800gts died, video cards don't always just stop working. tl;dr Quit belittling.Quote from: Rapid_Dissent on February 13, 2011, 09:01:57 PM You're right that I am unfamiliar with the specifics of how the hardware works, but I don't think you understood where I was going with that. The output obviously goes through the video card, but whether or not it is rendered on the video card was the bit I was angling toward with my previous assumption.One way of "thought-experimenting" to prove-disprove things like this, is to consider- what if this was the case. if I understand your thought process, you are thinking that the Video card merely acts as an "adapter" so that the BIOS can DIRECT output to the monitor; however, if this was the case, then there would have been no such thing as Video card failures until rather recently; for example, older Video cards (ISA) being merely "pass-through" things, would not require video memory; however, they do require video memory. If that memory get's corrupted/damaged then you will see artifacts on the screen, regardless of the screen mode. Quote It's not as though computers aren't used to doing this; even as 'recent' as Unreal Tournament, you could elect to have the CPU render video out.Ahh, here is the confusion. You are thinking that the video card only "does work" when it is being made to render things such as using it's 3-D accelerator features. To be fair, 3-D acceleration is more likely to reveal corruption (particularly with Video memory) merely because it uses it for storing textures; if you (as you noted) use software mode in a game, all textures,vertex, and Lighting data are stored in system memory, and the CPU is essentially used to build a "bitmap" of each frame; the Video card, however, still needs to store that video data in video memory and if it happens to decide to store it in a AREA that is corrupted you will see the results of that (in fact, you will see it everywhere). Also, the windows desktop uses basic 2-D features; while many of these are accelerated, the acceleration is DONE by the drive in many cases, and if the driver says "draw this line" either the video card draws the line or it doesn't; I don't think I'd expect that the video card would continue to say "ok I draw it" for every single request the driver makes (thus leaving the screen blank). Usually if the "higher" functions of the video card are dead you simply get a hard freeze during boot or when you try to switch to a 3-D mode. Thing is, although your theory makes some sense since using higher resolutions uses more memory, such as text-mode 80x25 (what the BIOS uses.. although newer computers switch the card to a graphics mode(640x480) so they can draw the EPA or their manufacturer logo/splash), windows switches to 640x480 to display it's splash, and then switches to your desktop resolution. Thing is, though, if the video card was having problems, then it wouldn't simply accept the various mode switching VGA commands and later accept the control of the windows driver; at some point during boot it would either freeze solid (as the video card freezes the entire machine) or, you would see a garbled display the entire way along. As you have discovered, however, it was the monitor; at some point it stopped "supporting" the video modes the video card wanted to change to. I've had monitors mysteriously stop supporting modes, or in some cases, they start screaming in agony (very high-pitched squeal) when switching to that mode; I had a old monitor that supported 1024x768 out of the box that at some point decided to start screaming like a banshee when in that mode, to the point where I had to switch to 800x600; Eventually the entire unit gave up the ghost as the vertical coils died, leaving me with a very bright horizontal line in the center of the screen, making things a tad difficult. |
|
| 20162. |
Solve : Dell v305w printer "Found New Hardware" problem? |
|
Answer» Hello all, |
|
| 20163. |
Solve : AMD Turion II Ultra Dual-Core Mobile M600? |
|
Answer» I have a hp PAVILION dv7-3079wm and it has a AMD Turion II Ultra Dual-Core Mobile M600 Processor. And I am trying to find out if I can upgrade my processor to AMD Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition Deneb If you can help me that would be really kool.Notebook computers are not upgradeable.Can i go from All processor spare PART kits include replacement thermal material.Quote from: dj-allen on February 11, 2011, 12:41:04 PM Can i go from An otherwise similar processor which is 8% faster - why bother? You wouldn't really see any CHANGE; it would be a waste of money. In any case, the RAM, hard DRIVE, etc, would not get any faster. There is very little point in UPGRADING a laptop. Agreed...Ok thanks for all the help!! |
|
| 20164. |
Solve : lines of samsung LCD? |
|
Answer» MY samsung LCD 24 inch got four lines red,white,blue and yellow horizontally.this LCD display fine only problem are lines, actually don't have proof whether it fell down or not because i stay with brothers.i did ask them but they say no. how can L remove the lines. HELP METry the monitor on another computer and see if the same problem occurs.truenorthi TRIED on another computer still same problem occursSure looks like an issue with your monitor and NOT the computer. Do these lines change or disappear if you change the screen resolution? You can do that from CONTROL panel/display/settings. If changing the resolution settings does not correct it it looks like you will either be living with the lines or getting a REPLACEMENT monitor. truenorthAgreed. |
|
| 20165. |
Solve : my modem won't go into the internet PLZ HELP? |
|
