10 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
10 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Computer says no!

by chris chorley
9 replies
Hi everybody, my advent laptop is not working properly it takes at least 10 mins to come on and then when it does and I go on the internet or try and do anything it takes another ten mins and then crashes. Is there a way I can fix this or do I need a new laptop?


Thanks
#computer
  • Profile picture of the author drewcpappas
    Go online (from another computer) and research the problem. I would first try and run some type of diagnostics before you buy a new one. That is unless the laptop is very old.

    Good luck
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5760515].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author zon3d
    Could be any number of things. Debug the issue by isolating testing the various hardware components. Or just send it in for repair.
    Signature
    Web Design Brisbane
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5760543].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author WhiteDove
    Number 2 is right, you should have a diagnostic program on your computer.
    Signature

    Dianne
    WhiteDove
    War Room Member

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5760913].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Deji
    As zon3d above said, it could be caused by a number of factors. It may take up to 10 minutes to come on because you may have a lot of startup programs. This could also be caused by a virus. AS for the crashing, this could be a problem with the browser or could also be caused by a virus that is making the computer run out of memory. I suggest you try running an Ubuntu Live CD on it to see if the problem will be the same. I seriously doubt this. Also, if you have your recovery CD, try to use the repair option and see if that works. Also, use the following commands on the command line to see if you can isolate the problem: msconfig, chkdsk and sfc/scannow. If all else fails, back up your system and reformat it. If you want, I could connect to your computer remotely and help you fix it. All the best!
    Signature
    Paypal Limited? Get The Definitive Guide To Unlocking Your Paypal Account
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5760930].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rosetrees
    How much RAM does your computer have? Have you scanned it using Malwarebytes and Syperantispyware? Have you cleaned up the registry using ccleaner? If it's an older version of Windows, have you defragged the hard drive? How full is the hard drive? How many programs are set to run when it starts? Which browser are you using to access the internet?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5760991].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Pawpoint
    You could always try your rescue disk and reload windows to factory settings. Make sure you have backed-up all your files if you do though.
    Signature
    http://www.cheapherbalincense.biz Cheap UK Strong Aroma Incense + bulk - Free UK delivery 1.5g to 1Kg
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5761020].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Entrecon
    Staples is running a deal right now where they will do a clean-up on your computer for free...normally 9.99. My wife took her netbook in and they tried to upsell to RAM and a paid anti-virus. We needed the RAM and price was decent, so we got that...but passed on the anti-virus and the install on the memory...I can do that.
    Signature

    Visit My website http://kipferguson.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5761109].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author MP80
      Hi Chris,

      Without knowing too many details, it sounds like not enough RAM.

      Also agree with using ccleaner - and in particular, the startup tool, to switch off programs that are loading during startup (make sure you know what you are switching off though).

      For Windows: If you don't have ccleaner (and obviously can't download it :p) press the 'windows' key and 'r' at the same time. In the box that pops up, type 'msconfig', then select 'ok'. You can now disable startup programs from the system configuration menu.

      If you are using any add-ons (toolbars, flash player, etc) with your internet browser, then you should disable them too. This is done via Internet options > Programs > Manage Add-ons.

      I'm not sure which operating system and browser you are using but, if you haven't got the latest version installed, then it is always worth upgrading. For instance, Windows 7 is much, much lighter on your computer's resources than Vista. It is also more secure (when regularly updated, of course). Likewise, IE9 is a vast improvement on any previous Microsoft Internet Browsers, and well worth using.

      Doing the RAM upgrade is relatively easy (although not always possible) and my last one cost me just under 100 bucks (DIY). If RAM is the problem, the tips above should keep you going while you work out a long-term solution.




      Lol, love the little britain quote btw
      Signature
      Before you do ANYTHING else in your day - do at least ONE thing that brings money into your business.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5761175].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Farish
    Originally Posted by chris chorley View Post

    Hi everybody, my advent laptop is not working properly it takes at least 10 mins to come on and then when it does and I go on the internet or try and do anything it takes another ten mins and then crashes. Is there a way I can fix this or do I need a new laptop?


    Thanks
    A boot up this long is traditionally one of two factors.

    First a bad hard drive

    First step is to click Start / Programs/ Accessories / right click Command Prompt and select Run As Administrator

    When the command line script pops up you will need to enter the following command

    Then you run chkdsk /r.

    It will ask you to restart your pc. After the scan finishes running if you have a bad sectors it will let you know that. If that is the case, the scan will mark the bad sectors and your computer may boot up faster. This will only help temporarily because if your hard drive is at this point its time to back up everything you can and go replace it.

    The second problem is either a corrupted os or a virus in the os causing this problem. I cant post links yet, but go and search for kaspersky rescue disk on a friends computer. Burn the cd and boot your pc from the cd.

    If you do not know how to do this, most computers if you hit F8 will give you a boot menu. You may need to pay attention to what the bottom of your screen is saying, a lot of computers will give you the function you need to press to get the choose from boot device list.


    Now, here is a 3rd possibility. Are you putting the pc to sleep or doing a shut down. On sometimes when the pc goes to sleep and it uses hibernation mode, that file gets corrupted. That causes the pc to slowly boot up. To disable this.

    First step is to click Start / Programs/ Accessories / right click Command Prompt and select Run As Administrator

    When the command line script pops up you will need to enter the following command

    powerCFG -h off

    There should be no message it should just be done automatically.

    If there are no errors from the chkdsk then there is a good chance your hard drive is fine.

    Your computer will now use the standby feature instead of the hibernation mode now.

    If the problem goes away after this then it is solved.

    If you ran the chkdsk, virus scan and hiberation issue and the problem is not solved. Then I suggest you reinstall your operating system. It could be a bad driver or some corrupted file that does not involve a virus. Very rare and unlikely but it happens.

    Now after all this is done and the problem does not go away, then its time to get a new laptop.

    Hope this helps.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5761554].message }}

Trending Topics