RootsChat.Com
General => Technical Help => Topic started by: polidor on Sunday 01 July 12 19:35 BST (UK)
-
It was fine until today--switched it on and a white screen appeared telling me it could not display my shortcuts. Directed to screen 'properties' re-entered them and up they came as they should be. Now and again i had messages telling me that i was not connected [i was] the Windows logo appeared for 2002 !!
various odd messages saying that there was no space or that i was not able to view pages etc.
Turned the p.c off and then on again --all back to normal.
finished what i was working on, went downstairs--half an hour later and back to messing me about again
Finally i found a message asking if i had added anything new in the last 24 hours--i had--an update of Avast which brought up Google Chrome . I didn't want google Chrome so deleted it and p.c o'k for a while then back to the p.c messing about--white screen -unable to log on to various websites--you name it complete chaos-----
Finally did a System restore and for a few hours all seemed to be fine but now everytime i leave the p.c for a while it resorts to playing me up--any ideas please as to why???
-
If you google computer white screen or computer white screen crash you will find many entries for different operating sysytems eg XP windows 7 etc.
-
Try running Fixit from Windows.
http://fixitcenter.support.microsoft.com/Portal/GetStarted
Regards
Malky
-
Have just downloaded the 'Fixit' site but not sure how it is supposed to work.
when i returned to the p.c a few minutes ago i managed to find the Rootschat email telling me of a response to my post but had awful trouble getting on to Roots--half a page --only a few printed words on the screen --looked like the Rootschat home page had gone terribly wrong could not get another web page that looked NORMAL !!!
Turned off p.c waited a while --switched on again and am using it o.k at the moment but i know that if i walk away from it for a while it wont work normally when i return---has some virus infected it ???
-
Hi
Have you tried starting up the computer in Safe Mode? I am no expert, but this is what is usually recommended when there is a problem.
Cheers
KHP
-
How old is the PC ?
If it's several years old, there could be many 'culprits' - a bad connection between the main board and a plug-in board is a distinct possibility, because the action of the boards heating up and cooling down every time you switch the PC on causes them to become loose in the sockets. You may also have a dodgy power supply.
In the first instance (if you're brave enough), I'd suggest taking the side cover off (with the power disconnected) and then gently pushing all the plug-in boards back into their sockets on the main board.
-
I'd second that Nick.
Especially here in the tropics. I usually do an inside clean-up once a year with mine. Dust is another culprit. Dust turns to mildew in the tropics so it can do all sorts of nasty things to the workings.
Also do a complete unplug and re-plug of all components. My monitor was the problem in one case, simply had a loose plug, every time I moved something on my desk I was likely to move the monitor slightly and lose contact. Darn pests of things these computers. ;D
Leonie.
-
Current state of play---
Switched on this morning--tried several sections of my p.c from the icons on my home page--had messages come up saying
Not enough quota to process this command or similar comments.
Switched pc off and on again--managed to get to Email and rootschat--started writing a reply--took a telephone call halfway through and watched the screen [whilst talking to my daughter ]start to 'disolve'!!
The rely i was half way through writing became distorted and huge spaces between lines of writing.
switched back on and off again and am here--albeit temporarily
What the heck is going on>
-
I did a defrag and file tidy up a few days ago and this is what came up on screen
File System NTFS
Capacity 37.27 GB
Free Space 468 GB
% free 12%
Any clues there?? ::)
-
Hiya
A couple of steps further . . . . .
+ one thing is that you are getting close to a "full" hdd.
Nothing to worry about, "yet".
+ ensure you have your important data backed up and (at least) one copy off the pc.
+ Remove any data files eg fotos/copiesofCDs that you have on the hdd.
(coz you should already have backups) unless you frequently/regularly/w.h.y. use them
+ next time an error message comes up either write it down or
(keep your camera/camerafone next to the pc for the forseeable)
take a foto of each and every message.
Especially "Not enough quota" ::) :P ;D
Ray
-
How much memory (RAM) do you have?
jim
-
How much memory (RAM) do you have?
jim
File System NTFS
Capacity 37.27 GB
Free Space 468 GB
% free 12%
-
Remaining space should read 4.68Gb.
