OT (right?) Computer help needed geniuses! [Archive] - The Orange Mane

Dagmar

08-02-2006, 10:23 AM

Ok TJ, no idea if we are still in off-season mode,
but I KNOW there are people http://homepage.smc.edu/nestler_andrew/nerds.gif that can help me out here.

http://www.ngkhai.net/blog/wp-images/Dead_Pc1.jpg

My computer has crapped out. It wont turn on at all, the light around the power switch which is usually yellow just lights up orange (a beautiful colour but not what I'm looking for!). So there is probably something pretty simple wrong with it. I opened it up (scary, did it on the advice of a friend) and it was dust city...it was scary in there. Anyways, you guys may know a simple way to fix it, or you may not...

Part II of my question
That PC is 3 years old. I think I am due a new one. I was thinking of a laptop, but I have been told not to bother.
I want it for the web,
listening to music
watching movies
playing games
burning cds.

That is all I use these machines for, I know nothing about them, I am computer dumb dumb dumb...currently using my wife's mac laptop and it is confusing and scary for me... If I could do all that on a PC laptop it's be sweet, but I have been told not to bother unless I want to shell out lots.
I saw this one, it looked nice > http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony-VAIO-Desktop-PC-VGC-RB44G-/sem/rpsm/oid/125301/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do
but many of you who KNOW computers probably laughed at that one.

Anyways...advice folks? Speak to me like I am a six year old...I know nothing!

(oh, and give me excuse that I can repeat to my wife to convince her to let me buy a new one!)

(if this is in the wrong forum TJ/mods, please move it to the appropriate place)

ludo21

08-02-2006, 10:28 AM

I have a Dell laptop, nothing special. But it does everything that you need it for.

Id imagine your problem is simple Dag, a new computer may not be needed, nut good luck as Im computer stupid as well. ;D

Moon§hiner

08-02-2006, 10:29 AM

Just bought this one recently from there...works great and for that price I added 512 memory...also it reads 100 gig hd...it showed up here with a 120 gig. No monitor but I have a nice flatscreen.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Compaq-Presario-Desktop-PC-SR1900NX-/sem/rpsm/oid/154136/catOid/-12962/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

COBronco 69

08-02-2006, 10:31 AM

Symptoms sound like a power supply gone bad. Easy to replace, fairly cheap-20-30 bucks.

If you are looking for a laptop, PM me. I run a tech consulting biz and get pretty good prices on hardware.

Rock Chalk

08-02-2006, 10:33 AM

Not enough information to answer the first question but the first thing popped into my head was a heat sink issue on the chip.

As for a new computer, I just got a Dell XPS 400 for just over 2000 with a crapload of frills including the ATI X1900 512 MB graphics card with TV Tuner (which jumped the price considerably).

You can however, get a great XPS machine for what you want for about 1000 dollars, complete with a standard 19 inch flat panel monitor.

Anyway, this is what I got for just at 2000$:
1 MJ772 PROCESSOR, PENTIUM D PRESLER, 930, 3.0G, 2X2M, C1
1 Y9003 ASSEMBLY, PRINTED WIRING ASSY, INPUT/OUTPUT, SER/PS2, FULL HEIGHT, LEAD FREE
1 DF965 KIT, SOFTWARE, OVERPACK, WINDOWS XP, MCE05U, DIGITAL VIDEO DISK DRIVE, ENGLAND/ENGLISH
1 GH112 KIT, KEYBOARD, MOUSE, 104, UNITED STATES, WIRELESS, EXTREME PERFORMANCE SYSTEM
2 F6761 DUAL IN-LINE MEMORY MODULE, 512, 533M, 64X64, 8, 240, 1RX8
1 CF093 KIT, SPEAKER, 120V, A525, LEAD FREE, ZYLUX CORPORATION, DELL AMERICAS ORGANIZATION
1 JF495 MODEM, V.92, DATA FAX, INTERNAL, SON2, LEAD FREE, DELL AMERICAS ORGANIZATION
1 ND504 ASSEMBLY, DVD+/-RW, 16X, IDE (INTEGRATED DRIVE ELECTRONICS), HITACHI LG DATA STORAGE, CHASSIS 2005
1 MF264 KIT, REMOTE CONTROL, MCE05U, LEAD FREE, DUAL
1 RD729 CARD (CIRCUIT), MULTI-MEDIA, TVT3CR, LEAD FREE
1 HJ671 CARD (CIRCUIT), GRAPHICS, ATI TECHNOLOGIES INC, X1900, UHMGA14B
1 HJ857 KIT, CABLE, ATI TECHNOLOGIES INC, S-VIDEO, COMPNT
1 YF439 HARD DRIVE, 160G, S2, 7.2K, 9G, 3.5, WD-HAWK
1 CD940 KIT, SOFTWARE, WORDPERFECT, 12, PLUS-TRIAL
1 RG240 KIT, SOFTWARE, MCAFEE, 7, COMPACT DISK DRIVE, ENGLAND/ENGLISH
1 CC299 DISPLAY, FLAT PANEL DISPLAY, 19, 1907FPC, BLACK, DELL AMERICAS ORGANIZATION