Answer» well my modem is connected to my linksys router and then connected to my computer but when i try to connect it does'nt go and when i put the diagnostics to see whats wrong it says "the network adapter local area connection is not correctly configured to use the ip protocol ive tried unpluging and plugging it restarting the computer and a bunch of stuff i've been looking to fix this in my freind's computer for days now but i have no solutions. and the solutions the computer give's is "Make sure your internet protocol bindings are correct:ensure that internet protocol version 4 (tcp/ipv4) and internet protocol version 6 (tcp/ipv6) are selected in the configuration for the network adapter local area connection but i did that and that still did'nt WORK and i think it's the computer because the internet works wirelessly thats how im online but the ethernet cord and wireless does'nt work on my computer only my freinds laptop.also when i put ip config it says network card ? how do i find out Just look at the back of your computer, if it's a SEPARATE card one of the EXPANSION slots will be used. If your network connection isn't on one of the expansion slots then the network connection is on your motherboard.Is your internet DSL/Satellite/Cable? May need to clone your MAC address to your router for Satellite/Cable (may not be the issue). Your computer has a hardware address called a MAC that never CHANGES, and therefore uniquely identifies your computer. When your Internet SERVICE Provider sets up your connection, they register your computer’s MAC address with their system. From that point on, your computer must identify to their system with its MAC in order to be allowed access to the Internet. Since your computer’s MAC is a unique address, any router that you might later set up as an intermediary between your broadband modem and computer(s) will have a different MAC. Your router’s MAC will be unknown to your ISP, and so they may deny Internet connectivity to your router. Have you made any configuration changes to the router if so may want to reset to factory. Can you connect to the internet by removing the router and connecting directly to the modem via cable? If yes then put the router back on following the instruction manual for the router. Turn on modem wait for all lights to come on and completely power on, then turn on the router wait for all lights to come on and completely power on, then computer see if you can access. |
|
| 20166. |
Solve : Unpugged comp -?PCI Device-No Gfx hardware?? |
|
Answer» Hello. |
|
| 20167. |
Solve : Audio not working? |
|
Answer» The audio on my computer doesn't seem to work on any online websites(YouTube), but it works fine when using iTunes or WINDOWS Media player. I already checked Device Manager for any errors but there weren't any. Any advice?on some youtube videos there is a separate audio slider on the videos see if that is SLID to get audio or all the way and let us knowThe MASTER volume on my computer is all the way up. The volume on the YouTube is ALSO all the way up.is your driver for the audio installed? you should check and see if you somehow lost your driver or it GOT corrupted somehow , check for malware, virusus also let me know what you get |
|
| 20168. |
Solve : Help, please new computer problems? |
|
Answer» HEY all, I've gotten my new pc .. about 3 hours ago and it just won't BOOT, at first I had a few beeps and well now it's in a bootloop, and no image on the screen what so ever ( more detailed here: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110215064633AALpDqx ) Thanks for reading / thinking along I'd return it...PROBLEM is is that it was bought in a store online, so if I needed to return it I'd have to send it back and they'll have to 'see what's wrong & repair it' and then send it back, so it'll take about more than a week ( I think ) before I've got my pc, that's why I'm posting this to see if there is a salution / fix If you just received the system, unplug it and open it up. Make sure all cards and cables are firmly seated / connected. Sometimes things can shake loose during shipping. If the problem PERSISTS, I'd go along with Patio's suggestion.Well since any attempts to fix would or may Void your WARRANTY i'll pass on this one... Others may have some ideas for you. |
|
| 20169. |
Solve : No video signal (with an interesting twist..) I'm Desperate.. please HELP!? |
|
Answer» Hello all, |
|
| 20170. |
Solve : PC via Phone? |
|
Answer» Hey, How to Connect Your Computer to the Internet Using Your Cell Phone as a Wireless Internet Connection or Tethered ModemQuote from: Geek-9pm on February 14, 2011, 04:54:15 PM MaybeI'm afraid you missed the whole point...Patio is right... Geek-9pm u missed d whole point. I dnt want to connect d internet using my cell phone but I want to make my PC work using my cell phone...Patio, What should I have said? If the Cell Phone has internet access, and if he leaves his PC on and connected at all times, he could use a program like PS-Anywhere. Maybe? Review: Symantec pcAnywhere 12.5 The above review is negative. So Maybe he could eliminate that possibility. EDIT: Quote Access your PC or Mac any time, from any location. Use PCNow to connect from another computer or from your Internet-enabled mobile phone. [recovering disk SPACE - old attachment deleted by admin]Renote desktop program MIGHT help. |
|
| 20171. |
Solve : No display on new computer? |
|
Answer» Just built my new computer and the mother board i have has no video CHIPSET in it. So i put a new video card that i bought along wit the other parts in it and its not giving any display to my monitor... Some help will be appreciated thanks guys. The LIGHTS and the fans do work in the case just no picture on the monitor |
|
| 20172. |
Solve : HDD Format loop? |
|
Answer» External 500 GB scorpio blue WD 2.5". It worked a long time AGO as an external, and then it was in my ps3 until i thought it wasn't working (turned out to be my ps3 after I tried another HDD). I have it inside a Nexstar TX enclosure. Running Vista 64. |
|
| 20173. |
Solve : mobo directx question? |
|
Answer» hello there everyone. bout to build a gaming rig. got a few pieces from the egg of new and some from micro center for CERTAIN deals that would save me money. got an athlon 2 x4 640 and ended up going with biostar A780L3G AM3 760G mATX Motherboard which was free with the pairing of the athlon. the video card i'm going with is evga gts 450 which is dx 11. operating system is going to be windows 7. next to the pci e slot on the board in the picture on newegg it says dx10 right next to the slot, what does this mean? im confussed. does this mean the board only supports dx10 video cards and lower? operating SYSTEMS? does this mean that i cant use this board with my video card? operating system, SINCE they are both dx 11 PLEASE help im confused.Probably means the onboard vid chip is DirectX10.... Probably means the onboard vid chip is DirectX10.... I'm going to say that it does mean the onboard video chip supports DirectX10; I say this because DirectX support rests on the graphics card or chip, and has nothing to do with the interface being used (there is no special DX11 PCI-Express). |
|
| 20174. |
Solve : Asus Med 2001? |
|
