I’ve had some on again off again computer problems for a little over a week now. Other than family and health issues there is nothing that frustrates me more than computer problems. And I know a decent amount about troubleshooting and fixing so I can’t even imagine how frustrating computer issues are for people who are less technically inclined. (I suppose it’s similar to car trouble – I don’t know how to fix a car but I can frequently pinpoint the cause of the problem. This is an odd quirk of mine as I despise cars and don’t even own one.) Anyway …
But as I’m addicted to my computer – the internet and playing games – and NEED the computer to earn money I don’t really have the patience to deal with the issues. Plus, this computer is only 8 months old. And, no, I can’t call Dell for support as I have my computers custom built, but I sure could get a new one anytime because I was informed that there is a 144hz monitor for sale on gaming rig.
So … I am running the 64 bit windows 7 on this computer. It took me forever to let go of Windows 98 and it will probably take me a long time to let go of XP. I will not use Vista and am keeping half an eye on Windows 7. But at this point, I would install Linux, which I usually run on a partition and dual boot with Windows, before letting go of XP.
And I’m sure a smarty-pants out there will tell me all my problems will be solved by running a MAC. Well, there are three issues with that. I like to play games, I think Apple products are very overpriced, and they are too proprietary. How do I open up the machine and swap out parts and do things the way I like? A pc is like driving a stick-shift (does anyone know how to drive a stick anymore) and a MAC is like an automatic. At least that’s the way I see it.
When I would boot my computer it would hang between the Windows XP screen and the login screen. It would just hang and hang and hang. After restarting like 5 times I finally booted into safe mode, did nothing, and when I restarted, the machine came up. I decided to run virus and spyware scans, defrag and run error checking. I found a virus (don’t get me started on how THAT happened as I am vigilant about spyware and viruses) did all the maintenance and the computer started booting fine. Well, for a couple of days.
Then it happened again. I could restart the computer but if the computer was off for any length of time, and I usually turn it off when I’m at work, it would hang at the login screen. I assumed that it was a Windows problem because I wasn’t getting any beeps or indications of faulty hardware.
I decided to run a repair with the Windows CD. This will reinstall Windows files but won’t mess with your personal files or settings. But, if you can access your computer, do a backup first. As I have mentioned before I backup certain directories with all of my important files and my program settings – basically My Documents and Application Data. A downside of repair is that you still need to do a Windows Update to get Windows back to the way it was.
The repair seemed to work. The computer was fine for about three days – I did realize after the fact that the computer was on the entire three days so I wasn’t quite correct in my logic of it being fixed.
After being off all day the computer again hung before the login screen. I decided to reformat. I didn’t want to because it takes a long time and I have to reinstall everything. I convinced myself that it would be a good thing because after the reformat the computer would be clean and speedy. I also decided I would start with a clean Firefox profile and only import my bookmarks. I’ve been copying over the same profile for years and it was just bogging Firefox down.
After reformatting, everything seemed fine when suddenly my second hard drive disappeared from the file manager and I couldn’t get Windows to recognize it. It then occurred to me that maybe the second hard drive was the problem. It isn’t bootable but maybe Windows was hanging when trying to read it. (Now I don’t know this for sure but have found forum threads describing similar problems – if anyone out there wants to tell me my logic is wrong, please do so and tell me why.)
I removed the second hard drive but Windows still wasn’t happy. It was slow and Explorer kept crashing – definitely not something that should happen on a fresh install.
Fortunately, I hadn’t reinstalled everything yet so I decided to reformat again without the possible bad secondary hard drive installed. So far, everything seems to be better but I’ve only had the computer off for 2.5 hours since doing this – not all day. Since I’ve been sick and am really behind in my work because of the computer I’m going to leave it on for now. Great solution, huh?
Since I hadn’t already had enough fun I also decided to get my previous computer running – that way I would have a backup if this one crapped out again. Of course, I had pillaged the parts and and had to go through my various geek boxes to find all the missing pieces. I only had one hard drive, however, that was suitable to run in that machine – the one that I thought was the cause of all the problems.
I got the machine up and running but guess what, it kept hanging at the Windows XP screen during the install. This helps me believe that my theory about the hard drive being bad is correct. It still works but it is corrupt or dying. Kind of surprising because I believe that hard drive is only a little over a year old. (I’ve not had good luck with Western Digital). So, I’ve ordered an affordable hard drive and will install it in the 2nd machine. If Windows loads fine than I will feel confident that the hard drive was the problem. I will also dare to turn this machine off since I will have a spare. And remember, I backup every day so transferring files to it won’t be a huge deal.
