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Dionysius
Elite Baiter
Joined: 24 Mar 2004
Posts: 1639
Location: 61 Cockle St, Llareggub
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Posted:
Wed Jun 30, 2010 1:02 pm |
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A 4 year old Packard Bell which I named after my cat, has decided to misbehave. As regulars here will remember, I'm a computer pillock. Idiot proof instructions are too complicated for me. So if you bear that in mind with any possible advice it would be helpful. And no, I do not want to go on safari to the miracle PC fixing camp.
My computer restarts itself intermitantly. Regardless of what is being done on it. It could be 2 minutes or 30 it freezes for a second or two and will restart itself just like the restart buttun has been pressed.
When it is started or restarted as above the switch on beep sometimes lasts for more than a second or two and the fan is working, but nothing shows up on the screen. Not the welcome screen, nothing. It's like the lights are on but nobody is home if you know what I mean.
Any guesses as to the problem, solutions and probable expenses would be welcome.
Also, if anyone knows of a self build PC website for the true PC prat (i.e. me), I'd be grateful as well.
Cheers all |
_________________ http://www.aa419.org to Kick a Fake Bank - http://www.scamwarners.com/ for Warnings Against Scammers and Anti Scam Advice.
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Slightlyoutofit
Baiting Guru
Joined: 13 Feb 2007
Posts: 14310
Location: Foraging for Nuts.
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Posted:
Wed Jun 30, 2010 1:19 pm |
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First thing I'd check would be the temperature.
Is it running hot?
Check inside to make sure that everything's not clogged up with dust. |
_________________
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windypops
Baiting Guru
Joined: 25 Jan 2005
Posts: 6059
Location: Planet X
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Posted:
Wed Jun 30, 2010 1:22 pm |
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^ One beep for about a second?
Lol... From my crocked memory one beep is a memory problem. I tap my noggin which sometimes helps.
Try taking the memory out and re-seating it. I always advise taking a vacuum and soft brush to a wayward pc before you do anything. Dust is the cause of most non hardware problems.
Re: building your own. I'd advise finding a good independent and getting them to do it for you. I built one years ago and it's a hassle. Fun, but a hassle. You crack a processor, it's over before it starts. |
_________________ "No amount of semen donation will save this situation" Sanny Sanny
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luckey
Moderator
Joined: 25 Jan 2007
Posts: 5672
Location: Check the lost and found
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Posted:
Wed Jun 30, 2010 1:56 pm |
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windypops wrote: |
I always advise taking a vacuum and soft brush to a wayward pc before you do anything. |
I do the same thing with my car. If it makes an expensive sounding noise, I vacuum out the inside.
I should probably add: that strategy has yet to allow me to avoid the mechanic, but I live in hope. |
_________________ Moderator: \ˈmä-də-ˌrā-tər\: noun
A material which slows down neutrons after fission to speeds at which their probability for interaction with the fuel material is increased. |
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maninblack
419Eater is my life
Joined: 16 Aug 2008
Posts: 313
Location: Reality, But it's an illusion caused by lack of alcohol
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Posted:
Wed Jun 30, 2010 2:12 pm |
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Check that the processor fan is not clogged with dust and is indeed spinning, also remove memory, clean contacts and replace. Same with video card. I have had all these cause your problem.
MIB |
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Well i just want to know if it is Sandra my girlfriend that you are having sex with now , How can you collect my money and also fucking my girlfriend what the hell on this earth have i done to you that make you to be treating me this way, No one as ever make me shed tears long time ago but you are making me to do it now what have i done to you.
Last edited by maninblack on Wed Jun 30, 2010 2:14 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Pastor Frank
Baiting Guru
Joined: 31 Jan 2007
Posts: 12237
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Posted:
Wed Jun 30, 2010 2:14 pm |
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Sounds like you are getting a "beep code" from your BIOS (POST).
Looks like the codes depend on what version of BIOS your Motherboard is running.
First, lets find out what version your BIOS is. Start the computer and as it boots up start tapping F1. See if it enters the BIOS (It will probably be a crappy looking screen with a bunch of options). Look at the top for the version of your BIOS. If F1 does not get you in, restart and try F2, and then DEL. Those are the three listed keys to get into your BIOS for a Packard Bell.
Code: |
Packard Bell® F1, F2, Del |
Once you write down the version, get out!! You can really bork things up by messing around in there. There should be an option to "Exit BIOS" (or something similar).
Once you have the version of the BIOS, reboot and Google Packard Bell+BIOS+(your version)+beep codes.
You should find something like this...but the codes will vary, depending on what version you are running.