Answer» I have this old MOBO and I want to MOUNT on it FX5700 or FX5200.But my question is It WORK?AGP slot is maxim 1X and 2x. |
|
| 20175. |
Solve : How do I know if my hard drive is reading or writing?? |
|
Answer» I have research this using google, bing, and yahoo and can't find an answer to this. If anyone can help I would appreciate it.Why do you need to know this? What are you trying to do?There is usually a hard drive activity LIGHT on the front of the computer. If the light is on, it's READING or writing.From the subject line I took the OP to be asking how to determine whether the HD was reading OR writing. For many, many years I can't remember a HD not having an activity light so I thought there was more to the question than just an activity light.Quote from: rthompson80819 on February 14, 2011, 02:35:37 PM From the subject line I took the OP to be asking how to determine whether the HD was reading OR writing. That was my first thought, too. The answer in that case would have to be "you can't". A hard drive can SWITCH from reading to writing (and back again) in a very short time, measured in milliseconds, much too short for a human to perceive. Quote I can't remember a HD not having an activity light I've never seen a hard drive that did have an activity light. I've seen plenty of motherboards that have a connector that you plug a front panel LED into. Quote from: Salmon Trout on February 14, 2011, 03:47:25 PM
That's what I meant, I just didn't word it properly.Quote from: Salmon Trout on February 14, 2011, 03:47:25 PM I've never seen a hard drive that did have an activity light. I've seen plenty of motherboards that have a connector that you plug a front panel LED into. I have two hard drives that have activity lights directly on them. They are very old, however (50MB... yes MB) ... over 25 years old. This utility CLAIMS to provide indicators (on the PC Screen no doubt) indicating Read,Write,ReadWrite, and idle status indicators: http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/Hard-Disk-Utils/DriveGLEAM.shtml My opinion is that you may never know if it is reading or writing... Quote from: robinson100 on February 17, 2011, 08:59:57 AM My opinion is that you may never know if it is reading or writing... It could be doing first one then the other several hundred times a second and you would not know which, since human senses don't work fast enough, so the notion of knowing when it "is" writing or reading makes no SENSE. |
|
| 20176. |
Solve : AC Power Inverters and compatability? |
|
Answer» I have an HP laptop (model and make at home...of course), 1 1/2 YRS old. my AC power supply went out and it will be a few days before I have another one. I did find an inverter/cable from my WORK laptop (dell latitude E6510) and it has the same business end on it, with the same polarity as my hp. It is not the same output. HP output is 18.5V/3.5A, and Dell output is 19.5V/4.62A. Will I damage my HP laptop, by using the Dell AC power inverter for a few days?? |
|
| 20177. |
Solve : my lap top window vista? |
|
Answer» hi can someone PLEASE help me recently my computer seem to be not responding on my desk top every window that appears in every box on my desk top reads that windows have stopped working i have tried to restore my files but i get nothing. play damesalso i can't up load my flash player so i can watch videos and play games on face book. my windows is vista on lap top cq |
|
| 20178. |
Solve : Trouble watching you tube or tutorial video's? |
|
Answer» I have the NVIDIA GeForce 8500 GT Display adaptor. Do you have the latest java updates? Java has many issues with youtube I think you meant FLASH PLAYER because youtube doesn't use Java as far as I know. If it doesn't work, try updating your video drivers too.Thank you, I will try both of these |
|
| 20179. |
Solve : My brand new computer will not turn on, help??? |
|
Answer» I just bought a brand new gaming computer. It's an Acer Predator. Now the thing, out of the box, will not turn on. No fans, no lights, not anything. Yes, I'm aware of the power switch on the back, so no that's not the answer either. Acer wants me to send the *censored* thing and wait another 2-3 weeks which is bull since I JUST bought it. Is it possible something was knocked unplugged/loose during the transit from tigerdirect.com to my house? If it's a matter of plugging something back in, I can have a friend do that for me. If it was a faulty component the computer would at least turn on, hum, flicker or do something wouldn't it? The only time I've heard of a new cpu flat out not turning on is when my friend has bought custom pcs and some things weren't PLUGGED in all the way. Is this most likely the case? Thanks in advance.RETURN itQuote from: musclegiant on February 18, 2011, 08:45:17 AM Acer wants me to send the *censored* thing and wait another 2-3 weeks which is bull since I JUST bought it. Risking invalidating the warranty ... now that is what I call "bull". What about my logic is confusing to you? You buy a brand new computer that is suppose to be WORKING out of the box not be a 38 lb paper weight. The fact I have to send a BRAND NEW COMPUTER back to Acer AND pay for insurance that if it gets lost in the mail it's covered is BULL. SHIPPING cost is covered, that's it. See the logic? OH and since when did opening the case of YOUR PC aka PERSONAL COMPUTER invalidate the warranty of any computer? There is no seal sticker to speak of. Instead of being a smart @$$, if you don't have a valid answer don't bother with my post, thanks.Oh dear! I sure rattled the bars of your cage. So you think that the fact that you are disappointed that your new computer doesn't work somehow changes the terms of the purchase agreement you made? Why don't you just open the case yourself and look around. If you see anything that looks like it should be plugged in, then just post back here asking about it. Quote invalidate the warranty of any computerThey will never know, unless you act stupid and plug/unplug something you don't know. Even if you did, I doubt it would be a problem.So the terms of purchase include not opening your case to say add extra memory or a new graphics card? Do you see where your logic is falling off the wayside? I had no intention to idiotically open a case and pull a bunch of wires and components out in order to see what was wrong. As Linux said I am PLANNING to do what he just said, but I simply wanted some calm and SENSIBLE advice from some people