GreatBronco16

08-02-2006, 10:34 AM

Well it could be a number of things. It might be your power supply, or it could be that your CPU overheated because of all the dust. That could have stopped up your heatsink/fan. Then it could just be something as simple as your ram has gone bad. But normally, not on all systems mind you, even with bad memory and whatnot, your computer will still get to the post screen.

Best thing to do is to clean it out the best you can, then see if it happens to work. Keep the side off your tower so you can see inside of it while you power it back up. If it still does nothing, then the only thing to really do is start slaving in parts. If you don't have any parts, borrow some from friends....hehehe. If you have more than one stick of ram in your system, take them out and use them one at a time and see if it boots up. If it boots up and runs fine with one of the sticks of ram out, then you have found your problem. If you have to, borrow or go buy a cheap stick of ram and see if that works.

Then you have the possibility that your Hard drive crapped out on you. It's hard to tell without physically being at the computer. But that is what I would do first.

Rock Chalk

08-02-2006, 10:36 AM

I dont think its the HD GreatBronco because the BIOS will still run without anything on a HD and his comp wont turn on at all.

Garcia Bronco

08-02-2006, 10:37 AM

Either your power supply, system board, or processor has gone bad. You cna probably get these things fixed cheaply if you shop around.

Any new laptop you buy will meet your needs. except for gaming...this changes so frequently that with a laptop...it's hard to keep up.You want to pay as little money as possible...it's like a car...it drops in value immediately. Pay a little more...for more warranty

Garcia Bronco

08-02-2006, 10:38 AM

I dont think its the HD GreatBronco because the BIOS will still run without anything on a HD and his comp wont turn on at all.

Also..even if the ram was bad the BIOS splash screen would still come up.

GreatBronco16

08-02-2006, 10:40 AM

I dont think its the HD GreatBronco because the BIOS will still run without anything on a HD and his comp wont turn on at all.

Yeah that is true, I kind of contradicted myself in a way. I said in the same post that it should still boot up to the post screen at the very least. I guess after I got that far down in my post, I forgot that he had said that it won't turn on at all.

Clean that damn thing out. Unplug all your power connectors (remember where they plug back in) and clean the connectors out too. Dust can be a very bad thing. But yeah, I'd start with slaving in a PSU.

broncosteven

08-02-2006, 10:45 AM

Clean it out either way with a can of compressed air.

Listen for beeps when you power it on if you hear them it is a RAM issue & you will need to reference the book that came with the PC to figure out what the # of beeps mean.

If you know what your Ram stick(s) look like you can try to reseat them (eject & push back in) & try to reboot. Make sure all the cables are firmly seated also for HD & floppy drives. Check your monitor & Keyboard cables on the outside.

Look for a Bios Reset jumper & try to reset your Bios, if you still have the book that came with the PC you should be able to look it up. Clearing the Bios may resolve the issue.

