Needed - Pc Doctor The Makes 'house Calls'

[CosmicSurfer]

It was my Birthday on the 4th, and as a present My PC has developed all sorts of Aches & Pains, too numerous to list here...

Just what I needed to celebrate with.

Needless to say my First inclination is to Reinstall Windows, but Hey.. It may be Hardware, not only Software..

I'm having issues with Mouse Point & Click, Double Click, Copy & Paste, Drag & Drop, DVD-RW that keeps disappearing from My Computer, and won't Burn DVDs, burn Burns CD-Rom fine, External HDD that is intermittantly not recognized on Boot, but comes up when I turn it off and on, Etc, Etc.

Plus "System Restore" won't... Restore, that is.

I suspected a Virus, but I just did a Thourough Scan with Avast, and I came up clean. Also SpyBot reports Clean.

How would a Non-Geek like me figure out what it is, So I need an expert to come over and sort it out.

My "Dream" computer has a real BIG & heavy case, so it's s real pain shlepping it down to Pantip, and, besides, I need someone I can "TALK With"...

Someone who is equally conversant with Hardware issues, such as Raid, DVDs and Burning and of course O/S WinXp Pro.

Anyone that knows someone or is interested can either post here or PM me.

I have a 4 Day weekend coming up July 17-20, and that would probably be the best time to deal with this mess.

HELP... Thanks you,

CS

[stumonster]

start by telling us you have a good quality UPS and power supply

[CosmicSurfer]

start by telling us you have a good quality UPS and power supply

I have an "Enermax 460" Power Supply, and 2x UPSs, "Leonics OE Extra" & "Syndome Extreme", each handling different components in my system and my Wife's Laptop.

To Add to details in First Post... 2 Blue Screens in last week... "Bad_Pool_Caller" & "Page_Fault_in_Nonpaged_Area"...

Also many freezes and Boot Drive resets in BIOS.

Also "InstallShield Update Manager" won't allow Updates... and some of my RSS Feeds won't Update as well.

(This last may be unrelated, as other feeds update fine.)

Hmmmmm....

CS

[youngkiwi]

Have you checked for faulty memory? Download Hiren's Boot CD and use the memtest application to make sure your RAM is okay. Faulty RAM can cause the types of problems you are experiencing.

[CosmicSurfer]

Have you checked for faulty memory? Download Hiren's Boot CD and use the memtest application to make sure your RAM is okay. Faulty RAM can cause the types of problems you are experiencing.

Thanks,

I Found a Torrent Download. I'll try it tonight after work.... If Download finishes tonight. (Slow True)

Which Program do you recommend... There are 3 RAM test Programs on the Disk ??

CS

[JSixpack]

Have you checked for faulty memory? Download Hiren's Boot CD and use the memtest application to make sure your RAM is okay. Faulty RAM can cause the types of problems you are experiencing.

Yep, sounds like RAM, but could just be the seating and contacts. First, take out the memory sticks and clean their contacts w/ pencil eraser. You can spray some contact cleaner into the slots, too, if you like. Reseat firmly, fire it up, test.

[CosmicSurfer]

Yep, sounds like RAM, but could just be the seating and contacts. First, take out the memory sticks and clean their contacts w/ pencil eraser. You can spray some contact cleaner into the slots, too, if you like. Reseat firmly, fire it up, test.

Contact Cleaner????

Wass Dat ???

Where can I get it?

What Brand?

How much?

WTc...

Thanks

CS

[A_Traveller]

^ OK, go to 7/11 buy pencil with eraser on the end. Open system, {having powered off AND disconnected from electricity}. Remove RAM and use the eraser to clean the contacts {the shiny bits } rubbing across both sides, then replace.

Regards

[CosmicSurfer]

^ OK, go to 7/11 buy pencil with eraser on the end. Open system, {having powered off AND disconnected from electricity}. Remove RAM and use the eraser to clean the contacts {the shiny bits } rubbing across both sides, then replace.

Regards

Contact Cleaner????

Wass Dat ???

Where can I get it?

What Brand?

How much?

I thought I was clear....

Contact Cleaner SPRAY... mentioned above by JSixpack

You can spray some contact cleaner into the slots, too, if you like. Reseat firmly, fire it up, test.

