PC question

Collarspace Discussion Forums

Home Login Search

PC question

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest

All Forums >> [Casual Banter] >> Off the Grid >> PC question

Page: [1]

Login

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

PC question - 10/7/2009 8:09:23 AM

Termyn8or

Posts: 18681
Joined: 11/12/2005
Status: offline

I have these three laptops, identical Gateways. One has developed a problem that makes it shutdown right away. You can't do anything because before you know it the thing has shut itself off.

I bought these things which were refurbs, so there are no restore disks, but there are instructions on how to make a restore partition. However that isn't going to happen because it shuts down so fast.

Now since I have multiple identical units can I somehow just clone the drive, OS and everything from one to another on the network ? Perhaps using Norton Ghost or something similar ? If so, how do I prevent it from booting into Vista so that it doesn't shut down ?

Or am I better off ordering the restore disk ? Nice thing about that is it would work on all three of them, four actually - my sister took one.

Right now I am figuring it's a software problem because it does say something about a fatal error before it shuts down. They were purchased in May of this year so if it is a hardware problem I can probably send it back. Wouldn't be the worst deal in the world, they are out of this model so would have to send me something better. That might be hard to find though, I bought these because most of the numbers are equal to my tower and they have all the bells and whistles. Besides all the normal stuff they have built in webcams, wireless and dual layer DVD burners. Not to mention the 17" wide screen that I can actually almost see. The price was really right as well. The fact that they are all the same is a plus, like if one of the chargers gets damaged, I have one to use at least. I got two at the house and one at the shop, and am slowly getting used to Vista. But what I don't know is how to fix Vista.

I'm still leaning towards a software problem. Somebody did something that made it work, and once it did it kept working. It would recover from sleep mode and everything, this problem is just on a cold boot. Also, when it does boot the webcam controls don't show up.

Actually if Vista has a safe mode and restore points like XP, I would be willing to give that a try, provided I can get it to boot. The problem is I don't know how to get to it as of yet.

Any ideas ?

T

Post #: 1

RE: PC question - 10/7/2009 8:15:39 AM

pahunkboy

Posts: 33061
Joined: 2/26/2006
From: Central Pennsylvania
Status: offline

One computer of mine has a "shut system down now" pop up.

If you are not thinking- it is easy to push yes.

I am wondering if you went into windows and changed it to use the settings best for your computer?

Or- simply smash the thing thru a window itself- and while it wont then work- one feels alot better!!!!!

(in reply to Termyn8or)

Post #: 2

RE: PC question - 10/7/2009 8:17:04 AM

subtlebutterfly

Posts: 2230
Joined: 6/15/2008
From: Not your hood
Status: offline

Have you tried updating the BIOS?
My laptop decided to take the piss once in a while..not frequently though. A friend suggested I checked if there was an update for the BIOS and they were right.
Vista has a system restore.
Start -> Control Panel -> .. just type system restore in the search panel in the right corner, it's much quicker.

Otherwise:
Start
Right click Computer
On the left under "Tasks" it says "System protection" click it
Then a window pops up with a button saying "system restore".

_____________________________

~Ms. Awesomeness to YOU!~

(in reply to Termyn8or)

Post #: 3

RE: PC question - 10/7/2009 8:59:35 AM

Missokyst

Posts: 6041
Joined: 9/9/2006
Status: offline

I would order the disks. I just got some for mine and it only costs 20 bucks. If it shuts down right away you are not going to have time to get into control panel, ect to make a partition, recovery console, ect.
There are programs that will clone your drive but that will only work if your computer can stay up and running.
Did you try safe mode to get to repair? If you are able to safe mode into the repair system check to see if you have a console built in, mine came with it pre-installed. Once there try to do a CHKDSK /R

(in reply to Termyn8or)

Post #: 4

RE: PC question - 10/7/2009 9:04:16 AM

ThatDamnedPanda

Posts: 6060
Joined: 1/26/2009
Status: offline

Term, the only suggestion I could make given what you're describing is to reformat your hard drive right from the boot, but I'm not sure you can even do that with Vista. I seem to recall hearing once that you can't. But even then, you'd need a disc to reinstall when you're done anyway. Might have to just bite the bullet and spring for a disc.

_____________________________

Panda, panda, burning bright
In the forest of the night
What immortal hand or eye
Made you all black and white and roly-poly like that?

(in reply to Missokyst)

Post #: 5

RE: PC question - 10/7/2009 9:36:16 AM

LadyPact

Posts: 32566
Status: offline

Term, we had the exact same problem with our Gateway. MP ran across the same issue and we were not able to correct it. Unlike Me, he actually knows what he is doing. LOL. He hasn't been able to correct the problem. If you get any good answers here, please let Me know. Thanks.

_____________________________

The crowned Diva of Destruction. ~ ExT

Beach Ball Sized Lady Nuts. ~ TWD

Happily dating a new submissive. It's official. I've named him engie.