If you go new Go with a Dell Laptop if you like Mobility. Else the Dell Desktops are nice. Stay away from Circut City & best buy they are moving volume not quality.

Dagmar

08-02-2006, 10:46 AM

Ok, I'm definitely appreciating all of the help so far...even though some of it makes little sense! I am leaning towards getting a new one... now How do I convince the little lady of this?

I guess I don't need a whole new system do I?
My monitor is fine, decent at least, decent keyboard/mouse etc. Printer kicks ass.

Just a new PC part... that cant be that expensive right?

Maybe I want a new monitor too, we watch a lot of movies on it (I don't know how to burn movies to discs to watch on my DVD player)...
Argh... I'm confusing myself now!

Pontius Pirate

08-02-2006, 10:54 AM

Dude, you're all on drugs. Get an Apple. I have a G4 PowerBook. Cost me around $1500. It is basically built for all the things you say you want to use a computer for. Plus they are pretty much immune to all viruses and spyware. Oh, and you can get the Windows software for it (excel, word, etc.)

GreatBronco16

08-02-2006, 10:56 AM

Build your own computer. That can be the cheapest way. And being that you won't have to buy everything, it could come out very cheap.

I'm about to do the same thing. All I have to buy is the motherboard, CPU, ram, hard drive and video card. All my other stuff like CD-RW, and monitor and software I won't have to replace. The price that I have so far is 598 dollars.

Go to this website. I buy all my computer stuff from them.

www.newegg.com

GreatBronco16

08-02-2006, 10:57 AM

broncosteven

08-02-2006, 11:03 AM

Rock Chalk

08-02-2006, 11:15 AM

Dagmar

08-02-2006, 11:30 AM

CALL DELL! Tell them what you want they will build you the system. They even have a refurbished dept if you want to try to save some $.

Now would they do that online or do I have to call? Some americans still have an issue with my accent sometimes..

Dagmar

08-02-2006, 11:31 AM

Wai, just seen the "customize it" button. That'll do it right?

GreatBronco16

08-02-2006, 11:32 AM

Listen to broncosteven. Dell is going to hook you up the best with the least trouble to yourself.

Building your own computer is fine, if you want to handle every tiny little problem with it but this should not be recommended to anyone who doesn't know some very complex stuff about how to fix any problems that do arise.

Calling Dell is fine, if you have the money to spend on it. For most people that is the best way. But one of the best ways to learn how to troubleshoot your own computer problems is to build one for yourself. It doesn't take a genius to do it. But whatever he does, I wish him the best with it.

GreatBronco16

08-02-2006, 11:34 AM

Now would they do that online or do I have to call? Some americans still have an issue with my accent sometimes..

You should be able to do it all online. I just customized a laptop for a friend online. Pretty nice laptop for around 1300 I believe.

Just hit the customize button and start selecting the stuff you want.

Dagmar

08-02-2006, 11:35 AM

I've been told a "dual core"processor is a must...

WHo knows what I am gonna do, 1st step is to convince my wife that i need a new one!

Thanks for all of your help guys!

GreatBronco16

08-02-2006, 11:42 AM

Look at the AMD 64 x2 series of processors. That is what I'm planning on upgradding to from a 2GHz P4.

broncosteven

08-02-2006, 12:35 PM

Now would they do that online or do I have to call? Some americans still have an issue with my accent sometimes..

I would call them the website is fine if you know what you want.

Don't worry about your accent, I would worry about the accent of the person answering the phone! Hilarious! I think Dell is outsourced out of India.

Just make the call.

AMD Dual Cores are great, I have one. Buy the fastest chip you can afford, this is why I want you to CALL DELL & TALK TO A FREAKING SALES DUDE, they will set you up! Do us all a favor & place the call!

broncosteven

08-02-2006, 12:39 PM

I've been told a "dual core"processor is a must...

WHo knows what I am gonna do, 1st step is to convince my wife that i need a new one!

Thanks for all of your help guys!

Tell her you wont ask for sex for a year, then wait for the item to arrive, hook it up & jump her bones (your a guy after all)!