Thanks,

CS

[A_Traveller]

My post was an attempt at wry humour, anyway, Contact Cleaner is a generic term for a fast evaporating degreaser. Can be bought from any of the larger IT Stores or at PanTip, Fortune, Rangsit, etc.. assuming you're in Bangkok, even saw it once in a larger Office Depot. Costs dependent on size but @ 150THB

Regards

[stumonster]

spray on cleaners need to be used very carefully - you would hate to melt some of your motherboard.

use the ink eraser to clean the contacts on ram and cards and if you feel the need to spray , get a spray can of compressed air. - you will find that a toothbrush and lungs will do a better job.

[jeffer]

With all the time you've spent trying to solve assorted problems, if it's not memory related then I'd be backing up all files and try repairing Windows. If that doesn't help then download all the latest drivers for your hardware and do a clean install. There comes a point when that is the simplest and best solution and I reckon you're about at that point.

[CosmicSurfer]

Well... I downloaded Hiren's BootCD, but due to previously mentioned DVD/CD burning problems, I can't make the boot Disk.

So I picked up a copy at Fortune.

Ran 2 tests last night to check RAM... Used both Memtest86+ and GoldMemory...

Both reported PASSES on all 4 of my RAM Chips, ... totalling 3GB. NO ERRORS

So, now I'm trying to figure out what the next step should be....

Meanwhile, Ghosts are getting more active and problems are nibbling away my computing enjoyment....

Including the occasional freezes and resetting of Boot HD, requiring me to go into the BIOS to Reset the proper HD with the O/S.

What a pain!!!!

I'm reading up on Win/XP O/S Repair procedures now.....

Sure wish I could find a computer Doctor that makes house calls....

The thought of having to try a Clean O/S install sends shivers up my spine... all the hours I'll have to waste reloading and reconfiguring all my programs.

CS

[JSixpack]

You've done the virus & spyware scans, got the latest drivers for everything?

What about startup programs? Use msconfig and stop anything suspicious from starting up. You can download a program called Autoruns to see everything that starts up everywhere.

Still, it's most likely hardware, maybe a niggle. But seems you're not comfortable w/ getting into the hardware yourself.

Maybe somebody here can recommend a computer doc who makes housecalls--as you originally requested.

If not, I think you may need to bite the bullet and take it down to Panthip.

Use Acronis or Ghost or somesuch to image your drive to an external if you can, or otherwise back up docs, pics, etc.

If the PC is heavy, you can roll it on a suitcase trolley; hope you kept the box and styrofoam supports. Careful on them bumps!

Demonstrate the problem to the shop--but of course your PC will work perfectly on that occasion--tell them you think it's hardware and ask that they first clean all the contacts, check cables, reseat everything. Cables are so cheap you can just replace them all, but esp. that DVD drive cable. Then reboot and check; if it's still not 100% check for defective parts.

Tell them you want to avoid re-installing Windows (which they tend to do automatically as they can't fix any software problem). The good news is that it's almost never necessary to do that anyway.

[CosmicSurfer]

You've done the virus & spyware scans, got the latest drivers for everything?

What about startup programs? Use msconfig and stop anything suspicious from starting up. You can download a program called Autoruns to see everything that starts up everywhere.

Still, it's most likely hardware, maybe a niggle. But seems you're not comfortable w/ getting into the hardware yourself.

Maybe somebody here can recommend a computer doc who makes housecalls--as you originally requested.

If not, I think you may need to bite the bullet and take it down to Panthip.

Use Acronis or Ghost or somesuch to image your drive to an external if you can, or otherwise back up docs, pics, etc.

If the PC is heavy, you can roll it on a suitcase trolley; hope you kept the box and styrofoam supports. Careful on them bumps!

Demonstrate the problem to the shop--but of course your PC will work perfectly on that occasion--tell them you think it's hardware and ask that they first clean all the contacts, check cables, reseat everything. Cables are so cheap you can just replace them all, but esp. that DVD drive cable. Then reboot and check; if it's still not 100% check for defective parts.

Tell them you want to avoid re-installing Windows (which they tend to do automatically as they can't fix any software problem). The good news is that it's almost never necessary to do that anyway.

As I type this I'm doing a Drive "C" scan with Windows Defender (with all latestese updates). I've already done a "Thorough" Scan with my Up-to-date Avast and Spybot. I'll run Ad-Aware when WinDefender is finished.... Just to be sure... But I highly doubt that my problem is ad Ware related.... I also run Spyware Blaster and WinPatrol... Both of which I keep Up-to-date.

WinPatrol also reports on start-up programs.... The newest Start-Up installed is DrvIcon, installed on June 24... This is a program repoted on by Wanda Sloan from DataBase in Bangkok Post.. I trust Wanda know what she's doing, so I doubt that it's causing the problem... But I could uninstall it to be sure.... Nothing else looks either suspicious or recent enough to be the source of my problems.

