|
|
Post by debandbrian on Nov 9, 2005 15:32:40 GMT -6
I need help with my laptop because here lately (months) it has taken leave of its senses. We took it to Best Buy (yeah, I know...serious lack of judgement) and they have now messed it up seemingly beyond repair. Anyway, if anyone has any comments, suggestions or whatever after this list of symptoms, that'd just be great.
Okay, when I dropped it off on Saturday it had a problem connecting to the web, although my ICQ program WOULD connect, just nothing else would. Programs were not responding and it had a very hard time realizing that it was plugged in unless we jiggled the ac adaptor. I had done all I knew how to do, I'm the geek in the house and so that was pretty much everything aside from physically tearing the thing apart and nothing worked.
NOW it has additional problems after sitting in the care of the ()($^*(^$& at Best Buy for five days. Now they say it won't stay on for them to do a diagnostic on the programs and general workings of the machine. It did NOT have that problem when I brough it in...so when I heard the message last night I was seriously peeved. Then they say (on message, we haven't been back in yet) that there is a DC connector problem (I'm not sure know what that is) and "probably" a mother board issue that they need to send it out to wherever and that will be a minimum of two weeks. They were very rude to me when I went to pick it up yesterday during my lunch break and it wasn't ready (they said the 8th, wasn't that yesterday) and I haven't spoken to them, only the voice mail.
What should we do with my poor sick and broken computer? Yes, we have another one, three in fact, but this one is MINE. LOL!! And two of our other ones Brian can't quit bring himself to get rid of, he gets very attached to things. Anyway, Brian took the symptom list to his IT people at work today and they said that we should probably junk it because if it IS a mother board issue then it would almost be cheaper to get another computer. UGH!!!
I'm making Brian go with me tonight to get my computer because he will be much nicer than me....I don't tolerate loudy customer service all that well nor do I tolerate being told I can't read the service order that I had in my hand. So, yes I'm ticked off, and I also need a refund of my $167 bucks they said they needed up front to do a diagnostic on the computer. And of course, they are unable to do the diagnostic, according to the voice mail they left last night.
Okay, I am done rambling. Just don't know what to do about the actual computer problem. Get a new one or fix this one?
See ya'll later,
Deb
|
|
|
|
Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Nov 9, 2005 15:55:50 GMT -6
Then they say (on message, we haven't been back in yet) that there is a DC connector problem (I'm not sure know what that is) and "probably" a mother board issue that they need to send it out to wherever and that will be a minimum of two weeks. This would be a perfect question for robinhood, unfortunately, he's at Hedo right now I think, so I'll take a stab. Based on the above info, it sounds like the repair people are correct on the DC connector (the outlet which your external power supply plugs into). Have you contacted the manufacturer of your computer? They might be able to send you a replacement more quickly, but you may still have to take it to a repair center given that motherboards on laptops are generally not considered user-serviceable parts. As to whether or not to just replace the laptop with a new one, I would imagine that would depend on a variety of factors, including how old it is and whether or not it is still in warranty (I'm guessing no). |
|
|
|
Post by Dan on Nov 9, 2005 16:34:15 GMT -6
Okay, when I dropped it off on Saturday it had a problem connecting to the web, although my ICQ program WOULD connect, just nothing else would. Programs were not responding and it had a very hard time realizing that it was plugged in unless we jiggled the ac adaptor. I had done all I knew how to do, I'm the geek in the house and so that was pretty much everything aside from physically tearing the thing apart and nothing worked. Deb - I concur with BB on the power issue. If the female connector on the motherboard has a "cold-solder" that has broken - the cost of replacement for a 3-year old laptop will exceed the replacement cost of a newer unit. That said - you have 2 issues. The power supply issue must be resolved first and may negate addressing the 2nd issue if in fact you do replace it. Slow/no browse issues these days are typically brought on by certain spyware/hackerware/malware programs that interfere with the winsock (part of the tcpip stack in the OS). Some programs will work (in your case ICQ) and yet your browser fails. Some of these programs affect the tcpip stack directly, some merely poke bogus DNS server entries in the protocol properties. One quick way to check for tcpip stack corruption is go to a DOS prompt and try to FTP to a known ftp server. If you get a "login" prompt then you're probably good. If it fails - reload the winsock. I personally use SpyBot and Adware to scan my machines for malware (just don't run them both at the same time!). If you get your machine back and want to pursue fixing it I'll be glad to help. FWIW - I "retired" to East Texas and currently do Commercial Account Tech Support for the local cable company. I've been in IT since 1982. References on request! ;D D |
|
|
|
Post by Cherbunny on Nov 9, 2005 17:18:38 GMT -6
Well then....since we are doing mini-resumes here to prove our geekiness: Satellite engineering, installation, testing, maintenance, repair, and network control....for the military. 26 years experience. Now then... if it is a cold solder joint, you can re-solder it. You need a steady hand and a good iron. I use a Weller WLC 100, which is a variable temp station. Too much time on the joint might make other components burn up. Put some flux on it first to help the solder melt. Also, make sure and use a fine solder, not anything thick. A few years ago, the *Power Rangers* had a $30k piece of test equipment that was dead in the water. One of them troubleshot it and found a loose resister on a board. He was told it would be $3500 to fix it (trying to sell the company a new board). Anyway, got it fixed, no problem at all. Hope this helps, Cher The Geeky Gal Hmmm...I just realized that I did what I said I wouldn't do.....teach youse guys how to solder.  Carry on! |
|
|
|
Post by Captain Gary on Nov 9, 2005 17:33:28 GMT -6
Too much time on the joint... Impossible!! ;D  |
|
|
|
Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Nov 9, 2005 17:48:50 GMT -6
Satellite engineering, installation, testing, maintenance, repair, and network control....for the military. 26 years experience. Too bad they never taught you how to paint or install carpet. |
|
|
|
Post by Captain Gary on Nov 9, 2005 17:51:19 GMT -6
She probably should wear a hat to keep the paint out of her hair.
