Problems with my laptop-- suggestions
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From: MZB on 24 Apr 2010 12:47 Ben: My laptop has: toshiba mk4026gax, according to Belarc Advisor. It also lists SMART status as healthy. It appears there is not diagnostic specifically for this drive. My computer seems to be passing the Dell Diagnostics except for the CD drive (which I rarely use -- oddly that seems to be working fine). I will try and clean up any dust/dirt. Can that also cause problems on boot-up? After I do the forced air thing, if it doesn't work, should I do the XP REPAIR. I'm real hesitant to do that as I don't want to screw anything up, although my important data is backed up. Mel "Ben Myers" <ben_myers(a)charter.net> wrote in message news:hqv5sc$1hm$1(a)news.eternal-september.org... > On 4/24/2010 11:21 AM, Mel wrote: >> I'm having more problems. >> Computer now does not boot most of the time. It stalls after my initial >> screen. >> >> I ran Dell Diagnostics Express Test and everything passed.I'm now doing >> the >> custom tests. I'm doing the IDE disk test and it looks like it will pass. >> I'll then try the system memory, system board, and processor tests. >> >> Any other ideas? >> >> >> "Bob Villa"<pheeh.zero(a)gmail.com> wrote in message >> news:f6aaadf4-c972-42a0-87b3-47391beac763(a)s9g2000yqa.googlegroups.com... >> On Apr 24, 7:56 am, "MZB"<m...(a)noway.prudigy.net> wrote: >>> Howdy: >>> >>> I have had this Inspiron 2200 for about 6 years and I use it a lot. I am >>> running XP HOME SP3. >>> >>> Lately, I am having the following problem: >>> >>> The computer suddenly slows down to a crawl. There can be a 3-minute >>> wait >>> for any response. Sometimes I'll just see an hourglass for awhile. >>> I thought it might be internet-related, but when this starts I can >>> completely close my browser and the problem continues. At times I'll >>> have >>> to >>> do a cold shutdown (ie: hold down the on/off switch to shut it down). >>> >>> I'm not sure how to troubleshoot this. I've run msconfig and reduced the >>> startup stuff. I'm not sure if that helps. >>> >>> One other problem: I used to be able to go on standby. But when I do now >>> I >>> get the BSOD when starting up from standby. When I request an error >>> report, >>> it suggests that I look at updating my device drivers. But it doesn't >>> specify any paerticular device/driver. This problem may not even be >>> related >>> to my other one. >>> >>> One other clue perhaps is that the fan is going every time this happens. >>> It >>> only happens after I've been running the computer for awhile. Does this >>> sound like an overheating problem? Last time it happened, I could not >>> get >>> it >>> to restart; it would freeze after the splash screen, so again I had to >>> do >>> a >>> cold shutdown. That was last night. Today it booted right up and is >>> running >>> nicely, no problems. >>> >>> I use Avira AV and keep it updated. Scans are clean. Ditto with >>> malwarebytes. I regularly clean out the cache and other temp files. >>> >>> Suggestions? >>> >>> Mel >> >> If JayB good suggestions gives you no results...try MalwareB in >> FafeMode (if you haven't) >> bob >> >> > > Determine the manufacturer of the hard drive. Download and run BOTH the > manufacturer's free disk diagnostics and HDAT2. The latter allows you to > see the SMART data, including maximum/minimum temperature during the life > of the drive, number of relocated sectors (IMHO, even ONE is a sign of a > failing drive), number of pending relocated sectors. > > You might remove the keyboard, an easy job, and give the heat sink and fan > a good cleaning with a Q-tip, a soft-bristle brush and compressed air, > especially if the computer is used in a dirty environment or among furry > creatures. > > My rule of thumb has always been to make sure the hardware is A-OK before > making changes to the software. Failure to do so can leave one with > thumbs in the wrong place and chasing a phantom software problem which is > really hardware... Ben Myers
