Tom's Guide | Tom's Hardware | Tom's Games
 |
 |
 |
Have been trying to help a friend who bought a Northgate Computer. She has a 2.83 Athlon Processor, 512 megs of ram, a 80 gig hard drive and video and audio are on the motherboard.
The computer looks like it is solid. There is not much room for expansion but for her needs I thought it would be fine. Wiring layout is fine and the materials used in construction are very good.
My problem is that when she leaves the computer on it is constantly restarting. At first I thought it was heat but that has been ruled out. Have called Tech Support and here is where I am really upset.
Tech support says that she should not have installed SP2. Says she should not install any of the Microsoft Updates unless they can directly affect something she is doing.
I can hardy believe that they don't suggest SP2. I installed it when the computer was new. It had not been on the net and had no virus or adware. The installation came through perfectly.
I have virus protection in place as well as Spybot and Adaware.
The Tech person said that this is "not" a powerful computer and should not be run overnight. Since my friend has a dialup connection, if she needs to download a fairly large update she needs to let it continue to run through the download. With this computer, she is being thrown off line before the download completes.
The computer was listed as a bare bones computer but it looked like it would have eough resources to perform "minimal" computing. She is not looking for advanced gaming or graphics capabilities.
My gut feeling is that it has to do with the shared resourcesl.
If someone out there has any ideas on setting that could be adjusted so that the computer won't restart and will function please respond to this post.
The lady that owns this Northgate cannot afford any more cost for a computer but, as she is a teacher, really needs to have it functioning properly.
Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.
Right click My Computer,
Properties,
Advanced tab,
Settings button (Starup and Recovery),
uncheck Automatically Restart.Now you should get an error message when it happens again.
0 
How has overheating been ruled out? The "tech" sounds like he's talking out of his backside!! A new computer should be perfectly capable of running 24/7 if need be, if it doesn't then she's been sold a pup. If the "tech" is also saying you shouldn't update as well then he should not be in his job - updates are there for a reason. Have a quick look & see what sort of power supply has been installed - I'll bet it's a cheap generic one which can only just handle the PC requirements. Sharing of resources, as long as there are no conflicts in Device Manager, should not cause a PC to re-boot. If it does it when the PC is, for all intents, idle then I'd first suspect overheating & then the PSU. Also check to make sure that memory & cards are firmly fitted - heating can cause slight movement within slots.
"I know that I'm mad - I've always been mad..."
0
johnr
I totally agree with you at the lack of expertise demonstrated by this tech support person with regards to suggestions on the Northgate computer. I ruled out heat by removing the side case cover to the mini tower and had it run all evening. The computer still restarted.
If it is infact the power supply, does it make sense to purchase a larger power supply and replace the one that came with the computer. I tend to believe you may be right. In looking inside the box, I noticed that there were not additional power connectors should a second drive need to be installed. Might be the giveaway to the fact that the power supply is "minimal"
Have already disabeled auto restart to force an error message. When I get one I will post it.
Please look back at this post over the next 24 hours and see if you can make sense of any error reports.
The Tech support also wanted her to uninstall SP2. In fact he wanted her to do a complete restore. I can't believe that should be necessary.
Didn't come with a Win XPCD. If she ever has to reformate or do a system repair, she is out of luck.
Thanks again for your thoughts.
0
The Tech person said that this is "not" a powerful computer and should not be run overnight.
It's a joke!
Didn't come with a Win XPCD.
This Northgate link indicates that she only have recovery CD.
i_XpUser
0
I wouldnt pay to much attention to that technician, probably new lol. As with any pc if you have good airflow and correct power supply with heat sinks and cooling fans you can run them nonstop till the fans quit lol.
By the way Spybot is not a good thing to have installed before XPSP2. They have a huge forum for people who have had problems with it. Spybot is great, but dont install it before updating to XPSP2, and that is very common mistake.
A better application but costs about 30 dollars is WEbroot Spysweeper, :) Very nice, but its not free either..
Notes before upgrading XP SP2 updates...
