Damn! New Windows 8.1 PC has died. [Archive]

walpurgis

09-06-2015, 22:42

Hmm. Not happy at all. I bought a new Acer XC-603 Windows 8.1 desktop PC two months ago as a second computer. Tonight I connected it after not using it for a couple of weeks and it's dead. Won't power up at all. Power supply or mains relay maybe, but I'm not tinkering with it, I've hardly used it. I'll contact the seller tomorrow. Bum and double Bum. :steam:

struth

09-06-2015, 22:46

Had that once and it was the psu. damned annoying; if its under the warranty then they(seller) will have to fix or replace

walpurgis

10-06-2015, 09:41

This morning the Acer decided to fire up straight away. So I turned it of to reconnect all the peripherals again and it wouldn't turn on. unplugged everything and pressed the button. On it came! Connected keyboard, mouse, monitor and USB stuff etc., and I'm using it now. This is frustrating. I'll turn it off again in a minute, once I've finished doing a few bits and see if it powers back up. The power supply should be OK as it's running now. I'm guessing a poor contact on the switch or a relay. I really don't want to have to box it all up and send it back (at my expense). This has to be easy enough to sort out.

walpurgis

10-06-2015, 10:42

I think I've sussed it (big sigh of relief!!). This is really weird. The Acer seems to be objecting to my new ten port USB hub and won't fire up with it connected. As soon as I unplug the hub the PC fires up and works. I can then plug the new hub in and carry on using the computer. If I connect the peripherals directly to the PD's USB ports, no problem. Nor was there with my old six port USB hub. I'm thinking there must be some power leakage from the (mains supported) USB hub which is blocking the PC's mains relay operation. I'll revert to my old hub, as there was no problem with that. This is not an issue I've ever heard of before.

struth

10-06-2015, 10:45

funny my olx laptop is like that with peripheral usb s. i power it up and once windows starts i can then power them up and all is well. might be a boot order thing

walpurgis

10-06-2015, 10:51

funny my olx laptop is like that with peripheral usb s. i power it up and once windows starts i can then power them up and all is well. might be a boot order thing

Well it had me well and truly baffled for some time. I only got a clue after starting the PC a couple of times with nothing connected, then trying to start it with all the gubbins going through the hub.

At least I don't have to send the bugger back. I'd just got it set up how I like it. :)

walpurgis

10-06-2015, 11:14

Just noticed. The free upgrade to Windows 10 icon has appeared in my toolbar. I'll give that a few months. Let them iron out any bugs first.

struth

10-06-2015, 11:22

i signed up for it a few weeks ago. they only have so many freebies and downloads wont start til late july so if you want it then id sign up now.

walpurgis

10-06-2015, 11:27

i signed up for it a few weeks ago. they only have so many freebies and downloads wont start til late july so if you want it then id sign up now.

Yes, I'll reserve one, but delay the download. You get a year I believe.

Must check my other Windows 7 PC. I believe they're doing the same for those.

(and the W7 mini PC I have arriving in the next day or two)

walpurgis

10-06-2015, 14:32

funny my olx laptop is like that with peripheral usb s. i power it up and once windows starts i can then power them up and all is well. might be a boot order thing

I think you may be right Grant. I've had a look online and it seems this is not an unheard of problem. I'll see what devices the PC can boot from and uncheck anything that looks like it could be a problem.

hornucopia

10-06-2015, 14:36

Computers! a mind of their own!

Good tip though!

struth

10-06-2015, 14:43

yeah make sure c drive is first

walpurgis

10-06-2015, 21:13

Audio Advent

11-06-2015, 14:32

If it wouldn't power on at all, that can't be a boot order thing, that's a power management/protection thing surely. I'd suspect the hub. Maybe it's shorting something out on the pc and the motherboard detecting a power surge (if that's what modern motherboards might do..). Could even be a bit of something in the USB plug shorting out the pins?

Or it could be an under-specced PSU if the PC has a load of drives etc with not much headroom for the hub plus all the other peripherals, or it could be that your old PC had an extra robust USB port which could cope with the hub load but this new one isn't whilst still being perfectly within spec and correct..

