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Laptop Hardware Problem, Problem with new Acer laptop |
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 Aug 11 2008, 08:30 PM
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Leaky's Youngest Elf
Posts: 6,814
Joined: 5:12pm July 5, 2006
Location: in a pool
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It says Hardware, so that means it's not a virus problem, I wouldn't think-- although you could on startup go to advanced boot-up options and go into safe mode and run some virus tests.
My only other advice on that would be to bring it to Acer(?) or wherever you bought it and let them look at it. Or a computer company like The Geek Squad could probably help, although probably an expensive alternative.
Not really sure, sorry 
This post has been edited by JeffHpFan: Aug 12 2008, 12:24 AM
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 Stand Fast with us on December Third! |
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Aug 11 2008, 09:45 PM
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Professional Diagon Alley Window Shopper
Posts: 67
Joined: 12:53am July 28, 2008
Location: The matrix, using Linux
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QUOTE(JeffHpFan @ Aug 11 2008, 09:30 PM)  It says Hardware, so that means it's not a virus problem, I wouldn't think-- My only advice on that would be to bring it to Acer(?) or wherever you bought it and let them look at it. Or a computer company like The Geek Squad could probably help, although probably an expensive alternative. Not really sure, sorry
Actually it could be a virus, since i work with a lot of Computers, and one time i didnt know a way out (it said Hardware error), I installed ubuntu, and now that PC runns perfect
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Aug 12 2008, 02:15 AM
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Firefox's personal PR Dude
Posts: 6,265
Joined: 1:00pm January 4, 2005
Location: Seafaring on the S.S. Silver Inklish
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Excellent diagnosis, Dr. House Hagrid!
Keep in mind that many hardware errors are thrown by the BIOS, which is independent of the operating system that is running, and so changing one's operating system isn't necessarily going to fix anything.
Also keep in mind that Linux and Mac are by no means virus-free. My Windows is virus-free, for instance--is that because it's a distribution of Windows? No, it's because it's properly configured and protected. See these examples of when good OSes go bad. I'm not intending to derail the subject of this thread to discuss this--I'm just trying to widen people's perceptions.
--Nick
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Aug 12 2008, 03:33 AM
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Rat Spleen Restocker at the Apothecary
Posts: 475
Joined: 2:25pm February 11, 2005
Location: Sonderborg, Denmark
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Based on the symptoms, there is a couple of possibillities:
1) As Rudius mentioned, this could be a problem with CPU/chipset
2) As Crazy mentioned - this could be a malware infection
3) IMHO this is the memory that is foul: First, the error message indicates that the parity check of the memory is shot - secondly the system doesent manage to boot at all...
It could be as simple, as the memory card isn't set securely in the slot.
May i humbly suggest: use a Ubuntu or Knoppix live-CD to check the memory/hardware: under boot options, there is a 'memory check' option - run that one. I have set a 'troubleshooting tree' up here - if you follow the sequence, you should be able to pin it down:
If Ubuntu fails to boot then hardware fault do return the device to seller for repair
If Ubuntu boots, but fail memory check then memory fault do return the device to seller for repair
If Ubuntu boots, and passes memory check then software fault do malware scan
If malware scan fails then remove malware... and probably return to seller to re-install your OS all over again. (Concider keep using Ubuntu.)
If malware scan passes then return to seller for reinstallation of software... (or keep running Ubuntu!  Yes, i know... i'm partial to that stuff...)
I hope this is clear, even though written in 'pig BASIC'. I guess, as your machine is still under warranty, you better bring it in, no matter what. If you open the box, you void the warranty.
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Nick may i be allowed to disagree slightly?
'Bliss' is one of the very few vira ever found for Linux: the grand total is - to the best of my knowledge - five. There is about 15 - 20 theoretical possibillities, none ever found 'in the open'.
You can still claim that it's damn close to impossible penetrating a Linux system: the five functioning vira has all been for 2.2 kernels or older (now we run 2.6.whatever), and every single 'possible' is rendered harmless - if you keep your system updated.
After over 10 years of running Linux, i have - so far - never found a single infected machine, nor talked with anybody that had one.
Just for comparision: McAfee's malware scanner for XP has to check for over 80.000 vira, worms and variations over these. And each and every one bites. Your strategy of keeping your box up-to-date at all times, is indeed a wise one.
...I don't mind derailing a bit, now and again... 
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Aug 12 2008, 05:48 AM
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Keeper of the Keys
Posts: 2,057
Joined: 8:45am April 19, 2006
Location: Going to Knockturn Alley to get Holy Grain eating Weevil Repellant
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OK to prevent TWO threads discussing computer security feel free to continue the virus discussion here whereas this discussion will remain on troubleshooting the PC.
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Aug 12 2008, 02:45 PM
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Being Eaten by the Pea Soup
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Joined: 12:59pm September 27, 2007
Location: Rounding up Gnomes in the Weasley's garden
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Thank you all so much for your suggestions!
I tried turning it on again today to get on the Unbuntu website and try that,but I had to do a scan first as it said it hasn't had a full system scan yet and I wasn't protected.
It got half way through and went to the error message again,so I didn't even manage to get online.
I turned it off then on again,restarted the scan and then the screen started flashing.It rebooted itself but then it happened again soon after,(flashing screen which then started pixalating and wouldn't stop.)
I don't know whether it has anything to do with the video driver as it only started to go wrong after I watched the new HP trailer online,the day after I got it.
As I know absolutely nothing about the inside workings of a computer,I think it would be best if I took it to Currys (bought it from them online) for them to have a look.If I started taking things out and moving them around I know for sure nothing would end up in the right place!
Being under warrenty I wouldn't have to pay,would I? (knows nothing about these things  )
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