Help with elderly uncles computer

TakeThis

closed wrote: »

make model and operating system of pc?

Advent 8117

robmar0se

PCWorld's advent 8117 was introduced in 2007 (one of their less expensive models).

As the symptoms given can be any mannner of possibilities, it wouild be quite difficult to assess especially as you are some way away. It may be as stated by previuos respondents, but the main thing is to backup/recover the data.

You would need an enclosure similar to this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-5-SATA-USB-Hard-Drive-Caddy-HDD-Enclosure-Case-/290677825035?pt=UK_Collectables_HardDriveEnclosures_RL&hash=item43adbf9e0b, but first you would need fto remove the existing (quite easy usually as it is most often accessed from a flap on the underside) to verify that is the SATA type.

Once in the caddy, you can both check it for errors by attaching to another PC by running the checkdisk utility (chkdsk <driveletter>:/r) - this will often correct any errors too; and/or then copy over the data to a new laptop.


PS If I have misunderstood yr original post, ie the main error is on the desktop, you could apply the same logic, but use a 3.5" enclosure similar to the one above, but again checking which type of hard drive the desktop has (IDE or SATA)

closed

The way I read the post is

1 broken desktop pc + advent laptop which can't connect to net wirelessly

so I was referring to the model of the desktop

TakeThis

closed wrote: »

The way I read the post is 1 broken desktop pc + advent laptop which can't connect to net wirelessly, so I was referring to the model of desktop

Yes, you are right. Time for bed for me. Think I have a cold coming on.

tafelmoneysaver

Would the "local guy" be able to get your Uncle up and running for you?

It might be easier in the long run - Even if you have to pay a small amount would this be cheaper than a tank of fuel or return rail fare for you to visit your Uncle to sort it yourself?

Figment

The way I read the OP is:

1) Uncle has an old desktop PC sitting at the safe mode startup menu.

Maybe I'm missing something, but has anyone given the basic instruction to move the highlight bar to "Start Windows Normally" using the keyboard's arrow keys and then pressing the Enter key?

2) Uncle has an advent laptop and having problems connecting to broadband via wifi

Some more information on what exactly has been tried, and the result including error messages etc, is required to know where to begin diagnosing the problem and the remedy.




The other issues of whether the prospective supplier can be trusted, whether uncle would have a problem with the size of the laptop screen only serve to cloud the technical problems being encountered.

Norman_Castle

has anyone given the basic instruction to move the highlight bar to "Start Windows Normally" using the keyboard's arrow keys and then pressing the Enter key?

Agree with above. Try the obvious.

“We are where we are”.

I'm not. I'm somewhere else