Is my desktop just an expensive substitute for a potted plant?

Hallett · #1 12-17-2004, 06:23 PM

Hopefully this forum is appropriate:

I have a Dell Dimension P-4 computer, which I have given to my kids 'cause I have a laptop now. The desktop is hooped. If you turn it on, it says:

F1 to reboot, F2 for setup.

That is it. If you hit F1, you get the sames screen. F2 is just a basic setup screen. You can't hit F8 and boot in save mode. Is it a virus? Hard drive defect?

stabn · #2 12-17-2004, 06:55 PM

Do you have an os cd? If so, try and reinstall on it again. It's probably either a) a bad HD, b) a corrupted OS install, c) the cable for your HD has broken or is now unattached. You have any friends that know much about computers? If so have one try and break it open, make sure all the cables are snug, etc. If that doesn't work, and the OS install doesn't work either, there's a good chance your HD is busted. Even if that's the case, you can get a replacement HD fairly cheap.

Hallett · #3 12-17-2004, 06:57 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Do you have an os cd? If so, try and reinstall on it again. It's probably either a) a bad HD, b) a corrupted OS install, c) the cable for your HD has broken or is now unattached. You have any friends that know much about computers? If so have one try and break it open, make sure all the cables are snug, etc. If that doesn't work, and the OS install doesn't work either, there's a good chance your HD is busted. Even if that's the case, you can get a replacement HD fairly cheap.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thank you... I take it this means I will lose all my porn?

stabn · #4 12-17-2004, 07:00 PM

If the HD is dead, yes. If the OS install is corrupt, but not dead, then no, not if it's reinstalled correctly. If it's a cable that's unattached or broken, then no, if that is fixed you will be able to access your collection afterwards [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img].

Edit: But wtf are you doing giving your kids a computer with your collection still on it...I mean, if they aren't at least 15...

Hallett · #5 12-17-2004, 07:05 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Edit: But wtf are you doing giving your kids a computer with your collection still on it...I mean, if they aren't at least 15...

[/ QUOTE ]

Seperate accounts, password protected, hidden in a folder with a boring name like "poker stuff", and the boys are 16 and 19. I want to find their collections.

thatpfunk · #6 12-17-2004, 10:01 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I want to find their collections.

[/ QUOTE ]

Haha, thats great. A simple search should work, no? I think the best way to hide it is in a folder titled "New Folder" and put it in blatant view. People usually assume the folder was made accidently and would never look in it.

wacki · #7 12-17-2004, 10:37 PM

I'm not sure I'm following your post, but it sounds like a bios problem. Remove lithium battery from motherboard. Check that it has the proper voltage with a voltage meter. If not replace. Reboot and you should be able to alter the bios. The F1, and F2 should be bios stuff. So the hard drive, cables, and all that stuff shouldn't matter. Bios is stored on the motherboard.