Need help.....my computer died.....again! [Archive]

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HeavenlyOne

03-05-2007, 10:17 PM

I turned my computer off this evening because it was running slow. It was off for about three hours and when I tried turning it back on, it only beeps at me. Nothing comes up on the screen at all. I tried this several times but all I got was beeping.

When I first turn it on, the fan (or whatever it is making that noise) turns on for about one second, then turns off and the beeping starts.

Aside from getting another computer, which isn't an option, is there anything else I can do? In the past it did this on occasion, but would always boot up the second or third time I turned it on. I tried over a dozen times tonight....nothing.

I have a massive amount of homework to get done tomorrow. I have LadyRev's work laptop that she leaves at my house, but it's difficult working up in this room.

I hope someone can help me out here. Thanks.

Fonix

03-06-2007, 05:23 AM

Try taking a vacuum and blowing out the dust from the inside. This would happen to my old one because dust would get too thick in there , Its worth a try.

HeavenlyOne

03-06-2007, 12:08 PM

Try taking a vacuum and blowing out the dust from the inside. This would happen to my old one because dust would get too thick in there , Its worth a try.

This would cause it to not turn on, but only beep?

I'm at school at the moment, but how would I go about blowing dust out? Do I take the bottom off it?

This is a laptop, if I didn't say that already.

Digging4Truth

03-06-2007, 12:13 PM

This would cause it to not turn on, but only beep?

I'm at school at the moment, but how would I go about blowing dust out? Do I take the bottom off it?

This is a laptop, if I didn't say that already.

Fonix is right... that will sometimes work. (Although I would suggest sucking the dirt out first...then if you can reverse your air direction then blow the rest out.)

But since you let it sit for 3 hours and then it still did this it would seem that the damage may already be done. In 3 hours time if the board was too hot to start back then it should have cooled off by then. Definitely worth a try though.

Back in the good ole days when the system shut down that fast and started beeping it meant that the problem was on the motherboard. Once the system boots through CMOS (Do they even have that anymore) then the drive starts to boot up etc.

It sounds like your computer is not getting out of the initial boot of the motherooard and has never even had a chance to begin booting the hard drive and firing up the OS.

HeavenlyOne

03-06-2007, 12:17 PM

Fonix is right... that will sometimes work. (Although I would suggest sucking the dirt out first...then if you can reverse your air direction then blow the rest out.)

But since you let it sit for 3 hours and then it still did this it would seem that the damage may already be done. In 3 hours time if the board was too hot to start back then it should have cooled off by then. Definitely worth a try though.

Back in the good ole days when the system shut down that fast and started beeping it meant that the problem was on the motherboard. Once the system boots through CMOS (Do they even have that anymore) then the drive starts to boot up etc.

It sounds like your computer is not getting out of the initial boot of the motherooard and has never even had a chance to begin booting the hard drive and firing up the OS.

You are right. And it does have CMOS.

My computer crashed a few weeks ago. I thought I'd have to buy a new one but was able to reformat it. It was starting up but going to diagnostics, then restarting....and would cycle that over and over without going to windows.

This time, it's not starting at all. The fan (or whatever) comes on for a second, shuts off, then the beeping starts. Nothing else happens.....black screen, no other sound.....nothing.

LadyRev is going to look at it tonight for me, but I'm calling my brother to see about borrowing $1000....just in case.

Makes me mad though, cause I bought this computer on Ebay last year for about $375, refurbished. I was hoping it would have lasted longer than 10 months.

Digging4Truth

03-06-2007, 12:30 PM

You are right. And it does have CMOS.

My computer crashed a few weeks ago. I thought I'd have to buy a new one but was able to reformat it. It was starting up but going to diagnostics, then restarting....and would cycle that over and over without going to windows.

This time, it's not starting at all. The fan (or whatever) comes on for a second, shuts off, then the beeping starts. Nothing else happens.....black screen, no other sound.....nothing.

LadyRev is going to look at it tonight for me, but I'm calling my brother to see about borrowing $1000....just in case.

Makes me mad though, cause I bought this computer on Ebay last year for about $375, refurbished. I was hoping it would have lasted longer than 10 months.

If the fan is so stopped up with dust that it just won't turn (or it has gotten so hot that it no longer works well) then your problem could be as small as that.

If the fan is locked up or is tight then I would think that the system would trigger a shut down.

It is hard to keep a computer clean. It requires a regular regiment (and does not reflect on anyones level of cleanliness)

I hope you get it going.

HeavenlyOne

03-06-2007, 12:38 PM

If the fan is so stopped up with dust that it just won't turn (or it has gotten so hot that it no longer works well) then your problem could be as small as that.

