Re: Re-starting Problem

David wrote:
"Philip Herlihy" <thiswillbounceback@xxxxxxx> wrote in message news:erkdnj$oj3$1$830fa79d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sounds like you're not getting very good service. (Which manufacturer?).

From what you say, the chances are that all your data is still on the disk, and the support people are recklessly advising you to trash it all just in case it solves the problem (which it probably won't).

1) Try starting in "Safe Mode". As the machine starts to boot, tap F8 every couple of seconds until you get a menu. Choose Safe Mode. If it boots into that, then the hardware's ok and you have a "logical" error which can be fixed, possibly by using System Restore.

2) My guess is that it won't boot, as it sounds like a sloppy repair from a chap who wouldn't even wait to check his work. Get them back.

3) If you want to preserve your installation and data, take it to a shop and ask them to "image" the disk. If they don't know what that is, don't hang around while they bluff you.

*) I'd then run a standalone memory test, then try booting from a bootable CD, to assess the hardware apart from the disk. I'd test the disk hooked up to another machine, and try running chkdsk to repair corrupted blocks. If that went ok, I'd try various repairs run from an XP installation disk. Most of this is beyond users whose interests are mostly non-technical.

Good support is expensive, so manufacturers are compelled to cut corners to stay competitive. You'll need to balance the risk of letting another idiot mess with it, or paying for a proper repair. Like dentists, it can be hard to know when you've found a competent repairer, unfortunately.

I have just tried your F8 and Safe Mode got a screen of data about Window32 and drivers, it then failed and started to reboot.
You are right I do not have the technical to do your other actions.
I will get back to the maker iQon/Philips and request a good engineer to visit.
Thanks
David



It might be worth checking that the memory is seated properly - only last night I installed a couple of memory modules and found the machine exhibiting similar problems to the ones you describe (although there can be many causes, including the power supply). Open the case (but beware of warranty issues!). Make sure you're not charged with static - some people leave the machine plugged in and touch bright metal every 20 seconds or so, but there is a remote risk of a shock if something's wrong with your house wiring. Look at these guides:
http://www.crucial.com/uk/install/dimm.asp
http://www.crucial.com/uk/install/simm.asp#tools

Ease out each card (if more than one). Try with just one, then with the other one (if more than one). Try in a different slot. Worked for me last night! (I was using a memory testing CD, so I knew that was the problem).

Don't let the engineer wipe your disk unless he can persuade you that he's tried everything else, including an "in-place upgrade" repair. Explain your concern when you book the call.

PH, London.
.