Please do not send me email here. Unless I know you, I will delete the email unread

(in reply to ThatDamnedPanda)

Post #: 6

RE: PC question - 10/7/2009 10:04:14 AM

Justme696

Posts: 3236
Joined: 1/7/2008
From: Royal kingdom of the Netherlands
Status: offline

Acronis, Paragon or Norton diskimage software have ( or had) the ablity to make the back ups in dos. So you might not need windows and that might prevent the shut downs/reboots during back up

or perhaps
http://www.thefreecountry.com/utilities/backupandimage.shtml

(in reply to Termyn8or)

Post #: 7

RE: PC question - 10/7/2009 10:19:34 AM

blackpearl81

Posts: 506
Joined: 8/30/2005
From: Home of the Yankees
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Termyn8or

I have these three laptops, identical Gateways. One has developed a problem that makes it shutdown right away. You can't do anything because before you know it the thing has shut itself off.

I bought these things which were refurbs, so there are no restore disks, but there are instructions on how to make a restore partition. However that isn't going to happen because it shuts down so fast.

Now since I have multiple identical units can I somehow just clone the drive, OS and everything from one to another on the network ? Perhaps using Norton Ghost or something similar ? If so, how do I prevent it from booting into Vista so that it doesn't shut down ?

Or am I better off ordering the restore disk ? Nice thing about that is it would work on all three of them, four actually - my sister took one.

Right now I am figuring it's a software problem because it does say something about a fatal error before it shuts down. They were purchased in May of this year so if it is a hardware problem I can probably send it back. Wouldn't be the worst deal in the world, they are out of this model so would have to send me something better. That might be hard to find though, I bought these because most of the numbers are equal to my tower and they have all the bells and whistles. Besides all the normal stuff they have built in webcams, wireless and dual layer DVD burners. Not to mention the 17" wide screen that I can actually almost see. The price was really right as well. The fact that they are all the same is a plus, like if one of the chargers gets damaged, I have one to use at least. I got two at the house and one at the shop, and am slowly getting used to Vista. But what I don't know is how to fix Vista.

I'm still leaning towards a software problem. Somebody did something that made it work, and once it did it kept working. It would recover from sleep mode and everything, this problem is just on a cold boot. Also, when it does boot the webcam controls don't show up.

Actually if Vista has a safe mode and restore points like XP, I would be willing to give that a try, provided I can get it to boot. The problem is I don't know how to get to it as of yet.

Any ideas ?

T

Is the laptop actually shutting down? (as in, powering itself off) or is it restarting itself over and over?

Most OS's have the ability to get into "safe mode" - where it loads up the bare minimums needed to get to the desktop. I don't believe it's changed w/ Vista, but you can access the boot options by continually pressing F8 while the computer starts up.

You have to continually press F8, because there's only a small window (2-3 seconds) where the key will register and activate the menu options.

Once it registers, you'll come to a screen where it says "Windows Advanced Boot options menu" and you'll have several options:
Safe Mode
Safe Mode with Network Support
Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Normal
Normal with Boot Logging enabled.

Now, safe mode will load the bare minimums needed to make it to the desktop - no sound drivers, no network drivers, no video drivers (it uses the "generic" video driver thats packaged in with Windows)

I'd highly reccomend this first.. This can help you isolate it from being a hardware or software problem. If you can get into the desktop in safe mode, there's a really good chance that it's a piece of software (driver, application, whatever) thats causing the error/restart/shutdown.

Safe Mode w/ Network support does the same thing as "regular" safe mode does, except it turns on your network card/drivers.

Safe Mode w/ Command prompt does the same thing as "regular" safe mode does, except you do it through typing out commands (not for the faint of heart)

Feel free to post back and let us know if you were able to get into the system via safe mode.

Hope this helps.

BP

_____________________________

~ Karma. Being a motherfucker since 1981 ~

Ms. Pacman was the greatest prostitute that ever lived. For 25 cents, that bitch swallowed balls 'till she died.

(in reply to Termyn8or)

Post #: 8

RE: PC question - 10/7/2009 10:22:30 AM

Justme696

Posts: 3236
Joined: 1/7/2008
From: Royal kingdom of the Netherlands
Status: offline

http://vistasupport.mvps.org/disable_automatic_restart_to_read_blue_screen_messages.htm

so you might be able to read the error message when it reboots.

(in reply to blackpearl81)

Post #: 9

RE: PC question - 10/7/2009 10:41:10 AM

FRSman

Posts: 5
Joined: 10/7/2009
Status: offline

One of the problems that I have seen with Gateway laptops and I know this sounds stupid but the glue used on the heat sinc fans degrades from heat and gives out and the fan fails or is displaced... it could be an overheating problem that will force it down in about three seconds.... so.

1- check the fans that they are working.
2- read the os on the sticker and get a cd for that os if you have redo it... then install the os and use one of the other laptops to pull down the device drivers ect.

