Massive computer problems...blue screens, restarts, beeping noises

[Guest]

This is a copy of the email I sent to tech support. Cliffs: basically I blue
screen a ton and get many errors in windows. Fatal errors/disconnects in
warcraft 3/wow. .net framework does not install, etc. The most common error I
see is modification of a system structure or critical data has been detected.
I have formatted 4 times and have registry scanned, anti virus scanned, and
chkdsked. If any of you can help me or can point out what is the cause of
all these issues, please let me know.

---EMAIL---

After searching the internet and trying many fixes and even talking to your
tech support, I have finally exhausted all my options. I bought my computer
at the beginning of my freshman year of college. Besides not being able to
change my mouse cursor, the computer was fine for the first year and a half.
A year and a half later, I would bluescreen every now and then when playing
games - no big deal, I thought. 2 and a half years later, this is what
started happening: (Keep in mind I have only been updating my drivers and
have not made any other changes, I even get these errors AFTER I format)

-started randomly blue screening, particularly in WoW. 2 months later,
started disconnecting from warcraft III games(this was not a connection
issue, tested on two connections and shared connection - no one else dced)--
clearly computer problem. Computer would also make very annoying BEEPING
noises that would not stop(I assume from the motherboard). This noise sounded
like an alarm and was a huge nuisance.

-after happening for a few months, decided to reformat. used cyberpower disk
and floppy. i'd like to mention here that the cyberpower reformat gave me
tons of trouble, i bluescreened a few times in dos and when i finally entered
windows setup, it gave me the 'signature is invalid/product catalog fatal
error' - which meant i needed to go find another solution. i finally
reformatted to Windows XP Sp1, but could not update microsoft .net framework
to 2.0, directx 9.0c or update to service pack 2 via windows update.

-after being unable to find a solution, decided to dl windows xp x64 and
give it a shot. although i finally had direct x 9.0c, i started getting fatal
errors in games and began blue screening much more frequently - maybe 6 times
or more in one boot. i also get low virtual memory errors -- which in turn
totally eliminates all the text on my screen. these blue screens and other
errors make it difficult for me to even continue.

- under my 3 year warranty, i would like cyberpower to restore my computer
to factory settings - WITH Windows XP SP2. I am tired of all the trouble and
would really like to see what you guys can do to help. I am looking forward
to buying my next computer from you guys, so I'd like to see how your
customer service is.

Please give me a number to call and I will call you as soon as I can, I can
give you the windows xp cd key you have taped to my case or any other
information.

one more thing: my friend used to work under your tech support and from what
i hear...it's not too good. please prove him wrong.

Thank You,
Eric

---END---

Once again, if you have any idea what the problem might be(hd, mobo, etc.)
please let me know. I have a hunch that it's the HD but I'm not ready to drop
two hundred on something I'm not sure about.

Thank you all very much

 

[Ron Martell]

This is a copy of the email I sent to tech support. Cliffs: basically I blue
screen a ton and get many errors in windows. Fatal errors/disconnects in
warcraft 3/wow. .net framework does not install, etc. The most common error I
see is modification of a system structure or critical data has been detected.
I have formatted 4 times and have registry scanned, anti virus scanned, and
chkdsked. If any of you can help me or can point out what is the cause of
all these issues, please let me know.

Frequent random errors most often have a hardware related cause,
although software caused errors can sometimes have such a devious set
of trigger events that they seem random.

Overheating is a prime suspect for hardware related errors. Check
inside the case for any buildup of dust or fuzz and remove it with
compressed air. Make certain that all of the cooling fans - power
supply, CPU, video card, chipset, case exhaust (not all of these may
be present) - are spinning freely with no noise or vibration.

RAM errors are another common cause of hardware related problems.
Download one of the following free memory test programs and run it for
an extended period (e.g. overnight) to see if there are errors in your
RAM. Even one error on an overnight test is one too many.