|
|
|
|
Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Nov 9, 2005 18:12:19 GMT -6
At least she's out of the closet.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cherbunny on Nov 9, 2005 18:21:51 GMT -6
Youse guys crack me up!
Yeah, you found 2 things I can't do:
1. Paint walls
2. Lay carpet
But, getting laid on freshly laid carpet is ok. Just watch out for rug burns.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dan on Nov 9, 2005 21:59:44 GMT -6
Youse guys crack me up! Yeah, you found 2 things I can't do: 1. Paint walls 2. Lay carpet But, getting laid on freshly laid carpet is ok. Just watch out for rug burns. OK - this is TMI!!!!!!!!!!  And to think I held back for fear of appearing too geeky. Wanna discuss multi-layer PCB's. You can't resolder them - the PS is an exception - they are always a vertically contiguous circuit throughout the layers. The flux is a good idea - but only if you use copper wick to extricate the resident solder (lowers the resistance). I like a 70/30 silver-tin solder in about a .30 thickness. Temp about 450F (if I remember right). Easy to see (important at my age!) but thin enough that it doesn't look like magma when you're done. Cher - you OBVIOUSLY know your stuff! Another NBH to ya! D |
|
|
|
Post by Dan on Nov 9, 2005 22:05:09 GMT -6
Youse guys crack me up! Yeah, you found 2 things I can't do: 1. Paint walls 2. Lay carpet But, getting laid on freshly laid carpet is ok. Just watch out for rug burns. What about getting laid in a freshly painted room? Does that count? Something about the roller and brushes seems to turn Patty on. Or maybe it's 'cuz we do it together nekkid.  D |
|
|
|
Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Nov 9, 2005 22:07:28 GMT -6
OK, let me guess: you finish by covering her with your spackle. Aaahhh ... !
|
|
|
|
Post by Dan on Nov 9, 2005 22:11:24 GMT -6
Cher -
NO resume posting intended - I
was merely trying to lend credance to my advice. In my work (as in yours) when you offer advise folks wanna know that you really know your stuff. I was only substantiating that I know what I'm talking about.
I intentionally DON'T offer advice on PC issues because of the liabilities that can come back on you.
That said - you are a WORTHY OPPONENT - and I respect you as such!
Have a Karma - my treat!
D
|
|
|
|
Post by Dan on Nov 9, 2005 22:27:35 GMT -6
OK, let me guess: you finish by covering her with your spackle. Aaahhh ... ! Damn BB - there's no second-guessing you dude! ;D D |
|
|
|
Post by Cherbunny on Nov 9, 2005 22:46:24 GMT -6
Dan, my dear......you are a sweetheart.
I was *not* trying to imply that you didn't know your shit. I guess my posting a *mini-resume* was a shitty attempt at humor.
You know your stuff too. I didn't mention the copper wick for de-soldering. I'd use that any day than a solder-sucker.
Thanks for the karma. I'll have to wait to give you one as I wasted an Eviction Notice.