It appears you have a small hard drive in you computer?
Delete some pictures/documents, or move to create more space.
(My computer still uses XP and is fitted with what is now a small hard drive @120Gb)
As for memory (windows XP) you are looking at 1Gb = 500Mb times 2
Brian
-
It seems at the moment that i can use the pc for a short time before it goes haywire,
Just been to Staples Most of you here may know of the shop?
Tried :-[ to explain the situation -- told them my pc was roughly 8 years old and apparently i probably need a new one--well thay would say that wouldn't they!! Mind you they are probably correct.
Can buy one for about £300 plus--If it comes to that ,do i need a person who 'Knows about setting up computers' ? i.e is it to complicated to do it myself?? and any makers names that are reliable i would be grateful for. A fed up poli who has to keep turning this heap of junk on and off ;D
Whilst this one is still working more or less i have backed up all latest stuff in to an external hard drive--bought one last year.
-
Laptop any good for you?
Brian
-
Well a laptop would certainly take up less room but i need to think about the cost more than anything.
my husband would probably blow a gasket if he thinks i'm going to spend a small fortune on something he 'thinks' i don't really need!!
This may need some careful handling ;D
-
Windows ver 7, soon to be ver 8 is the way to go.
Decent laptop with windows 7 with 15inch screen/4Mb of ram @ 300UK pounds. (starting price)
Brian
-
Poli
Send him up the pub, ask him when he gets back!
:)
-
What i fail to understand is why--if i switch the p.c off then on again a few minutes later it lets me use it for a while and THEN plays up.
Either it has enough space for me to use,access files etc. or it hasn't.
How does lack of space [apparently] involve the fact that it works for just a while before becoming unstable.
Surely the lack of space on the hard drive doesn't appear for a while and then vanish ???
-
Does the clock show the correct time?
(Bios battery might be flat)
How much memory do you have?
Could you have a dirty computer - inside?
Brian
-
At 8 years old it's past it & I wouldn't throw money at it with more memory or larger hard drive.
All you need is the base unit & you will be able to get one within your budget.They come with Win 7 already installed.All you have to do is plug it in & follow the on screen instructons for your personal settings,passwords etc.You will be prompted to make a recovery disc as it's a pre-installed programme but all you have to do is put a disc in & click.
As your peripherals (monitor,printer etc.) are plug & play all you need to do is plug them all in & Windows will automatically recognise them.
I don't think the problem is lack of space but more likely lack of memory (RAM).
Have you :
deleted temp. internet files
deleted unused progs.
run CCleaner or similar.
You could install startup inspector this will tell you what you need to run when you start your PC.A lot of progs. run in the background without you knowing & most you don't need at that time.
jim
-
If your computer started playing up after an update (avast) the the logical thing to do is to restore to a point previous to that update.
Very often updates corrupt the system when used on older systems.
If restoring to a previous setting cure the problem try re-installing the update.
If it corrupts again restore to the earlier point and forget about the update.
Cheers
Guy
-
Calverley Lad--clock shows correct time. Where do i look on my p.c to find how much memory i have left please ?
Guy--i have done a 'restore' i went back to a couple of days before the Avast update. Didn't help i'm afraid.
jim1--It looks relatively simple the way you explain it :) but all the wires and plugs under this desk look rather daunting!
I'm obviously going to have to decide if i get a replacement tower [p.c] or go for a laptop--the decision will come down to cost i think--i just find it a bit of an odd coincidence that this has all happened after the Avast update.
The pcs i saw in Staples are SO much smaller than the large tower i have at the moment--wish i had thought at the time ,to look at the price of the laptops too. ::) poli
-
Don't underestimate John Lewis for some brands of laptops. They have laptops from about £329, they come with a 2 year warranty - free and you get a 90 day free software support too - you ring them up and they help you - very worthwhile.
( My opinion from previous purchases) You can order them online if you aren't near a branch and collect them from either john Lewis or some waitrose branches for free too. I f you can get into a branch, the sales staff are very helpful, plus if they stock a particular item, they will price match a competitor in the same area if its cheaper and in stock there.