If the fan is locked up or is tight then I would think that the system would trigger a shut down.

It is hard to keep a computer clean. It requires a regular regiment (and does not reflect on anyones level of cleanliness)

I hope you get it going.

Act like I'm a retard and tell me how to clean it without damaging it.

Accentuate the 'act like I'm a retard' when telling me.....LOL!

Digging4Truth

03-06-2007, 12:46 PM

Act like I'm a retard and tell me how to clean it without damaging it.

Accentuate the 'act like I'm a retard' when telling me.....LOL!

It is very simple...

Now... I will leave the disassembling of a laptop to your expertise or digress to someone else...

But... once you get it open.. take a vacuum cleaner hose and suck all the bigger clumps of dust/lint etc out. If you have a soft bristle brush attachment that might be the next step. If not... and you have a soft bristle brush you can use to lightly brush everything and loosen up the dust that has become adhered to the motherboard etc then that would be good and then lightly vacuum it again.

There will probably be a fan mounted on top of your processor. Take that fan off and put the vacuum hose up to the fan frame. Sucking air through the fan will cause it to pick up some pretty good speed. Be careful... don't over do it but you DEFINITELY want all fans cleaned well (processor cooling fan & the power supply fan) and all surfaces that are directly being cooled by the fans. Any dust in the fan or on the surface being cooled will vastly reduce the cooling ability.

Just be as gentle and as thorough as you can. You don't want to break anything but you do want to get the whole system (especially portions that have to do with cooling the computer down) as clean as possible.

A computer (generally) isn't an overwhelmingly brittle device. You're not shutting down a nuclear weapon or anything... just be mindful that you don't put any undue stress on the machine as much as possible.

And.. btw... it isn't unintelligent to not know something... it is unintelligent to not ask. :)

HeavenlyOne

03-06-2007, 12:48 PM

Thanks. LadyRev will know how to get the back off, I'm sure. I'll let you know what happens! If it doesn't work, I have a cheap laptop to sell on Ebay.....

drummerboy_dave

03-06-2007, 01:29 PM

HeavenlyOne

03-06-2007, 03:27 PM

If you're talking about a desktop pc, mine did that a few months ago. I called a small local computer shop. He said he'd look at it for $40.00. It was the "power supply", which cost i think $35.00. It didn't seem unreasonable to me. Best of luck.

I'm talking about a laptop and LadyRev said she doesn't want to take it apart as she's never done that with a laptop before.

I took off the two doors on the bottom that I found, but no dust was in them.

*sigh*

Good thing I keep an extra $1000 in my pocket for such emergencies........

Yeah, right!:drawguns

BoredOutOfMyMind

03-06-2007, 04:00 PM

Thanks. LadyRev will know how to get the back off, I'm sure. I'll let you know what happens! If it doesn't work, I have a cheap laptop to sell on Ebay.....

If you're talking about a desktop pc, mine did that a few months ago. I called a small local computer shop. He said he'd look at it for $40.00. It was the "power supply", which cost i think $35.00. It didn't seem unreasonable to me. Best of luck.

search for IBM Thinkpad repair and you will find how to take it apart. Manytimes to blow out the dust, you will have to remove the keyboard.

It could be a unseated video or memory card.

Some call them "Stink-Pads"
:killinme

Fonix

03-06-2007, 04:51 PM

I didnt realize it was a laptop. I was talking about a desktop. Ive never had to work on my laptop. Digging was right though. FIRST suck out large dust bunnies THEN blow it out.

LadyRev

03-06-2007, 08:14 PM

Well based on BEEPS, we have narrowed the problem down to DIMM or System Board. DIMM is supposed to be the most likely problem.

So...I'm needing some HELP to get it out! I did find some info online, stuff I already knew mostly...avoid static electricity, yada yada. I need to know WHERE the memory card is, how to get it out, then we can clean connectors and reseat it.

I also looked at prices for replacement DIMM. Its pretty cheap actually.

If anyone wants specifics, this laptop is a ThinkPad T23.

hammondb3klingon1

03-06-2007, 08:30 PM

Don't eat the chicken!

HeavenlyOne

03-06-2007, 10:02 PM

Don't eat the chicken!

Had that last night and today!

And I'm having it again tomorrow for lunch!

BoredOutOfMyMind

03-06-2007, 11:57 PM

BoredOutOfMyMind

03-07-2007, 12:02 AM

Another possible problem is shown here. (http://www.ozzu.com/ftopic55332.html)

BoredOutOfMyMind

03-07-2007, 12:10 AM

Disassembly possible found here (http://www.quepublishing.com/articles/article.asp?p=102215&seqNum=3&rl=1)

HeavenlyOne

03-07-2007, 11:15 AM

I'm still trying to figure out where the DIMM is. Can't find it in the manual.