here which I got aside from yourself. The fact you decided to use sarcasm and end your first post with a juvenile and completely unnecessary joke makes you look like a tool. Want to see how you could of answered me? "I don't know, I'd be careful though because it MIGHT void your warranty just research it" As I got from another poster on another site. If you are here to be malicious towards those looking for help you should consider getting off this site all together. Thanks again Linux, I'll check it out when my buddy gets here.Quote from: musclegiant on February 18, 2011, 10:59:43 AM So the terms of purchase include not opening your case The terms of purchase seem to include you paying for insurance for the return shipping, that's what I meant. Arguing is silly and counterproductive. You asked a question and we answered it. It's a new system - if I were you I'd ship it back.This is exactly the type of situation WARRANTIES are designed to be invoked on. Also, they will probably know if you opened the case, despite Linux711's trivialization of that point. Many systems have "case intrusion" detection. Wether they use it, I don't know. It might not even be a condition of the warranty, but it usually is. (And no, I haven't a clue how the mechanism works, either). So, if you fiddle about inside it, you find out what is wrong, but chances are, there is a faulty component inside; which would need to be replaced. So you would either replace it yourself (which depending on the terms of the warranty may void it) or you would end up sending it back anyways and they might discover that the case has been opened and send it back to you untouched. Quote from: musclegiant on February 18, 2011, 10:59:43 AM So the terms of purchase include not opening your case to say add extra memory or a new graphics card? Do you see where your logic is falling off the wayside?It's not so much his logic as the way most warranties work, and with good reason. What if somebody purchases a new computer, and then installs new memory or a graphics card, and a failing in one of those new components causes the motherboard to be fried? Or they replace the power supply and wire it up incorrectly? Surely failing of another manufacturer's components or the possible incompetence of the tinkerer (not you, that was of course a hypothetical example) isn't the liability of the computer manufacturer? I really don't know if they use the case open detection thing, but I would imagine they do; after all no doubt it would be shipped in a "closed" position, and opening opening the case would flip it, so the techs on the other end will know that it was opened, which may cause problems down the road if you do need the warranty after all. While it is possible it is merely a loose power connection to the motherboard -although that seems doubtful to me, they are generally quite secure- there is also a good chance it is a faulty component (such as a power supply, the motherboard itself- even RAM or any add-on cards that came installed)) At which point you might not be able to use their (Acer's) warranty services as they might simply send it back to you (because it was opened). Then your only recourse might be to seek warranty replacement from the actual manufacturer of the faulty component, but unfortunately you often don't get a manufacturer warranty from OEM components in prefabricated machines. TL,DR version: There is a good chance opening the machine now could cause more aggravation and possibly cost more down the road then an uncovered shipping insurance charge would now. of course, all that said, if I was in the exact same situation I would probably open it up, even knowing the above risks. Also because I don't learn from previous experience, having been bitten by everything I've said before and even being in the situation you are putting your friend end and voiding other peoples warranties, a fact which they firmly believe to be my fault to this day... In any case, since you are planning to go ahead and open it anyway, most of this post was unnecessary vitriol. Quote If it was a faulty component the computer would at least turn on, hum, flicker or do something wouldn't it?Not necessarily. I've had bad RAM prevent a computer from turning on at all. a bad power supply would certainly do it as well. a bad motherboard too. Quote The only time I've heard of a new cpu flat out not turning on is when my friend has bought custom pcs and some things weren't plugged in all the way. Is this most likely the case?It's certainly possible, but I don't think it's the most likely scenario. It certainly would be the best case scenario, and the one to hope for when you crack it open. The rigors of shipping could have loosened one of the necessary power connections or an absent minded engineer didn't connect it to begin with.Buy local...Thank you Linux and BC for the only helpful advice, however I was right. He popped open the case and the power supply wasnt all the way plugged in. Problem solved; the computer runs amazingly.Quote from: musclegiant on February 18, 2011, 03:19:31 PM Thank you Linux and BC for the only helpful advice, however I was right. He popped open the case and the power supply wasnt all the way plugged in. Problem solved; the computer runs amazingly. Well, goodbye and good luck. |
|
| 20180. |
Solve : whats the different? |
|
Answer» Actually Edison championed AC....Tesla wanted DC... Actually Edison championed AC....Tesla wanted DC... Er, no... It was the other way around. In the "War of CURRENTS" era Edison promoted DC for electric power distribution over AC advocated by George Westinghouse and Nikola Tesla. Westinghouse's system, which used alternating current based on extensive research by Tesla, ultimately prevailed. It is Tesla who is credited with being largely responsible for the POLYPHASE system of AC power distribution. Quote from: patio on February 18, 2011, 04:50:58 PM Jefferson wanted Philly...Billy Crystal wanted DC...Ahhh. Okay thanks. Always confuse him with Robin Williams.Thanx for the correction Salmon... And as usual you are correct. Who's on first? |
|
| 20181. |
Solve : Looking for a 1 TB Drive? |
|
