IT Help, Please

[steve9872]

I get that occasionally, when its random sites and not all sites, then the problem is at the other end or somewhere en route. Not much you can do apart from try a different connection, ie a mobile, and see if that's any better.

[Rainey]

Thanks, it was all working on the mobile, but not all the laptop, cleared everything twice more and then restarted again and now seems to be ok.

[Rainey]

Is this refurb computer a bargain for the kids, or a waste of money, need another computer now we have started needing a computer for homework?

http://www.getonlinepartnersit.co.uk/Pr ... 0&laptop=0

[steve9872]

It looks ok but the main worry is the CD drive, i'd prefer a DVD drive. I'd also p*y the extra £30 for the memory and wireless. The hard drive is a bit small but as long as the kids only use it for homework and not download all kinds of stuff, well when they start complaining about of lack of space you'll know they haven't been good kids.

[Rainey]

It looks ok but the main worry is the CD drive, i'd prefer a DVD drive. I'd also p*y the extra £30 for the memory and wireless. The hard drive is a bit small but as long as the kids only use it for homework and not download all kinds of stuff, well when they start complaining about of lack of space you'll know they haven't been good kids.

Thank you, that's why I have to find someone to run these things by, I didn't notice is was CD, not DVD, but I guess that would only be a problem if we wanted to watch DVDs on it, which I doubt we would.

I don't let them download anything and security & parental controls set to very high!! I guess it would be used for researching homework, seem to asking them to make lots of presentations on projects, online games like the Friv site, maybe Skype for family abroad and their other favourite, watching youtube!

[McG]

Help!!!!!
Laptop would not start up properly and is running a Startup Repair. It has been running for over an hour now. Is this normal? Is there something else I can do?

edit: Laptop finally started up but have "lost" Google Chrome so have just re-installed it.
Can anyone explain what has happened and is there something I can do to safeguard against this again?
I haven't yet checked any files . . . . in fact, dreading that!

[SMH827]

Help!!!!!
Laptop would not start up properly and is running a Startup Repair. It has been running for over an hour now. Is this normal? Is there something else I can do?

edit: Laptop finally started up but have "lost" Google Chrome so have just re-installed it.
Can anyone explain what has happened and is there something I can do to safeguard against this again?
I haven't yet checked any files . . . . in fact, dreading that!

Could be various things. If it was a start-up issue before the OS loaded (i.e Windows) then it may be hardware related. If it happened once the OS was up it may have been software. Virus or dodgy install of software. Could one of hundreds of reasons, or it could have been a one off random glitch.

Run a quick virus scan (get AVG if you don't have one, its free) and set up system restore points.

[McG]

Thanks, SMH827! I'm embarrassed to say that it all went wrong after I dropped the laptop from my bed!
I've had to update a number of things and re-install Chrome but now seems to be working again . . . though not very happily!

[McG]

Thanks, SMH827! I'm embarrassed to say that it all went wrong after I dropped the laptop from my bed!
I've had to update a number of things and re-install Chrome but now seems to be working again . . . though not very happily!

I have to take it all back!
I've discovered that casing of computer has opened slightly at corner where charger is plugged in and now computer noy charging properly . . . red cross on battery symbol though other times it's a red battery
I've tried jiggling it about and can get it to charge for a short while only . . . looks like I'll be off to the Computer A & E tomorrow!
What will I do without it??????

[steve9872]

I've tried jiggling it about and can get it to charge for a short while only

This is actually very serious. This could amount to a simple repair or a complete write off depending on just how badly damaged the motherboard is. Yes, the power in socket is attached to the motherboard and if wiggling works then the socket has moved and its not supposed to. Damage could be limited to the socket itself, in which case replacing the socket will work, but if the socket remained firm then the motherboard itself is damaged. In which case the motherboard needs replacing and if its too old then you'll need a new lappy.