posted on September 6, 2001 06:42:53 PM
Sorry for the length...
A little over 2 1/2 years ago we bought a HP Pavilion 4440 computer to get us started on ebay. It served us fairly well up until recently. This was certainly a mid-range computer, not one of the more expensive ones. Even so, it cost a pretty penny (around $800 without monitor)
In order to save a few bucks we didn't get a new monitor with it, but bought a used monitor that had a good picture. That monitor finally went out recently and we replaced that with a Compaq 150 monitor (also used) but we can't seem to get a sharp picture with it. The type is blurry and I know we have to so something (I'm struggling to read this as I type), but we can't figure out if there is a way to sharpen the focus. Joy went into the settings and tried to improve things to no avail.
On top of that, the computer will no longer shut down correctly and it's probably corupted somehow (we are not very computer savvy) and we don't know how to fix that. We do regular disk cleanups, defrags and virus scans, but something is wrong.
We bought this computer from Bestbuy. They can probably fix it. I say probably because they repair these things but we haven't taken it in yet.
But after 2 1/2 years have we got our money's worth out of it? (it's made us a good deal of money over the 2 1/2 years).
I know I am tired of fighting with it and we do need reliability. However, spending the dough for a new computer isn't really what I'd like to do--if I'm forced to I will.
posted on September 6, 2001 06:49:23 PM
What processor speed is it? How much ram? How big is the hard drive? Without knowing those details, it's impossible to give good advice or opinions. It sounds to me like it needs reformatting and perhaps you should invest in a good new monitor with a warranty.
We are using a 3+ year old Gateway. It's a PII 400, with 256 meg ram, and 2 - 30 gig hard drives. Yes, it may be outdated according to the new processor speeds, but it is fast and stable for us. It has a writable cd rom, an upgraded video card (for gaming hubby), and a cable connection to the internet. We don't NEED anything faster.
Since your's is an HP you may be stuck as far as major upgrades. They are notorious for being proprietory in their hardware. If you do get a new system, get a Dell, or Gateway, one of the major vendors. And DON'T get integrated sound and video or you won't be able to upgrade in the future.
Oh, one more thing. Find a local computer shop if you decide to have someone work on it. Don't take it to Best Buy.
posted on September 6, 2001 06:56:24 PM
Sound like you Just need to invest in a new monitor I see them in stores like walmart around where I live very resonablly priced that should clear up your view..
AS for your computer not shutting down right well you may just need to reinstall window if you still have the emergency floopy and cds that came with it when you bought it reinstalling is not that hard will take under an hour , you will probably also notice an improvment in speed as well.
another solution is to invest in a windows98 or ME upgrade CD, an up grade cd is a great investment because you can repair corrupt window files and configuration with out loseing any of your current programs and files on your HD.
a fairly nice new monitor and a windows update cd should run from $250 to $350.
and this repair and upgrade will more then likely help your computer give you 2 or 3 more year of service.
on the other hand you can get a new computer today from $600 and up that will last you another 1 or 2 years before it needs help.
http://www.Dman-N-Company.com
Email [email protected]
[ edited by dman3 on Sep 6, 2001 06:57 PM ]
posted on September 6, 2001 07:00:45 PM
That depends...you could add more ram, at least double it, 128 would be better. Do you have enough hard drive space? Most people need at least 10gig now, and much more if you do stuff with MP3's or large data files.
Again...to add ram, go to www.crucial.com. You can look up your system there and see how much more ram would cost you. First check the paperwork on your system and see what the motherboard will support.
It does sound like it needs reformatted, which means you need to have all data files backed up somehow. Picture files, word processing, anything you need to save. Did it come with restore disks? What about the software you use? When you bought the system, did it come with that software? You'll have to have it to reinstall if you reformat.
If you do decide to look into a new system, try to stay with Win98. I wouldn't touch ME with a ten foot pole...too dumbed down for us.
[ edited by Meya on Sep 6, 2001 07:02 PM ]
posted on September 6, 2001 07:03:59 PM
Loosecannon,
I don't have any good advice to give you, but if there's anything I can do to help (like email customers & that kind of thing if it comes to it) feel free to call us.
posted on September 6, 2001 07:11:46 PM
I just got a new brochure at work, Gateway is offering a 900 mghtz w/128k ram for $699 and that includes monitor. If my computer wasn't 18 months old, I'd be getting a new one.
Not my name on ebay.
posted on September 6, 2001 07:14:47 PM
We get a new computer every 2 years or so, and sell our old one. Other than adding RAM, most upgrades are not (in my opinion) worth the cost. Put a new hard drive in an older computer, you still have an older computer, with no more market value than it had before.