Answer» Quote Western Digital HDDS are the best; lowest failure rate. Source ? ? And BTW i'm not knocking WD's.....there another choice of mine personally...Quote from: Linux711 on February 18, 2011, 10:57:52 AM Western Digital HDDS are the best; lowest failure rate. For some strange reason, I have this feeling that your statement is based on anecdotal, rather then empirical, evidence, making it specious at best. I haven't had any hard drive fail on me except a fujitsu and some quantum drives. That doesn't mean that the other brands I use (WD and Seagate) are impervious to failure, it just means I haven't witnessed a failure. Also, occasionally there will be "spurts" where manufacturers unknowingly start selling their drives that are sub-par or fail easily; usually of a particular model. Of course if the PEOPLE having that drive fail, they will get it replaced under warranty and get another drive of the same model, which will also fail. This happens but just because somebody managed to get drives from a BAD lot doesn't mean that that MANUFACTURER's drives have a higher failure rate; and it certainly doesn't mean that other manufacturers are impervious to such factory defects.Quote (WD and Seagate) are impervious to failure, it just means I haven't witnessed a failure. I am not saying they are impervious to failure. I am just saying that based on people I have talked to that WDs are the best. No, I don't have statistical information, but it is better than no information at all, isn't it?Quote from: Linux711 on February 18, 2011, 01:13:54 PM No, I don't have statistical information, but it is better than no information at all, isn't it? Anecdotal evidence is useless except to disprove a point. If somebody said "all WD drives fail" I could say that I have a WD drive that didn't fail. Or if they said that "no WD Drives fail" then I could say that I have one that did (I didn't, but this is a hypothetical example). In most contexts- and this one, however, anecdotal evidence is worse than useless, because it is misleading. If there were 50 people in a room, and 40 of them had stories to share about a XYZ drives failing, should we take their stories as evidence of the proposition that most XYZ drives fail or that they have a higher failure rate than other manufacturer's drives? Of course we shouldn't; we haven't heard about even a tiny fraction of people who used XYZ drives. For all we know some of the people telling stories about XYZ drive failure are citing only one specific example of a WD drive that has failed on them out of a anecdotal sample set of 50, or sometimes even 100 XYZ drives. They experienced an XYZ drive failure firsthand, but the impact was greatly and improperly amplified by their innate cognitive biases. The availability heuristic modifies our expectation of an event's frequency based on how salient the event is in our mind. Often, the perceived frequency deviates significantly from the true frequency. Anecdotal evidence is a mental shortcut for making quick decisions. It is however usually not wise to draw generalized conclusions based on such evidence. Quote from: Linux711 on February 18, 2011, 01:13:54 PM I am not saying they are impervious to failure. I am just saying that based on people I have talked to that WDs are the best. No, I don't have statistical information, but it is better than no information at all, isn't it?I don't think so, no. Two years ago Se agate had a significant issue with 1 TB drives. Just stating a fact.Quote I am just saying that based on people I have talked to that WDs are the best. This qualifies as an unqualified statement...nothing more ...nothing less. Let's move on...Quote from: patio on February 18, 2011, 02:26:35 PM This qualifies as an unqualified statement...nothing more ...nothing less.Why do you say that?sighQuote from: Allan on February 18, 2011, 02:36:36 PM sighQuote Study: Hard Drive Failure Rates Much Higher Than Makers Estimate ... Customers replace disk drives 15 times more often than drive vendors estimate, according to a study by Carnegie Mellon University.Quote Google's Disk Failure ExperienceI officially give up...Poor Geek-9pm, the first one is a study covering all drive manufacturers, and has nothing about any manufacturers being more or less reliable then others. Therefore it is entirely irrelevant. The second tells you right in the title it's anecdotal- it has the word "Experimental". Thank you BC. The StorageMojo site has important materiel. I quoted the opening words of his rant. The rest of the post is not what you WOULD expect. It is real world statistical data. But it is not chanted toward one manufacture. After reading it one might conclude that all the manufacturers are in collusion. The data indicates that the year of production is the crucial issue. |
|
| 20182. |
Solve : Low CPU and GPU Useage in Crysis? |
|
Answer» Hi guys, Wouldn't low % usage be a good thing? That was pretty much my thinking as well.Sorry I forgot to mention: Low GPU Useage = 30FPS. Normal GPU Useage = 70 FPS. Very High Settings. 1920x1080. 4xAA. I've edited in my first post as well. thanks! |
|
| 20183. |
Solve : Desperately Need Some Help On Newly Built PC? |
|
Answer» Its a 30amp and i am in australia. there was definately no burning smell and it goes off as soon as i press the power button on the pcQuote from: Rapidlywild on February 13, 2011, 05:38:33 AM Its a 30amp and i am in australia. there was definately no burning smell and it goes off as soon as i press the power button on the pc Have you got a spare power cord? I guess you could try that, but I suspect the PSU. If you have more than 1 breaker, you could try plugging it into an outlet on another circuit e.g. upstairs. yes i tried 2 different cords, the BRAND new one and one i have been using on my monitors.Breakers do get faulty, sometimes they get a bit over sensitive. There are combined overcurrent/earth leakage breakers so it could be earth leakage and not overload that is tripping the breaker. Either one suggests the PSU. I guess it would be tricky to TAKE the computer to another house and see if it trips the breaker there as well. Might annoy the neighbours if it does. Out of interest... Post the full details written on the circuit breaker. Post the full details written on the PSU. The problem is in your computer not your house wiring. Do a full visual check of the build wiring. Check the back of the motherboard isn't shorting out to the case.Heyya Fed Wells I definately believe its the PSU. I was told to do a test as follows: "Disconnect the power supply from its source of power, and make sure no power supply leads are connected to anything. Take a sort piece of wire as shown in the attached pic to make a "jumper". Put one end of the "jumper" in