Edit: Here is a link to most beep codes you may encounter.
http://www.pantherproducts.co.uk/Articles/Motherboard/BIOSbeep.shtml
Code: |
Packard Bell - AMI BIOS Beep Codes
Note - The AMI BIOS beep codes are a series of evenly spaced beeps, not a pattern of long and short beeps as in Phoenix BIOS beep codes.
Beeps Error Message Description
1 Refresh Failure The memory refresh circuitry on the motherboard is faulty.
2 Parity Error Parity error in the first 64 KB of memory.
3 Base 64K Memory Failure Memory failure in the first 64 KB.
4 Timer not Operational Memory failure in the first 64 KB of memory, or Timer 1 on the motherboard is not functioning.
5 Processor Error The CPU on the motherboard generated an error.
6 8042 - Gate A20 Failure The keyboard controller may be bad. The BIOS cannot switch to protected mode.
7 Processor Exception Interrupt Error The CPU generated an exception interrupt.
8 Display Memory Read/Write Error The system video adapter is either missing, or its memory is faulty. This is not a fatal error.
9 ROM Checksum Error The ROM checksum value does not match the value encoded in the BIOS.
10 CMOS Shutdown Register Read/Write Error The shutdown register for CMOS RAM failed.
11 Cache Error/External Cache Bad The external cache is faulty. |
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_________________ "Father Juan are sure that you are man of God,because your behaviors showed you as unbeliever" -Mary R |
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bohigal
Baiting Guru
Joined: 01 Aug 2007
Posts: 7226
Location: Epstein's Delicatessen
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Posted:
Wed Jun 30, 2010 3:21 pm |
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Quote: |
I always advise taking a vacuum and soft brush to a wayward pc before you do anything. |
Works on wayward husbands too. |
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iMike
Elite Baiter
Joined: 21 Jan 2005
Posts: 1371
Location: Ministry of Serendipity
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Posted:
Wed Jun 30, 2010 4:07 pm |
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You called your cat 'packard bell'? |
_________________ --
x2
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Bankster
Baiting Guru
Joined: 22 Jun 2007
Posts: 2239
Location: Gone for a while.
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Posted:
Wed Jun 30, 2010 4:40 pm |
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Temperature - carefully remove any dust with a vacuum, check the cooling fins twice,
- or -
Power supply - many people (including most PC outlets) spend a fortune on the latest CPU, cool graphics card, fast RAM, ... to eventually power it all by the cheapest and crappiest power supply they can find,
- or -
RAM - if there are two RAM thinggies inside, try removing one and, if the problem persists, swap it with the other one.
If it's a temperature problem, try getting into the BIOS (see PF's post) and see where there's any menu item saying "PC health" or something similar. Maybe it displays the temperatures and corresponding thresholds there. Temperature problems often occur more frequent once the PC has been running for a while.
The easiest way to check whether the power supply is faulty is to replace it. I can elaborate on that upon request.
Whenever you're handling your computer's innards, avoid static electricity. In a non-professional environment, this means:
Touch the bare metal of something connected to ground (e.g. radiator), avoid any plastics inside the PC that don't belong there (e.g. toothbrush), and when you remove a part preferably place it on the metal bottom of the PC case or similar.
The trouble with static electricity is that it can either destroy something right away, or damage it just enough to introduce another intermittent problem that never occurs when you're looking for the cause. |
_________________ Whoever said you can't touch happiness has never petted a dog.
( ) x10 __ x? |
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Roycropper
Baiting Guru
Joined: 14 Nov 2005
Posts: 7992
Location: Luxury Coffin
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Posted:
Wed Jun 30, 2010 4:50 pm |
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Worked for me...
@ iMike, no, he named his PC 'Tiddles'! |
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iMike
Elite Baiter
Joined: 21 Jan 2005
Posts: 1371
Location: Ministry of Serendipity
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Posted:
Wed Jun 30, 2010 5:59 pm |
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So your dog's called packard bell then?
I did manage to fry a couple of pc's 'BA' (Before Apple). Same thing both times - dust clogging the CPU fan. Also had a power supply go bad which resulted in the computer randomly shutting down.
Edited 'cos I can't read properly |
_________________ --
x2
"you have luke worm in your brain" - Ekaetta Bello
"invite me to your country and let me clearify your legitimacy asshole" - Mose5 Uzem3
"the transfer was not authorized due to my persistent double mind" - Clement Wank
"this is not the time to play planks" - Mack Anthony
WIFI PDA - post while you dump
SAY 'NO' TO GAS STORAGE!
