computer help needed

[Russ Danneman]

help , i'm a computer dummy. if it don't come on when i hit blue button    uh-oh . computer at home has black screen with flashing cursor top left corner. i guess this is bad? is there a simple fix for the computer illiterate ?  thanks rd

[Gene O'Keefe]

Your local library - free computer courses....book from Branes & Noble: Computers for Dummies

[Randy Cuberly]

Easiest solution is to find someone locally who can look at it for you.  In general most kids over 10 years old can tell you what's wrong .
Depressing isn't it?
A local computer store can likely provide some expert help.
It's probably not possible to diagnose the problem without actually seeing the computer (although some will try).

Randy Cuberly

[john e. holliday]

If new computor,  you should have a set up manual.    


Reminds me of the lady calling the help desk on her cell phone.   Complaining that the computor doesn't come on when key is pushed.  After several questions, the help desk finally asked if she had power in the house.  Was told the power is out because of the storm they just had.   

[Brian Massey]

If that's the screen you get upon booting up (and it's a PC) then it sounds like it quit booting while in DOS mode. Try entering this command and see what happens:

cd\windows (or is it cd/windows . . . been a long time since the DOS days)

and then hit enter.

If nothing happens, you need a good service tech. If the screen changes and it says "Windows" at the prompt, try typing "windows" and hit enter again.

Brian

[John Hammonds]

Does it make any sound while powering up? Most computers (PC's at least) will make a sequence of Beeps if any component fails to initialise during the POST (Power on Self Test).

The problem is the actual number/duration of these can vary depending on the BIOS version/manufacturer and if you are on PC or Mac.

This site will give you loads of examples, it might help you narrow the fault down.

http://www.technick.net/public/code/cp_dpage.php?aiocp_dp=guide_beep_codes

Will it boot up from a CD or DVD? Usually the removable drives are listed down the boot device order after the hard disk. If it's not a hardware fault putting a windows CD in might at least get you to a screen where you can access you files..

Sorry can't be more help.

TTFN
John.

[Russ Danneman]

thanks brian and john(will listen for beeps tonite) .  rd

[John Stiles]

When you start the computer, start tapping F8 to start in "Safe Mode" You can do a "Restore" or "startup from the last known configuration that worked." If you are successful, you may want to do a restore, if you didn't already. Sometimes a bad keyboard or mouse will do that....try another keyboard if all else fails!

[Russ Danneman]

got it!    that did it brian( it was cd/windows) thanks guys, as usual s.h. guys come thru again .  rd

[Brian Massey]

You mean I had a good idea!!! My wife will never believe me.

Glad I was of some help.

Brian