(in reply to Justme696)

Post #: 10

RE: PC question - 10/7/2009 2:02:45 PM

subtlebutterfly

Posts: 2230
Joined: 6/15/2008
From: Not your hood
Status: offline

...just wanted to point out that Windows 7 is being launched on the 22nd...I think it'd be a great alternative instead of (IF you need to reformat) booting up with windows vista again..just sayin'.

_____________________________

~Ms. Awesomeness to YOU!~

(in reply to FRSman)

Post #: 11

RE: PC question - 10/7/2009 4:48:08 PM

Termyn8or

Posts: 18681
Joined: 11/12/2005
Status: offline

FR

Thanks, I'll try some things and get back to you. So it is still F8 then ? I never had much luck with F8, I just seem to have trouble hitting it at the right time.

I was also thinking that since I have identical units I should be able to switch harddrives and isolate it for sure to a software or hardware problem.

I'll keep you "posted".

T

(in reply to subtlebutterfly)

Post #: 12

RE: PC question - 10/7/2009 5:24:48 PM

blackpearl81

Posts: 506
Joined: 8/30/2005
From: Home of the Yankees
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Termyn8or

FR

Thanks, I'll try some things and get back to you. So it is still F8 then ? I never had much luck with F8, I just seem to have trouble hitting it at the right time.

I was also thinking that since I have identical units I should be able to switch harddrives and isolate it for sure to a software or hardware problem.

I'll keep you "posted".

T

Continually hit F8. The window for the system to recognize that keystroke is fairly small, and it has to be done during a certain part of the boot sequence - it's after you see it either: display the system info or brand logo, but before you see the Windows logo.

If you get a "keyboard stuck" error, just reset the system and wait a few seconds longer before starting to hit the F8 key.

_____________________________

~ Karma. Being a motherfucker since 1981 ~

Ms. Pacman was the greatest prostitute that ever lived. For 25 cents, that bitch swallowed balls 'till she died.

(in reply to Termyn8or)

Post #: 13

RE: PC question - 10/7/2009 11:35:29 PM

cosmicowgurl

Posts: 19
Joined: 8/6/2009
Status: offline

Hi
I am no expert on Vista accept it sucks. Hence, the introduction of Windows 7. LOL! However all kidding aside have you tried the System Restore feature under accessories in your Start Menu? That might let you back far enough to fix the problem. If not, one other remedy you could try is going into the repair console and see if Windows can fix itself there which could work. Other wise you have to go into your bio and check your Power Management settings, BUT if you have no experience in resetting your bio’s it would be a good idea to have someone with you that is proficient just in case it yaks on you. I’m thinking that there is a setting in the bio’s your system doesn’t like which knowing Micro-Crap is distinct possibility. I hope something here could work for you nothing is more aggravating than a system malfunction.

(in reply to blackpearl81)

Post #: 14

RE: PC question - 10/7/2009 11:56:37 PM

BOUNTYHUNTER

Posts: 9259
Joined: 2/5/2004
Status: offline

there should be a feature some where there called go back, it will take you back to the day you plugged it in..BH

_____________________________

US going to hell in a hand basket/

(in reply to cosmicowgurl)

Post #: 15

RE: PC question - 10/8/2009 12:10:49 AM

BOUNTYHUNTER

Posts: 9259
Joined: 2/5/2004
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: pahunkboy

One computer of mine has a "shut system down now" pop up.

If you are not thinking- it is easy to push yes.

I am wondering if you went into windows and changed it to use the settings best for your computer?

Or- simply smash the thing thru a window itself- and while it wont then work- one feels alot better!!!!!

i weould vite for smashimg lol

_____________________________

US going to hell in a hand basket/

(in reply to pahunkboy)

Post #: 16

RE: PC question - 10/8/2009 12:17:32 AM

BOUNTYHUNTER

Posts: 9259
Joined: 2/5/2004
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: FRSman

One of the problems that I have seen with Gateway laptops and I know this sounds stupid but the glue used on the heat sinc fans degrades from heat and gives out and the fan fails or is displaced... it could be an overheating problem that will force it down in about three seconds.... so.

1- check the fans that they are working.
2- read the os on the sticker and get a cd for that os if you have redo it... then install the os and use one of the other laptops to pull down the device drivers ect.

Diane and myself owned GateWayS but no lomger as I cobbled us both a custome one they are working great and much quicker them , even tho Dianes little laptop is a speedy little thing..BH

_____________________________

US going to hell in a hand basket/

(in reply to FRSman)

Post #: 17

Page: [1]

All Forums >> [Casual Banter] >> Off the Grid >> PC question

Page: [1]

Jump to:

New Messages	No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages	Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages	Locked w/o New Messages

Post New Thread

Reply to Message

Post New Poll

Submit Vote

Delete My Own Post

Delete My Own Thread

Rate Posts

Collarchat.com © 2025

Terms of Service

0.281