Hmmm... This is curious... ALL...Active X Controls show a First detected date of June 15 '08.. All of them... This seems a little weird.

The only thing I did on june 15 was install "FreeRAM XP" ... a program I've used previously on my older computer... But never install on this one as my old one hgad only 512MB RAM, but this one has 3GB... so I didn't feel the need, but now figured what the heck... "Can't Hurt"... But Still.. this is a stable program that NEVER gave me any trouble before. But I can uninstall it also.

The only recent "service" installed is 'NMSAccessU' which is part of CDBurner XP, which I installed to try and find a usable Burner program.... No Problem there... Unless it conflicts with Nero and Roxio.. both also installed.... But I think my problems predate this installation... so no help here.

That's about it.... WinDefender is still scanning.. But I'm not expecting it to find any problems either.

I'll get into the Hardware if I have to, but I'd rather not... I built my own stereo from a kit a lifetime-or-2 ago and installed RAM chips over the years, but messing with hardware in my limited space room isn't something I want to do..

My machine was built at Pantip by Jedi Computer... I've had to schlep it back there often enough that I've already got a luggage carier to move it with, But Jedi likes to build them and move them out.. Not really anyone to "talk" with there, even if there was a person who could understand me... There immediate reaction is to Re-install O/S.. quick simple fix to all issues....

Anyway, I'll keep on slugging out the issues... and hope a PC Doc turns up....

Personally this sounds like a great Business Opportunity for one of the Expat geeks out there... Imagine... an Expert you can talk with, that makes House Calls...

If only....

CS

[CosmicSurfer]

Personally this sounds like a great Business Opportunity for one of the Expat geeks out there... Imagine... an Expert you can talk with, that makes House Calls...

If only....

CS

There is such a guy. I found him here : http://classifieds.thaivisa.com/electronic...blems--213.html

OK.. OK... I got the Message....

I called him... We have an appointment for Tomorrow.

Thanks

CS

[JSixpack]

The only thing I did on june 15 was install "FreeRAM XP" ...

The only recent "service" installed is 'NMSAccessU' which is part of CDBurner XP, which I installed to try and find a usable Burner program.... No Problem there... Unless it conflicts with Nero and Roxio.. both also installed.... But I think my problems predate this installation... so no help here.

Suggest you get rid of that FreeRAM XP immediately; such programs are known to be useless for XP. Some religionists, still stuck in Win98 thinking, may pipe up to disagree.

I've heard of Nero and Roxio conflicts. Suggest you uninstall all three (w/ reboots after each) burner programs and re-install the one most likely to work for you.

Let us know the final fix.

[stumonster]

What about startup programs? Use msconfig and stop anything suspicious from starting up. You can download a program called Autoruns to see everything that starts up everywhere.

I like Mike Lim's StartupCPL , 34 kb standalone executable - but please use google before you stop any program you are not sure about.

http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml

[desi]

Sure wish I could find a computer Doctor that makes house calls....

For future reference, there is. I've been using Compass IT Solutions since I moved to Bangkok (followed the tsunami in).

My container arrived, I contacted Compass and they showed up once I unpacked my computers (both Mac and PC). I've moved twice since and they've handed the various bits I needed. The last time was figuring out my security cameras (just a few weeks ago). Their computer technicians are well trained and speak perfect English.

[jaideeguy]

Has the OP stated where he is in LOS? if so, I missed it and if he is in the CM area, I can highly recomend an english speaking pc wizzard that makes house calls. PM me for contact info if you are in CM.

[scyriacus]

for everyone who had similar probs, here's my advice:

1. 99% are corroded memory contacts, buy a pencil eraser (maybe 2-3 baht) and clean the golden memory contacts (especially if u have desktop w/o aircon).

2. 99% of the remaining problems are virus-related. where the worst virus is called the 'bill gates virus'.

windows xp sp3 is the only os i would recommend 4 the unexperienced user, but u need to know, that it is faulty and rotten thru & thru. so please re-install it at least twice a year. and don't forget to save your precious private data first!

3. the 0.01 promille remaining probs require the help of a specialist .....

or buy the latest gadget system (like having a new young lady instead of investing heavily into make-up & beauty-shop 4 the old worn out, but that requires a bit of capital) it's up 2 u and ur budget.............

Edited July 14, 2008 by scyriacus

[JSixpack]

windows xp sp3 . . . re-install it at least twice a year

Utter nonsense.