Clones are the way to go. Generic parts incase you need to repair (as opposed to upgrading) it. Lots of "big name" computers use proprietory parts.
posted on September 6, 2001 07:18:57 PMloosecannon
You're in a tough spot! I think that you'll have to bite the bullet and buy a new PC very soon. If I were buying a new PC today I would get a system that will handle the upgrade to Windows XP. Officially XP will run on a 400megahertz P3 and 64 megs of ram. HA! HA! Plan on a 1gigahertzP4 and 256 megs of ram to take advantage of XP. Myself, I'm planning on holding out until Fall 2002 and will assemble my own.
A stop gap would be to buy a cheapo refurbished barebones from TigerDirect or ComputerGeeks. It would run Windows98se as well as your HP, but you'll need to be techy to set it up or find a techy to do it for you.
Another thought is to go to a store like
Computer Renaissanse, explain your situation and ask them to set you up for the least amount of money. If you're lucky they won't rip you off<G> and if they treat you decently you'll have a store to go to when you need a permanent solution.
posted on September 6, 2001 08:41:57 PM
If you have not tried it already, try the degauss button or control, most monitors have one somewhere. After a CRT is moved it should be degaussed. Also make sure windows is recognising the monitor as the correct model and not as a generic.
If you really need a monitor a decent 17 inch can run under $175 now but you should really consider buying a new complete system.
posted on September 6, 2001 09:09:21 PM
Loosecannon I've got a lot of the problems you do as well, aside from the monitor. On top of the shutting down problems, my system 'churns' and 'grinds' to the point where I have to reboot and restart my computer once every hour. It runs "fine" for the first half an hour and then progressively churns and grinds to where I can't load pages, I can't do anything and I have to shut down (which of course I can't shut down, I have to hit the off button and then run scandisk to start again.) I need to get a new system, this one I have is nearing 4 years old but I've got to get ahead on eBay a bit first. That will be something I have to invest in. I can prepare launch 5 or 6 auctions at a time on Mister Lister and then I have to save it all and start again because of the lack of speed (on a cable modem no less). It's very frustrating.
No expert here, but if you could afford it, same as me, I would go and buy an upgraded system.
posted on September 6, 2001 11:16:42 PM
Valleygirl:
I went to Gateway's website and I don't see the deal you were talking about, do you have a special code or link for that? Thank you!
posted on September 6, 2001 11:27:59 PM
4 Years !!!!! Not bad. I've been averaging about 2 years per computer, but I've been buying refurbished e-machines (complete junk).
I broke down, and spent $699 on a new 900 mhz hp pavillion this last weekend but I have little faith that it will last more than my average 2 year life span.
When I was picking this one up, a lady was returning a brand new $1200 compaq system with a dead power supply.
Can you imagine paying $700 to $1200 for a new television and have the power supply burn up 5 minutes after you plug it in.
PCs are crap. Its no wonder intelligent people are still using web.tv
posted on September 6, 2001 11:52:08 PM
Forgot to mention. Windows ME has a compatibility problem with some scanners that work fine with Windows 95 & 98.
(Thanks Microsoft. Kiss my @%$#!!!!!!)
I bought a new hp scanjet 2200c with my new hp computer and I can't stand it. I would avoid this scanner.
posted on September 7, 2001 12:53:34 AM
loosecannon,
You have two simple problems so don't even think of buying a new computer. The AMD K6 is just fine and should serve you well into the next couple of years. Unless you become a gaming freak or buy into that Windows XP nonsense. Then you might as well lease a supercomputer since nothing will ever be fast enough for those.
The monitor. Monitors wear out over time though sometimes there are additional brightness and focus adjustments on the chassis that require you to remove the cover. Proceed with simple caution and you should be alright. Stay clear of the high voltage flyback transformer and use a plastic screwdriver to adjust the potentiometers. This may help to get the last life out of it. You should be able to pick up a Super VGA 14 inch monitor for next to nothing. Literally. I bought an old system today for a dollar and left the monitor, since I was only interested in the keyboard. I routinely pass up high quality monitors that are literally given away. Check your local auctions and garage sales. Everyone is into the new 17 and 19 inch models. And people like me just won't be bothered trying to pack these beasts, so selling them over the net is out.
The computer. Not shutting down right is a perennial problem with Windows 9X systems. Mine has NEVER shut down correctly, especially as I don't use the common shutdown method as it requires upper memory that I need for my DOS programs. So I frequently use the three finger salute to boot to DOS and shut down from there. You may have some file corruption so it would be advisable to reinstall Windows every so often. You will not lose your software setting if you do so, and it should not cause any great inconvenience. There should be no reason to reformat. 32 meg is a little short for anything past original Win95, so an additional 32 meg would probably be advisable. Don't even think of XP with your present configuration as its such bloated trash that it would certainly choke. If you want reliability and speed, then switch to Linux. Else stick to Win98. Dont bother with Win98SE unless you have finicky USB drivers.
