View Full Version : My Son 'Fixed' Our Computer Last Night
nancyb
26 Dec 2006, 06:22 PM
We'd been having some ocaisional random shut downs, so he decided we needed an updated BIOS. Apparently, that did not go the way he intended.
We're completely dead now and he's managed to hose his computer, too. He's decided we need a new motherboard and is out shopping now. Should I tell him to keep his hands off the computer? I don't like the way this is going.
IntheNet
26 Dec 2006, 08:29 PM
We'd been having some ocaisional random shut downs, so he decided we needed an updated BIOS. Apparently, that did not go the way he intended.
We're completely dead now and he's managed to hose his computer, too. He's decided we need a new motherboard and is out shopping now. Should I tell him to keep his hands off the computer? I don't like the way this is going.
Several issues nancy if I may... Initially, if your son started to fix your computer did you give him permission? Did you advise him to do more than minor software adjustment? If so, you may not have too much luck stopping him now... Secondly, random shutdowns could be caused by a variety of issues not necessarily BIOS issues and a new motherboard is probably not a solution. Lastly if he changes motherboard I believe that voids computer warranty completely.
You may wish to go with him and take computer to professional to get a second opinion... if it is truly fried consider just buying a new one and avoiding all the son/parent fights sure to occur otherwise! If you do get new computer add a Master password so all ADMIN software is locked to change so this situation never arises again... a battle with son over computer is probably not worth fighting!
Good luck...
nancyb
26 Dec 2006, 08:34 PM
No, I didn't give him permission. We don't have a warranty issue as this computer is 2.5 years old (or older?). I absolutely would not have given him permission to mess with the BIOS.
royalstilton
26 Dec 2006, 08:42 PM
We'd been having some ocaisional random shut downs, so he decided we needed an updated BIOS. Apparently, that did not go the way he intended.
We're completely dead now and he's managed to hose his computer, too. He's decided we need a new motherboard and is out shopping now. Should I tell him to keep his hands off the computer? I don't like the way this is going.
i just hope this doesn't wind up in the "Should I beat my son" thread...
sorry for your loss. :eek:
nancyb
26 Dec 2006, 08:47 PM
Considering he's a foot taller than I am, I don't think beating is an option. I've never done any BIOS updates, so it's unknown territory to me. This is why I buy my computers fully assembled.
Considering he's a foot taller than I am, I don't think beating is an option. I've never done any BIOS updates, so it's unknown territory to me. This is why I buy my computers fully assembled.
Nancy, check your PMs in a few minutes.
mizterio
27 Dec 2006, 12:33 AM
am having the same problem, having random shut downs.. what can it be?? anybody please:)
spejic
27 Dec 2006, 04:10 AM
Random shutdowns could have many causes. Some of the likely causes are overheating of the main processor and putting too much load on your computer's power supply. It might be a software issue, particularly if you are running an older version of Windows.
Belgian guy
27 Dec 2006, 08:45 AM
Random shutdowns can be caused by any piece of hardware. I used to have a lot of trouble with an apparent conflict between my previous motherboard and my graphics card.
If he managed to somehow mess up a BIOS flash, then yeah, a lot of the time, that means replacing the motherboard. However, this might not have been the problem to begin with.
nancyb
27 Dec 2006, 08:56 AM
I don't think the motherboard was the problem. But, now we're pretty hosed and it looks like a trip to the repair shop is in order. Grrr!
dark knight
27 Dec 2006, 11:04 AM
Well - at least he probably is learning through trial by fire. I would let him muck around - UNLESS you are concerned about losing data and haven't backed up. If you are having hard drive failure then you probably want to get him to stop messing around and try to save your data. Otherwise, I would encourage his interest! :)
spejic
27 Dec 2006, 02:50 PM
Also, it should be possible to reset your motherboard with a jumper setting. This all depends on the type of motherboard you have. I would make sure the repair place tries this first before installing a new motherboard (which is not only costly, but would likely force you to buy a new copy of Windows as well).
bojendyk
27 Dec 2006, 03:12 PM
Out of curiosity, is this a Dell?
I had this same problem on my work computer, and the problem was, in fact, the motherboard. The shutdowns became more and more frequent, until I couldn't get the computer running at all.
nancyb
27 Dec 2006, 03:17 PM
Everyone - thanks for the support. I didn't feel like dealing with it yesterday what with all the Boxing Day games and the hangover. This morning, I partially rebuilt what he had deconstructed (returned the memory sticks). I started by trying to just turn it on. The video display was a bunch of 9s. Then, I started up with a system restore disk. It came up fine. Next, I put the hard drive back in and, voila, she came up.
He had made a floppy disk with updated bios. Maybe that actually did it. So far, we're good today.
dark knight
27 Dec 2006, 03:18 PM
Once you go Mac... :)
nancyb
27 Dec 2006, 03:20 PM
Once you go Mac... :)
I tell you, once the boys and their damn games are done, we are so going Mac.
mritalian1210
27 Dec 2006, 04:15 PM
I tell you, once the boys and their damn games are done, we are so going Mac.
It's a world of a difference:D
nancyb
27 Dec 2006, 04:39 PM
Random shutdowns could have many causes. Some of the likely causes are overheating of the main processor and putting too much load on your computer's power supply. It might be a software issue, particularly if you are running an older version of Windows.
We added a new power supply a week ago. I replaced the CPU fan last spring. I started noticing the random shut downs after we downloaded a new driver for our printer, which is also hosed. One thing, when you've got 6 people sharing computers, there are lots of opportunities for things to go wrong. We discussed with our twins each getting their own laptop and they both said they were fine with sharing the two functioning Windows computers we have now.
Devil500
27 Dec 2006, 04:57 PM
I tell you, once the boys and their damn games are done, we are so going Mac.
YOU can run windows on mac's and your boys can still play their games trust me ;) :p
...We discussed with our twins each getting their own laptop and they both said they were fine with sharing the two functioning Windows computers we have now.Glad y'all are up and running.
I'm going to agree with ItN on one thing (dog nmad, I feel so dirty). :rolleyes:
If you're running WinXP or Win2000, secure the administrator accounts and create user accounts for the lads. If they want to load something new, they'll have to go through you. Create a system save point before installing new games or hardware.