Boot Problem Help Needed

[Marsha]

When I turn on my computer I sometimes get a black screen with eMachines
logo and two options at the bottom, one is Bios and I believe the other is
Setup. After I turn it off and turn it back on a few times it will start
correctly. What would cause this? What files should be backed up to a
external hard drive in case of a crash? Help appreciated
Thanks,
Marsha

 

[Uncle Grumpy]

When I turn on my computer I sometimes get a black screen with eMachines
logo and two options at the bottom, one is Bios and I believe the other is
Setup. After I turn it off and turn it back on a few times it will start
correctly. What would cause this?

Something is failing and that's causing your system to give you those
options.

What files should be backed up to a
external hard drive in case of a crash?

Everything. Get an imaging program like Acronis.

 

[Malke]

When I turn on my computer I sometimes get a black screen with eMachines
logo and two options at the bottom, one is Bios and I believe the other is
Setup. After I turn it off and turn it back on a few times it will start
correctly. What would cause this? What files should be backed up to a
external hard drive in case of a crash? Help appreciated
Thanks,
Marsha

That's a classic symptom of a failing power supply. This is common with
eMachines. eMachines also have a nasty habit of when their power
supplies die, everything else dies too. So it is really important that
you back up to external media. Here is some general information about
backing up:

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Backing_Up

Standard caveat: Of course since I can't see your computer you shouldn't
take this as a definitive diagnosis and may want to take your machine to
a local computer repair shop (not a BigComputerStore/GeekSquad type of
place).

As for backup, only you can answer that question because only you know
what you have. In general, you back up your data: documents,
spreadsheets, pictures, music, Favorites/Bookmarks, email, etc. You
don't back up programs since they would need to be reinstalled anyway
after a clean install of the operating system.


Malke

 

[Marsha]

Thanks
I was afraid that is what was happening. I am backing up my personal files
now. I appreciated everyone's reply and thanks a million for helping me!
Marsha

 

[Richard in AZ]

Thanks
I was afraid that is what was happening. I am backing up my personal files now. I appreciated
everyone's reply and thanks a million for helping me!
Marsha

Unfortunately, many Emachines use a proprietary size power supply, that has an unrealistitic price
for replacement.
If you plan to have it replaced by a friend, or small computer repair shop (never use the big box
store, BestBuy, etc. repair) have a look at transferring the motherboard and all parts to a new
chassis. You can often buy a new chassis, with a better standard power supply, for less money that
buying a replacement power supply. However, you have to weight the cost of having the part transfer
done. P.S. You have to transfer the mother board. The Windows OS in Emachines is tied to that
motherboard (BIOS) chip and will not work if you change motherboards.