the GREEN wire hole on the main power connector that connects to the motherboard and the other end of the "jumper" into any hole where a BLACK wire connects on the main power connector (there will be a BLACK wire hole right next to the GREEN wire hole) . Power on the power supply and it should start and run. If it starts and runs, on let it run for a few seconds then disconnect it from its source of power. If the power supply trips the household circuit breaker while the "jumper" is in place, the problem is an internal short in the power supply and it should be replaced with a new unit." I attempted this as the PSU did not do anything. So I believe the PSU is deadddddddd so ill be taking it back where I brought it and I am hoping that it has not damaged the motherboard and the CPU as its all new. I will be balling my eyes out if they have been damaged as I have saved up to buy them.But did it trip the circuit breaker when you carried out the test? You see, if the PSU was tripping the C/B then it should have tripped when you tested it. I'd dig a bit deeper before calling it the problem. Let us know how you get on, we do like feedback here.Heyya Fed, Good News, I brought a new power supply TODAY after taking my machine into a mates shop. The original (new) PSU was definately faulty as it triped his shop when he tested it lol. So now I have a Corsir 600W in there and its purring like a charm. Ill be making a visit back to the place I brought the original Cooler MASTER PSU from to demand a refund. LUCKILY there was no damage to the motherboard or CPU. I would like to thank EVEYONE on here who assisted me on this frustrating issue. All your help is greatly appreciated.A great result & feedback, Salmon Trout nailed it 1st up. |
|
| 20184. |
Solve : Flickering Monitor? |
|
Answer» Hi, |
|
| 20185. |
Solve : Formatting a micro SD card -? |
|
Answer» I have never had this problem before, I've formatted DOZENS of MICRO SD cards and even the one I am now having problems with. If you put a value on your time, you have probably spent more than that already. I have to agree. Life is too short. Especially for flash memory! |
|
| 20186. |
Solve : Windows 7 - Disconnects Geforce 8400 PCIe video card under condition? |
|
Answer» Trying to figure out how to disable Windows 7 from disabling my Geforce 8400 video card when I am playing video games on the Windows 7 system and then use the KVM to switch to my XP system to look up strategy guides etc. When this system was Windows XP, I never had this issue, but ever since the upgrade to Windows 7 32 bit, this system will make a da-dum sound similar to when you unplug a USB device and its disabling the video card. *If the system is running 1024x768 resolution under normal windows in a non gaming environment, i can switch back and forth between the 2 systems with the kvm and not have it disable (disconnect) my video card. |
|
| 20187. |
Solve : Cordless mouse problem???? |
|
Answer» I got a cordless mouse [iBall CDS 243] from a friend of mine. When I asked the support they told that one receiver would work only with its pair This is because they were made that way. Some wireless keyboards, mice, etc have a synchronize button underneath so you can retune if the frequency is lost, (for example after a battery change) others are made to work only with the receiver you bought as part of the set. So you should believe the support people. Sir, I want to know if anybody knew how to pair two different mouse and receiver of same model. If support said no, then no.The support never told me no. He told that, to pair them get to the nearest support center. [which is 200 KM from my house- I live in a rural area]. That is why I need to know if ANYONE knew how to pair themIf it is available GO to the manufacturer's web site and locate your manual for the device and read it to see if there is a "reset" function procedure for the mouse/receiver units.truenorthSorry but the procedure is not given.I don't know if this will help, but this is the procedure for two different brands of wireless mouse and keyboard that I have used. 1. Identify reset button on underside of receiver 2. Identify reset button on underside of mouse or keyboard. 3. Press & hold for 1 or 2 seconds reset button on underside of receiver (may need paper clip or point of pencil) 4. Press & hold for 1 or 2 seconds reset button on underside of mouse or keyboard (may need paper clip or point of pencil) You may see an LED light on the receiver go from flashing to steady or vice versa or change flash rate as you do these steps. This seems to be pretty generic because here is a web guide I found http://www.worldstart.com/wireless-mouse-reset-buttons/ Sorry but that too didn't work. I THINK its just a plug and play device as it does not have any "special" buttons except on/off. Maybe I need to EDIT the installed driver and match string containing the serial number of the receiver with that of my mouse so that both are paired. It's only a guess. Can anyone help me with that??? Thanks for everyone who replied. |
|
| 20188. |
Solve : hardware for stalking?? |
|
Answer» i have a problem. MAYBE SOMEONE KNOWS something about this kind of hardware.. |
|
| 20189. |
Solve : Good sound in only 1 speaker? |
|
Answer» Quote from: truenorth on February 11, 2011, 07:00:35 PM For whatever the reason the O/P is STRONGLY adverse to accepting the advice to PURCHASE a SOUND card (well even to "borrow" one). I cannot resist the conclusion that they really want to replace the computer or are very lonely. truenorth http://www.amazon.com/Syba-SD-CM-UAUD-Adapter-C-Media-Chipset/dp/B001MSS6CS This issue has been resolved for a grand total of 8 bucks by purchasing that adaptor. The problem was the sound jack, and not the sound card. Stood to reason it was probably the sound jack since I mentioned the sound was fine when I used headphones. Truenorth - While I appreciate your help in troubleshooting, you aren't doing this site any favors by making comments like that. I'm not terribly comfortable with the idea of cracking any part of my computer open, and felt it made sense to drop less than 10 bucks on what might be an easy fix. It turned out to be the CORRECT fix. Your suggestion was wrong. Thanks to the rest of you for the help. I'm out of here and this thread is over.You will note my suggestion in my post #12 "This tends to support the possibility that your issue is related to the jack plug (mini jack) that is at