DocMemory http://www.simmtester.com
Windows Memory Diagnostic http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp
Memtest86: http://www.memtest.org


Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
Syberfix Remote Computer Repair

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[w_tom]

Unfortunately you tried to fix it before identifying a problem. For
example, formatting a disk without first identifying a hardware problem
could have also caused disk drive problems.

Start by collecting facts. For example, what (with numbers and exact
spelling) are the messages on those BSODs? Also what does Windows
Device Manger and system (event) logs report? If you don't know these
standard information sources from Control Panel, then use Windows Help.

Responsible manufacturers provide comprehensive hardware diagnostics
for free just for your problem. Available on hard drive and on their
web site. Execute diagnostics to determine what hardware is and is not
functional. IOW break a problem down into parts. Test individual
hardware components separately and without complications of Windows.

If your manufacturer is not a responsible type, then download those
diagnostics from individual component manufacturers or third party to
discover a defective part.

Meanwhile, just like a house with problem doors and floors, one
first verifies the foundation long before fixing anything. In your
computer, foundation is the power supply 'system'. No, not just a
power supply. Essential two tools are a screw driver and a $20 3.5
digit multimeter. Meter so ubiquitous and essential as to be sold even
in Lowes, Radio Shack, Wal-Mart, K-mart, Sears, and Home Depot. Two
minutes should complete the inspection.

Start by measuring purple wire voltage (from power supply to nylon
connector on motherboard) when computer is powered off AND connected to
AC receptacle. That must measure more than 4.87 volts. Next measure
green wire that should be more than 2 volts. When power switch is
pressed, that voltage must drop down to less than 0.8 volts. These
numbers will probably be correct.

Now move on to any one of red, orange, and yellow wires that must
measure more than 3.23, 4.87, and 11.7. Next make these same
measurements when system is accessing many peripherals simultaneously
such as complex video graphics, disk drive, floppy, CD, and network.
These voltages must still remain above.

My bet would be this is where your failures is identified. If not,
then the power supply 'system' is functional. Move on to executing
those other comprehensive hardware diagnostics.

 

[Homer S.]

This is a copy of the email I sent to tech support. Cliffs: basically I blue
screen a ton and get many errors in windows. Fatal errors/disconnects in
warcraft 3/wow. .net framework does not install, etc. The most common error I
see is modification of a system structure or critical data has been detected.
I have formatted 4 times and have registry scanned, anti virus scanned, and
chkdsked. If any of you can help me or can point out what is the cause of
all these issues, please let me know.

---EMAIL---

After searching the internet and trying many fixes and even talking to your
tech support, I have finally exhausted all my options. I bought my computer
at the beginning of my freshman year of college. Besides not being able to
change my mouse cursor, the computer was fine for the first year and a half.
A year and a half later, I would bluescreen every now and then when playing
games - no big deal, I thought. 2 and a half years later, this is what
started happening: (Keep in mind I have only been updating my drivers and
have not made any other changes, I even get these errors AFTER I format)

-started randomly blue screening, particularly in WoW. 2 months later,
started disconnecting from warcraft III games(this was not a connection
issue, tested on two connections and shared connection - no one else dced)--
clearly computer problem. Computer would also make very annoying BEEPING
noises that would not stop(I assume from the motherboard). This noise sounded
like an alarm and was a huge nuisance.

BEEPING noises = your CPU is too hot! Cripes! Has anyone anywhere ever
asked you to check to see if your CPU fan is spinning? Or if it's
completely clogged with dust or animal hair? In addition, are all your
case fans spinning? Are the external vents clogged? Do you have any
pets? Dogs? Cats?

-after happening for a few months, decided to reformat. used cyberpower disk
and floppy. i'd like to mention here that the cyberpower reformat gave me
tons of trouble, i bluescreened a few times in dos and when i finally entered
windows setup, it gave me the 'signature is invalid/product catalog fatal
error' - which meant i needed to go find another solution. i finally
reformatted to Windows XP Sp1, but could not update microsoft .net framework
to 2.0, directx 9.0c or update to service pack 2 via windows update.