Or a broken USB port - does it boot with a single peripheral plugged in?

walpurgis

11-06-2015, 21:44

It's definitely the hub. When it's plugged in the PC just won't turn on, let alone boot. No lights or sound at all. My older hub does not cause problems. As I suggested earlier and as you seem to think, there may be some power leakage from the hub that is causing the issue. I've just stopped using it. Problem gone!!

struth

11-06-2015, 21:45

is it a powered hub Geoff??

walpurgis

11-06-2015, 21:51

Been playing with my new (old) toy that arrived today. An Asus EEE Box micro desktop PC. It's only 8" x 8" x 2" , a tiny little thing that works very well. It has WiFi and built in DVD RW despite the small size. Quite quick despite the seemingly limited spec. A few years old, but it may come in handy.

walpurgis

11-06-2015, 21:51

is it a powered hub Geoff??

Yup!

struth

11-06-2015, 21:54

have you tried it with out the power and with a low powered device like a keyboard or empty unpowered

walpurgis

11-06-2015, 22:00

have you tried it with out the power and with a low powered device like a keyboard or empty unpowered

No I haven't Grant. I always use powered hubs to keep the USB speed up. My old hub is powered and works fine with the new Acer job. I won't use the problem hub, its quality is suspect.

struth

11-06-2015, 22:05

Was just to check if it was a problem with he power being applied via the psu. I prefer to use D Link hubs. they are a bit more expensive but Ive never had any probs with any Ive used. Was going to get another of the 7 porter ones I use upstairs but they have changed the perfect design. typical.

walpurgis

12-06-2015, 09:44

This morning my broadband is having 'one of its days' and drops out every now and then. It's usually good, but has the occasional moment. It's a local service issue, not anything indoors. I've noticed that when the internet is iffy, the phone lines are noisy.

struth

12-06-2015, 10:07

we used to get that especially when it rained heavy. they fitted a new box on front street and sorted it..a fibre box... i switched to fibre recently and its well worth it.

walpurgis

12-06-2015, 10:44

struth

12-06-2015, 10:54

I've just installed this Windows PC audit tool. It's excellent and a free download.

Review here: http://download.cnet.com/Belarc-Advisor/3000-2094_4-10007277.html

It tells you just about everything about your computer.

not sure what advantages i would get from it tbh. looks interesting but think i would need a specific reason for using it. it doesnt say all that much about itsactual uses to joe public

walpurgis

12-06-2015, 11:00

I tried it because I wanted to know what RAM was installed without taking the PC out and apart. It's an amazingly comprehensive app.

spendorman

12-06-2015, 13:44

I've just installed this Windows PC audit tool. It's excellent and a free download.

Review here: http://download.cnet.com/Belarc-Advisor/3000-2094_4-10007277.html

It tells you just about everything about your computer.

I have used Belarc for more than 10 years, it can be useful. Recently used it to confirm that the machine was running in Dual Memory Mode.

I had a similar PC non starting thing a few years ago. PC would not boot if a certain USB memory stick was plugged in. Stick seemed fine otherwise, and did not do this in other machines, strange.

walpurgis

13-06-2015, 15:48

Trying out Mustang Browser. It's a 'new kid on the block' as it were. Seems promising, everything works as it should so far (unlike others I've used). Quite quick too. The only niggle was an extension that allowed promotion adverts that I turned off easily enough. The only thing it won't let me do is open each bookmark in a fresh window, but there may be a means of doing this I've not located yet. I can drag the bookmark to the tab bar and do it that way, which is damn near as quick.

walpurgis

28-06-2015, 20:37

I've been 'missing' for a while today. Buggered up my 2nd PC (again) and spent some hours reinstalling the W7 O/S. OK now, I'm using it here. Good PC. Needs to be with me about! :eek:

spendorman

28-06-2015, 20:49

I've been 'missing' for a while today. Buggered up my 2nd PC (again) and spent some hours reinstalling the W7 O/S. OK now, I'm using it here. Good PC. Needs to be with me about! :eek:

Not again!!!

I've given up with W7 and W8.1, Linux Mint 17.1, and don't tell anyone, still XP. As backup I clone disk at least once a week.

walpurgis

28-06-2015, 21:26

Not again!!!