You should always turn off all TSR's that are not windows enabled, if you must uninstall to make sure. Then reinstall them later. Also be sure to disable all firewalls "including windows built in firewalls" and antivirus before updating.I have had success not doing any of those things but I have a restore disk and like to take chances sometimes.
I have had problems with Corel Wordperfect 10 after updating to SP2... I havnt a clue as to why it keeps asking me to reinstall it every day...
Always update Microsoft updates, they patch security holes that can cause you a lot of grief. People might gain access to you online checking or credit cards. Should always run firewalls, and there are a lot of free solutions that work well too. Sygate, Zonelabs. Same with viruscan, they have beta software at Pandasoftware, and AVG :)
Some viruses cause pc's to reboot continously as well. Just a thought pop in a bootable virus scanner to check, some pc viruses modify your antivirus, so that it wont find itself... :) Bootable antivirus is the key, most norton disks and i think mcafee disks can make emergency scan disks.. :) Hope some of this helps.
Sincerely,
Joe Christian
0
I believe she may have a defective Northgate PC since the problem is hardware-related. How long ago did she bought it? If it's within the last 12 months, it may still be under warranty. Ask for a RMA.
i_XpUser
0
XPUser
Has only had the computer since December 18th. I think since she bought it at Staples that she does have the option to return. Does it make any sense to pick up another one. As I've said in an earlier post, she doesn't have a lot of money and I think she has spent what she has.
If the Northgate tech has told her to not install SP2 and that it is not a powerful computer that should not be left on at over the night, is it worth her evening trying with another one.
Should it just be a hardware problem, maybe getting a new one would take care of the problem. If she does that, should she go against the Northgate Tech and install SP@ and other Microsoft updates.
I appreciate your input. I'm based in Southern Illinois (she is in Northeast Michigan) and am not able to be there to personally help with her problem. All I can do is relate the excellent feedback I am getting from you.
0
I'm not sure what's Staples return merchandise policy but I would convinvce her to return it for exchange of the same model immediately. Please ignore everything this technician told you.
i_XpUser
0
I tend to disagree the Joe Christian saying that spybot should not be used before installing SP2. I did ALL my clean-up with Spybot and SP2 runs great on my machine. I don't believe the Hogwash that you have to pay for a Spyware removal program. But the rest of his post is fine.
Now on your prblem with the PC restarting. A thing you might try is Stinger. You can find it here
http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger
Hope that helps....good luckYou may also try using Hi-jack this and then posting the results back and I'm sure that someone can help you with that as there may be some malware that is causing her all that grief.
Happy Holidays to all
0
Also to say, some Windows Updates can cause other problems to happen in XP. For example:
If I install the IE 6 Update Q832894, I then find that all the Help Topics were gone in Windows HELPIndex. All came back when I removed
"Internet Explorer Q832894"
from Add/Remove Programs list.SP2 has that update also.
----------------
MS No charge Support for XP Service Pack 2This article may get bigger as more
problems are found with SP2.
Release notes for Windows XP Service Pack 2
0
Since this PC was bought December 19, 2004, SP2 may have been preinstalled. How do you remove it from this OEM PC?
i_XpUser
0
In his original statements here he says
>Tech support says that she should not have installed SP2.<
0
I agree but this technician does not know what he's talking about. During the Xmas shopping at Staples, I played around with a Nothgate PC. The System Properties on this PC indicated SP2 is installed.
i_XpUser
0
XPUser
Northgate Tech tried to tell me that I should not have installed SP2. It came with SP1 installed on it.
My question-if we don't install SP2 we will not be able to continue updates as Microsoft (in their infinite wisdom) will undoubtedly tie future updates to the installation of SP2.
I have not had "any" problems with MS critical updates. I DO NOT install driver updates. If I feel they are necessary, I go directly to their site.
Thanks for all the continued thoughts. I am sure my friend in Michigan really appreciates all ideas.
0
That's odd - Northgate and all store PCs (Sony, HP, eMachine, etc) that I have examined myself have SP2 installed.
i_XpUser
0
This one didn't. Surprised me too. I am also "shocked" that it didn't come with a Win XP CD.
