jennibell
Ohio Poker Players
OPP member
Posts: 3
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Post by jennibell on Jan 2, 2007 15:48:23 GMT -5
I have a computer that froze up a few years ago, can't do anything with it. My daughter would like to use it for doing homework in "peace" in her room. How do I go about cleaning the whole thing out, except for the original programs, to see if that will get it going again??
Thank you, Jennifer
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Post by TavKat on Jan 2, 2007 18:05:34 GMT -5
Jennifer, There are several things that could be going on with your computer which may prevent it from booting up. Worse case scenerio ...you have a corrupt systems file which would require you to format your Hard Drive thus loosing all the current applications. I may be able to help but first need additional information.
-How old is the computer and what type? A PC or an Apple? -Can you boot the computer up or do you get a black screen? -What operating system is installed? If it is MS Windows what version? 95, Me, 2000, XP? -Does the Hard Drive light on the front of the computer come on to indicate that the drive is attempting to be read or is it unlit? -Can you access the "setup" program? This is usualy done by pressing F2 or Alt/Delete or Ecscape before Windows actually starts. If you look really quickly between the time The Start screen loads and Windows loads you will see the the HOT KEYS listed which will allow you access to the Setup program. -Are any error messages displayed? If so what are they? -What applications were installed which youu would like to keep?
If you can answer these questions for me I may be able to help you get the computer back or tell you it's a lost cause.
If you are forced to reformat and loose your applications like Word, Excel, etc. there are programs which you can download which operate very much like MS Office and are compatable with the file formats Office uses. It is called OpenOffice, free to download and use. No license required. It would be very capable of allowing your daughter to perform her homework asssignments.
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jennibell
Ohio Poker Players
OPP member
Posts: 3
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Post by jennibell on Jan 8, 2007 10:27:53 GMT -5
Okay...sorry it took so long to get back to you. Here is what I have/done...
The computer is a Gateway..got it in '98. It isrunning on windows '98
It starts up and goes to the screen asking be how i want to run computer (already highlighted for commant prompt) i have tried to start in safe mode..it gives me a message to delet some files...then continues with start up..but windows does not appear. also started in commnd prmpt...no viruses detected, but there is an invalid link...windows config is invalits. Tells me to run windows set up to correct problem.
I also tried to boot it from the CD...once with windows CD and another time with a computer restporation (it will not start up from the CD)
Yes..I can get into "setup"...
Go figure...lol
Jennifer
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Post by Spear on Jan 8, 2007 12:31:42 GMT -5
Hey Sharky,
9 year old pc? Just carried a similar one down in the garage to dump it - the only thing to use on mine any longer is a hammer! ;D
These baby's are so out of date, mine didn't even want to run a small linux because of too low main memory...
One last thing you might try is to get a usable hard disk for little money on eBay, install it and try to setup a system. If that works, there is hope. If not, maybe you can build some sort of door stop with the case? ;D
Just my 2 cents, Spear
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Post by TavKat on Jan 8, 2007 13:31:26 GMT -5
Jenni... While Spear makes a good point (I have several collecting dust as well), if all you want to do is run office applications for homework then this pc should be fine. Do not expect to get on the Intermet or run any resource hog programs like Adobe on them because you may end up having more issues.
In any case....here is what I suggest: 1. It sounds as if you have a corrupt or missing Win.ini file. This is a system file which allows windows to load. It may have been accidently deleted or become corrupt when some application you tried to install made changes to it. I know that Photo programs like Kodak and AOL were notorius for this.
2.Get into your setup program and make sure that your "Boot Order" is set to recogonize your CD-ROM as the first device. It may be set to 3rd or disabled thus preventing you from booting from the CD.
3. If you are able to boot from the CD after that, try rerunning the "windows" setup program. This will probably appear as a DOS program on your screen. It should recogonize that windows is already installed and prompt you to reinstall or repair. Try Repair first.
4. If that works you should be able to see all your currently installed programs. At this point go to control panel /add-remove programs and uninstall ALL non-essential applications.
5. If Repair doesnt work try reinstalling Windows. You will probably loose all applications but these can be recovered from your Computer Restoration disc.
6. If you can recover and get windows restarted make sure you perform the following:
-delete all temporary files from your cache: -run a hard drive check for errors -do a "Defrag" on your HD to organize files and maximize your storage space. This will help speed up the launching of the prpograms. -buy an extra stick of memory and install it. I am guessing that you probably do not have more than 128MB ram. 256MB should be plenty to run Win98.
Good Luck. As a final option....Do as Spear says. New computers can be purchased for a little money now-a-days and may save you the aggrevation of trying to save this one.
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