The PC is Dead; Long Live the New One?

[thessalian]

Well, things are basically just a little bit sucky right now.

I was so chuffed and generally thrilled - I had new memory for my computer and a new graphics card and I was just going to log on to squee over it before installing...

And Hardison wouldn't start up. The fans were going, all was fine there, but it just wouldn't boot. Which ... well. That makes it a little problematic to use, doesn't it?

So last night was entirely dull. Thing is, I don't own a TV or a stereo. I have my computer for that. So when my computer is down, it doesn't just mean no chat. It means no movies, no TV, no music beyond what I can drag out of my iPod through my iPod dock ... I have books. And there's nothing wrong with books, but it takes away a good 75% of my entertainment options.

I'd just order a new one, but ordering a new one involves it not being delivered for at least three days. The word I am looking for there is "FUCK". Not to mention that this kills my budget in ways I never even dreamed of. But I cannot do without a computer. At all. In any way, shape or form. I don't even know if I'm going to be able to get all my information off Hardison - I swear, that mini-thing? NEVER AFUCKINGGAIN - but ... yeah, no, I can't do without a computer. End of statement. So ... bye-bye budget, hello serious financial juggling, and hello trip to PC World or somewhere equally stupid. Hu-freakin-zah.

*sigh* Fare thee well, Hardison. You served well and faithfully.

(I am currently at a King's Cross internet cafe. Woo.)

Comments

[mitchy.livejournal.com]

What do you DO to your computers? Hardison's barely over 12 months old, it was a good model and set up. No way it should be refusing to boot for no good reason. Cheaper option - take it to be fixed.

[thessalian.livejournal.com]

Keep in mind that a) Hardison wasn't exactly top-of-the-line when I got the machine and b) the machine was designed to be a throw-away. Just putting in a graphics card was pretty horrific, and I can't even take out the hard drive without destroying the case completely, which would take a blowtorch. Plus if it's the motherboard, really ... getting it fixed wouldn't be cheaper. And I can't think what else it could be if it doesn't even try to boot. This is what I get for suggesting a cheap computer.

Geek Squad!!!

[ainulindale.livejournal.com]

All might not be lost!

If the fans are running, it means the machine itself is ultimately fine. Does anything show up on the monitor? Given that you just installed new RAM and a new graphics card, this could actually be a very easy fix. The first thing is to make sure that the connections are meeting as they should be (new RAM chips notoriously can cause this issue if they're not snug and flush with their connections). Try opening the case again and removing the memory chips you just put in. Check the gold plating for any damage (though I doubt there will be any) and reinsert them. Don't be afraid to push down until you're sure there's no more give (my friends and I term this, "force it gently"). Do this same thing for the graphics card, though those usually get screwed in as well.

Give that a shot at let me know if it helps.

Re: Geek Squad!!!

[thessalian.livejournal.com]

*points at post* Um ... I get that the rant about the fact that it doesn't work is the part most people focus on, along with squee, but...

...I never actually put the new RAM *in*. Nor the new graphics card. I just switched it on to squee about it. I also double-checked how everything was sitting in the PC when I first worked out it wasn't working - the first thing I do is check cable connections and make sure that everything's sitting flush. Nothing I did made a damn bit of difference.

I might also point out, though, that I made a disturbing discovery about some of the wiring in that thing, something I never noticed before. Someone (and believe me, that someone was not me) seems to have reinforced a few of the wiring connections inside the case with what looks like surgical tape. This disturbs me on so many levels.

Re: Geek Squad!!!

[ainulindale.livejournal.com]

Ah! Yes...totally translated that like you were progressing to install new software. >.< I apologize for my fried brain.

As for the surgical tape, who built the thing? I can understand tape being used to keep wires out of the way or prevent accidental shock...but to reinforce connections?

Going on that, I can't think of what to tell you other than to listen for what starts up and what doesn't (if you still want to try the self fix and not take it to a shop). I got a bad Windows update once that wouldn't let my PC tell a monitor they were hooked up...but the boot process was still smooth, the fan was running, the hard drive was running, the lights were flickering, and even the *sound* worked...but no visual at all. I use it for parts, now.

Re: Geek Squad!!!

[thessalian.livejournal.com]

Well, here's the best way to explain what's going on with my poor Hardison:

You know how when you start up your Windows PC and before it does anything, it goes *BEEP!* like some indignant robo-infant, to let you know that Windows is about to start booting? And then your hard drive starts chugging along?

...Mine doesn't beep. No flickering lights, no monitor involvement, no sound despite the fact that the speakers are plugged in and apparently working ... nothing. The fans turn on and it just sits there, blowing cool air. Like a very big, very expensive nail dryer.

Re: Geek Squad!!!

[thessalian.livejournal.com]

Oh, and...

As for the surgical tape, who built the thing?

Believe it or not, Hewlett Packard.

Re: Geek Squad!!!

[ainulindale.livejournal.com]

Oh, fantastic...[/sarcasm]. And I'll bet you anything Hewlett Packard would tell you all sorts of inane things if you called them. But if you still have a warranty, totally take advantage of it.

The fan is definitely curious, as that's usually somehow tied to a thermostat relative to the CPU. But if the CPU isn't coming on...why the fan?

I really hope it can get sorted out! Maybe dub Hardison "HAL" in the meantime? It could have even been something like a power surge in your building, which would make me worry for your motherboard. I've known accidental blood-letting to work all of once, and that was when a computer was named Asmodeus. A coincidence, I'm sure. o.o

Re: Geek Squad!!!

[thessalian.livejournal.com]

Well, I now officially have a new tower. New motherboard, my new graphics card and memory are in it and it obviously works just fine. I love my new machine. She's beautiful, powerful, useful, entertaining ... and an utter bitch to travel with.

...I call her Morrigan. :D

[nutmeg3.livejournal.com]

Since I'm a complete numbskull about this stuff, I'll just wish you good luck.

[doccy.livejournal.com]

"You served well and faithfully"? Well, I admire the sentiment, but don't you think there's one phrase far more appropriate (assuming you've seen that ep of Leverage)?

"You have been, and always will be, my friend"

:)

[thessalian.livejournal.com]

Actually, quote is technically, "I have been, and ever shall be, your friend". Needs more of that Spock cadence, y'know? *g* But point taken.

Now, the problem is giving it a heroic send-off like Lucille had that doesn't get me an ASBO.