the rear of your sound card. truenorth" It was always my belief that your issue was related to a "jack port " . I simply felt that purchasing a replacement sound card (which does include ALL the jack ports) would be the easiest way for you to proceed. I am pleased that you have overcome the problem. You also can note that i also suggested borrowing a sound card --which given what we know now would have resulted in the proven fact that the jack port was faulty and then you could have proceeded as you have or ALTERNATIVELY replaced the sound card. truenorthActually, what was PURCHASED is pretty much a new sound card... That is, the sound you hear from it is not generated by your sound circuitry, but rather by the adapter. Quote Truenorth - Just so you know Truenorth is a long time valuable contributor to the site and gives valid suggestions for troubleshooting many issues... Had you taken the time to read his suggestion to borrow a card to troubleshoot ( which costs zero ) you would have determined it was in fact a jack problem... To insinuate he was wrong is innaccurate at best. patio.Quote from: patio on February 21, 2011, 07:42:22 AM
In fact, it's kind of funny in a way because they are telling him his suggestion was wrong, but might not REALIZE they are in fact following it at the same time, since the USB adapter does in fact act as another Sound device.Yepper... I just thought considering all advice given it was inappropiate. |
|
| 20190. |
Solve : BIOS ROM Checksum Error? |
|
Answer» We have conflicting information. The flash never can cause a error in the ROM area. This is wrong...Quote The flash never can cause a error in the ROM area. OK, That SOUNDS credible. Is so, it would be a CATASTROPHIC failure? That is, not a soft error that can be recovered by trying the flash again? Would it hurt to try the flash again?Quote from: patio on February 21, 2011, 07:35:02 AM And many EEPROM's if flashed incorrectly cannot be reverted back by re-flashing....some can...most can't. They all can. The only point of contention is that generally there is no way to do that without a working BIOS. That's what the backup "emergency" BIOS ROM's are for. In this case the main ROM is corrupted (or more precisely, it refuses to use it) so it's booting up to the special BIOS designed with the specific purpose of facilitating a floppy-based flash (thus why it requires a diskette) All EEPROMs are re-flashable. It's right in their name- Electrically Erasable. What is needed is what I noted previously. a Diskette with the appropriate Award Flash utility and the correct BIOS .BIN file for the machine. (I'm not sure wether that particular backup ROM will actually attempt to boot to the diskette or perform the flash immediately) http://www.birdjanitor.com/bootblock.html It seems I was wrong on a few of the speculations I made regarding the bootblock; it's not actually on a separate chip, but is on the same EEPROM as the normal BIOS code; however, very few flash procedures write to it. Also, we can SAY with 100% certainty that there is no problem with the boot block, since it is clearly working and trying to do exactly what it was designed to. In any case, the link above provides some information on what procedures to follow to GET the BIOS flashed properly. Also, let this be a lesson that updating the BIOS for no reason is a great way to waste a weekend.Quote Also, let this be a lesson that updating the BIOS for no reason is a great way to waste a weekend. Quote of the Month Award...The OP did not give MAKE and model of his machine and details of how he flashed it. He mentioned HP. Here is a quote off their site. Quote 2009-08-27 , Version:F.54 A, 3.83M (Previous versions available)Note the phrase ... locally flash the System BIOS (ROM) on notebooks/laptops ... So what does that mean? Quote from: Geek-9pm on February 21, 2011, 01:32:26 PM locally flash the System BIOS (ROM) on notebooks/laptops ... So what does that mean? I imagine it means you can flash the chip in the computer rather than remove it and put it in a eeprom programmer. I believe it means you can flash it from within windows rather than flashing from a floppy, obviously earthgirl can't flash through windows though. |
|
| 20191. |
Solve : notebook graphics card upgrade?? |
|
Answer» For my HP Compaq 6715b (in specs). It has ATI Radeon X1250 graphics CARD from the factory. Can I buy another graphics card to replace this, or use a card in my empty pci-e expansion slot? Yes..No. Notebook graphics cards are not upgradeable.Quote from: lectrocrew on March 08, 2011, 01:29:20 AM or use a card in my empty pci-e expansion slot?I'm sorry, I believe I posted inaccurate info. The HP Compaq 6715b specs say "One Type I/II PC Card slot, 16-bit PCMCIA and 32-bit CardBus". I guess I got pci-e from searching for a wireless adapter a few weeks ago. The specs said 'pci-e mini. I didn't buy that adapter and I guess that's a good THING. I apologise... I completely missed the notebook REFERENCE... Sorry. |
|
| 20192. |
Solve : 1.5GB RAM + 1M T SEG? |
|
Answer» Anyone know what the advantage is of 1Meg of TSEG ADDED to the RAM Count at POST? |
|
| 20193. |
Solve : cpu setting? |
|
Answer» Hello |
|
| 20194. |
Solve : Dual Channel DDR1 SDRAM? |
|
Answer» I purchased ONE 1024MB (1GB) DDR SDRAM PC3200 to upgrade my 512MB memory only to find two X 256MB DDR's in DIMM 1 and DIMM 2. They say to buy in pairs of same density. Can I also remove the 256 from DIMM 2 and simply leave the 1 GB in DIMM 1 or does DUAL channel require both slots to be occupied?Dual channel does require both slots to be occupied, but to be honest, with RAM under or at 1GB dual channel isn't going to help muh when you are still USING the HDD for lots of virtual memory. |
|
| 20195. |
Solve : Stupid Question...? |
|
Answer» Hi. I have an AMD 64 bit, 6-core processor (fairly new). I run windows 7, and my question involves multiple runnings of a chemistry SIMULATION program that I have -- the calculations for one model takes hours. I am wondering how the speed of the calculations would be affected by running, say, 4 simulations (on 4 DIFFERENT models) at one TIME. If I have a multi-core processor, does that mean that I can run multiple simulations with ease? If I have a 6 core processor, can I run 6 jobs at once, with no change in the processing time (as compared to just one job running)? |
|
| 20196. |
Solve : Why does my computer always freeze when I play games?? |
|
