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Problems with a pc

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by boundlesseternity

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I have an older pc that a friend of mine wants me to fix, but I have never before come across an error like the one i am experiencing. Whenever I try to load the OS into the computer (reformat the hardrive with xp OS) the computer gives me the infamous blue screen of death. I am at a loss, I have tried changing several bios options like it suggested in the blue screen, and I also tried several other things such as removing the extra GPU and the pci modem, but that also didn't have an effect on the PC. Does anyone have any other suggestions? I am thinking that the CD drive might have an error of some sort, but then again it would not load the cd if it did. Any suggestions, or is it toast. (any suggestions that don't involve replacing the pc or any of the parts inside)

11 replies

by oh smeg

The inability to find some file or files

It's the RAM of the System. Quite often when there is Mixed RAM used there are Timing Issues involved which do not have any effect on the System when Windows is running but which do prevent you from Installing Windows.

The solution here is to reduce the system to 1 Stick of RAM that tests OK with something like Memtest86 available for download from here

http://www.memtest86.com/download.html

Then reload the system, after that is finished replace the extra RAM and it should be OK. Of course there is always the possibility that you have a shot stick of RAM so you should first test it all and locate & replace any problems.

Col

by boundlesseternity

I removed both sticks and tried to use both and it did not work already. I would like to do the memtest but if it is needed to run from the computer under an OS I cant because his old OS has crashed. I will give it a shot though. Thanks for the input.

by oh smeg

The Ultimate Boot Cd is available for download here

http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/download.html

Download it burn it to a CD and boot off this CD then run the Memory Test.

Or you could just remove all but 1 stick of RAM and see if you can load it now. :)

Col

by strayer

You could try Xubuntu. It works on older computers and the memory requirement is 64MB.
I've gotten old computers to run well with it when Windows would foul up.

by boundlesseternity

It will not load UBCD, I already had that. I think I figured out why the keyboard I have is usb2.0 and it is not registering with the computer because it is to old. whenver I tried to load xp from the disc I am unable to because the keys wont register when it says press any key to continue. I have a keyboard on the way that has the other connection type... which I forgot the name of. I will post if I get anything to run after that. Thanks for all the help Col.

-Corey

by oh smeg

This is because the BIOS doesn't support a Legacy USB Option so until the OS is loaded and running there is no USB Devices recognized. :)

Col

by boundlesseternity

I Had a feeling that was the problem, I just wasn't sure how old his motherboard was. See with my motherboard I can use a usb keyboard and load discs with it without any problem. Most of my experience with computer comes from newer systems so I never gave a thought to the keyboard being a problem until the earlier post I had regarding the keyboard I used with the system. I guess that is all part of the learning process. I got it working again using the PS2 keyboard and I used windows ubcd for memtest and such. Had to repair some bad sectors in the hard disk but everything is fine now. Thanks again for all your Help Col.

- Corey

by peconet tietokoneet

Download here:
http://www.killdisk.com/

Put this in the cd/dvd drive, you will have to burn it to a cd disk first, then re-boot your computer and wipe the whole drive. it will take a least up to four hours to do. When done re-load on your operating system.

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