And forget about the Millenium junk since they removed the ability to use DOS which can be crucial if your system has been damaged by virii and you do not have a recent backup!
posted on September 7, 2001 01:03:31 AM
nineyards,
Your problem is either a heat buildup or a memory leak from bad software like Microsoft junk. Pull the cover off and CLEAN that beast. Especially the vents on your power supply.
Memory leaks are common with poorly written software, and unfortunatly M$ is not the only one who makes that garbage. Try running as few programs as possible. Use ctrl-alt-delete to kill anything you dont need. Change browsers. Turn off Antiviral Software, which is notorious for eating system resources. You may also need to get more memory. Hard drive thrashing is a sympton of insufficient memory. Especially if you are running the 'latest' Windoze...
posted on September 7, 2001 03:47:32 AM
I just got a new Dell, and they'll finance you fairly easily (unless your credit is really bad). I'm paying $29/mo. I'm happy w/it, and I even like windowsME well enough, though others have said they hate it.
I've heard Gateway has great customer svc - unfortunately I've heard that from people who've had to send their Gateway back three times before it was right.
With all the upgrades people have told you about, it might behoove you to buy a whole new system. By the time you buy a new monitor, more ram, and more hard drive space, you're about 3/4 of the way in money to a whole new computer because everything has gotten so inexpensive.
posted on September 7, 2001 04:44:22 AM
Snakebait..
AGH! So this problem is FIXABLE? It's so unbelieveably frustrating to have to stop and reboot every hour.
I have enough memory that that isn't a problem. I mean I dont have an excessive amount but i have enough. I've got cable modem so I have a Zone Alarm on my system. I've also got things like WinAmp and Real Player which I do not use, I will go and uninstall those later this morning.
I just used the Ctrl/Alt/Delete and shut down everything except my scanner, my zone alarm and my explorer. I have Window's 98. If I could use my computer longer than an hour at a time I would be SO happy!
posted on September 7, 2001 04:48:46 AM
loosecannon
The amd k6 is a fine chip no dinasoar.
we have used a k6 350 mhz this one for about 3 years and I see no need to upgrade
Definatley get more ram at least 64 megs more
you may want to invest in a new video card with some on board ram and as others have said why mess with a used monitor ?
buy a nice 17 or 19 inch they can be had cheap theses days if watch the paper
take it to best buy or find a independent . If you are not comfortable with doing it yourself.
the days of replacing every few years are over in my opion there just aren't applications that most of run that need 900mhz or other advencments
of course we have built our own for years so minor problems are a interesting challenge to solve
rather than a OH $#$# !!!!
posted on September 7, 2001 04:54:41 AMThewholenineyards, when you do Ctrl-Alt-Del, make a note of all the stuff that is listed there. Chances are you are starting up stuff that is not needed. If you are running Win98 you can use msconfig to deselect the items you wish to stop from launching when you boot your system.
Almost every program you install wants to put something in the startup, stuff like reminders and other non-essential programs. If you've ever downloaded a program from a web site, you most likely also got Gator, Download Companion, Comet Cursor, and other programs that you don't want or need.
I don't know if you mentioned the browser you use, but when I use Netscape I have similar problems and need to reboot more often. The "churning and grinding" you mention sounds like a program is accessing the hard drive constantly. Do you run Go Back or a similar program? Check your virus scanner and see how it is set to run.
Once you get the items removed from the startup (don't confuse this with the actual Startup Folder in the Start/Programs, most items don't show up there), you can run a thorough Scan Disk and Defrag and then see how things run. And don't forget the possiblity of a virus...update your DAT files and run a system scan to be sure. Some of the trojans going around will cause massive disk activity because they are exploding files sizes and taking up hard drive space.
posted on September 7, 2001 06:07:37 AM
I agree with Maya, delete your temp files, run a virus check with the latest definitions, run scandisk and defrag. Also, check to see how much free hard drive space you have, if it's less than 5 MB you need to clear out some junk.
You can probably fix alot of stuff just by cleaning up and running some standard maintenance. Don't rush out to buy a new computer if you don't have to/need to.
posted on September 7, 2001 06:20:59 AM
"Monitors wear out over time though sometimes there are additional brightness and focus adjustments on the chassis that require you to remove the cover. Proceed with simple caution and you should be alright. Stay clear of the high voltage flyback transformer and use a plastic screwdriver to adjust the potentiometers. This may help to get the last life out of it."
Ummm...I wouldn't. Its time consuming, potentially hazardous, and there is not the least guarantee that it will do anything for you. I got a 17" monitor for $40 after rebate from staples recently; good deals on monitors are all around. why fool around?
If the only problem with the system itself is not shutting down properly...don't sweat it. YOu can try reloading windows if you are having problems and see if that helps, since it won't take too long to try it. And if you do keep it, add more memory - I'd add 128Meg if you can, since its so cheap (right now, for example, best buy has 128Meg free after rebate...). Add a new HD too if you have less than 10% free space.
