Hard Drive Fail

[Wongtong]

I am currently typing from my old computer.

 

On my new computer, the power-on button for the hard drive has a light which turns green when it's on.

 

Also, when the computer is on, the mouse will light up red at the bottom.

 

 

 

The Situation

 

This morning, I went on the computer, it worked fine, everything was normal.

 

I come home and my sister said that the monitor wasn't working.

 

[she left the room to help my parents out with something, walked back in and it was blank]

 

I walk into the computer room to find that the hard drive's power-on button was flashing green & the mouse was lit up red on the bottom; this is what happens when the computer is on standby/sleep.

 

We have tried turning the computer on and off but whenever we turn it on, it automatically "goes to standby/sleep", without any loading pages (The monitor stays blank).

 

The monitor says that there is no signal input (which is what happens when the computer is on standby).

 

 

 

We have established that there is nothing wrong with the monitor itself, because we tried to plug our old monitor into the new computer and it also says that there is no signal, so there must be something wrong with the hard drive.

 

 

 

Note: I have not downloaded any new programs recently.

 

 

 

[hide=Computer specs]Computer Name: TOAST

 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600)

 

Language: English

 

System Manufacturer: Compaq Presario 061

 

System Model: EY927AA-ABG SR1910AN AP630

 

BIOS: Pheonix - AwardsBIOS v6.00PG

 

Processor: AMD Sempron Processor 3200+, MMX, 3DNow, ~1.8GHz

 

Memory 1214MB RAM

 

Page file: 645MB used, 2254MB available

 

DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)[/hide]

 

 

 

[hide=The last "Hijack This" log I have]Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2

 

Scan saved at 10:53:45 a.m., on 28/10/2008

 

Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)

 

MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

 

Boot mode: Normal

 

 

 

Running processes:

 

C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\WINDOWS\system32\services[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\WINDOWS\Explorer[Caution: Executable File]

 

c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr[Caution: Executable File]

 

c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr[Caution: Executable File]

 

c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccProxy[Caution: Executable File]

 

c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc[Caution: Executable File]

 

c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc[Caution: Executable File]

 

c:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPwuSchd2[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\Program Files\Compaq Connections\5577497\Program\Compaq Connections[Caution: Executable File]

 

c:\windows\system\hpsysdrv[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_05\bin\jusched[Caution: Executable File]

 

c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Console\NSCSRVCE[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\usnsvc[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\wmplayer[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\wmpenc[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs[Caution: Executable File]

 

C:\Documents and Settings\Compaq_Owner\My Documents\Installation Files\HiJackThis(2)[Caution]

 

 

 

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE= ... pf=desktop

 

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE= ... pf=desktop

 

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE= ... pf=desktop

 

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE= ... pf=desktop

 

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE= ... pf=desktop

 

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE= ... pf=desktop

 

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE= ... pf=desktop

 

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE= ... pf=desktop

 

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE= ... pf=desktop

 

R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE= ... pf=desktop

 

R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE= ... pf=desktop

 

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://messenger.msn.com/flash/?mkt=en- ... n=9,0,28,0

 

O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll

 

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {7E853D72-626A-48EC-A868-BA8D5E23E045} - (no file)

 

O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {A8F38D8D-E480-4D52-B7A2-731BB6995FDD} - c:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll

 

O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {C4069E3A-68F1-403E-B40E-20066696354B} - c:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll

 

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iMJPMIG8.1] "C:\WINDOWS\IME\imjp8_1\IMJPMIG[Caution: Executable File]" /Spoil /RemAdvDef /Migration32

 

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MSPY2002] C:\WINDOWS\system32\IME\PINTLGNT\ImScInst[Caution: Executable File] /SYNC

 

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PHIME2002ASync] C:\WINDOWS\system32\IME\TINTLGNT\TINTSETP[Caution: Executable File] /SYNC

 

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PHIME2002A] C:\WINDOWS\system32\IME\TINTLGNT\TINTSETP[Caution: Executable File] /IMEName

 

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL[Caution: Executable File]

 

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32[Caution: Executable File] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup

 

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz[Caution: Executable File] /install

 

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Recguard] C:\WINDOWS\SMINST\RECGUARD[Caution: Executable File]

 

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp[Caution: Executable File]"

 

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPBootOp] "C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Boot Optimizer\HPBootOp[Caution: Executable File]" /run

 

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Reminder] "C:\Windows\Creator\Remind_XP[Caution: Executable File]"

 

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPwuSchd2[Caution: Executable File]

 

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched[Caution: Executable File]" -osboot

 

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask[Caution: Executable File]" -atboottime

 

