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Computer Is Well And Truly In Need Of Help
  1. #1



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    Computer Is Well And Truly In Need Of Help

    Hi Everyone,

    I have just recently decided to pull out my old PC for some gaming again. I am currently on a computer that is just too old for the games I am trying to play. It has been broken for around 2 years now and have tried everything under the sun! I rang up Zoostorm (PC Brand) and they said it wasn't covered anymore As you can see, my face was similar to that...

    Anyway I have bought numerous recovery disks and tried all the settings on the Advanced Options menu and tried boot from CD with the disks. I am seriously in need of help as some my work which I need to refer to is located on there and this PC is far too aged!



    But I am not sure if it was the fact that I was downloading a graphics driver it installed and then ever since...BSOD - And that goes for all 3 of the safe mode settings too! I am using a 32bit Home Premium on the Vista computer and really need some help!

    Many Thanks,

      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  2. #2



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    Re: Computer Is Well And Truly In Need Of Help

    Well, we might be ble to help you.

    You get bsod's in safe mode? That usually isn't a driver issue as the gpu driver doesn't load then.

    You need to test your RAM. you can get memtest86, burn it to a cd and run it for a few hours.
    Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

    Have you ever used Linux Livecds? Basically its a self contained OS on a cd that doesn't need to get installed on the computer.
    If you get crashes using it, then its hardware.
    Ubuntu is your best choice should you try that.

      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  3. #3



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    Re: Computer Is Well And Truly In Need Of Help

    Yeah I am receiving BSOD constantly and from every setting on my PC. But since the last reply I am currently doing a Memory Diagnostics Test and it is currently saying I have Hardware problems which is worrying. I had the 9400GT in, then switched to the 8400GS and am now running through on-board graphics.

    I am in possession of a CD that holds an XP OS and allows me to access operation such as a factory restoration, which is what I am trying to achieve, but I am now under the impression that my Hardware is failing me through the BSOD's. While you are asking to test my RAM I cannot even precede Safe Mode with any setting/s. I have been stuck with this problem for 2 years.

    What can I do with a hardware failure to determine the probable component?

      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  4. #4



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    Re: Computer Is Well And Truly In Need Of Help

    Depends on the hardware thats bad.

    I'd suggest, if you can run just 1 ram stick at a time and try to boot. Unfortunately, solving hardware issues is difficult without extra peices.

    Memtest test the ram, and is the easiest test to do. And maybe solve the issue.

      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  5. #5



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    Re: Computer Is Well And Truly In Need Of Help

    Unfortunately I could not get on the MemTest you wished me to do but I did try the boot up with each 1GB stick on the start up repair...I got no new information

    I am really thinking it is the hard drive that has corrupt as I cannot really think what else it could be? Would I be able to put the HDD in another PC to see if it is recognized? Or would that just ruin the other OS in the other PC?

      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  6. #6



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    Re: Computer Is Well And Truly In Need Of Help

    No, you can do that.

    You can also use a Ubuntu livecd on the broken computer, and check it out.
    Use Ubuntu Live CD to Backup Files from Your Dead Windows Computer - How-To Geek

      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  7. #7



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    Re: Computer Is Well And Truly In Need Of Help

    I put the Hard Drive into the other PC and it was not recognized. I'm not sure if it was put in the slot but the SATA cable seemed to fit correctly through the Motherboard and HDD. I will try Ubuntu when I get the new internet on Thursday, will keep you posted on info

      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  8. #8



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    Re: Computer Is Well And Truly In Need Of Help

    Did you remember to plug the power into the drive?

    The ubuntu livecd will answer ALOT of questions

      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  9. #9



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    Re: Computer Is Well And Truly In Need Of Help

    If you mean by putting in the molex connector as well as the SATA then I am not sure lol can't remember to be honest so will try now and post immediately afterwards the outcome just to double check

      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  10. #10



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    Re: Computer Is Well And Truly In Need Of Help

    Well I tried to put the XP HDD into my other comptuer, hooked it all up and got to the XP loading screen and before you know it it went black and restarted the cycle again. But at least I had some sort of progress. I do not care if I have to use XP as long as I can get to my old components I am not fussed.

    But I also need to find a way of formatting the Vista HDD without clearing the OS out of existence because I have no re-installation disk. I am still not sure how the Ubuntu service quite works though

      My System SpecsSystem Spec

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