Yes. It happens about every three months. I'm renowned for it. I have an OEM copy of W7 I can reload as many times as I want, so I take risks on this PC and tinker too much. This time I was trying to boot from a Linux (live) CD and for some reason it tried to install itself, so I ejected it. Windows start up needed repair afterwards and even after, things were not quite right. Seemed easiest to just reinstall.

spendorman

28-06-2015, 21:34

Yes. It happens about every three months. I'm renowned for it. I have an OEM copy of W7 I can reload as many times as I want, so I take risks on this PC and tinker too much. This time I was trying to boot from a Linux (live) CD and for some reason it tried to install itself, so I ejected it. Windows start up needed repair afterwards and even after, things were not quite right. Seemed easiest to just reinstall.

That is odd, Linux installing itself, never had that, but I can imagine stopping it could be damaging. I went over to installing Linux on to USB stick for testing distros, and sometimes just ran from the stick.

Andrei

28-06-2015, 21:38

Yes. It happens about every three months. I'm renowned for it. I have an OEM copy of W7 I can reload as many times as I want, so I take risks on this PC and tinker too much. This time I was trying to boot from a Linux (live) CD and for some reason it tried to install itself, so I ejected it. Windows start up needed repair afterwards and even after, things were not quite right. Seemed easiest to just reinstall.
Right, that's it! The end of humanity is near. The rise of the machines has begun.

walpurgis

03-07-2015, 10:52

Very pleased with my new browser 'Mustang'. It's Chrome based and is working really well, certainly quicker than I.E. It's simple looking and not flashy. Everything operates as it should, downloads are handled well and the Ad blocker is excellent. It offers sponsored ads until you switch them off, easy to do under extensions.

walpurgis

17-07-2015, 22:20

Using my Windows 7 PC at the moment.

I had a few occasions recently of Adobe Flash Player not allowing stuff to display on both my PCs, with messages saying it was out of date even though it wasn't. It's now OK, but I think I've figured out what's been going on. Adobe have periodically deactivated Flash due to huge (and ongoing) security issues. Loads of nasty bugs coming with their stuff (Google it and you'll see. Loads of new security patches on their site too). I guess Automatic security updates have been downloaded and Flash reactivated.

As I'm using Chrome based browsers on both PCs (Comodo here and Mustang on the other one), I had a poke around in the Chrome Web Store for extensions to allow control of Flash content. I found one simply called 'flashcontrol'. It works a treat, blocking everything it should and protecting the PC. Any Flash items you want to view are freed up with one click on them. Easy!

Another handy extension is Simple AdBlock. That works perfectly too. I'm getting no crap dislpayed and I can switch it on and off easily.

struth

17-07-2015, 22:25

I dont us adobe for that reason, unless absolutely needed. same with their reader. have enough security to cover myself but dont like taking risks. same with my tablet. if I need flash I use puffin which has its own flash like chrome does on pc. chromes own system is secure.

spendorman

17-07-2015, 22:27

I've had that Flash Player annoyance to, not only with Windows but on Linux too.

Been using Adblock Plus for several years, very good.

walpurgis

18-07-2015, 10:27

Do you know if you have any spyware lurking on your PC?

Despite taking precautions, I find nasties still slip through, but there a clever bit of software that can sort that.

For years I've been using OneClick Spyware Expert. It's an old utility, dating from 2009, but seems to run fine on all Windows installations from XP to 8.1. It's not 'real time', so you start your own scans, but it digs deep and finds more bugs than any other anti-spyware utility I've used.

I'd not used it for a month because I was part of the time on my other PC. Anyway, here's this morning's scan on my Windows 7 PC:

http://i62.tinypic.com/fnr1p3.png

As you can see. It works!

It's a free and safe download from download.cnet.com if anybody wants to try it. Here: http://download.cnet.com/OneClick-Spyware-Expert/3000-8022_4-10888053.html

Untick any boxes for 'bundled' extra software or click decline if it's offered.

RobbieGong

18-07-2015, 10:31

Do you know if you have any spyware lurking on your PC?

Despite taking precautions, I find nasties still slip through, but there a clever bit of software that can sort that.