[Mighty Mouse]

My machine was built at Pantip by Jedi Computer... I've had to schlep it back there often enough that I've already got a luggage carier to move it with, But Jedi likes to build them and move them out.. Not really anyone to "talk" with there, even if there was a person who could understand me... There immediate reaction is to Re-install O/S.. quick simple fix to all issues....

With the amount of problems that you have had thus far, I surprised that you haven't followed the system re-install advice.

A diagnostic scan of your computer may highlight a problem but be wary of some on-line sites offering this free service.

From what you have written in this thread, I don't like the fact that you have Active X controls on your system. Unless you are using them for a specific and important reason, get rid of them or disable them.

The software conflict problem with your DVD burning issue has been highlighted by JSixpack in his post. Nero and Roxio programs will not work together on the same system. Uninstall one of them.

Anyway, it's a couple of days since you called in the computer repair guy. I hope he can find the problem. Please come back and let us know the outcome.

[CosmicSurfer]

My machine was built at Pantip by Jedi Computer... I've had to schlep it back there often enough that I've already got a luggage carier to move it with, But Jedi likes to build them and move them out.. Not really anyone to "talk" with there, even if there was a person who could understand me... There immediate reaction is to Re-install O/S.. quick simple fix to all issues....

With the amount of problems that you have had thus far, I surprised that you haven't followed the system re-install advice.

A diagnostic scan of your computer may highlight a problem but be wary of some on-line sites offering this free service.

From what you have written in this thread, I don't like the fact that you have Active X controls on your system. Unless you are using them for a specific and important reason, get rid of them or disable them.

The software conflict problem with your DVD burning issue has been highlighted by JSixpack in his post. Nero and Roxio programs will not work together on the same system. Uninstall one of them.

Anyway, it's a couple of days since you called in the computer repair guy. I hope he can find the problem. Please come back and let us know the outcome.

----------------------------------------------------

With the amount of problems that you have had thus far, I surprised that you haven't followed the system re-install advice.

I'm running a Clean Legal Install of XP-Pro from an OEM Disc that I bought in the USA... Its a recent install... done on March 27 '08... After about 3 (or more) re-installs of a Copy O/S in Pantip from the time I bought my "Dream" computer in Oct. '07.

This is less then 4 months... I'm just NOT in the mood to have to reconfigure everything again. (OK>> All you Steve Jobs sycophants calm down now!!!)

So' I'm looking for the root of all my problems.

OK.. Time for an update.... The Doc came by on Sunday.... Good Guy, Knowledgable & responsible... Took his time (he was here about 8 hours,) He has a website @ "Legend PC Solutions". He cleaned out my Registry, uninstalled unneeded programs, including Nero and Roxio to clear any conflicts... Re-installed Roxio, and left me with a faster and more reponsive system. In the process we seem to have solved all my Click and Mouse problems.

He also checked on the ASUS DVD writer.. decided it was bad and pulled it out. Things were ship-shape... WITHOUT having to re-install O/S.

Today, I had to take my wife to the hospital, but after we went to Pantip where Jedi took me over to the ASUS service company. They heard my problems and told me to come back in 30 min to pick up a "New" drive... which turned out to be an OLD "new" drive.. I think it's supposed to be a returned defective that was reconditioned by ASUS and return to be used as a replacement... Of course I demanded the Name and number of the responsible person at this "Global" service company to complain about this situation.. a drive that is being replaced under Warrenty should be replaced with a New one.... not one that has already failed for someone else.

Anyway, got home, Opened the case, put in the drive.. Pulled out the 4 RAM chips (2x 1GB, 2x512MB), cleaned then with an eraser... put a light coating of WD-40 on the chips contacts, (Wasn't I so lucky to have some laying around) lightly wiped the RAM with a WD-40 soaked paper towel, a light, quick spray into the Slots, seated the Ram, Vacuumed out as much dust I could get to... closed up the Case, and turned it on....

WOW... I had a DVD.... Burned a quick VCD, using Roxio, of a "Lost" episode (my wife is hooked) to test it.. worked. Now for a DVD... 3 Episodes of the PBS show "Revenge of the Nerds" (my wife is interested in the history of the Computer industry. Used Roxio.. Started the process, went to make a Pastrami sandwich and came back to check on the Burn....

IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL - ***Stop: 0x0000000A, 0x0000001C, 0x00000001, 0x805021A8

What the F...... ????