Thanks for the links, BOOM. I'm hoping something works.

Theresa

03-07-2007, 11:28 AM

you know, we have a work computer that did the same thing the other day....the shop said it was a memory issue...turned out to be a power supply issue...

HeavenlyOne

03-07-2007, 11:44 AM

you know, we have a work computer that did the same thing the other day....the shop said it was a memory issue...turned out to be a power supply issue...

I'm not sure which one I'd rather have.

Theresa

03-07-2007, 11:56 AM

I'm not sure which one I'd rather have.

power supply problem can either be the cord or the battery - or both..and it can be pricey

but you dont have to open up the machine :)

I'd bet something has come loose inside - I dont personally think Laptops are as durable as they should be for the amount of movement they are subjected to since they are "portable"

sure they are small and easy to move, but they arent rugged enough to handle it...kwim?

But thats just my opinion. LOL

BoredOutOfMyMind

03-07-2007, 01:39 PM

I'm still trying to figure out where the DIMM is. Can't find it in the manual.

Thanks for the links, BOOM. I'm hoping something works.

Depending what factorie built it.... could be under door on bottom.

Or could be under keyboard.

HeavenlyOne

03-07-2007, 01:53 PM

Depending what factorie built it.... could be under door on bottom.

Or could be under keyboard.

I think it's under the door on the bottom. I don't want to do anything here though, as I have carpet and major static electricity here!

BoredOutOfMyMind

03-07-2007, 01:57 PM

I think it's under the door on the bottom. I don't want to do anything here though, as I have carpet and major static electricity here!

LOL
Look at this youtube of Jeremy Clarkson and how he "solved his laptop problems. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJv6800eflo)

**Disclaimer I did not watch this whole clip***

HeavenlyOne

03-07-2007, 02:12 PM

LOL
Look at this youtube of Jeremy Clarkson and how he "solved his laptop problems. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJv6800eflo)

**Disclaimer I did not watch this whole clip***

ROFL!!

I was about to do that last night!

Praxeas

03-07-2007, 07:37 PM

It is very simple...

Now... I will leave the disassembling of a laptop to your expertise or digress to someone else...

But... once you get it open.. take a vacuum cleaner hose and suck all the bigger clumps of dust/lint etc out. If you have a soft bristle brush attachment that might be the next step. If not... and you have a soft bristle brush you can use to lightly brush everything and loosen up the dust that has become adhered to the motherboard etc then that would be good and then lightly vacuum it again.

There will probably be a fan mounted on top of your processor. Take that fan off and put the vacuum hose up to the fan frame. Sucking air through the fan will cause it to pick up some pretty good speed. Be careful... don't over do it but you DEFINITELY want all fans cleaned well (processor cooling fan & the power supply fan) and all surfaces that are directly being cooled by the fans. Any dust in the fan or on the surface being cooled will vastly reduce the cooling ability.

Just be as gentle and as thorough as you can. You don't want to break anything but you do want to get the whole system (especially portions that have to do with cooling the computer down) as clean as possible.

A computer (generally) isn't an overwhelmingly brittle device. You're not shutting down a nuclear weapon or anything... just be mindful that you don't put any undue stress on the machine as much as possible.

And.. btw... it isn't unintelligent to not know something... it is unintelligent to not ask. :)
I would NOT do that. First of all do NOT touch any parts inside. Second buy a can of compressed air. Open the case. Hold it so it is tilted over so the dust bunnies come out. Get the compressed air and blow all the dust out. Don't tilt the can because the liquid will come out.

If the fan is excessively clogged and the air is not blowing it out then you might try a dry q-tip or something.

Make sure no wires are also impeding the movement of the fans.

Then check the fan on the power supply and clean it as well. After you hear the beeping is there any lights on? Does it continue to beep? Also, next time your PC does not boot up to the log in screen after having to shut it down or something (without doing it properly), put the original OS CD in, if it's Win XP and go to the restore console. It will ask if you want to run it and should put you in an MS-DOS like mode. Run chkdsk...which has taken the place of scandisk. If often puts lost files back in their place.

look for loose wires and cables. When you turn the PC on and the fan starts up, after the beep does the fan stop?

What OS? What CPU?

Maybe the video card is bad. How old is the PC?

Again when you open the PC be grounded. An static and you can fry the PC...

Also if the Fan was not working before, you may have over heated the CPU and in that case it may be toast.