-after being unable to find a solution, decided to dl windows xp x64 and
give it a shot. although i finally had direct x 9.0c, i started getting fatal
errors in games and began blue screening much more frequently - maybe 6 times
or more in one boot. i also get low virtual memory errors -- which in turn
totally eliminates all the text on my screen. these blue screens and other
errors make it difficult for me to even continue.

- under my 3 year warranty, i would like cyberpower to restore my computer
to factory settings - WITH Windows XP SP2. I am tired of all the trouble and
would really like to see what you guys can do to help. I am looking forward
to buying my next computer from you guys, so I'd like to see how your
customer service is.

Please give me a number to call and I will call you as soon as I can, I can
give you the windows xp cd key you have taped to my case or any other
information.

one more thing: my friend used to work under your tech support and from what
i hear...it's not too good. please prove him wrong.

Thank You,
Eric

---END---

Once again, if you have any idea what the problem might be(hd, mobo, etc.)
please let me know. I have a hunch that it's the HD but I'm not ready to drop
two hundred on something I'm not sure about.

Thank you all very much

It's almost surely not a bad hard drive. If you brought your computer to
my place for repair and explained the BEEPING noises and errors, I would
recommend a complete preventive maintenance - cost: $95. This entails
removing all the accumulated dirt and dust from the computer case,
including INSIDE the power supply, under the CPU fan and all cooling
fans - ALL DIRT GONE. Also included is reseating all plugs and PC
boards, fan replacement when necessary (fans are an added cost - usually
under $10) and CD-ROM & floppy drive cleaning. In other words, clean as
a whistle. In addition, I'll check your software for security
vulnerabilities like spyware, adware and viruses. I'll then test it
under high stress conditions for a day or two. Oh, and if the internal
wiring looks like a rats nest, I'll use new tie-wraps and anchors to
make it look like a professional actually put it together.

Lots of people think thay know something about computers - few actaully
do.

Good Luck,
HJS

 

[Homer S.]

Unfortunately you tried to fix it before identifying a problem. For
example, formatting a disk without first identifying a hardware problem
could have also caused disk drive problems.

Start by collecting facts. For example, what (with numbers and exact
spelling) are the messages on those BSODs? Also what does Windows
Device Manger and system (event) logs report? If you don't know these
standard information sources from Control Panel, then use Windows Help.

Responsible manufacturers provide comprehensive hardware diagnostics
for free just for your problem. Available on hard drive and on their
web site. Execute diagnostics to determine what hardware is and is not
functional. IOW break a problem down into parts. Test individual
hardware components separately and without complications of Windows.

If your manufacturer is not a responsible type, then download those
diagnostics from individual component manufacturers or third party to
discover a defective part.

Meanwhile, just like a house with problem doors and floors, one
first verifies the foundation long before fixing anything. In your
computer, foundation is the power supply 'system'. No, not just a
power supply. Essential two tools are a screw driver and a $20 3.5
digit multimeter. Meter so ubiquitous and essential as to be sold even
in Lowes, Radio Shack, Wal-Mart, K-mart, Sears, and Home Depot. Two
minutes should complete the inspection.

Start by measuring purple wire voltage (from power supply to nylon
connector on motherboard) when computer is powered off AND connected to
AC receptacle. That must measure more than 4.87 volts. Next measure
green wire that should be more than 2 volts. When power switch is
pressed, that voltage must drop down to less than 0.8 volts. These
numbers will probably be correct.

Now move on to any one of red, orange, and yellow wires that must
measure more than 3.23, 4.87, and 11.7. Next make these same
measurements when system is accessing many peripherals simultaneously
such as complex video graphics, disk drive, floppy, CD, and network.
These voltages must still remain above.

I've been servicing PC's for almost 18 years, computers for 30, and have
rarely heard such terrible advice being given to a non-technician
(user). If he actually follows your advice it's more than likely that he
will have a completely dead motherboard, CPU and/or power supply when
he's done.

You sound like someone who teaches computers and not someone who
actually works on computers. See my other post for practical advice.

Also, what do you think is causing the "BEEPING" noises initially
reported by the user?

