My other problem may be related. My computer spontaneously reboots. It usually does it while I'm dialing to connect to the internet, no matter what software I'm using or what number I'm dialing. If it does it while dialing, it always does it at the exact same point in the dialing process. However, it's been known to do it for no reason while I've been simply online viewing a web page. I've lost quite some typing time because of this bug, and I'd like to get it squashed. It's to be noted that it only does this during modem-related operations, and seems to happen at random times. HELP!
 

Where's JeffK?

No, I'm just kidding. That's entirely made up. I'm sure nobody here would stoop low enough to mess with somebody else's box just because they disagreed with them.

I don't know what's the matter with your computer. It's probably just evil.
 

Okay, now that that's done ...

Your computer obviously voted for Gore.

[ July 25, 2001: Message edited by: Jeff The Card ]

RE- Sudden Shutdown problem: Maybe it didn't like the fact that you were posting Pro-Republican, Anti-Democrat stuff, so it decided to stop you from posting it.

Okay, I'm only kidding. But it appears that you need to reinstall Windows. Don't format your HD, just reinstall whichever version of Windows you have. This may be related to an ACPM problem. May I ask, does your computer automatically shut off when you quit Windows?
 

If that does not work, then you should reinstall Windows.

If THAT does not work, then your computer has a real beef against you for being a Republican. okay, kidding.
 

Regarding the keyboard problme. Plug in another keyboard. If the problem remains, it's a driver problem. If it goes away, then most likely your previous keyboard needs a good clean.

Regarding the rebooting. You're computer couldn't be overheating, could it? Have you been having hot weather lately?
 

Your CPU may be overclocked. Some computers have an option in their BIOS to shut down the computer once it reaches a certain temperature, usually 60 degrees C. Like Liam said, you may be suffering a very hot heat wave, overclocking, or your fan isn't working properly.
 

Compaq got back to me today and told me that I was low on system resources, or that I had a conflict or something. I removed everything except the firewall and a few essentials from my startup list, and no trouble yet, but as I say, it's random. Guess I won't know if it worked until it doesn't do it again.

But if it does, I'll try your suggestions. Thanks.
 

As Tahna said, if it's one of those fancy heat management boards, then yes, the computer probably would shut down if it's been told to do that. However, if not, it might just be intermittantly failing due to the heat, which could cause occasionaly crashes. Have you got a program to tell you what the internal temp is? See what it says.

Compaq's advice isn't bad from a general POV though. What "few" essentials have you got in your startup folder, as I've yet to see anything put in there that could be considered essential.

Of course, nowadays programs don't even use the Startup menu, and just plonk themselves in your taskbar without even asking. And without doing anything useful either. Realplayer Startcenter did not improve my live in any way.
 

Also, my computer used to spontaneously reboot, but then it stopped, for no reason that I know of. I thought it was the heat causing it, but now I don't know. It's been really hot here recently, but that hasn't caused the problem to start up again. *shrug*
 

I have to say though that your talk about reinstalling Windows scares me. I've reformatted and/or reinstalled everything so many times that I'm getting sick. So far I've rebooted my computer (just the once) and everything's been fine. Although I should note that everything was fine until I had and extra 256MB of SDRAM and a CD-RW drive installed - could they have had any effect? (other than a conflict of drivers).

Also, this talk of 'clocking'. How the hell do you do this?, as I am a complete novice when it comes to computer technical stuff.
 

If that's true, then don't overclock. It'll be more hassle that it's worth.

You added an EXTRA 256mb? How many did you have originally? And what the hell do you use your computer for?
 

Reinstalling Windows should not be a problem. I have had no problems with it whatsoever as I recently did so after some of my OS files went haywire.
 

I'm thinking of upgrading next year, probably to a 1GHz+, but the way things are going I might not even feel the difference.
Man, when you switched computer five years ago orgasm ensued. And when the 3d cards came, DAMN!
Now it's like going from (*sigh* I have to say it) Warp 9.995 to 9.998. Sadly, so thinks the market as well. The new Pentium and AMD processor families got a lukewarm reception.
And I understand them. The performance increase is smaller than ever but the prices are practically the same.
 

Still, you do really need every available Mhz and MB you can squeeze out of your system if you want to run heavy-duty applications. Such programs push a PC to its limits.

BTW: you will notice it when you go from a measly 450 Mhz to a whopping 1+ Ghz, trust me

[ July 27, 2001: Message edited by: The_Evil_Lord ]

And a printer.

That's all I know about it. Oh, I've got a 17" monitor. Yay.
 

In my opinioj, of course.
 

So now what? I remove my APM drivers from the Device Manager? Any other suggestions?
 

It could be as simple as a loose wire somewhere. Don't you feel pleased to know that?
 

Plus, they still have some competition from, er, that company whose name I can't recall at the moment. And the Kryo II chipset compares quite well with the Geforce 2 MX.
 

They're good because they're not Macs.

Does that count, Lee?

Oh...as for Dell laptops, I'm not sure...they make good desktops but for sure, avoid Compaqs like the plague...(uh Compaq laptops, sorry Omega)

Omega: You know...you've never said anything about which particular version of Windows you're using... W98/98SE/ME/2000 or whatever. Could it simply be a corrupted system file...or even a corrupt IE file?

[ July 28, 2001: Message edited by: Mucus ]

Sadly (not being very techincal) I did not notice the thing about the graphics card until 6 months later and after he had gone out of business. I have since considered buying a P3, but decided on upgrading my current PC so that it will cope during my last year at university. When uni is finished and I get a full-time job with a larger salary, I may very well buy a P3 or even a P4 and give the P2 to my sister as she is living with a P1 75!

As for what I use my PC for - games mostly, like Deus Ex and ST:A, X-wing v TIE Fighter and the previous two games of the title. I also use the computer a lot for assignments and (trying) to write a novel - hence the reason why I've stuck with a P2 for so long: it had met my needs until recently.

Ah well, we can't all have what we dream of . . . but if we did, we'd probably get bored very quickly as there would be nothing to dream of having and nothing to strive for . . . I could be wrong (known to happen) . . .