From: Ben Myers on 24 Apr 2010 12:22 On 4/24/2010 11:21 AM, Mel wrote: > I'm having more problems. > Computer now does not boot most of the time. It stalls after my initial > screen. > > I ran Dell Diagnostics Express Test and everything passed.I'm now doing the > custom tests. I'm doing the IDE disk test and it looks like it will pass. > I'll then try the system memory, system board, and processor tests. > > Any other ideas? > > > "Bob Villa"<pheeh.zero(a)gmail.com> wrote in message > news:f6aaadf4-c972-42a0-87b3-47391beac763(a)s9g2000yqa.googlegroups.com... > On Apr 24, 7:56 am, "MZB"<m...(a)noway.prudigy.net> wrote: >> Howdy: >> >> I have had this Inspiron 2200 for about 6 years and I use it a lot. I am >> running XP HOME SP3. >> >> Lately, I am having the following problem: >> >> The computer suddenly slows down to a crawl. There can be a 3-minute wait >> for any response. Sometimes I'll just see an hourglass for awhile. >> I thought it might be internet-related, but when this starts I can >> completely close my browser and the problem continues. At times I'll have >> to >> do a cold shutdown (ie: hold down the on/off switch to shut it down). >> >> I'm not sure how to troubleshoot this. I've run msconfig and reduced the >> startup stuff. I'm not sure if that helps. >> >> One other problem: I used to be able to go on standby. But when I do now I >> get the BSOD when starting up from standby. When I request an error >> report, >> it suggests that I look at updating my device drivers. But it doesn't >> specify any paerticular device/driver. This problem may not even be >> related >> to my other one. >> >> One other clue perhaps is that the fan is going every time this happens. >> It >> only happens after I've been running the computer for awhile. Does this >> sound like an overheating problem? Last time it happened, I could not get >> it >> to restart; it would freeze after the splash screen, so again I had to do >> a >> cold shutdown. That was last night. Today it booted right up and is >> running >> nicely, no problems. >> >> I use Avira AV and keep it updated. Scans are clean. Ditto with >> malwarebytes. I regularly clean out the cache and other temp files. >> >> Suggestions? >> >> Mel > > If JayB good suggestions gives you no results...try MalwareB in > FafeMode (if you haven't) > bob > > Determine the manufacturer of the hard drive. Download and run BOTH the manufacturer's free disk diagnostics and HDAT2. The latter allows you to see the SMART data, including maximum/minimum temperature during the life of the drive, number of relocated sectors (IMHO, even ONE is a sign of a failing drive), number of pending relocated sectors. You might remove the keyboard, an easy job, and give the heat sink and fan a good cleaning with a Q-tip, a soft-bristle brush and compressed air, especially if the computer is used in a dirty environment or among furry creatures. My rule of thumb has always been to make sure the hardware is A-OK before making changes to the software. Failure to do so can leave one with thumbs in the wrong place and chasing a phantom software problem which is really hardware... Ben Myers
From: MZB on 24 Apr 2010 13:19 FWIW-- I am currently running SFC. I will then also run CHKDSK/F. I'm running out of tricks here! Mel "MZB" <moo(a)noway.prudigy.net> wrote in message news:hqv7al$96e$1(a)news.eternal-september.org... > Ben: > > My laptop has: > toshiba mk4026gax, according to Belarc Advisor. It also lists SMART status > as healthy. > > It appears there is not diagnostic specifically for this drive. > > My computer seems to be passing the Dell Diagnostics except for the CD > drive (which I rarely use -- oddly that seems to be working fine). > > I will try and clean up any dust/dirt. Can that also cause problems on > boot-up? > > After I do the forced air thing, if it doesn't work, should I do the XP > REPAIR. I'm real hesitant to do that as I don't want to screw anything up, > although my important data is backed up. > > Mel > > > > "Ben