O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [CTFMON[Caution: Executable File]] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON[Caution: Executable File] (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')

 

O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [CTFMON[Caution: Executable File]] C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTFMON[Caution: Executable File] (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')

 

O4 - .DEFAULT User Startup: Pin.lnk = C:\hp\bin\CLOAKER[Caution: Executable File] (User 'Default user')

 

O4 - Global Startup: Compaq Connections.lnk = C:\Program Files\Compaq Connections\5577497\Program\Compaq Connections[Caution: Executable File]

 

O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08[Caution: Executable File]

 

O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_05\bin\npjpi150_05.dll

 

O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_05\bin\npjpi150_05.dll

 

O9 - Extra button: Connection Help - {E2D4D26B-0180-43a4-B05F-462D6D54C789} - C:\WINDOWS\PCHEALTH\HELPCTR\Vendors\CN=Hewlett-Packard,L=Cupertino,S=Ca,C=US\IEButton\support.htm

 

O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Connection Help - {E2D4D26B-0180-43a4-B05F-462D6D54C789} - C:\WINDOWS\PCHEALTH\HELPCTR\Vendors\CN=Hewlett-Packard,L=Cupertino,S=Ca,C=US\IEButton\support.htm

 

O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs[Caution: Executable File]

 

O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs[Caution: Executable File]

 

O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{CDFC053F-AA94-4058-B1F1-5312013D7099}: NameServer = 210.55.12.1 210.55.12.2

 

O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService[Caution: Executable File]

 

O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr[Caution: Executable File]

 

O23 - Service: Symantec Internet Security Password Validation (ccISPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\ccPwdSvc[Caution: Executable File]

 

O23 - Service: Symantec Network Proxy (ccProxy) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccProxy[Caution: Executable File]

 

O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr[Caution: Executable File]

 

O23 - Service: COM Host (comHost) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\comHost[Caution: Executable File]

 

O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1050\Intel 32\IDriverT[Caution: Executable File]

 

O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService[Caution: Executable File]

 

O23 - Service: LightScribeService Direct Disc Labeling Service (LightScribeService) - Hewlett-Packard Company - C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc[Caution: Executable File]

 

O23 - Service: Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect Service (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\navapsvc[Caution: Executable File]

 

O23 - Service: Norton Protection Center Service (NSCService) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\Security Console\NSCSRVCE[Caution: Executable File]

 

O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32[Caution: Executable File]

 

O23 - Service: Symantec AVScan (SAVScan) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan[Caution: Executable File]

 

O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc[Caution: Executable File]

 

O23 - Service: Symantec SPBBCSvc (SPBBCSvc) - Symantec Corporation - c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SPBBC\SPBBCSvc[Caution: Executable File]

 

O23 - Service: Symantec Core LC - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc[Caution: Executable File]

 

 

 

--

 

End of file - 9311 bytes[/hide]

[D. V. Devnull]

Two questions:

 

 

 

1. [*:1r3q43dm]Does your sister remember what she was doing before she had to help her/your parents? If "yes", what was it?
    
   [*:1r3q43dm]Is the computer a laptop or desktop? (I forgot, sorry!)

 

 

 

Answer those, and we'll see what we can do to help. :geek:

 

 

 

(ATM, it sounds like the video simply failed, not the hard drive.)

 

 

 

 

 

~Mr. D. V. "Field Triage... Always needed..." Devnull

[ElkNight]

Its a desktop.

 

Good luck nub. :thumbup:

[Sindarin00]

This is a classic, your video card is being stupid problem. I have had this many many times. Computer would turn on and work just fine, except the monitor would not turn on.

 

 

 

1) Unplug your computer from the power source, (just remove cord from back)

 

2) Open up the side of your tower, and you will see a tiny round battery (similar to a watch battery).

 

3) Pop this battery out, noting which way it goes back in, and let it sit out for 5 minutes.

 

4) While your computer is unplugged and the battery is taken out, push and hold the power button for 30 seconds, to dump the memory, and residual power left.

 

5) Reinsert battery, plug computer back in, and turn it on.

 

6) Everything should work just fine

[Wongtong]

Two questions:

 

 

 

1. [*:2vimunh9]Does your sister remember what she was doing before she had to help her/your parents? If "yes", what was it?
    
   [*:2vimunh9]Is the computer a laptop or desktop? (I forgot, sorry!)

 

 

 

Answer those, and we'll see what we can do to help. :geek:

 

 

 

(ATM, it sounds like the video simply failed, not the hard drive.)