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manbiteslion
Baiting Guru
Joined: 12 Dec 2007
Posts: 4816
Location: Connecting my chair and keyboard
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Posted:
Wed Jun 30, 2010 8:08 pm |
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Although at 4 yrs old, you may find you get a lot more computer for your dollar if you choose to replace it!
If you get a vacuum cleaner inside there, *KEEP IT AWAY* from the fans, unless you specifically block the fan with a pencil or something. The airflow from the vaccum can spin the fan creating back-EMF which the boards in the box are not expecting to protect against. |
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D11
Elite Baiter
Joined: 02 Jul 2006
Posts: 1702
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Posted:
Wed Jun 30, 2010 8:09 pm |
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When you open the pc do some of the capicotors look like the two at the bottom - yours might be blue but it sounds more like a case of swollen capictors.
This time of year in the uk heat would shut a pc down, mines running warm, but it wouldnt give a ominous beep code. Even dirty connectors in the ram wont give the motherboard beep code. (memory will give 2 sharp beeps) |
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Fowan Nyne
Baiting Guru
Joined: 12 Aug 2009
Posts: 3720
Location: Miniluv
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Posted:
Wed Jun 30, 2010 9:36 pm |
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manbiteslion wrote: |
If you get a vacuum cleaner inside there, *KEEP IT AWAY* from the fans, unless you specifically block the fan with a pencil or something. The airflow from the vaccum can spin the fan creating back-EMF which the boards in the box are not expecting to protect against. |
Done it.
Did it.
New Motherboard!
If that's the right term..
Thankfully my mate has a shop and he knows what he's talking about. Keeps rolling his eyes and sighing at me! |
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foo
Elite Baiter
Joined: 12 Nov 2009
Posts: 1271
Location: Itteh Bitteh Kitteh Citteh
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Posted:
Wed Jun 30, 2010 10:42 pm |
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Seriously? There aren't any diodes in there?
Also, apparently one beep is a motherboard problem assuming that information isn't ancient (it probably is - I saw a couple references to SIMMs while looking for that).
I'm going to guess overheating as well. If it still happens after you've cleaned out the dust, try starting it up with the case open* and see if all the fans are spinning up.
* Yes, it's safe to do this - just like starting a car with the hood open, as long as you don't go sticking your fingers in things you'll be fine. |
_________________ *15 []*244
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TheFae
Baiting Guru
Joined: 15 Jun 2009
Posts: 14295
Location: Playing Space in the Street - DECENT!
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Posted:
Wed Jun 30, 2010 11:16 pm |
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I don't know anything about errant beeps and such, but I DO know what static electricity from vacuuming will do. My dog sheds her thick undercoat twice a year, so we're always battling fluff, and of course it heads right for the fans. I fried a perfectly good motherboard some years ago in my quest to dislodge said fluff. I needed a new computer anyway (it was pretty old, but still worked well), but I felt no joy in the purchase 'cause I'd borked it up in the first place.
Good luck sorting your troubles out, Dio.
@D11, swollen capacitors? Oh my. |
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windypops
Baiting Guru
Joined: 25 Jan 2005
Posts: 6059
Location: Planet X
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Posted:
Thu Jul 01, 2010 10:23 am |
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Tried turning it off and on again?
I remembered a dead internal CMOS battery can cause weird problems at start up. They last about four years. Try inserting a new one, CR32 I think. |
_________________ "No amount of semen donation will save this situation" Sanny Sanny
"We must disagree to agree" Raji Musa
If it's LADS you want. GoTo: http://www.yopmail.com/
and sign in with either ladmail or kentbrockman
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Bankster
Baiting Guru
Joined: 22 Jun 2007
Posts: 2239
Location: Gone for a while.
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Posted:
Thu Jul 01, 2010 11:32 am |
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Sometimes the easiest and most obvious approaches get buried under all the sophisticated trickery.
Free comprehensive memory test:
http://www.memtest86.com/
Download ISO image, burn to CD, boot from CD, watch status screen for a few hours. |
_________________ Whoever said you can't touch happiness has never petted a dog.
( ) x10 __ x? |
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music man
Baiting Guru
Joined: 22 Sep 2005
Posts: 14807
Location: East Harlemshire , yo!
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Posted:
Thu Jul 01, 2010 11:39 am |
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^^^^
Good advice Bankster, but you are dealing with Dionysius here and I quote
Quote: |
I'm a computer pillock. Idiot proof instructions are too complicated for me. |
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_________________ x2 x2 x104 x213 x4 x20 x4 x2 x1 x2 x2 x2 x2 x2 x13
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So fuck off..dont reply me again until the cops get your stinking ass...