Myers" <ben_myers(a)charter.net> wrote in message > news:hqv5sc$1hm$1(a)news.eternal-september.org... >> On 4/24/2010 11:21 AM, Mel wrote: >>> I'm having more problems. >>> Computer now does not boot most of the time. It stalls after my initial >>> screen. >>> >>> I ran Dell Diagnostics Express Test and everything passed.I'm now doing >>> the >>> custom tests. I'm doing the IDE disk test and it looks like it will >>> pass. >>> I'll then try the system memory, system board, and processor tests. >>> >>> Any other ideas? >>> >>> >>> "Bob Villa"<pheeh.zero(a)gmail.com> wrote in message >>> news:f6aaadf4-c972-42a0-87b3-47391beac763(a)s9g2000yqa.googlegroups.com... >>> On Apr 24, 7:56 am, "MZB"<m...(a)noway.prudigy.net> wrote: >>>> Howdy: >>>> >>>> I have had this Inspiron 2200 for about 6 years and I use it a lot. I >>>> am >>>> running XP HOME SP3. >>>> >>>> Lately, I am having the following problem: >>>> >>>> The computer suddenly slows down to a crawl. There can be a 3-minute >>>> wait >>>> for any response. Sometimes I'll just see an hourglass for awhile. >>>> I thought it might be internet-related, but when this starts I can >>>> completely close my browser and the problem continues. At times I'll >>>> have >>>> to >>>> do a cold shutdown (ie: hold down the on/off switch to shut it down). >>>> >>>> I'm not sure how to troubleshoot this. I've run msconfig and reduced >>>> the >>>> startup stuff. I'm not sure if that helps. >>>> >>>> One other problem: I used to be able to go on standby. But when I do >>>> now I >>>> get the BSOD when starting up from standby. When I request an error >>>> report, >>>> it suggests that I look at updating my device drivers. But it doesn't >>>> specify any paerticular device/driver. This problem may not even be >>>> related >>>> to my other one. >>>> >>>> One other clue perhaps is that the fan is going every time this >>>> happens. >>>> It >>>> only happens after I've been running the computer for awhile. Does this >>>> sound like an overheating problem? Last time it happened, I could not >>>> get >>>> it >>>> to restart; it would freeze after the splash screen, so again I had to >>>> do >>>> a >>>> cold shutdown. That was last night. Today it booted right up and is >>>> running >>>> nicely, no problems. >>>> >>>> I use Avira AV and keep it updated. Scans are clean. Ditto with >>>> malwarebytes. I regularly clean out the cache and other temp files. >>>> >>>> Suggestions? >>>> >>>> Mel >>> >>> If JayB good suggestions gives you no results...try MalwareB in >>> FafeMode (if you haven't) >>> bob >>> >>> >> >> Determine the manufacturer of the hard drive. Download and run BOTH the >> manufacturer's free disk diagnostics and HDAT2. The latter allows you to >> see the SMART data, including maximum/minimum temperature during the life >> of the drive, number of relocated sectors (IMHO, even ONE is a sign of a >> failing drive), number of pending relocated sectors. >> >> You might remove the keyboard, an easy job, and give the heat sink and >> fan a good cleaning with a Q-tip, a soft-bristle brush and compressed >> air, especially if the computer is used in a dirty environment or among >> furry creatures. >> >> My rule of thumb has always been to make sure the hardware is A-OK before >> making changes to the software. Failure to do so can leave one with >> thumbs in the wrong place and chasing a phantom software problem which is >> really hardware... Ben Myers > >