Answer» I USED to lag horribly bad on a certain game so I bought a new graphics card (Geforce 9400) and it ran fine for about a month. Then it started just locking up completely. It used to be every once in a while but now it does it twice or three TIMES a day. Every time I try to play my game I GET about 2-3 nice games in before it freezes again. I think its my processor, what do you think? Also, it didnt used to do this before I installed the new graphics card.Any new video drivers installed after that first month?Sounds to me LIKE a heat issue, is everything nice and dust free Agree with Kurtiskain, you should check for heat problem. Open the case and see if all the fan(s) inside RUN properly. |
|
| 20197. |
Solve : compaq CZ56-115DX? |
|
Answer» Im wanting some information as to the HP settlement program, There wanting to swap me a COMPAQ CZ56-115DZ for my DV9410us computer, Anybody have any information as to how long the compaq computer has been discontiued. I don't think i want to swap mine for that computer, Any help would be great.Have you done a careful comparison of the specifications on those TWO computers? Why does Google FIND no info on compaq CZ56-115DZ? Google search only finds two items for compaq CZ56-115DZ. If compaq CZ56-115DZ is a valid computer model, then Google would find plenty of references to it and the findings would probably include one more links to info on HP's website. Something doesn't smell right here. That is the computer that is given to replace the one i have, this is all a part of the Nvidia GPU settlement because the wireless , and video on some of the computers doesn't work, Yhe only problem i have is the wireless, and im usind a usb wireless adaptor to get online, The more i look around and find informatiom on the compaq, It's like something they would USE in grade school, Im going to keep what i have. Thanks for the info. |
|
| 20198. |
Solve : LAPTOP PROBLEMS, PLEASE HELP!!! Dell Dimension 1440? |
|
Answer» I have a new Dell dimension 1440, i just replaced the monitor (because it was cracked). |
|
| 20199. |
Solve : Printer error message document and printer settings don't match? |
|
Answer» I hope this is the right forum to post this. If not I apologize. I searched everywhere to GET an answer to this but found nothing. I can print from word pad and NOTE pad but I want to print a document from Microsoft Works and I get several message....document and printer settings don't match, out of memory save or close open files and something else I can't remember. I have Windows XP home edition and the printer is hp C3180. If anyone can help I would greatly appreciate it. |
|
| 20200. |
Solve : HELP-Computer stuck on black screen with blinking white cursor? |
|
Answer» I would say my computing skills are at an intermediate level, but im really stuck with this problem. Computer POST'S, i see the bios screen (all details are correct) and then when the computer tries to boot, it doesnt go past the black screen with a white blinking cursor in the top left cornerIs this after going to BIOS setup,exit and or while direct booting from power button? Did it have any previous issues that could lead to this or just suddenly? Quote Usually this will mean that the OS or some system files are corrupt or hdd has failed and at the worst case scenario you may have to reload windows or replace hard drive, but this isnt the case hereYou are at the point where I think you should check. Try connecting the HD to another PC and run chkdsk repair or on the same machine using your OS disk if possible. A blinking white cursor could not point to a bad monitor. Have you tried using just the onboard video if any? A certain microsoft support explains this and hopefully its not one with yours. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946532One day i switched off my computer as normal and the next time i switched it back on, i experienced this problem. I havnt made any changes to my system recently-software, hardware or otherwise. It isnt the first screen that comes up when i switch the computer on, the bios screen comes up, confirms the attached devices, ram, cpu, bios version, etc and i can press del and change bios settings aswell. Its the screen after that that this problem occurs on. I have a crosshair motherboard, it doesnt have onboard graphics im afraid. I did try both the pci x slots and 2 different video cards.The hdd had dual boot on it, so even if one os was corrupted, the other should come up/work and even on the corrupt one the safe mode menu screen should also come up. The hdd may or may not be faulty, if it is then its still not the only issue as i have also tried removing all hdd's from the computer and tried booting an os disc from 2 optical drives and it wont boot or give the option to boot from them either, just goes to that black screen (this shouldnt happen if the HDD was faulty). I did manually change the boot priority as well as enter boot menu and select the optical drive, to no availWhat operating system are we talking about here? truenorthHi, the operating systems were xp pro and windows 7 ultimate, both 32bit. The issue is resolved now, thank you all who tried, the culprit wasnt anything that i would have suspected and therefore didnt check for it when trying to identify the problem. Basically it was the bios chip on the motherboard, it wasnt faulty but for some reason was causing the boot issue. After exhausting all possible logical steps, in desperation i decided to reflash the bios but when i tried it kept getting stuck on rewriting the block, so i had to manually switch the computer off. Then, intermittently, i kept getting BIOS ROM errors, stating the following: Award BootBlock BIOS v1.0 BIOS ROM Checksum error Detecting Floppy drive A media INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER so i thought the bios chip may have to be replaced, so to see how easy it would be to replace, i just tapped on it and ran my finger on it. The computer then booted fine and has done ever since. Amazing. I have since been able to reflash the bios sucessfully, so i am inclined to think that little tap on the bios chip must have aligned contacts or something. The bios chip isnt loose or anything, so it was a lucky discovery, i was actually looking into a replacement board. I havnt put everything back together yet, but im hopeful that this issue is resolved.Glad to see you have recovered if even by the unusual manner that you did. truenorth |
|