For years I've been using OneClick Spyware Expert. It's an old utility, dating from 2009, but seems to run fine on all Windows installations from XP to 8.1. It's not 'real time', so you start your own scans, but it digs deep and finds more bugs than any other anti-spyware utility I've used.

I'd not used it for a month because I was part of the time on my other PC. Anyway, here's this morning's scan on my Windows 7 PC:

http://i62.tinypic.com/fnr1p3.png

As you can see. It works!

It's a free download from download.cnet.com if anybody wants to try it. Here: http://download.cnet.com/OneClick-Spyware-Expert/3000-8022_4-10888053.html

Thanks Geoff, is it ok to use if you've other anti virus on your pc already like the Avast Free i'm using ?

struth

18-07-2015, 10:35

not tried that one. i use malwarebytes premium which is active along with Avast free for backup. then win patrol covers any attempts at change in the system...its very good and low resource ...also mal byte s other freebie thats name escapes me.. obviously all this slows things down a tad and if in very safe territory i can switch stuff off to speed up a bit but overall its worth it as they do stop stuff in there tracks...you occasionally get some adwsre sneaking in but mostly low risk stuff that get deleted in scans that are regular and timed to go when im not using the pc.

will give that a look tonight though

Box13

18-07-2015, 10:36

walpurgis

18-07-2015, 10:36

Thanks Geoff, is it ok to use if you've other anti virus on your pc already like the Avast Free i'm using ?

Yes. It works fine alongside other software.

walpurgis

18-07-2015, 10:39

will give that a look tonight though

Guarantee it will find bugs. I've tried and also still use others with 'real time' scanning, but they miss stuff.

Box13

18-07-2015, 10:40

To add to the bother, I've just had to change my Outlook, eBay and AOS passwords 'cos they stopped working (right old rigmarole). Looks like I may have been hacked.

Gone through ALL the secrurity, cleaned everything out and scanned everything and found no reports of spyware or bugs.

The applications on Facebook carry trojans.
My security system does not allow me to use Facebook at all.

p.s. Google Images is the same, use Bing it is clean.

walpurgis

18-07-2015, 10:47

If you want a protection system that lets nothing through Wally, then it's this one:-
http://barracuda.optrics.com/anti-virus-technology.aspx

These will do the job too:

http://download.cnet.com/Baidu-Antivirus-2015/3000-2239_4-75908792.html

http://download.cnet.com/Comodo-Internet-Security-Premium/3000-2239_4-10460704.html

Both superb bits of software. Free too.

And the name is not "Wally"!

walpurgis

18-07-2015, 23:01

After reading a favourable mag review, I thought I'd try the 'Emsisoft Emergency Kit' spyware killer. It installs quickly then asks you to update to the latest files. This seems a useful tool. It finds plenty of bits that may be suspect and tells you their rating, allowing you to select what to keep or remove. It scans for PUPS (potentially unwanted programs) too, which could be handy. I rather like what this can do and it's free. I'll compare it to OneClick Spyware Expert, my regular star bit of anti-spyware software and see which works best. They're both very effective.

struth

18-07-2015, 23:23

Ive tried that once, but had problems installing it. need to try it again some time. Malware bytes has a similar product add on which is free to premium users

walpurgis

18-07-2015, 23:27

It installed OK here on W7. Check your c program files. It may be there if you downloaded. It doesn't show up in start under programs. Or it could still be in downloads folder waiting to be opened.

slate

19-07-2015, 11:39

I had a few occasions recently of Adobe Flash Player not allowing stuff to display on both my PCs, with messages saying it was out of date even though it wasn't.

Do notice that with Windows 7-8.x, Windows Update takes care of updating your Flash. Thus insuring that people always have the latest security fixes.
So when I go to a dodgy site to find a stream for the footie and are greeted with a popup "Your Flash plugin needs updating, click this link"... then I know what NOT to click

spendorman

19-07-2015, 12:55

How about firewalls? I have used Zone Alarm for many years:

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/312/19205442803_9bd761ebfc_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/vg7V3c)Zone Alarm (https://flic.kr/p/vg7V3c) by A60man (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41679262@N02/), on Flickr