From: JayB on 24 Apr 2010 13:35 sounding more like you have a infection... my next step if it was me is to mount that system drive into another computer and analyze it from there. i would not just randomly start doing restores. also, what was the result of booting into safemode? MZB wrote: > Ben: > > My laptop has: > toshiba mk4026gax, according to Belarc Advisor. It also lists SMART status > as healthy. > > It appears there is not diagnostic specifically for this drive. > > My computer seems to be passing the Dell Diagnostics except for the CD drive > (which I rarely use -- oddly that seems to be working fine). > > I will try and clean up any dust/dirt. Can that also cause problems on > boot-up? > > After I do the forced air thing, if it doesn't work, should I do the XP > REPAIR. I'm real hesitant to do that as I don't want to screw anything up, > although my important data is backed up. > > Mel > > > > "Ben Myers" <ben_myers(a)charter.net> wrote in message > news:hqv5sc$1hm$1(a)news.eternal-september.org... >> On 4/24/2010 11:21 AM, Mel wrote: >>> I'm having more problems. >>> Computer now does not boot most of the time. It stalls after my initial >>> screen. >>> >>> I ran Dell Diagnostics Express Test and everything passed.I'm now doing >>> the >>> custom tests. I'm doing the IDE disk test and it looks like it will pass. >>> I'll then try the system memory, system board, and processor tests. >>> >>> Any other ideas? >>> >>> >>> "Bob Villa"<pheeh.zero(a)gmail.com> wrote in message >>> news:f6aaadf4-c972-42a0-87b3-47391beac763(a)s9g2000yqa.googlegroups.com... >>> On Apr 24, 7:56 am, "MZB"<m...(a)noway.prudigy.net> wrote: >>>> Howdy: >>>> >>>> I have had this Inspiron 2200 for about 6 years and I use it a lot. I am >>>> running XP HOME SP3. >>>> >>>> Lately, I am having the following problem: >>>> >>>> The computer suddenly slows down to a crawl. There can be a 3-minute >>>> wait >>>> for any response. Sometimes I'll just see an hourglass for awhile. >>>> I thought it might be internet-related, but when this starts I can >>>> completely close my browser and the problem continues. At times I'll >>>> have >>>> to >>>> do a cold shutdown (ie: hold down the on/off switch to shut it down). >>>> >>>> I'm not sure how to troubleshoot this. I've run msconfig and reduced the >>>> startup stuff. I'm not sure if that helps. >>>> >>>> One other problem: I used to be able to go on standby. But when I do now >>>> I >>>> get the BSOD when starting up from standby. When I request an error >>>> report, >>>> it suggests that I look at updating my device drivers. But it doesn't >>>> specify any paerticular device/driver. This problem may not even be >>>> related >>>> to my other one. >>>> >>>> One other clue perhaps is that the fan is going every time this happens. >>>> It >>>> only happens after I've been running the computer for awhile. Does this >>>> sound like an overheating problem? Last time it happened, I could not >>>> get >>>> it >>>> to restart; it would freeze after the splash screen, so again I had to >>>> do >>>> a >>>> cold shutdown. That was last night. Today it booted right up and is >>>> running >>>> nicely, no problems. >>>> >>>> I use Avira AV and keep it updated. Scans are clean. Ditto with >>>> malwarebytes. I regularly clean out the cache and other temp files. >>>> >>>> Suggestions? >>>> >>>> Mel >>> If JayB good suggestions gives you no results...try MalwareB in >>> FafeMode (if you haven't) >>> bob >>> >>> >> Determine the manufacturer of the hard drive. Download and run BOTH the >> manufacturer's free disk diagnostics and HDAT2. The latter allows you to >> see the SMART data, including maximum/minimum temperature during the life >> of the drive, number of relocated sectors (IMHO, even ONE is a sign of a >> failing drive), number of pending relocated sectors. >> >> You might remove the keyboard, an easy job, and give the heat sink and fan >> a good cleaning with a Q-tip, a soft-bristle brush and compressed air, >> especially if the computer is used in a dirty environment or among furry >> creatures. >> >> My rule of thumb has always been to make sure the hardware is A-OK before >> making changes to the software. Failure to do so can leave one with >> thumbs in the wrong place and chasing a phantom software problem which is >> really hardware... Ben Myers > >
From: Ben Myers on 24 Apr 2010 22:01