<snipped>

Sorry, but I just had to say something,
HJS

 

[w_tom]

If you brought your computer to
my place for repair and explained the BEEPING noises and errors, I would
recommend a complete preventive maintenance - cost: $95. This entails
removing all the accumulated dirt and dust from the computer case,
including INSIDE the power supply, under the CPU fan and all cooling
fans - ALL DIRT GONE. Also included is reseating all plugs and PC
boards, fan replacement when necessary (fans are an added cost - usually
under $10) and CD-ROM & floppy drive cleaning.

Example of a tech who never learned how things work. If it looks
clean, then it must work better? Reality. A computer chock full of
dust and in a 100 degree F room must work just fine. If not, then
something inside that computer is defective. Some techs then want to
cure that symptom with more fans. Again, techs who want to fix things
without first identifying a problem.

Another example of collecting facts before fixing anything - what is
the beep code? Some just automatically assume too much heat because
even after 30 years, those youngsters still have not learned basic
repair techniques - instead they shotgun. Even 30 years ago, we have
to break them of 'try this and try that' - that would mask failures or
exponentially complicate the problem.

Ignore the dirt for now. It does not create problems if the hardware
is OK and may make it easier to identify a marginal (therefore
defective) part. . Ignore a poster who has a solution when he does not
even know what the beep code is. Collect facts - including the beep
code which is unique for each manufacturer's motherboard (see their
beep code charts - again collect facts). If you don't know what those
facts mean, then posting those facts here will result in replies from
better educated and more year experienced.

$95 to clean out a computer? No wonder he still refused to learn how
to solve problems by first identifying them. Who would spend $95 to
vacuum a computer and reseat connectors? Embarrassing.

First collect facts. That reformatted drive may now even make the
solution exponentiall more complex if drive was reformating with
hardware defect elsewhere. Provided previously are standard techniques
we even used on computers in the 1960s to solve problems the first
time.

 

[Homer S.]

Example of a tech who never learned how things work. If it looks
clean, then it must work better? Reality. A computer chock full of
dust and in a 100 degree F room must work just fine. If not, then
something inside that computer is defective. Some techs then want to
cure that symptom with more fans. Again, techs who want to fix things
without first identifying a problem.

So.... you've never actually worked on a real computer..

100?

Another example of collecting facts before fixing anything - what is
the beep code? Some just automatically assume too much heat because
even after 30 years, those youngsters still have not learned basic
repair techniques - instead they shotgun. Even 30 years ago, we have
to break them of 'try this and try that' - that would mask failures or
exponentially complicate the problem.

Shotgun? One shot usually does the trick for me.

Ignore the dirt for now. It does not create problems if the hardware
is OK and may make it easier to identify a marginal (therefore
defective) part. . Ignore a poster who has a solution when he does not
even know what the beep code is.

Re-read the original post - "Computer would also make very annoying
BEEPING noises that would not stop(I assume from the motherboard). This
noise sounded like an alarm and was a huge nuisance." No beep codes -
"BEEPING" = CPU overheat. There are no mfg. codes for constant beeping.

Collect facts - including the beep code which is unique for each manufacturer's motherboard (see their
beep code charts - again collect facts). If you don't know what those
facts mean, then posting those facts here will result in replies from
better educated and more year experienced.

Sorry, no beep codes. And, BTW, in the real world, dead systems that
produce a beep code are almost non-existent. That would be too easy.

$95 to clean out a computer? No wonder he still refused to learn how
to solve problems by first identifying them. Who would spend $95 to
vacuum a computer and reseat connectors? Embarrassing.

So, when you can't see the components on the motherboard due to the
dust, that's okay with you. BestBuy and CompUSA charge $95 just to set a
computer down on their counter.

First collect facts. That reformatted drive may now even make the
solution exponentiall more complex if drive was reformating with
hardware defect elsewhere. Provided previously are standard techniques
we even used on computers in the 1960s to solve problems the first
time.

So.... you've never actually worked on a real computer..

Advising a user to probe inside their computer while it's powered?
Embarrassing...

Come back to the real world.

So, you are a teacher?