Or promise to watch Oprah with her everyday.

Long walks at sunset preferably on a beach.

Just look into her eyes & when she asks what you are doing say you cannot believe you are married to such a beautiful woman.

Lie, Cheat, & steal, your Married Now.

Rock Chalk

08-02-2006, 12:41 PM

AMD's chips are paled in comparison to Intel's new Core 2 Duo.

Seriously, this might be the best chip ever designed and it is definately going to set the standard like the Pentium did.

I wouldnt get one yet though because of price when every other chip from AMD and Intel is now getting price cuts because they are practically made obsolete from the Core 2. You can get a fantastic Intel VIIV dual core or AMD dual core chip for a bargain price right now.

broncosteven

08-02-2006, 12:43 PM

Listen to broncosteven. Dell is going to hook you up the best with the least trouble to yourself.

Building your own computer is fine, if you want to handle every tiny little problem with it but this should not be recommended to anyone who doesn't know some very complex stuff about how to fix any problems that do arise.

Listen to Alec He knows his Sheet! Don't build a PC unless you want to spend all your time figuring out how to fix both hard & software.

Rock Chalk

08-02-2006, 12:52 PM

Calling Dell is fine, if you have the money to spend on it. For most people that is the best way. But one of the best ways to learn how to troubleshoot your own computer problems is to build one for yourself. It doesn't take a genius to do it. But whatever he does, I wish him the best with it.
Putting a computer together doesnt take a genius. Parts go in pretty much one slot and one slot only.

However, configuring any problems IS an issue AND adding in the costs of legitimate software increases the cost of the computer substantially. further, there is no tech support for when (note: WHEN, not IF) you do have problems and you will either have to learn yourself which can be frustrating AND time cosnuming or spend an outrageous amount of money taking it to some computer shop to fix your problems.

With Dell, you can get a fully functional new PC for less than 1000 dollars and it will come with a flat panel monitor. Now, that may be expensive to some people, but getting a PC with full tech support for at least a year (more if you buy extended warranties) is absolutely positively worth it. Dell's customer service is good (used to be great, but hs faltered a little) and makes any problems you do come across insignificant compared to what you face if you buy and build your own computer.

As always when purchasing an expensive item, do as much research as you can, and buy as top of the line as you can afford when it comes to computers extending the life of your computer and the value for your dollar.

Rigs11

08-02-2006, 01:10 PM

You said an orange light comes on? Are there fans spinning inside? If so I would check your vid card.If not, then it's most likely your power supply overheated from all the dust..

Rigs11

08-02-2006, 01:20 PM

Putting a computer together doesnt take a genius. Parts go in pretty much one slot and one slot only.

However, configuring any problems IS an issue AND adding in the costs of legitimate software increases the cost of the computer substantially. further, there is no tech support for when (note: WHEN, not IF) you do have problems and you will either have to learn yourself which can be frustrating AND time cosnuming or spend an outrageous amount of money taking it to some computer shop to fix your problems.

With Dell, you can get a fully functional new PC for less than 1000 dollars and it will come with a flat panel monitor. Now, that may be expensive to some people, but getting a PC with full tech support for at least a year (more if you buy extended warranties) is absolutely positively worth it. Dell's customer service is good (used to be great, but hs faltered a little) and makes any problems you do come across insignificant compared to what you face if you buy and build your own computer.

As always when purchasing an expensive item, do as much research as you can, and buy as top of the line as you can afford when it comes to computers extending the life of your computer and the value for your dollar.
Dell uses refurbished parts in their systems. While these may last for the first year,they usually crap out after that.Best thing to do is get online and find out how to build one. It's easy, and once you know how to do it you can troubleshoot it pretty easily.Also you can customize the pc to your needs.

Orange_Beard

08-02-2006, 01:31 PM

Also..even if the ram was bad the BIOS splash screen would still come up.

I could come up, but may be 1 in 10.

If has 2 ram chips in it, take one out and try to boot it. If no luck put it back in and try with the other.