-
It isn't a question of 'how much memory left'?
How much memory is installed (ram).
Left click onto 'my computer', then right click (look for 'properties' in dropdown menu).
Left click onto 'properties', full info revealed!
Mine shows under system Windows XP Pro service pack 3, computer pentium 4 3.2GHZ 2.00Gb of ram.
Brian
-
this is what i found
-
This is just confirming the size of your hard drive and how much space left?
Info we need is 'system information'.
Brian
-
Should have something like this:
See attached image.
Brian
-
Try "Start" then "control Panel" then click on "System"
Mo
-
Didn't realise quite how 'thick' i ::) ::)was
-
Just confirms to me that what you have is a basic XP computer, with an onboard graphics card.
(Suitable for surfing the internet and doing basic word processing)
Like me though your computer having windows XP due to Microsoft withdrawing support from next year (no security updates etc), I would suggest a replacement rather than trying to fix.
Brian
-
I would agree, you may end up throwing one lot of money and then another. One of my friends has done that as she 's putting of getting a new one because she can get someone to do it, she spends thirty quid and then another. She's had problems with emails going round in loops, that was one thirty quid. Probably with avg etc. She's put off getting windows 7 as she's not confident with computers. She cannot see it's false economy says she can't follow instructions etc.
-
Like me though your computer having windows XP due to Microsoft withdrawing support from next year (no security updates etc), I would suggest a replacement rather than trying to fix.
Brian
Bit confused here about Microsoft withdrawing support re security updates-- would a replacement p.c have the updates then as long as it wasn't Windows XP?
-
Bit confused here about Microsoft withdrawing support re security updates-- would a replacement p.c have the updates then as long as it wasn't Windows XP?
Microsoft intended to stop XP updates some time ago but extended it because of complaints from XP users but the costs involved make it uneconomical with a programme that old.Updates will still be available for newer products but in time they will go the same way as XP.If you mean by a replacement PC a new one with Win 7 you'll be ok for years to come.
I think I remember reading somewhere that a product is supported for 10 years after launch but I'm willing to be corrected.
The other reason of course is they want you to buy a new one.
jim
-
With regards to the memory issue right click the taskbar at the bottom of your screen * in the dropdown list click task manager & then performance this will tell you how much memory you have left.
jim
-
Thank you jim1--i'll try and do what you suggest---i am seriously fed up with turning this pc on and off and waiting for it to 'warm up' again--i have to keep renewing my log in on here also and it is turning into a nightmare--15 mins of usable computer and then the screen breaks up and whole thing starts again--swithch off--wait 5 mins switch on----i am getting to the end of my tether!!! >:(
The big thing now of course is--what do i buy- my brain hurts.
p.s i told my husband that the pc was old and falling apart--he gave me a wicked look and said---just like you then ;D
-
jim1--copied this ---all the numbers kept changing whilst i was looking at it--does it tell you anything this pic? poli
-
Bit confused here about Microsoft withdrawing support re security updates-- would a replacement p.c have the updates then as long as it wasn't Windows XP?
Microsoft intended to stop XP updates some time ago but extended it because of complaints from XP users but the costs involved make it uneconomical with a programme that old.Updates will still be available for newer products but in time they will go the same way as XP.If you mean by a replacement PC a new one with Win 7 you'll be ok for years to come.
I think I remember reading somewhere that a product is supported for 10 years after launch but I'm willing to be corrected.
The other reason of course is they want you to buy a new one.
jim
Microsoft is driven by its commercial users, and most commercial users switched from XP long ago, because XP had very poor security in a local network environment. When I was an XP user, I was reluctant to switch to Windows 7 at first, but now I think that Windows 7 is one of the best operating systems that Microsoft have come up with.
There are ways of getting a new computer a little cheaper if you are prepared to do a little work. Lots of companies (like www.ebuyer.com ) supply computers very cheaply without an operating system installed (e.g. they do a Zoostorm PC with a triple-core AMD A6 2.1G processor, 8 GB RAM, 750GB HDD and DVD writer for £228, with NO operating system). You can then get a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium from the same company for £68.28, and it's child's play to install.
