Computer Error

Toronto

Good Morning. Having problems with my computer, I was trying to get on to the internet at weekend (still on dial up !!) and as it was connecting there was a very high pitched humming noise and everything just froze. Had to switch off and start up again but when I did I got a black screen and an error message stating "interface error" press F1 to continue, but when I pressed F1nothing happened. Have tried it a few times but its just the same.
Please can someone help me. The computer is quite old, about 10 years if that matters, but I cant afford to throw it out and get a new one so any help would be much appreciated. I was hoping to go on to broadband shortly but that might not happen now.
Thanks in advance for any help received.
p.s. Just to let you know I am not very good with computers, I don't know much apart from switching on and off.

Browntoa

There is a problem either with the keyboard or with the keyboard controller on the motherboard, try a different Keyboard if you can borrow one as i may be that

if it's the motherboard then there is no way back

it may be worth opening up the PC (normally 4 screws on the cover at the back of the PC and the cover slides forward and up) and blowing out all the dust and debris , then after touching the metal frame of the inside of the PC (unplug it from the mains !! ) carefully push down on all the cards and ram chips on the motherboard

Toronto

Thaks for the quick reply Browntoa, I will give that a try when I get home. Fingers crossed that it works or I will be computre-less at home.

pchelpman

Echo what BT says. As a general rule, an error message of "Press F1 to continue" is caused by a configuration problem or by a loose cable.

One thing .... note BT's advice to BLOW out dust & debris. NEVER use a vaccuum cleaner or other equipment to SUCK the rubbish out.

Also ... DON'T touch any components (resistors, capicitors etc.) or other metal parts inside the computer with bear fingers. You have acid on your skin that could cause damage. If you have any of those tight-fittiing plactic gloves (like nurses/doctors have) use them. They help to minimise the risk.

Good luck.

PCH

Toronto

Many thanks to Browntoa and pchelpman, I borrowed a keyboard and the computer worked fine and then I plugged my original keyboard back in and that also worked fine !!! I suppose it could have been a loose plug, but whatever it was all is well. Thanks again for all your help.

akmodi

A PC that old -- you may have lost your BIOS settings -- the battery on your motherboard may have died.

You will need a CR2032 battery -- open the case and just change it.

Cheers