On 4/24/2010 12:47 PM, MZB wrote: > Ben: > > My laptop has: > toshiba mk4026gax, according to Belarc Advisor. It also lists SMART status > as healthy. > > It appears there is not diagnostic specifically for this drive. > > My computer seems to be passing the Dell Diagnostics except for the CD drive > (which I rarely use -- oddly that seems to be working fine). > > I will try and clean up any dust/dirt. Can that also cause problems on > boot-up? > > After I do the forced air thing, if it doesn't work, should I do the XP > REPAIR. I'm real hesitant to do that as I don't want to screw anything up, > although my important data is backed up. > > Mel > > > > "Ben Myers"<ben_myers(a)charter.net> wrote in message > news:hqv5sc$1hm$1(a)news.eternal-september.org... >> On 4/24/2010 11:21 AM, Mel wrote: >>> I'm having more problems. >>> Computer now does not boot most of the time. It stalls after my initial >>> screen. >>> >>> I ran Dell Diagnostics Express Test and everything passed.I'm now doing >>> the >>> custom tests. I'm doing the IDE disk test and it looks like it will pass. >>> I'll then try the system memory, system board, and processor tests. >>> >>> Any other ideas? >>> >>> >>> "Bob Villa"<pheeh.zero(a)gmail.com> wrote in message >>> news:f6aaadf4-c972-42a0-87b3-47391beac763(a)s9g2000yqa.googlegroups.com... >>> On Apr 24, 7:56 am, "MZB"<m...(a)noway.prudigy.net> wrote: >>>> Howdy: >>>> >>>> I have had this Inspiron 2200 for about 6 years and I use it a lot. I am >>>> running XP HOME SP3. >>>> >>>> Lately, I am having the following problem: >>>> >>>> The computer suddenly slows down to a crawl. There can be a 3-minute >>>> wait >>>> for any response. Sometimes I'll just see an hourglass for awhile. >>>> I thought it might be internet-related, but when this starts I can >>>> completely close my browser and the problem continues. At times I'll >>>> have >>>> to >>>> do a cold shutdown (ie: hold down the on/off switch to shut it down). >>>> >>>> I'm not sure how to troubleshoot this. I've run msconfig and reduced the >>>> startup stuff. I'm not sure if that helps. >>>> >>>> One other problem: I used to be able to go on standby. But when I do now >>>> I >>>> get the BSOD when starting up from standby. When I request an error >>>> report, >>>> it suggests that I look at updating my device drivers. But it doesn't >>>> specify any paerticular device/driver. This problem may not even be >>>> related >>>> to my other one. >>>> >>>> One other clue perhaps is that the fan is going every time this happens. >>>> It >>>> only happens after I've been running the computer for awhile. Does this >>>> sound like an overheating problem? Last time it happened, I could not >>>> get >>>> it >>>> to restart; it would freeze after the splash screen, so again I had to >>>> do >>>> a >>>> cold shutdown. That was last night. Today it booted right up and is >>>> running >>>> nicely, no problems. >>>> >>>> I use Avira AV and keep it updated. Scans are clean. Ditto with >>>> malwarebytes. I regularly clean out the cache and other temp files. >>>> >>>> Suggestions? >>>> >>>> Mel >>> >>> If JayB good suggestions gives you no results...try MalwareB in >>> FafeMode (if you haven't) >>> bob >>> >>> >> >> Determine the manufacturer of the hard drive. Download and run BOTH the >> manufacturer's free disk diagnostics and HDAT2. The latter allows you to >> see the SMART data, including maximum/minimum temperature during the life >> of the drive, number of relocated sectors (IMHO, even ONE is a sign of a >> failing drive), number of pending relocated sectors. >> >> You might remove the keyboard, an easy job, and give the heat sink and fan >> a good cleaning with a Q-tip, a soft-bristle brush and compressed air, >> especially if the computer is used in a dirty environment or among furry >> creatures. >> >> My rule of thumb has always been to make sure the hardware is A-OK before >> making changes to the software. Failure to do so can leave one with >> thumbs in the wrong place and chasing a phantom software problem which is >> really hardware... Ben Myers > > Mel, Right! Toshiba is the ONLY hard drive manufacturer that does not provide any diagnostic software to the general public. The dolts! Run HDAT2, to look at SMART status in more detail... Ben Myers |