Called the Doc.... Read him the Screen.... Started a Reboot into Safe Mode... Screen goes Black.. Not even a digital contact with the monitor... Ho Harddrive action or Flickering RedLight.. Doc says to disconnect DVD and Try again... still no action... again... Dead..... <removed> !!!!

OK.. need to wait for another house call this evening.... BUT.... while waiting and fealing guilty about the WD-40, I jumped on my wife's laptop and hit Google.... Conflicting opinions on WD-40.. all, of course, make some sense... but ultimatly I decide to try and clean the Wd-40 off.. and... "Re-Seat the RAM".. some sites also suggested that this could be a problem....

So, got out the Isopropyl Alcohol and pulled out the RAM. Cleaned them well with a cotton Swab, let some alcohol drip into the slots with a dropper to try and cut the WD-40 sprayed into them, then, let the whole thing Air Dry and went to wash the dishes... Next got out my wife's hair dryer and started to blow dry everything.

Re-seated the RAM... but last time I Put them back exactly as Jedi installed them originally....

Slot A1 & A2 - 512MB each...

Slot B1 & B2 - 1GB each...

But both A1 & B1 slots are yellow, and the A2 & B2 are black... something didn't feel right... But the people at Jedi are Pros..

who am I to argue?

This time, I checked the Motherboard manual first... and it seemed to me that they wanted the 1s & 2s (yellows & blacks) to pair up...Not clear, but my feeling.. shi_t.. if it didn't work, I'll just pull them and then put them back Jedi's way...

Slot A1 & B1 - 1GB each...

Slot B1 & B2 - 512MB each...

Closed the case, Turned it on... Crossed my Fingers... and.....

had to go into the BIOS to reset the Boot Drive... But at least things were happening... my monitor was receiving a signal...

continued the boot...

and back in business....

Called the Doc, he had me boot into Safe Mode and uninstall both Dvds (one is a DVD-ROM read only) and then reboot so as to have new hardware installs....

Tried to open the drawer of the DVD-RW so I could test it... and promptly had it not work, not open & Disappear from the My Computer window.

OK.. So now, I'm running a faster and cleaner computer, with Only Roxio and no Nero... and still my DVD won't write.

So... Next step is to take my computer and my Wife's Sony Laptop to Pantip... another shop I know, Sells DVD Writers, Raids and Video Switchers, etxc... (Reimer sent me there last year) and have him install a Pioneer DVD, Test that it will actually Write a DVD sucessfully, Get an external Box for the ASUS DVD... Test that it will write sucessfully with my wife's old Viao laptop (NO DVD writer internal)... and go home happy...

I Hope ... maybe... What are the chances?????

CS

PS... Conclusion... PC Doc, I can Recommend... ASUS DVD-RW... Can NOT Recommend.

[CosmicSurfer]

BTW... Thanks to all for their suggestions and PM offers to help...

Computer Life is short.. I may take you up on your offers yet....

If you have any new thoughts, comments or suggestions, don't let my last post above stop you from offering them up.

Thanks again,

CS

[Mighty Mouse]

It seems that you may now be making some progress in the right direction.

The ASUS DVD burner was apparently one issue but the other issues you were experiencing seem to have been unrelated.

By the end of all this you'll be a computer expert.

[Rice_King]

while waiting and fealing guilty about the WD-40, I jumped on my wife's laptop and hit Google.... Conflicting opinions on WD-40.. all, of course, make some sense... but ultimatly I decide to try and clean the Wd-40 off..

Just curious CS. Can you provide the links that advocate the use of WD-40 on the memory slots? I didn't get any (good) hits on my searches and in my experience I have never heard, seen, or read of any such recommendation / procedure. I would like to know where you got this information.

[stumonster]

I wouldn't use WD40 on electronic PCBs

but you might find these links interesting

official uses for WD40 http://www.wd40.com/uses-tips

Wacky uses for WD40 http://www.wackyuses.com/wd40.html

[JSixpack]

put a light coating of WD-40 on the chips contacts, (Wasn't I so lucky to have some laying around) lightly wiped the RAM with a WD-40 soaked paper towel, a light, quick spray into the Slots

Ouch! Electrical contact cleaner OK, but if you can't spray lightly & precisely, best apply via toothbrush in the slots.

BTW, don't trust the old DVD writer IDE cable if you didn't replace it. Try another one. Also shift cables between slots on the MB.

It's common in Thailand to get back a refurb when you return something under warranty. Then again, sometimes you do get a new one, probably when they're out of refurbs for the moment.

I've had good luck with the Lite-On brand. Of course now we'll hear from 10 people who hate Lite-On.

Keep us posted.