But I’ve kind of had it. It seems the more advanced computers get the faster parts die or problems occur. I know with faster processors that heating can be an issue but memory goes, fans break, and hard drives die faster. I still have an 11 year old Pentium 266 with Windows 98 that runs fine. The only part that’s been replaced is the cd-rom. I’m tempted to pull that out, put Linux on it and be done with all this foolishness. (And, yes, I have old computers and parts in this house. They are well organized and are in a closet. And, no, I don’t have every one that I’ve owned.)
I’ve also been thinking about buying a laptop. Well, I think about it a lot but finally seriously. I really need the mobility. I just have kept a desktop because I like to play games and gaming laptops can be pricey. But the thing is, I can’t pull out and change the parts on a laptop like I did on these machines. While it gives me freedom of movement it takes away my freedom of self-repair.
If you’re still with me here, thanks. I know it’s a long article. This is just what I’ve been doing while being sick instead of actually earning money. Yesterday someone mentioned that they hadn’t seen me around the blog or Twitter much lately. Well, now you know why. Do I know how to have fun or what?
I guess the bright side is that my computer doesn’t look like the one in the photo at the top of the article.
photo credit: pyroclastichawk
How could you write such a long article on problems of your computer ??
please bold some highlight points !! i suggest try clearing registry and slow down your windows services to make you boot faster!!
Abhishek´s last blog post – Naked day 2009
Hi Abhishek – Yes, I mentioned at the end of it that it was long. And some headers would have been helpful. I just sat down and started writing what I was experiencing and then published it.
Well Kim, if you had brought this to the service department i work here is what we would have done:
– Remove all the PCI and extra parts from the motherboard
– Reset the motherboard by removing the battery for a couple of minutes
– Check the motherboard for faulty parts especially capacitors
– Fire up Hiren’s boot CD and run a MemTest and a HDAT test
– Once in windows check the error log to see if any program is hanging or if any delayed write has failed (that could be caused from a faulty disk)
– Run a live Windows CD with an antivirus installed (Kaspersky most probably) and perform a full virus scan
I suppose that any of the above tests could pinpoint the source of your problems. I would strongly recommend to have an extra careful look at your motherboard and especially the capacitors. It doesn’t sound like a software problem since a clean format didn’t do the trick. If you need any more help do not hesitate to contact me. There are other tricks in the sleeve that are used but these are the most common.
I know computer problems can be really really annoying. I am hooked up to mine myself. Btw i bought a laptop about a year and a half ago. I needed service twice on a faulty motherboard, but, other than that, it never complained. And the mobility a laptop offers is a great help. And i play games on it as you well know ;)
Hi Stratos – That’s helpful – thanks! And for letting me email you :-)
I’m going to try to keep in running until I have a backup computer running.
A problem that I’m running into is that everyone has a theory as to what the problem could be. – motherboard, power supply, software, etc … I really hope it’s not the motherboard – that isn’t something that I feel able to replace on my own.
I feel your pain. It’s a sick feeling when there is something wrong and you can’t figure out what will fix it. (All too frequent in my case when it comes to computers). Agreed on all – especially the MAC argument. Too much for too little, there. Only room for one Mac-head in this house. I don’t have your gaming needs, so am doing quite nicely with my little netbook, and, like you, am comforted by running XP. I think planned obsolescence in anything is an insult to the consumer. With computer OS, it’s particularly insidious and we’ve been putting up with it for 10 years (before that improvements were hard not to justify).
Oh, and Abhishek? Ummm, it’s Kim’s blog. That means she gets to write about whatever and however long she damn well pleases.
Betsy Wuebker´s last blog post – TRIGGERING THE LOVE OF TRAVEL
I agree Betsy !! Its her world. just expressed what i feel.
Abhishek´s last blog post – Naked day 2009
Well, okay, then. I don’t know where to begin with that one for fear my comment would be too long. Sheesh.
Betsy Wuebker´s last blog post – SELLING ISN’T SELLING ANYMORE
Hi Betsy – Thanks for agreeing about the MAC. I had to throw that in there because I figured there would be at least one comment where I was told to get a MAC. I really like XP.
It is a sick feeling – especially since I really need a working computer to continue with my plan of freelancing full time. I’m so behind right now I really don’t know what I’m going to do.
I’m really sorry you’ve been having problems, Kim.
I hate the sense of hopelessness and despair that computer problems give me. I can rationalize in my mind that it will get fixed and its not the end of the world but for some reason I just get really upset when it happens. And they always seem to happen at night and on nights when I least feel like dealing with it which makes it seem all the worse.
I wish I could help you with your problem but as we’ve talked about before, I am the least techie person to ever graduate with a degree in Information Systems.
I’ve had my laptop almost a year and granted we don’t use the computer in the same ways but its one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. As Stratos said, the mobility that a laptop offers is incredible. The only downside to it for me is that I find myself online more than I should be sometimes just because when I used a desktop computer I got tired of sitting in one place and had to get up. But I can take my laptop with me now to other places. ;-)
Thanks Jim – LOL on the IS degree ;-) You help though – you listen to me rant and rave about it and you’ve offered to give me a ride to bring it in if I need to.