 

 

 

 

 

~Mr. D. V. "Field Triage... Always needed..." Devnull

 

 

 

1. Writing an essay in Word, Gmail and Bebo.

 

2. Desktop.

 

 

 

Thanks Sindarin, I'll just go try that right now.

[Wongtong]

This is a classic, your video card is being stupid problem. I have had this many many times. Computer would turn on and work just fine, except the monitor would not turn on.

 

 

 

1) Unplug your computer from the power source, (just remove cord from back)

 

2) Open up the side of your tower, and you will see a tiny round battery (similar to a watch battery).

 

3) Pop this battery out, noting which way it goes back in, and let it sit out for 5 minutes.

 

4) While your computer is unplugged and the battery is taken out, push and hold the power button for 30 seconds, to dump the memory, and residual power left.

 

5) Reinsert battery, plug computer back in, and turn it on.

 

6) Everything should work just fine

 

 

 

Didn't work.

 

Also, the hard drive makes a really weird unnatural whirring sound.

 

Like WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO etc.

 

The monitor says "Monitor going to sleep."

 

So yeah, it thinks it's on standby or whatever.

[n64jive]

Is you're old computer a desktop or a Laptop?

 

 

 

If the old computer is also a desktop, you could take the hard-drive out of new computer and place it into old computer. If the computer boots up displaying a boot up screen(even if it gives a different boot up than the what it is giving now, ie an boot up error because of configuration issues), you'll know it's most likely a video card problem.

 

 

 

If you don't know what you're doing...i'd reccomend taking it somewhere for repairs.

[Wongtong]

Is you're old computer a desktop or a Laptop?

 

 

 

If the old computer is also a desktop, you could take the hard-drive out of new computer and place it into old computer. If the computer boots up displaying a boot up screen(even if it gives a different boot up than the what it is giving now, ie an boot up error because of configuration issues), you'll know it's most likely a video card problem.

 

 

 

If you don't know what you're doing...i'd reccomend taking it somewhere for repairs.

 

 

 

Desktop, and I don't know what I'm doing.

 

Repairs are like $60 an hour -.-

[thrash-boy]

changing the hard drive over shouldn't be very difficult (not that i have ever changed one lol).

 

i recommend you give it a go, there's not much that can go wrong.

 

 

 

google 'how to change harddrive' or something and it may have some pictures to help you.

[Laura]

changing the hard drive over shouldn't be very difficult (not that i have ever changed one lol).

 

i recommend you give it a go, there's not much that can go wrong.

 

 

 

google 'how to change harddrive' or something and it may have some pictures to help you.

 

It's not too difficult, especially if the bays are pointing to the outside. Mine just pop right out. :P

[sloter]

Personally just try getting a new hard drive. The computer should still be showing the BIOS screen though when it first boots is it doing that?

[OldJoe]

To whoever said that she should open up her computer: That's flashing the BIOS, it won't help in this case. And you forgot the most important piece - You should always be grounded when you do such stuff.

 

 

 

To me it sounds like something has failed with the graphics.

 

Do you know if this computer has an add-on graphics card or if it's using the integrated graphics?

 

Because my idea is, if your motherboard has integrated graphics on it but is using a add-on card you could remove, or vice versa, if it's using integrated you could try a add-on card (but don't try this yet).

 

 

 

Could you give me the year (and month if you remember) you bought this computer so i could search and see what you got?

[Arixe]

To whoever said that she should open up her computer: That's flashing the BIOS, it won't help in this case. And you forgot the most important piece - You should always be grounded when you do such stuff.

 

 

 

To me it sounds like something has failed with the graphics.

 

Do you know if this computer has an add-on graphics card or if it's using the integrated graphics?

 

Because my idea is, if your motherboard has integrated graphics on it but is using a add-on card you could remove, or vice versa, if it's using integrated you could try a add-on card (but don't try this yet).

 

 

 

Could you give me the year (and month if you remember) you bought this computer so i could search and see what you got?

 

 

 

Ya clearing the CMOS won't fix graphics issues unless your sister was secretly overclocking the computer via the BIOs, which is unlikely.

 

 

 

I'm with Joe, pop in or pull out (depending on the situation) your graphics card to check the graphics card/integrated graphics.

 

Also for future reference, HDD are probably one of the easiest things to change in a computer. Simply unplug it, unscrew it/unlock the tool less tabs, and slide it out. Reverse that process for install

[Wongtong]

Personally just try getting a new hard drive. The computer should still be showing the BIOS screen though when it first boots is it doing that?

 

No, the monitor stays completely blank.

 

 

 

I believe it was bought in 2006 (I rummaged through some Warranty booklets and they said it was printed in 2006)

 

 

 

Thanks for all the advice about the graphics card possibly having a problem.