Barebones is barbones but at least the operating system CD should have been included.
Actually, until it began restarting at odd times I thought it was working well.
I suppose a little knowledge can be dangerous. I sure do appreciate everyones help on this.
I've told my friend that when she gets an error message to copy it and past it into an email. I will copy it and post it. Maybe that will help someone figure just what is going on.
Thanks again.
0
Is there a seal of authenticity on the case somewhere. Could be on the inside of the cover but should be somewhere visible. If not then I would question the legitimacy of this Windows install. I believe that there should have been recovery disks provided. Maybe this computer was previosly purchased and then returned to staples without all documentation. The paperwork in the box should ALWAYS state what should be included in the box.
0
Another possibility is that this PC may have been used as a store demo and that Steve's lady friend may have bought it "as is."
i_XpUser
0
take it back, get ur money back, and dont leave the store without your money
i hate computers!
but cant help myself....
0
If I have ever learned anything from my couple of years buying computers it's this. If something you buy, wheather it be a whole computer or just a component, isn't working right when it is new TAKE IT BACK as soon as you can to get it replaced or refunded. If the store policy says you can do it don't mess around trying to fix it. It is new and should be able to run around the clock perfectly for at least a couple of years. Take XPUser's advice and don't feel bad about doing it. They have lemons come back all the time. It's just the computer way. I've taken back plenty of stuff that didn't work right, it's a lot better than waiting till the return policy runs out and then having to deal with the techs and rma and stuff. Tell her to save all her important stuff on a cd then delete it from the hard drive and take it back today and she will be setting up one that works tonight. It's the easiest way.
0
Steve wrote Has only had the computer since December 18th.
Today is January 9th. It may be too late.
According to Staples Return Policy:
Technology: Because technology changes so quickly, we can only accept it for return within 14 days of the date of receipt. This includes: computers, monitors, notebooks/laptops, copiers, all-in-one machines, digital cameras, modems, printers, computer peripherals, handheld computers, fax machines, scanners, wireless phones, telephones, and networking products.
The last day your lady friend could have returned it was January 1, 2005.
i_XpUser
0
I have had nothing but positive dealings with Staples. From what I understand the 14 day return window has some flex built in to it. Have her deal with the manager and not an employee. You get either yes/no or let me see what I can do from the horses mouth. Tears and lost puppy look works too. I've seen it work but seriously I don't think she will have to resort to that.
I may be crazy, but I'm not stupid...
0
Thanks to everyone that has offered advice with regards to this Northgate Computer. I agree with Setishock in that Staples has always been very good to work with. I would hope they try to work with my friend as she has purchased and will most likely purchase again from Staples. With her being a teacher, maybe there is a little better chance that she might get some help.
Here is the error message than came up this last time. Maybe it will make sense to someone:
Error Signature:
BCCode:ea BCP1:8268A3A0 BCP2:8306AEC8 BCP3:82E973E8 BCP4:00000001
OSVer:5_1_2600
SP:2_0
Product: 768_1
Error Report Contents:
(Files listed in Error Report)
C:\DOCUME~1\ANNBEN~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\WERf483.dir00\Mini010905-02.dmp
C:\DOCUME~1\ANNBEN~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\WERf483.dir00\sysdata.xmlThanks for all suggestions.
0
The reference appear to be files saved in My documents under a profile ANNBEN. At least one of the files appears to be an Excel file. Don['t know if that helps at all. These may have been files that were open when the computer crashed.
0
was it staples us or uk. cause if its uk then they cannot refuse you a refund but i wont explain till i know your in uk or i'm wasting my breathe
Athlon xp 2000+ @1.7
pc 2100 256mb ram
radeon 8500
win xp home oem
several other things
new pc on way
0
Notwithstanding the discussion about Staples and returning the PC or not etc. let me go back a bit to reply 3 and the PSU issue:
A quick way to prove this would be to significantly underclock the whole system and see it it holds up.