Hugs and kisses~
Cher
|
|
|
|
Post by Cherbunny on Nov 9, 2005 22:55:07 GMT -6
And to think I held back for fear of appearing too geeky. Wanna discuss multi-layer PCB's. Dan, I must confess my geeky roots. It's my Dad's fault. He's one of those *engineer* types and would bring home stuff to show me from work. I was 8 or 9 yrs old and looking at pics of wafers taken with a scanning electron microscope. Then he'd explain to me what I was looking at..... He designed the 1st IC for Teletype Corp back in the 1960's. He was mortified when I joined the Army. But when I graduated satellite tech school (#5 in the class of 48 guys and me) and was able to discuss electronics with him, he was impressed. So...thank YOU Dan, for the compliment on my geekiness. I'm willing to learn new things, but laying carpet will never be one of them. Hugs~ Cher |
|
|
|
Post by Chicago Jake on Nov 10, 2005 0:17:58 GMT -6
.....It's my Dad's fault. He's one of those *engineer* types and would bring home stuff to show me from work..... Yes, but I hear that he graduated from an excellent engineering school......Professor Jake |
|
|
|
Post by Lady Irie on Nov 10, 2005 7:01:50 GMT -6
NOW it has additional problems after sitting in the care of the ()($^*(^$& at Best Buy for five days. Hey Deb, it's OK to swear here. In fact the inmates encourage it. Your thread won't be deleted. When Robinhood gets back, he'll be able to help you with your PC, in the meantime, I would call the Better Business Bureau, and file a formal complaint. They'll send forms in the mail, fill them out, and return including what you feel retribution should be, and they generally handle the rest. Good luck! Edited to add: Note to self: Read entire thread before posting. Never mind about Robin - looks like you're in good hands, ...  |
|
|
|
Post by Cherbunny on Nov 10, 2005 7:58:44 GMT -6
.....It's my Dad's fault. He's one of those *engineer* types and would bring home stuff to show me from work..... Yes, but I hear that he graduated from an excellent engineering school......Professor Jake Yes, Professor Jake...he certainly did What a small world. BTW....did any of youse guys get the Intel stock that he donated as an alumni last year?  Hugs~ Cher |
|
|
|
Post by Chicago Jake on Nov 10, 2005 10:05:06 GMT -6
I would assume his donation went into the general endowment fund, unless he specified that it be used for some special purpose. In that case, it probably helped pay for my latest desktop PC......Jake
|
|
|
|
Post by Cherbunny on Nov 10, 2005 15:44:20 GMT -6
Probably the general endowment fund....for the generously endowed?
Enjoy your desktop PC.
|
|
|
|
Post by debandbrian on Nov 11, 2005 8:12:56 GMT -6
You all are a bunch of goofballs. But I love ya! :-) Anyway, the computer is going to kill me. I have always anti-everythinged it every day so that isn't it. The issue with it turning off and rebooting itself that so baffled the goons at Best Buy was it going into hibernation mode which it does after idling for 20 minutes or so. It didn't dawn on me that that was what they were talking about until we got it home. We won't be taking it back there any time soon. Brian took it to work yesterday and it was humming along nicely with no problems at all. Now at home, I have the same problem with it. ICQ will connect but nothing else will.  It won't work through our router OR if I hook it up to our DSL line by itself. I'm so ready to chuch the thing out the window. I've switched out the routers because I thought our old one had died. I'm thinking I should just give up on it. Deb |
|
|
|
Post by Ardbeg... innit on Nov 11, 2005 8:45:51 GMT -6
I am startin gto think you might have a bad memory chip. If you have more than one, try running it with one chip at a time. It will run a LOT slower, but nothing funky will happen IF that chip is good. If you have a bad chip, it should become evident pretty soon!
G
|
|
|
|
Post by Dan on Nov 11, 2005 9:27:04 GMT -6
Deb - try this ...
Go click on...Start...Control Panel...Network and Internet Connections...Network Connections...Right-click on Local Area Connection...Properties...Click on Internet Protocol TCP/IP...click Properties button.
There should be a dot in "Obtain an IP Address Automatically" and another in "Obtain DNS server address automatically".
Check these and let me know what you find - we can take it from there.
D
PS - The above if for Windows XP.
|
|
|
|
Post by debandbrian on Nov 11, 2005 9:39:56 GMT -6
Okay, now everyone has to PROMISE not to kill me. Promise? Good! Brian just called and he fixed my laptop. LOL!!! He called a couple of people and then......pushed the reset button on the router. Now I have a running, perfectly operational machine again. Man, I feel so dumb now. I'm going to go hide in a corner now. <hangs head in shame>  Deb |
|
|
|
Post by Cherbunny on Nov 11, 2005 10:36:08 GMT -6
Deb~
No need to do that, really. We all have brain farts and I seem to have more than the average gal.
Here's some Karma for you and a <hug>
Cher
|
|
|
|
Post by Cherbunny on Nov 11, 2005 10:39:47 GMT -6
One more thing.......
Hedo cum soon!
That should make you *smile*
|
|
|
|
Post by Ardbeg... innit on Nov 11, 2005 11:43:08 GMT -6
Ahhhh yes, the overlooked simplest solution. Deb, WE will join you in hiding in the corner, how many brains here never thought to ask if you had reset the router. Now, after 15 seconds of self pity... forget it (not the solution, you may need that again, the 'shame', weve all been there)
Gordon
|
|
|
|
Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Nov 11, 2005 11:53:00 GMT -6
First rule of tech s'ports: when in doubt, pull the plug out.
|
|
|
|
Post by Chicago Jake on Nov 11, 2005 12:15:51 GMT -6
Deb, you said you hooked the computer directly to your DSL, bypassing the router, and it still didn't work. I wonder why not?......Jake
|
|
It won't work through our router OR if I hook it up to our DSL line by itself. I'm so ready to chuch the thing out the window. I've switched out the routers because I thought our old one had died. I'm thinking I should just give up on it. 