Unplug, take out the system battery and let it sit for 5 min, put it back in and try again.

Chuck it in the trash and get a new one.

Rock Chalk

08-02-2006, 01:51 PM

Dell uses refurbished parts in their systems. While these may last for the first year,they usually crap out after that.Best thing to do is get online and find out how to build one. It's easy, and once you know how to do it you can troubleshoot it pretty easily.Also you can customize the pc to your needs.
Ive had a Dell desktop in my home for five years (still use it for the kid computer) and never had a single problem with it. Refurbished? Ha. What is refurbished?

Because Dell has deals with vendors who supply them brand new parts straight from their factories. Motherboards, chips, drives, vid and sound cards.

You can get a refurbished Dell, but if you buy a new system you are getting new parts.

broncosteven

08-02-2006, 02:03 PM

Putting a computer together doesnt take a genius. Parts go in pretty much one slot and one slot only.

However, configuring any problems IS an issue AND adding in the costs of legitimate software increases the cost of the computer substantially. further, there is no tech support for when (note: WHEN, not IF) you do have problems and you will either have to learn yourself which can be frustrating AND time cosnuming or spend an outrageous amount of money taking it to some computer shop to fix your problems.

With Dell, you can get a fully functional new PC for less than 1000 dollars and it will come with a flat panel monitor. Now, that may be expensive to some people, but getting a PC with full tech support for at least a year (more if you buy extended warranties) is absolutely positively worth it. Dell's customer service is good (used to be great, but hs faltered a little) and makes any problems you do come across insignificant compared to what you face if you buy and build your own computer.

As always when purchasing an expensive item, do as much research as you can, and buy as top of the line as you can afford when it comes to computers extending the life of your computer and the value for your dollar.

Listen to the man!

Then price out all the parts & XP to install on it & compare to a Dell system.

If you are looking for a challenge & want to build one then great seak out the knowledge & tackle the project but it sounded like Dagmar has little PC hardware & OS skills & wanted info on what to do quickly.

I built all of my home PC's except for my daughters which is an old Dell PIII I got from work. It is perfect for her CD games & she doesn't know about gear lust yet.

Bronco_Beerslug

08-02-2006, 02:10 PM

Listen to broncosteven. Dell is going to hook you up the best with the least trouble to yourself.

Building your own computer is fine, if you want to handle every tiny little problem with it but this should not be recommended to anyone who doesn't know some very complex stuff about how to fix any problems that do arise.
It depends if you have the time to build it yourself or not. There is nothing really hard about it. I've built all our PCs and never touched a keyboard in my life before until I was over 40 (saved big time bucks). Everything is online you need to know (between PC forums and websites).

cbs1177

08-02-2006, 04:00 PM

Well tennessee is having a sales tax holiday for back to school savings so you can get a new computer up to 1500 sales tax free over the phone, internet or catalog or actually in person. So shop for clothes and computers this weekend and save a bundle. Else I dunno about your problem you are having I say nuke you harddrive and start fresh. I have nuke my hard drive once a year and haven't had any problems since.

BroncoBuff

08-02-2006, 04:14 PM

I have several e-mails offering FREE laptops! Gimme your e-mail address, and I'll forward them over! :~ohyah!:

BroncoBuff

08-02-2006, 04:16 PM

Actually, you can get a brand-new Dell desktop for $250 .... it's just a Celeron (as opposed to a Pentium), but the impoirtant part in your modem speed anyway, right? Unless you're a gamer or do lots of phot/video editing.

Pontius Pirate

08-02-2006, 04:43 PM

This whole thread is hilarious. I should've known you can't talk an addict out of his vice.

"Dude, my PC is broken. What should I do?"

"Dude, buy another one."

Actually, it's like a Ford owner who laments his F150 always breaking down, then just keeps getting another one each year. Sadomasichism?

The original thread said something like "I heard you have to shell out big bucks for an Apple that can play movies and surf the internet." WTF? If you like putting PC's together, sure buy a PC. If you want something that is already manufactured, that you never have to worry about, buy a Mac.