Paying best buy to "repair" your system sounds like a real bad thing to do, unless you know someone there and trust them. Besides paying $50/hour (or more), they may not really fix anything. Better to take the money and get a new system (not necessarily a "new new" system, but a 400/600mhz refurb with warranty is pretty cheap these days), and other such deals).
posted on September 7, 2001 06:26:14 AM
I understand about not fussing with used monitors, but the first used one we bought lasted us well over 2 years and had a great picture. Then it started taking forever for the screen to show up after it was turned on. Even so, it still had a great picture after it finally did come on.
When I started the computer up this morning I tried to get the emailing done quickly as the picture was good enough to read the screen, but it soon started to go blurry.
The thing is, Joy tried the monitor out before buying and she says that it had a good, sharp picture--that's why she bought this one.
Degaussing? I hadn't heard of that before. This monitor has no outside degauss button that I can see.
I appreciate all of your responses.
***Oh, right now I'm on our second computer, but it's not hooked up to our email system, which it looks like we need to do just so we can get people emailed. To me this second computer is like a kiddie computer, but we may have to press it into higher service for a while. Such a deal.
[ edited by loosecannon on Sep 7, 2001 06:29 AM ]
posted on September 7, 2001 06:46:00 AM
I hooked up the "old" monitor again--trying to get it to come on so I can see if the old thing still has a good picture. I'll bet it does, but it takes forever for the screen to come on.
If it will fire up, my immediate problems are probably over because I'll be able to read the dang screen, send emails, etc.
posted on September 7, 2001 06:51:42 AM
Have you checked to make sure the computer has the proper monitor picked? There are inf files (drivers) for monitors...perhaps this isn't correct?
Go to Control Panel, Display, Settings, Advanced, and then you should have a tab for Monitor that will show what monitor the computer thinks you are using. If it's not right, click Change, then find the proper one.
You could try the website of the maker of the monitor as well, especially if you don't have any documentation for it.
posted on September 7, 2001 07:21:03 AM
From my experience, when a monitor (or TV or almost anything else electronic) starts out OK and then degrades later, its more likely an electronic component that is OK when its not hot, but as it warms up (and heat builds up in the case), it starts to malfunction. If so, the problem will only get worse, as the component will often continue to degrade until it fails completely.
How long is "forever" for your old monitor to work? How about turning it on when you wake up (you can even put it on a timer, along with your coffee!...) and leaving it on until you go to bed? I have a monitor like that. I'm sure it will eventually go bad, and its costing me some electricity (but, hey, power is cheap and plentiful, right? ), but it postpones having to deal with the problem for now.
posted on September 7, 2001 08:55:11 AM
If your main use is for the internet and Ebay...keep it.
Wipe the drive clean and reinstall windows.
I would go with Windoz 98 first edition not SE...and whatever you do dont use an upgrade CD...go with the full version.
I would upgrade the ram...128 or 256 if it will take it. Ram is really cheap now.
Replace the monitor,,,get at least a .28 15'
Many people skimp on the Monitor...but think about the health of your eyes..cheap monitors can really strain your eyes and thats not good. It is very important to have a good one...I have a 15inch .28 that only cost me 149.00 and it came witrh a 3 year warrenty.
posted on September 7, 2001 09:27:01 AM
Wow. I just wanted to say thanks for the advice. I brought up my control panel to the uninstall programs and took out a lot of the things I DONT use, winamp, realplayer, things that I didnt' even recognize. I ran scandisk and restarted. My computer has been running for over 2 hours now. It's still a *bit* slower now than it was when I turned it on, but I haven't been able to leave my computer run like this, longer than an hour, for months. I wish I knew what was causing the slowdown! Now maybe I can list more than 5 or 6 auctions at a time!
posted on September 7, 2001 10:00:36 AM
MONITOR: Get a Sony manufactured tube in the monitor. Its not worth your eyes going bad squinting at the blurry text.
REFORMATTING YOUR SYSTEM: Don't do it unless its your last resort. Some people suggest it first because its an easy fix, but you have to consider all the time you invested in your setup and important data you have on there. Oh, that's the part advice givers always glaze over. How are you going to backup/recover the data? How many hours are you going to spend unable to email, manage auctions, etc?
posted on September 7, 2001 10:16:31 AM
Bev: I work in education, and this was a sales brochure we received here in our office. We just received a 10K grant to upgrade computers, and this Gateway price will mean than for every three computers we buy, we can get another one free. The brochure even listed a 1.4 gzh for $999. There is a store in our area who will upgrade computers to 1 gig for $249. I try to make my computers last 4 - 5 years. Halfway through, I upgrade to the fastest processer I can afford, then limp along for another 2 years. I'm almost to the upgrade point.
), but it postpones having to deal with the problem for now.