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| Main Forums | Discussion | Tech Talk | Mature Content | Archives |
A home without a wall, |
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| Geek Stuff |
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Can Anyone Tell Me? |
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SmartChick Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081On A Journey To The Unknown 
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Not only does my computer all of a sudden shuts down on me, but there are a couple of other things I have noticed. My CD drive has just vansihed. The icon is gone. And, my Java all of a sudden no longer works. I have tried several times to go to geocities, and it tells me that I need to install Java. I have done this more than once. I use to be able to get into geocities with no problem at all. Anyway, my CD drive icon is gone, and my java just won't work. Can anyone tell me what I need to do? I can't install any CD's, because I can't get to my CD drive. I am very frustrated. Thanks Sue |
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| © Copyright 2007 Sue Graves - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Kalle Member
since 2007-10-15
Posts 89Finland |
When I had trouble with the cd-drive of my notebook, it was due to the fact that it was somewhat loosely manually connected and then it fell off one day, I inserted it back and the icon still didn`t appear, then I restarted the computer to let it "Think over" the presence of the driver and then it was there, icon and the driver worked perfectly Burned a good quality data-dvd with five great Japanese films in it... |
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Grinch Member Elite
since 2005-12-31
Posts 2929Whoville |
In no particular order the problem could be any of the following: Faulty hard drive Faulty Motherboard General overheating Bad memory stick A virus Damaged or deleted OS files Faulty PSU Recently loaded software A loose connection This isn’t a definitive list but it’s a start. Most PC faults start off as mysteries with a myriad of possible causes, to get to the bottom of them you have to become a little like Sherlock Holmes and start eliminating the possibilities. You also need to be sure you know what you’re doing before you start, what might be elementary for Sherlock often mystifies Watson. If you feel confident\competent you can try the following: If you haven’t loaded any software recently you can eliminate that from the list of possible causes, if you have start un-installing them one at a time, re-boot and see if the fault still exists. You can run a scan on the hard drive and if no faults are found you can eliminate that. If you have virus scanning software and up to date virus definition files but it doesn’t find a problem you can eliminate that. Checking all the internal connections are secure eliminates another possibility. Removing one stick at a time if you have more than one is a good test for a bad memory stick. If your computer’s old overheating can be caused by a build up of dust or a failed cooling fan. Damaged or deleted OS files are hard to find so generally a re-install or repair is the only way to be sure. A faulty PSU or Motherboard should only be considered when all the other possibilities have been exhausted and unless you’re familiar with the internal workings of a PC I’d recommend getting some professional help if you get to this point. |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
While Grinch's list contains possible problems, the most likely culprit is a computer that has either a) gotten a virus (as he noted), b) gotten tired of having too much data swapped around and has developed a virtual form of gangrene, or c) a combination of a & b. I would start with the simple first, then escalate after that proves wrong. I.e. I wouldn't worry about a bad motherboard, etc., until I ruled out the likely possiblity that the data on your hard drive is just jumbled; all those symptoms have happened to me at one time or another. My response to any more than mildly irritating problem with any of my computers is to restore it. Most (if not all) computers that compe pre-loaded with software have restore discs. I usually try reloading it without a total format, but if that doesn't work, I just wipe the old and make way for the new. It has almost always solved my problems.  |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
A note to add to my previous reply, however, is to make sure you have anything you want to keep backed up onto a hard disk or network drive, as many restores will erase saved data. I suggest, if you don't have a network and can afford a few extra bucks, to buy an external hard drive - you can get them as cheap as $60 and they can serve as a good backup in case you ever have any problems that require either a restore or a new computer... they can also allow you to fall asleep on the same night that your hard drive crashes and you lose everything on it.  |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
Oh, and one more thing from the self-proclaimed nerd (geek is sleek): If you don't feel comfortable messing around with your computer on any of these levels, Best Buy has the "Geek Squad," which will help you out with your computer. My experience with them has been more than satisfactory and I have always found their fees reasonable. You just take your computer in to them (I would also take any discs that came with the computer) and ask them to fix it. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?type=category&id=pcmcat38200050030 I'll shut up now. |
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