Praxeas

03-07-2007, 07:40 PM

I'm talking about a laptop and LadyRev said she doesn't want to take it apart as she's never done that with a laptop before.

I took off the two doors on the bottom that I found, but no dust was in them.

*sigh*

Good thing I keep an extra $1000 in my pocket for such emergencies........

Yeah, right!:drawguns
Ugh...a laptop? I bet the CPU is overheated. Is it an Older model? Those things don't have much in the way of fans and like mine, you have to make sure it does not rest flat on a flat surface....especially like a bed. It has legs and those lets are there not to tilt it for you but to allow a better air flow.

The doors to the bottem only show you the memory modules usually (Dimms)..that could be the problem but they would not cause the fan to stop, and also you still might get something on the screen.

I thought you were talking about a PC. You should probably take it to someone instead of try to fix it yourself

Praxeas

03-07-2007, 07:44 PM

I didnt realize it was a laptop. I was talking about a desktop. Ive never had to work on my laptop. Digging was right though. FIRST suck out large dust bunnies THEN blow it out.
I think it's dangerous to use a vacuum cleaner. If you touch the surface you could knock something loose, break something or maybe discharge static

HeavenlyOne

03-07-2007, 08:17 PM

I would NOT do that. First of all do NOT touch any parts inside. Second buy a can of compressed air. Open the case. Hold it so it is tilted over so the dust bunnies come out. Get the compressed air and blow all the dust out. Don't tilt the can because the liquid will come out.

If the fan is excessively clogged and the air is not blowing it out then you might try a dry q-tip or something.

Make sure no wires are also impeding the movement of the fans.

Then check the fan on the power supply and clean it as well. After you hear the beeping is there any lights on? Does it continue to beep? Also, next time your PC does not boot up to the log in screen after having to shut it down or something (without doing it properly), put the original OS CD in, if it's Win XP and go to the restore console. It will ask if you want to run it and should put you in an MS-DOS like mode. Run chkdsk...which has taken the place of scandisk. If often puts lost files back in their place.

look for loose wires and cables. When you turn the PC on and the fan starts up, after the beep does the fan stop?

What OS? What CPU?

Maybe the video card is bad. How old is the PC?

Again when you open the PC be grounded. An static and you can fry the PC...

Also if the Fan was not working before, you may have over heated the CPU and in that case it may be toast.

You have probably read by now that I believe it's the DIMM memory stick that's the problem. LR is looking at it for me, as she has wood floors. I have all carpet, and I don't want the static to damage it.

Thanks for the advice anyway though. I didn't take a vacuum to it.....LOL! Those are full of static!

Praxeas

03-08-2007, 12:01 AM

You have probably read by now that I believe it's the DIMM memory stick that's the problem. LR is looking at it for me, as she has wood floors. I have all carpet, and I don't want the static to damage it.

Thanks for the advice anyway though. I didn't take a vacuum to it.....LOL! Those are full of static!

Why would both DIMMS go bad though. The Beeping sound is often an indication of a memory problem.

How many times does it beep? Also, after it beeps does the power go off? No lights etc etc? If that is the case there might be something wrong with the powersupply

HeavenlyOne

03-08-2007, 12:49 PM

Why would both DIMMS go bad though. The Beeping sound is often an indication of a memory problem.

How many times does it beep? Also, after it beeps does the power go off? No lights etc etc? If that is the case there might be something wrong with the powersupply

According to the websites LR searched, the beeping is significant because of the number of beeps as well as the timing of them. There is one beep, pause, three beeps, pause, three beeps, pause, and one beep again.

The power doesn't go off, just that nothing happens. The fan is running but that's it. Nothing on the screen.

LR was messing with the computer the other night and got it to boot up, although she didn't know how. I was able to sign in to windows and it ran for a little bit. We did a system restore but it requires a restart. The screen froze on the restart so I had to shut it down manually. It hasn't started since.

The beeping and timing is significant for DIMM problems, which is the memory stick. It could be dislodged or bad and needing replaced. I'll find out soon enough. I might have one or two DIMMS, I don't know.

I've had power supply problems with a desktop before. In that case, nothing happened. No beeping, lights, nothing.

HeavenlyOne

03-10-2007, 03:08 PM

BoredOutOfMyMind

03-10-2007, 03:30 PM

So anyway, my computer is back!

Thanks to everyone!

Prax wants a check for $79 (cheaper than the shop)

I am open source based, so in turn show someone else good and I am fine with that.

HeavenlyOne

03-10-2007, 05:32 PM

Prax wants a check for $79 (cheaper than the shop)

I am open source based, so in turn show someone else good and I am fine with that.

Prax, your check is in the mail.