-
The first thing noticeable is the CPU usage is very high (88%).Unless XP is still in the process of booting up which I know can take for ever it should be way down at 2-3%.
You don't have many processes which is a good thing & there appears to be a reasonable amount of free memory (188Mb.) at this time however when you have other programmes running this will reduce.
If you click on processes you should have a page that looks similar to this.
Are there changes happening in the "00" column?
jim
-
Purely for interest, and we won't know without inspection, but this might be relevant:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capacitor_plague
A friend's computer exhibited similar symptoms - would start up, but became unstable after a number of minutes (10-30). I took it apart and found two or three (sorry, don't remember exactly) leaking capacitors.
In this case we removed the useful parts, then binned the computer.
The only other thing I would say, Poli', is that if you do decide to get a new machine with Win7, make sure you get a version that will run the software you want to use - some of my stuff (hardware) will only run under XP.
'Hat.
-
That's another problem in the tropics. They also cause moisture & mildew that shorts out circuits. Reason why I have 5 fans inside my computer case, I have the good luck to have a friend who custom-builds computers. I also have airconditioning now. But TV, CD player, anything with a circuit board is suseptable to mildew here.
Leonie.
-
Purely for interest, and we won't know without inspection, but this might be relevant:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capacitor_plague
A friend's computer exhibited similar symptoms - would start up, but became unstable after a number of minutes (10-30). I took it apart and found two or three (sorry, don't remember exactly) leaking capacitors.
In this case we removed the useful parts, then binned the computer.
The only other thing I would say, Poli', is that if you do decide to get a new machine with Win7, make sure you get a version that will run the software you want to use - some of my stuff (hardware) will only run under XP.
'Hat.
I did mention the power supply in reply #5 :-\
-
Yes, Nick, you certainly did.
These capacitors were on the motherboard, which we ditched - the power supply was one of the parts we kept for building the replacement, which was fine.
Like I said, purely for interest.
:)
-
Computer PSUs are usually getting 'past it' when they reach about 7 years old. The fans usually pack up before then :)
If you suddenly smell the heady aroma of hot house dust, make a backup very quickly ! :o
-
The only other thing I would say, Poli', is that if you do decide to get a new machine with Win7, make sure you get a version that will run the software you want to use - some of my stuff (hardware) will only run under XP.
Hat-- by hardware i assume you mean my --printer--logitec camera--external hardrive and speakers ?? poli
-
Anything like that, Poli'.
I use a soundcard that only works with XP (as confirmed by the manuf. and the Win7 compatability tool).
If I bought a Win7 machine I'd have to buy a new soundcard - that's a few hundred pounds extra, and I'm not willing to do that when the old gear works perfectly.
Just something to bear in mind. :)
'Hat.
-
Most new PCs have a soundcard integrated into the motherboard, which will be W7 compliant. If 'legacy' driver compatability is an issue, I'd advise that you steer clear of 64-bit versions of Windows 7 :)
-
A lot of hardware manufacturers provide (downloadable) win 7 drivers these days.
It's quite easy to tell if your hardware is Win 7 compatible or have the 32 & 64 bit drivers by going to their website.
jim
-
SAMSUNG RV515-SO1
Still in it box--thoughts please on this model.
I looked at a lot of "What Laptop should i buy" queries and came up with the following list of things i decided i needed in a laptop.
Dual Core processor that is above 2.4 GHZ
4.GB Ram
64 Bit capable
Inbuilt camera
Reasonable sound --but have been told i may need headphones for use with Skype. !
CD/DVD burning capable
Wireless--my new BT hub is wireless enabled
Keyboard that is comfortable to use
If more than 2 Rootschatters give this the thumbs down it will go back to J.Lewis tomorrow and i will have a rethink ;D poli
-
One drawback for me is the screen size.15.6 looks a bit small these days.
Don't forget,the first thing to do is make a recovery disc.
jim
-
15.6" is plenty big enough for a laptop. Larger screens are very unwieldy, and make laptops very heavy.
The specs of the Samsung will be quite adequate for general purposes, web browsing, email, etc.