Pc won't boot up

SHEILA54

Hi
I am looking for a new desktop as mine has finally given up the ghost after numerous blue screens. I am not technically minded but it seemed to be a driver problem. I bought a package to check and update all of my drivers, restored to previously good start up etc but none of that seems to have worked and, at 6 years old, guess i need a new one.

Please can anyone recommend a reasonably priced tower / complete system? I use it for selling on Ebay, research, kid's homework mainly though my grandson likes to use in to watch You Tube as well.

Which recommends this
Lenovo C365

What do you think?


Many thanks

NiftyDigits

If it's a Driver problem, then back up your data and run a clean install.

Though seriously.... what is the brand name and model number of the PC?

Six years old is not that old. It's not unusual to have to replace a hard drive or to clean it up inside a little after that time.

So you may not need to scrap it. You can keep it as a spare machine.

Brand name and model number and what are the exact symptoms?

Unless you are really pushed for space, I would avoid an 'all in one'.

closed

what does the blue screen say

reinstall will probably cure it, but the contents of the blue screen will probably point to the problem

SHEILA54

Hi

It has shown both bad pool caller and IRQL not less or equal as well as the odd other message over the past few weeks. I restored it to last known good configuration a few days ago and it was ok for a couple of days and then kept closing down.. Now I try to start it up but it just turns itself off without booting up at all.

It was upgraded to Windows 7 ultimate when I got it from a friend, model HP DX5150MT and I added extra memory from Crucial.

I really don't know much about computers but followed the advice about restoring from the internet.

NiftyDigits

I guess that you don't have the Ultimate disc and COA.

Have you backed up your important data...if any?

closed

system restore to further back, before the problem started?

it's a software problem, no need for a new machine

SHEILA54

Hi

I can't restore it to an earlier time if it won't boot up in the first place, can I? I switch it on but the screen flashes and it just switches off again. As far as backing up it asked me if I wanted to save data before I restored to an earlier time and I said yes but how do I get it back please?

If I do need a new one then can anyone recommend a good system that is not too expensive? As I said earlier, the one that I mentioned is a Which best buy

Lenovo C365

or this has slightly better reviews but more expensive

Apple Mac mini MD387B/A but it doesn't come with a screen or keyboard

Your advice is much appreciated

grumpycrab

SHEILA54 wrote: »

Lenovo C365

This is better and cheaper (with 12 month warranty). I assume you already have all the bits (keyboard, mouse, monitor). Has Windows8 (rather than 7 which you may be already used to.)
http://www.medion.com/gb/prod/Lenovo%20H520S%20PC%20%28B-Grade%29/255049193

Ainsley1

Take note of Niftydigits and Closed posts.
Try to get into the windows boot menu straight away after switching on to boot up into a safe mode or other diagnostic modes.

Sorry must dash now so no time to tell you how but I'm sure on of those helpful participants will be back on shortly.
It's not often the hard ware fails (just possible you may need a need new hard drive) but as said it sounds like a software issue and these can be fixed cheaply but sometimes with plenty effort. Even a new drive can be under £50 much less than a new machine.
...but if you'd rather just spend the money.......

SHEILA54

I take it that the blue screen issues are software problems but what about the fact that it ha s decided not to boot up at all? It just turns off as soon as I try to start up? Thanks

NiftyDigits

Asus A4 4GB 500GB Desktop and 18.5 Inch Led Monitor £229.99

Personally I would go for a much bigger monitor, but it's cheap at least. Last one.

Processor - AMD A4-3420 (HD 6410D Graphics)
Chipset - AMD® A55 FCH
Operating System - Windows 8 64bit
Memory - DDR3 1600MHz 4GB
Storage - 500GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
Keyboard Mouse - USB Keyboard / Mouse
Drive Bay - 1 x 5.25", 2 x 3.5"
SATA - 4 x SATA 3.0Gb/s ports
Card reader - 6 in 1 MS, MS Pro, MMC, SD, SDHC, XD
Expansion Slots - 1 x PCIe 2.0 x 16, 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x 1, 1 x PCI
1 x Headphone
1 x Microphone
2 x USB 2.0"
1 x RJ45 LAN
1 x 8 channel Audio I/O
2 x PS/2(Keyboard/Mouse)
4 x USB 2.0
1 x VGA(D-Sub)-Out"
LAN 10/100/1000Mbps
PSU Peak 350W
Dimension (cm) - 17.3 x 36.0 x 40.0 cm
Weight (Kg) - 7.9kg