The error files indicated may give some clues as to what it happening. Can you get hold of those files and post them here ?
0
Not sure how to underclock system. Would you mind giving me a step by step as to how to do that.
Thanks!
0
Steve, I get exactly the same problem when I try to print to my Network printer, have taken the advice from Chuck 2, I will see if that helps. This laptop has only just started doing this, must be something to do with MS updates, as nothing else has changed..
0
This seems to be a widespread problem after doing research myself into it. I am going to attach part of a correspondence with someone else whom emailed me asking how I fixed this problem with the sysdata.xml and minidump .dmp file errors on my end with a lot of help from my gaming buddies, LOL. Maybe it will help others since it doesn't seem that it is being addressed properly by tech support agents. If anything is unclear or you need further help feel free to email me.
"I’d be glad to help if I can. I can explain the problem I was having and tell you how I found my solution. But please keep in mind that it may or may not be the answer you need as well.
I too have Windows XP Pro. I had SP1 and SP2 service packs installed. My husband and I had the computer custom made last October. Ever since that time, the computer was experiencing at least one crash per day, rebooting spontaneously and reporting recoveries from serious errors stating the same Minidump and Sysdata.xml files which seem to pertain to this widespread problem. Just recently, I decided to undertake the task of rooting the problem out because I got sick and tired of dealing with it and losing my work. I Googled anything that had to do with sysdata.xml files and read many others reporting the problem and their speculation as to it’s origins.
First, I checked thoroughly for any sign of a virus. Nope, wasn’t it. Then I updated my nVidia graphic card driver. Something different happened, and yet the problem did not entirely go away. The computer was not rebooting all the way anymore and but the monitor was clicking repeatedly to a black screen. Sometimes 5 or more times in a row. So obviously there was still a problem.
Then I thought maybe the CPU motherboard was overheating. So, I downloaded and installed MotherBoard Monitor 5 to check the temps. Had a false alarm on one sensor that was reading off, but eventually, I came to learn that the CPU was normal and not overheating.
Then I read of another speculation somewhere. One which listed the problem source to be a compatibility issue between Windows XP, SP1, SP2 and graphic cards. Ultimately, I can tell you this is truly where the problem originates.
I knew I had to uninstall SP1 and SP2 out of Windows XP. This brought up other issues of security in regards to Internet Explorer which I used and various other programs. So first, I decided to go with another browser altogether. In my case, Mozilla Firefox. But there are other options you may choose. It’s free and so far I haven’t had any problems really. So, I downloaded that (don’t install yet). Then I closed everything I could and uninstalled SP1 and SP2. I then installed Firefox. It will automatically ask to be the default browser, so I said yes. (might have to reboot here…not sure) If you decide to try my method and uninstall SP1 and SP2, Windows auto update should inform you of some critical updates to install if you have the feature enabled…choose the custom install method and inspect the updates...you should install the critical ones. However, it will also include SP1 and SP2 again within the choices to install. You don’t want to reinstall those, so unmark those two and check the “never ask me this again” option so that it won’t keep reminding you of those two updates.
Then, I uninstalled my current nVidia graphic drivers and totally reinstalled using my install disk. (for compatibility issues, I used the disk even if it’s an older version just to be sure)
For the last part, I went into my WINDOWS program folder. I located the folder called “Minidump”, opened it and deleted all files within. Then I located my temporary user folder (TEMP) and deleted it altogether. (upon reboot, XP will make another TEMP folder) Then rebooted. So far, everything has worked and my computer is acting normally for the first time. No more clicking to black screens or rebooting issues and error reports.
Hopefully, this might help. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask and I’ll do my best to answer. I believe that some of the graphic card drivers have not been updated with a fix that addresses this problem and Microsoft hasn’t seemed to be in any hurry to address it as well from what I've read."
Regards,
Rose
cncmomma@cox.net
0  |
 sony viaio n505vx bios up...
|
XP not recognising ram
|
This post is quite old and has been locked from receiving new replies. Please create a new posting instead.
| Ads by Google |
