Old Computer Starts Working Again?

[Modelworks]

Did you have to set the correct time and date when you powered it back up ?

My guess is that the system lost the bios settings, that may have been wrong , causing the performance problems before. Over time it lost those settings and when you powered it back up it started with deafult settings.

Still if its never had the battery replaced and its over 4 years old, thats one thing I would do. Its not expensive, probably 3-4.00 .

 

[geokilla]

I've already done a format. I installed only the things that I need for the machine such as Norton and Adaware along with Real Player and M$ updates. Removing Norton is not an option since my dad likes norton very much.

@Modelworks. The correct date and time was set when I powered it back up.

 

[imported_Baloo]

Originally posted by: geokilla
Guys, please be serious....Can it possibly be a hardware problem that fixed itself while the computer was being used as a chair?

No, it was most likely a software problem. A good chance it was a virus, and all those format/reloads did not stop it probably something you were loading at the time was infected. Format-reload-infect -cpu usage spike.

 

[jmagg]

Too bad on the Norton thing.
Is more ram in the budget? Another 256 shouldn't set ya back more than 15 bucks.

 

[geokilla]

Nope. Nothing can be spent, since the comp is used mainly to print stuff, and hopefully run F@H for like 9 hours a day, assuming it's 100% stable.

I formatted the comp like 6 times before when the comp was *dying*. Right now, it's back to normal and I'm just testing it for 100% stability and that the comp has miraculously been revived somehow.

 

[SpeedEng66]

did you load up updated drivers for your hardware?

I had almost the same problem on my t23 I found that one of the drivers loaded up using a generic windows driver and I dl the ibm poof no more spiking cpu

good luck

btw if you need some sticks of sdram lmk I can send you a stick/or 2 of 128mb that I might have laying around

cause 256 on xp sucks heh

 

[geokilla]

There's no drivers. Or I don't think there's any drivers. This comp originally belonged to my mom's company. They gave her an old comp because well, no one wants it anymore.

@Speed, I live in Canada, so I don't think it might be good for you to send RAM to Canada. It's expensive to ship internationally isn't it?

 

[Blain]

* Dad LIKES Norton = :thumbsdown: Sux
* No $$ for any type of upgrade = :thumbsdown: Unrealistic not to spend a little something on a machine that provides you a service.
* Drivers updated = :thumbsup: Yes you can with Belarc Advisor and a little detective work.

* Help speed up XP...
Start > Settings > Control Panel > System > Advanced > Performance Settings > "Adjust for best performance" > Apply > Ok

 

[SpeedEng66]

Originally posted by: geokilla
There's no drivers. Or I don't think there's any drivers. This comp originally belonged to my mom's company. They gave her an old comp because well, no one wants it anymore.

@Speed, I live in Canada, so I don't think it might be good for you to send RAM to Canada. It's expensive to ship internationally isn't it?

canada ick! isgust;

heh

I donno cant be more than 2-3 stamps
I was just going to toss it in a envelope and mail it heh worst thing that can happen is it get snaped in half

 

[geokilla]

@Blain. Hmm, I'll check out the Belarc Advisor.

@Speed. Lol, true true. I checked Canada Post's site and it said mailing something under 30g to USA is $1.10. I guess one RAM stick is under 30g, and mailing from USA to Canada can't be too expensive....can it?

BTW, Canada rules ^^. But then you guys get cheaper computer parts >.<. But I guess Canada Computers and NCIX does the trick up here....

 

[bluestrobe]

Did you do a low level format by chance in all the formats performed? Also I just sold a bunch of 1Ghz Celeron processors for cheap that could have gave you a little boost.

 

[SoundTheSurrender]

If it works, YOU DON'T NEED TO FIX IT.

Stuff like this happens all the time.

 

[geokilla]

Well, it's been a couple of weeks and it's been running great. I guess turning it off for a couple of months gave it time to magically fix itself.