BOOM, yer sweet. I won't stir the pot on any thread today.

Praxeas

03-11-2007, 05:02 PM

According to the websites LR searched, the beeping is significant because of the number of beeps as well as the timing of them. There is one beep, pause, three beeps, pause, three beeps, pause, and one beep again.

The power doesn't go off, just that nothing happens. The fan is running but that's it. Nothing on the screen.

LR was messing with the computer the other night and got it to boot up, although she didn't know how. I was able to sign in to windows and it ran for a little bit. We did a system restore but it requires a restart. The screen froze on the restart so I had to shut it down manually. It hasn't started since.

The beeping and timing is significant for DIMM problems, which is the memory stick. It could be dislodged or bad and needing replaced. I'll find out soon enough. I might have one or two DIMMS, I don't know.

I've had power supply problems with a desktop before. In that case, nothing happened. No beeping, lights, nothing.
It would be real easy to see how many memory modules you have plugged in. Most laptops have only two slots and they are easy to get to on the bottem of the laptop. There is a little door that you open.

Still one has to wonder why they went bad, why the PC worked the other night and then stopped working. Weird...

Praxeas

03-11-2007, 05:05 PM

LR is here and she started my computer before checking the DIMM and............................................... ..............................

It started right up!!!

She restarted it a couple times and it started up like nothing was wrong.

We went ahead and took the DIMM chip out and put it on the other side, in case the one side is going bad or whatever. When we got done, it started right up again!

So anyway, my computer is back!

Thanks to everyone!
Do you still have it under warranty? If it's the slot and not the module itself I'd get them to fix it especially if the problem is something that might continue to the next slot....

How long have you had this laptop?

HeavenlyOne

03-11-2007, 10:14 PM

It would be real easy to see how many memory modules you have plugged in. Most laptops have only two slots and they are easy to get to on the bottem of the laptop. There is a little door that you open.

Still one has to wonder why they went bad, why the PC worked the other night and then stopped working. Weird...

I have no idea why it's working when it wasn't before, but if the DIMM card wasn't in all the way or something to that effect, it will make the computer beep instead of boot up.

I'm on the computer now and it's working like a charm!

HeavenlyOne

03-11-2007, 10:16 PM

Do you still have it under warranty? If it's the slot and not the module itself I'd get them to fix it especially if the problem is something that might continue to the next slot....

How long have you had this laptop?

I bought this refurbished from a company on Ebay last year.

BoredOutOfMyMind

03-11-2007, 10:34 PM

I bought this refurbished from a company on Ebay last year.

Again, some call them "Stink"pads!

:heeheehee

The jostling about of a laptop would mean that a card can get a speck of dust and that could create havoc.

HeavenlyOne

03-11-2007, 10:46 PM

I have my laptop on my lap when using it. When not in use (although still on), it's on the floor. I don't know what else to do with it since I don't have an end table or coffee table.

Praxeas

03-11-2007, 11:58 PM

I have no idea why it's working when it wasn't before, but if the DIMM card wasn't in all the way or something to that effect, it will make the computer beep instead of boot up.

I'm on the computer now and it's working like a charm!
That's right. It will beep.

Also, before hand when it would not boot up, did the BIOS run?

Praxeas

03-11-2007, 11:59 PM

I have my laptop on my lap when using it. When not in use (although still on), it's on the floor. I don't know what else to do with it since I don't have an end table or coffee table.
There is a special "table" that is made for laptops and is made to help keep them cool. You should try something like that. I'd feel funny about putting a running laptop on the floor...is it carpeted?

HeavenlyOne

03-12-2007, 12:12 AM

That's right. It will beep.

Also, before hand when it would not boot up, did the BIOS run?

No. Nothing on the screen at all. No color, nothing except for the beeps that would cease as soon as the sequence of beeping was over.

HeavenlyOne

03-12-2007, 12:13 AM

There is a special "table" that is made for laptops and is made to help keep them cool. You should try something like that. I'd feel funny about putting a running laptop on the floor...is it carpeted?

Uh.....yeah. Maybe that's my problem? :D

I might get a TV tray or something like that to put it on when I'm not using it.

BoredOutOfMyMind

03-12-2007, 12:15 AM

Uh.....yeah. Maybe that's my problem? :D

I might get a TV tray or something like that to put it on when I'm not using it.

Or an endtable, or a $3 trash can inverted.....

Praxeas

03-12-2007, 12:15 PM

Uh.....yeah. Maybe that's my problem? :D

I might get a TV tray or something like that to put it on when I'm not using it.
I'd be concerned about static down there. If you get an extra module, plug it in and then on boot up see if your bios includes it