I still AM going to get a laptop – I just need to make a decision about it. But I’m not going to let it replace the desktop – unless all desktops die. Then I will just throw them out the window and hope there are no small children or dogs walking by.
I’m really sorry you’ve had these problems. Having been in Computer Hell all-too-frequently, I empathize with your frustration and pain over wasted time and emotional energy.
I’ve spent more than my share of time staring into PC innards, swapping out boards and drives, cursing and threatening just to blow it up. I’ve got one now on the fritz, and I dread the moment when I have to get into its guts.
Fortunately, my main computer is one of those not-to-be-mentioned M’s. Won’t say any more, since I don’t want to sound like I’m gloating, which is the farthest thing from my mind.
I’ll be thinking about you as you wade through this problem. Be sure to let us know what the it was.
Mike Nichols´s last blog post – Beyond Zits: Acne and Anxiety Disorders Part 2
Hi Mike :-)
You can mention the MAC. I just didn’t want someone to propose that as an answer when it doesn’t solve the immediate problem.
I don’t mind working on computers when I still have a working one. Sometimes it’s kind of fun. But what ends up happening is I learn half of a bunch of stuff that I really won’t be using very often.
Lot’s of responses already, but I’m thinking it could be a driver problem or conflict with one of the thousands of Windows updates. If you want, I would be glad to do a remote session with you to take a peek and see if there is anything that stands out to me from afar. About Linux on the old machine, it’s just too old to have any good performance even with a lightweight distro like Xubuntu.
I would however, suggest you try a Live CD install of the latest Ubuntu to test the hardware theory. If sound, Ethernet, video and all work under Ubuntu with no problems, then the Windows problem is definitely driver related. Are you running SP3 with XP? If so, take it off and see how it acts with just SP2.
Good luck.
Rick´s last blog post – GJ Linux Users Group Meeting TODAY!!
Hi Rick.
Thanks so much for your offer of help. I probably should have contacted you before I did all the reformatting :-) Of course, I couldn’t get online before that so … ;-)
But I might just take you up on that offer though.
I know how frustrating it’s – been through it several times. Like you, even I custom build my PCs and the last time I had similar symptoms you explained, I had to change my motherboard. It wouldn’t boot fully and use to freeze when XP used to load the graphics drivers. Initially I reinstalled windows, it didn’t work. I changed the graphics card as per the advice of a crappy technician. It still didn’t work… Finally, when I changed my motherboard everything came up well. Unfortunately my first ASUG MB didn’t have a VGA slot, if it had one, the troubleshooting would have been easier. When I bought the new Gigabyte motherboard, I made sure that it has a VGA port.
The PC is okay now, but for AMD based PCs’ motherboard, this is a common issue, I hear.
Ajith Edassery´s last blog post – Dealing with those ‘Page Not Found!’ errors on your blog
Hi Ajith – That does sound very familiar. But it did show the first XP screen – does it need the graphics drivers for that?
I really really don’t want it to be the motherboard – I don’t feel confident in changing that on my own.
Thanks for your support :-)
My condolences, and I’m sorry you were sick, too. That all sounds just awful. It also brought back memories of the first and last time I got a dangerous virus. After a lot of trial-and-error, none of which worked because the virus had disabled Norton and McAfee, I was able to drag the computer back to life with the help of geekstogo.com, where there is a long procedure for removing “malware.” They were really helpful and only asked for a voluntary donation.
After all that, I was able to discover that the motherboard had failed. Three months out of my life for that stuff. I can certainly “feel your pain.”
Dot´s last blog post – The Silva Method, CDs 9 and 10
Hi Dot – Did the motherboard fail after the virus problem or was it the motherboard all along? geekstogo sounds like a great service.
Thanks!
I remember the first time I had OS issues from then on I made it my mission to learn everything…and hey no problems since!
Yes a Mac is like automatic as opposed to the more free nature of a PC (you had me confused for a few seconds when you said stick…we just call it manual here…more logical ;) )
OS wise I’m currently running a modified version of XP made my a team I sued to help around with the latest ‘legit’ one is all opensource app abased etc will be posting a post on it soon.
I would also recommend my registry tweaks post as it help streamline alot….open it in an edit file and read though before applying just so you know what its doing ;)
Donace | The Nexus´s last blog post – Windows XP Registry Tweaks
Hi Donace,
We call it manual too – I prob should have said that rather than stick.
I think I’ll hold off on any tweaks until I am confident that this machine is actually functioning properly ;-)
Kim,
Let me first say that I completely understand how frustrating these probs can be.
Also, (forgive me while I go into “writer” mode) your post reads like a good story. You draw us in, show good character (computer) development and the story keeps building to a climax. It was a very interesting read because most of us have been there before.