Lyord Melson- cheque scammer
$4.002million and £214K in fake cheques taken out of circulation. (updated May 2009)
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Bankster
Baiting Guru
Joined: 22 Jun 2007
Posts: 2239
Location: Gone for a while.
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Posted:
Thu Jul 01, 2010 11:58 am |
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Good point.
Dionysius, if you like I can offer to burn a CD on your computer via some kind of remote support thinggie. |
_________________ Whoever said you can't touch happiness has never petted a dog.
( ) x10 __ x? |
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Dionysius
Elite Baiter
Joined: 24 Mar 2004
Posts: 1639
Location: 61 Cockle St, Llareggub
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Posted:
Thu Jul 01, 2010 12:35 pm |
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Thanks for the offer Bankster, but how would I do that?
As for naming the computer, no her name wasn't Packard Bell and the dog's name was Gemma. I won't say the cat's name because I use it as the basis for my passwords. It's the only way I remember them. |
_________________ http://www.aa419.org to Kick a Fake Bank - http://www.scamwarners.com/ for Warnings Against Scammers and Anti Scam Advice.
RIP - Lad vampire and muguito were the gifts that kept on leeching. Greatly missed.
Information about Scams and their effects with great trophies - http://www.scam-info-links.info/ from Scam Patroller - http://www.romancescambaiter.com/ from wayne |
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Pastor Frank
Baiting Guru
Joined: 31 Jan 2007
Posts: 12237
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Posted:
Thu Jul 01, 2010 2:42 pm |
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music man wrote: |
Good advice Bankster, but you are dealing with Dionysius here and I quote
Quote: |
I'm a computer pillock. Idiot proof instructions are too complicated for me. |
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Dang, I advise you to buy a new magic box, with the internets installed. |
_________________ "Father Juan are sure that you are man of God,because your behaviors showed you as unbeliever" -Mary R |
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Roycropper
Baiting Guru
Joined: 14 Nov 2005
Posts: 7992
Location: Luxury Coffin
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Posted:
Thu Jul 01, 2010 7:51 pm |
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I need a portable magic box too, my Sony Vaio has been refusing to charge the battery. A replacement was no good at all, and now the original has reached 0% I'm getting a 'this is the wrong battery, please hibernate and change it' on top of anything I try and run.
Pressing Ok shuts it down, I just cant get it to run on the mains. SNAFU |
_________________ the European Union has bounced on our freckles
COULD YOU IMAGINE WHAT HAPPENED WHEN I WENT TO THE BANK
our Agent is Completely broke, pocketless and stranded
I WLL SEND AN AFRICA WITCH TO ATTACH YOU BASTARD
You go die like bird
i started shouting HALLELUJAGOBBLE but none of them notice me immediately police arrested me due to the shouting
f*ck u asshole ur damn mother will loose ur fcuking skull brain ur brain is nothing to compare with rat f*ck ur u
MY FRIEND ALEX WAS DETAINED IN POLICE STATION
I am not happy due to the question i answered at money office. Let me tell you do not play with me ok.
x4 6Yrs x6 |
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Bankster
Baiting Guru
Joined: 22 Jun 2007
Posts: 2239
Location: Gone for a while.
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Posted:
Fri Jul 02, 2010 6:33 am |
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^ Removing the battery altogether normally helps.
@Dionysius, I'd connect to your computer (with your permission) so that I can see your screen and move your mouse around, and download&burn the CD for you. There a various programs that allow you to do this. I have UltraVNC and DeskShare at my disposal, and Windows has some built-in "remote assistance" thinggie.
Do you know how to burn an ISO file to CD? |
_________________ Whoever said you can't touch happiness has never petted a dog.
( ) x10 __ x? |
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Ghost
419Eater Admin
Joined: 26 Jun 2004
Posts: 6162
Location: Dating Gal Gadot... in my mind.
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Posted:
Fri Jul 02, 2010 8:34 am |
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I know I'm going to catch heat for saying this, but four years is about the life of an average PC. I mean the life where you are not continuously fixing and replacing parts. I have gotten six years with no problems for my last high end PC. Hard drive took a dump along with both optical drives which were replaced free. I misses an new video card by three weeks.
I would just buy a new PC or at the very least take it into the shop and let the pros see if it can be fixed. |
_________________
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3/3/08-6/6/10 i know some day you'll send me some real good bucks ok - Byran The Eater Bunny
3/13/08-3/25/10 i have played my path and now I am waiting for the pay - Wale Wild card |
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