 

We're getting a family friend over this afternoon to see if he can do anything about it and I'll show him this forum topic. ^_^ Thanks.

[sloter]

Personally just try getting a new hard drive. The computer should still be showing the BIOS screen though when it first boots is it doing that?

 

No, the monitor stays completely blank.

 

 

 

I believe it was bought in 2006 (I rummaged through some Warranty booklets and they said it was printed in 2006)

 

 

 

Thanks for all the advice about the graphics card possibly having a problem.

 

We're getting a family friend over this afternoon to see if he can do anything about it and I'll show him this forum topic. ^_^ Thanks.

 

If nothing is show i doubt it is your hard drive that is causing it though i could be wrong. I didn't say your hard drive wasn't bad but it should at least be outputting the POST screen. Check make sure are hard ware is connected and connected tight?

[OldJoe]

Ok, i'm not finding anything about your specific computer when i searched the web.

 

It would be damn easier if it worked and you start it so you could download cpu-z lol.

 

 

 

Anyways, you're gonna have to open up the computer (don't touch anything, but be grounded just for safety).

 

[hide=Locate pci-e]

 

[/hide]

 

 

 

There's also a possibility of using a pci lane, but not worth investing in such a card if you don't have one (unless you find one for like 20$).

 

Also, take a picture on the power supply or write down what it says on it (don't want you to blow up the psu).

 

[hide=Psu, copy or photo the text on the side of yours][/hide]

[n64jive]

To whoever said that she should open up her computer: That's flashing the BIOS, it won't help in this case. And you forgot the most important piece - You should always be grounded when you do such stuff.

 

 

 

To me it sounds like something has failed with the graphics.

 

Do you know if this computer has an add-on graphics card or if it's using the integrated graphics?

 

Because my idea is, if your motherboard has integrated graphics on it but is using a add-on card you could remove, or vice versa, if it's using integrated you could try a add-on card (but don't try this yet).

 

 

 

Could you give me the year (and month if you remember) you bought this computer so i could search and see what you got?

 

 

 

Although it may be a good safety precaution to ground yourself to prevent risk of electrical shock, in reallity of the risk is not great. Computer components have relatively low current(less than .3 mA which is considered the threshold of perception meaning that you would heal a slight shock(similar to static electricity)).

 

 

 

However, it is a good idea to rid yourself of static electricity so you don't accidentally allow more current to go through the circuits than what is intended.

 

 

 

But if you like to be safe, by some alligator clips.

[AlexTeHowneR]

I wouldn't recommend switching out hard drives. Especially if it's an older PC that utilizes IDE technology. Messing with jumpers when you have no idea what you're doing is a big no-no.

[OldJoe]

To whoever said that she should open up her computer: That's flashing the BIOS, it won't help in this case. And you forgot the most important piece - You should always be grounded when you do such stuff.

 

 

 

To me it sounds like something has failed with the graphics.

 

Do you know if this computer has an add-on graphics card or if it's using the integrated graphics?

 

Because my idea is, if your motherboard has integrated graphics on it but is using a add-on card you could remove, or vice versa, if it's using integrated you could try a add-on card (but don't try this yet).

 

 

 

Could you give me the year (and month if you remember) you bought this computer so i could search and see what you got?

 

 

 

Although it may be a good safety precaution to ground yourself to prevent risk of electrical shock, in reallity of the risk is not great. Computer components have relatively low current(less than .3 mA which is considered the threshold of perception meaning that you would heal a slight shock(similar to static electricity)).

 

 

 

However, it is a good idea to rid yourself of static electricity so you don't accidentally allow more current to go through the circuits than what is intended.

 

 

 

But if you like to be safe, by some alligator clips.

 

 

 

I've fried a motherboard a couple of years ago due to statics.

 

And believe me, it can very well happen.

 

It would be damn right stupid not to ground yourself before touching any of the components, ask anyone that knows about hardware.

[Wongtong]

All hardware was plugged in properly, our family friend had a small look at it and told us that it wasn't worth fixing.. so we have to stick to using old computers -_-

 

OR get a Vista computer (x_X) if they're bad.

 

 

 

So thanks for helping :)

[Sbrideau]

Well, as last resort you can still check with a professional, but I guess that would be expensive.

 

 

 

As for a Vista computer, Vista is much better than XP and works very well, since the release of SP1 and a few updates, and I can say that by personnal experience. I was like you, following the crowd and thinking it sucked until I tried it.

[n64jive]

Steve Jobs has done a great job at making vista seem like a piece of [cabbage] operating system. Vista is better than XP. Once you get used to the new features, you will agree.