I’ll be keeping all of my appendages crossed for you. Let us know how it turns out!
George
Tumblemoose´s last blog post – “The Writing Experience” – A Tumblemoose E-Book
Hi George – Thank you – I really appreciate that :-)
Hopefully it will ultimately have a happy or comedic ending ;-)
I still haven’t turned it off but it is super speedy – zippity-doo-dah.
I read a forum thread where someone corrected the hanging problem by removing the usb for the same wireless mouse that I have – if it was something that simple … grr.
I do not think it is a motherboard problem, most motherboards has the function for self protect if there is some problem they just do not boot , you will not see the windows xp screen at all.
Best way to do it do a hardware check, remove everything which is not basic such as USB, and try rebooting. Or simply re-install the windows xp.
Chinese Girl´s last blog post – Photo Jinan Four Door Pagoda
I will have to disagree with that. If there has been a sudden power failure with a peak on the voltage it might have damaged the motherboard and the PC will still be booting with horrific performance or unexpected results… It’s hard to troubleshoot faulty parts (especially a motherboard) if you don’t know your way around and a very helpful thing is having a stock to test…
stratosg´s last blog post – Code efficiency and Javascript in WordPress
Hi – In my experience motherboards have given me more of an indication that something is wrong but I don’t have the much experience. I had a motherboard completely die, like Chinese Girl said, and nothing would come up on the computer at all. I also had a new computer ship with a faulty motherboard – it would boot but there were all kinds of strange problems like not keeping the time.
I do have a a surge protector but not a UPS. I live in a very old apartment with strange electrical problems – for example, I can not vacuum while the air conditioner is on in the summer or I will blow the power. As far as I know there haven’t been any strange surges lately but I suppose a previous one could have done some damage.
I have extra parts lying around but a motherboard isn’t one of them. I also don’t have the confidence to install a motherboard – I will just about everything else.
Thanks!
Yipes… Usually a reformat will fix that kind of thing, although I have had experiences with certain Dell machines that it is something in the hardware or the BIOS that is the root of the problem Two laptops I worked with had to have their entire motherboard replaced before random, weird problems finally went away.
I think laptops are the way to go in the future. If nothing else, if you can get them at a place with a good, in store warranty, you can easily carry it back to the place you got it from and have them fumble with all the problems. Plus laptops use less energy and are portable.
~ Kristi
Kikolani´s last blog post – Fetching Friday – Resources Mashup, 31DBBB, #FollowFriday
Hi Kristi – That’s a good point that a laptop is easier to carry in for repairs and to bring places – I hadn’t really thought about the power issue. Well, a little – it’s really bugging me that the computer has been on for days now.
I just don’t know if I can let go of the desktop.
i don’t have any suggestions, you are more advanced than me. other than cleaning up my hard drive, defrag and temporary files, i don’t do much to it. sorry. i am running vista and i said i would never get it either, but haven’t had any problems, i like it.
i don’t care for macs either. i know they are exempt from a lot of problems, viruses, but i don’t care. i’ll use a PC until i die.
i keep a lap top underneath my bed for when i don’t feel like going into the other room to use the desk top. the mobility is great. i also love being able to go to panera bread or barnes and noble and getting free internet access.
and hey, i drive a stick shift. :) i will never go back to automatic. it’s just too much fun shifting
Natural´s last blog post – My Two Left Feet
Hi Valerie – Even when I’m frustrated you make me laugh :-) What other valuable electronics do you have stashed under the bed?
I shouldn’t be SO anti-vista as I’ve never even used it. I was the same way about XP – I didn’t want to let go off Windows 98.
And I’m not anti-mac exactly. I used them a lot at various jobs but I’ve never owned one. I just think a lot of the price is based on the name and the look of it.
HI Kim – I dealt with the same problems for months with my HP desktop with XP and reformatted the drive, reinstalled windows after even running the repair CD, but eventually nothing seemed to completely bring it back to a workable condition so I bought myself an iMac…
but my pc was also almost 4 yrs old which means it had lot less ram (you’d be shocked if I told ya) :) so all is good now and am happy with mac but in some corner of my mind/heart I continue to feel the urge to make that darn pc work again so I’ll hook it up somewhere and start messing with it, atleast now I’m not without a computer so it’ll be stress free… :)
Pearl´s last blog post – Carnival of Healing #181
Hi Pearl – I guess we’ve all been there – it’s so frustrating. That’s why I want to get the older machine working – then it won’t bother me so much to work on this one because I’ll still have a working machine.
I got the hard drive for it but haven’t installed it yet – I thought I would have time this weekend but so far I haven’t had the chance.
Just out of interest, that picture of that rusty computer . . is that really real or photoshoped?
Hi – If you follow the link to the photo credit you can see all the photos of
the burned computer – it’s real.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/18536761@N00/367669179/