Is my computer dead?

Question

my son was the last person to use the computer. it is located in the hottest part of our home and when I turn it on I get a black screen stating "keyboard failure" then it flashes to more info and says it will start windows normally in 30 seconds only to be followed by a blue screen that says some sort of boot error...

my question is...do you think it's worth having someone come take a look? or did it totally overheat and it's time for a new one?
I looked at the back and it was totally caked with dust bunnies and when you power it on it does not sound like the fan is even running now....barely makes noise...
We have had 95 to 100 degree weather. I have told my kids to turn it off when they are not using it but I have found it a few times where the fan is just running like a jet and no one is using it.

Any help is appreciated.

I am at work on my work computer...."is my computer dead?" means it's not working....I'm asking for help from another computer....wow tough group.

Answer 1

Sounds like the processor is a goner or it may just be slightly cooked and needing to cool down.. You could try removing the CMOS battery and see if that resets anything? If not, it's a hefty bill!

Mind you, if you get it to "post" or beep, then it sounds like software.. try holding down F8 after the memory check.

Answer 2

Is it worth getting it repaired?

It all depends on how old the machine is and how much money you're willing to spend. Given the fact that you can buy a decent entry level system for about $400 to $500 these days, you definitely do not want to invest any more money on an ancient machine.

If the computer is 4 or 5 years old, then you're probably better off buying a new computer than spending time to have a technician repair your machine. If what you suspect about overheating is true, then there maybe more than one component involved in your current situation and can end up being a nightmare to fix.

If the situation is that you need to retrieve an important data then you may need to take it to a technician to have the data backed up from the hard drive if possible.

The best advice I can give you is this.

1. Clean out the dust bunnies.
2. Power the computer on and see if you can restore your computer's software by reinstalling the original software.
3. If you still have problems turning on the computer then you probably have a hardware problem and this is where you have to decide whether you're willing to spend money on the machine or just start over with a new machine.

If the machine is still under warranty, then it's a no brainer. You ask for a warranty service.

Answer 3

The keyboard error is an odd one. Make sure it is plugged in correctly and into the correct socket (the mouse and keyboard socket use the same type of connector (PS2) but won't work the wrong way round).

If you are getting a blue screen error (white text on a blue background) this usually indicates that Windows has had problems locating a vital system file.

You can often fix this problem by booting from the Windows XP disk - pressing "r" for repair console and running checkdisk "chkdsk /p" (without the quotes).

If that doesn't work, boot from the Windows XP disk and run a system repair (go through the procedure for installing Windows XP but select repair instead of a fresh install when prompted).

The original crash which probably caused the error COULD have been caused by your PC overheating but room temperature doesn't have as much affect on your system temperature as you might think.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

If it is a windows problem it should be fixable by using the windows installation disk - check this site for info on that http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

The actual instructions on the repair are after the red line across the screen.

Do get your computer to a repair shop if you are not comfortable doing this - on the other hand if you are going to scrap the machine give it a go what have you got to loose?

Check your keyboard is plugged in correctly to the correct socket on the back of the machine - if it is then ask your boss in work if you can borrow an old keyboard to bring home and test the machine.

Get an extra fan fitted to the computer (again a computer store if you are not happy about opening the machine)

Good Luck

Answer 5

ok this is simple the problem is the dust open case and clean it all carefiully then with the case still; off plug in power and see if fan turns if not its shot due to overheating if this is not the case then clean it out and move it to a cooler part of the house if u cannot do this clean it out then reboot with the cover off and see if the fans wrking still if not then u will have to buy a fan if u dont have to do this then replace cover and go to a computer store and buy what is known a s a airconditioner for a computer this is a device that u place a container of frozen ice in it an then place it by the intake fan dont worry the water will not get in to the computer at all u will see how it works if u can find one they are best for u in this kind of sit ... and if u have more questions plz im me for i will stay with u till we figure it all out good day and good luck

Answer 6

Saturation of motherboard. Might be power supply. Dont get anyone from best buy. The geek squad WILL rip u off. recommendation is to call the manufactuer of the computer and see. First try to replace the keyboard if u are using a ps2 keyboard. replace with a usb keyboard. might be a port failure. check on that first before contacting help.

Answer 7

"keyboard failure"......keyboard not detected by bios when booting....solution;try using another keyboard...if keyboard is usb connection go into set-up(press delete on boot-up)and look in bios settings and look for usb keyboard support,it should say enabled,if not enable it press esc then save +exit set up
second........motherboard may have failed solution ....buy new motherboard
third again go into set-up and look for set bios defaults and when prompted press y to set defaults,if there is a option to set factory defualts use that the same way instead
fourth if you have a spare graphic card ...try changing that but be aware you will have 256 colours until you install the driver
,
things to do a)check all leads and connections
b)brush all dust were reachable,use a soft make-up brush,and remove the cpu fan to clean if poss
c)if all else fails ,use your recovery cd(windows xp)and re-install operating system
if all this dosent work,dont waste your money taking it to a computer shop,they will rip you off,invest in a new p.c,compaq are doing some brilliant p.cs starting from £299

Answer 8

Pls check the keyboard next time you boot and make sure the cable is securely fixed into the right slot behind/beside the system unit. Then reboot the machine; also, try pressing the caps lock/scroll lock/num lock keys and check on the keyboard if the lights come on/off when you depress them.

If the lights are not working, take the cable out of its slot and clean both it and the connecting slot in the system unit. Then reboot your unit while checking if one/more of the keyboard's lights come on/off during the boot process. Let me know what happens.

Rgds.

Answer 9

My last laptop overheated in the back where the power supply is, but it was obvious i had to throw it away because the whole part was melted. If the computer is somewhat old, you should get a new one because if you get this one fixed, its gonna stop working soon anyway. If it's new, maybe you should get someone to look at it just to be sure. There's no point in fixing an old computer since it will cost you more just to get it repaired than to buy a new (and better) one.

Answer 10

Well it said keyboard failure, so I would try to see if the wire is loose and replug it in. If it countinues to say the same get a new keyboard, if that does not solve it move it to another room temporarily or get a fan for your computer.

If you need professional help goto geeksquad.com