Posted: 4/15/2007 9:39:15 AM EDT
| For unknown reasons, my computer will either lock-up or the screen will go black, and then the picture on the monitor will be all kinds of messed up, it will go black again, and then freeze. Anyway, I'm thinking about wiping everything and then reinstalling windows. I have alot of personal files on the computer that I would rather not lose, so if I try and reinstall windows without wiping it first, would it fix the problem (if the problem is with a windows file)? That way I wouldnt have to lose/transfer my personal files. Any help would be much appreciated. |
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If you have 'personal files I'd rather not lose' on ANY computer, you better have them backed up on a CD or another external drive. That said, I strongly suggest you make a copy (and not on the same HD) of any files you want to keep before attempting any 'fixes' on the computer. I wish I had a dollar for every time someone asks me if there is a way to get their important info off a dead HD. (Yes I know there are ways if money is no object.) |
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If this kind of problem surfaces after the pc has been on for awhile, something in there is in the process of having a solder joint go bad, or some other physical failure. This happens because of thermal expansion. The leads of some electronic components can only give so much, and repeated stress causes fatigue failures. Keeping the dust out, keeping it cool, and avoiding thermal cycling (lots of on and off) will extend the life, but if it's already freezing it's probably beyond help. Memory chips going bad often cause this kind of thing too. Back up your data asap and plan on buying something new - chances are very good you'll have to soon. -grommet (PCB designer, Raytheon) |