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Help prevent me from using my computer for target practice
Self | Today | Self

Posted on 10/15/2004 6:59:06 AM PDT by dd5339

Ok all,

I've got a computer problem on a new to me Laptop, a Compaq Armada M700, PII 366.

It was working fine yesterday when I attempted to install Windows XP, unfortunately I only got 1/2 through it before the CD drive found a terminal scratch on my CD. The computer kept trying to go back to the CD install but could not get past the scratched CD. I opened the CD drive, removed the CD and attempted to shut the PC down. It kept asking for the XP disk and would not power down with the on/off button.

I eventually got the screen to shut down, (not sure if I put it into hibernation or what I did). I closed the case, put it away and didn't worry about it till last night.

Last night I tried to fire the computer up to finish the XP install, with my original disc. Now the computer won't even attempt to boot, the drive won't chatter, I get nothing on the screen. All I get is the lights for the num lock, the multibay drive light and the caplock keys, thats it. I can't even get into a bios setup or safe mode.

Does anyone have any ideas? Any help? Any suggestions? I'd really rather not use this PC for target practice.

Thanks and Semper Fi


TOPICS: Computers/Internet
KEYWORDS: 45; compaq; computer; shoot
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Help! Come on Freepers, save my laptop!
1 posted on 10/15/2004 6:59:07 AM PDT by dd5339
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Comment #2 Removed by Moderator

To: dd5339

I have never seen a computer that would not power off by pressing and holding down the power button until the system shuts down.


3 posted on 10/15/2004 7:01:01 AM PDT by Time is now (Dohhhh!)
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To: dd5339

http://www.gunsamerica.com/catlist.cgi?type=rifles


That's all I've got.


4 posted on 10/15/2004 7:01:41 AM PDT by bad company (Global test? Damn I forgot to study.)
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To: dd5339

A 5 gallon bucket of water shuts em down every time.


5 posted on 10/15/2004 7:02:35 AM PDT by cripplecreek (The economy won't matter if you're dead.)
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To: Grigorii Efimovich Rasputin

Sledge Hammer is my preferred weapon of destruction.


6 posted on 10/15/2004 7:02:57 AM PDT by elli1
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To: bad company

The answer to your question is " Trout ".

I hope that helps.


7 posted on 10/15/2004 7:03:37 AM PDT by AirBorn
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To: dd5339

8 posted on 10/15/2004 7:05:06 AM PDT by dennisw (Gd - against Amelek for all generations.)
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To: AirBorn

Whew! Thanks.


9 posted on 10/15/2004 7:05:40 AM PDT by bad company (Global test? Damn I forgot to study.)
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To: dd5339

Pull out the battery. Unplug the laptop from power. Hold the power button down for a couple of minutes. Plug it back in and try to get into bios. Let me know if this worked. (I have seen it work before)


10 posted on 10/15/2004 7:06:54 AM PDT by LesbianThespianGymnasticMidget
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Comment #11 Removed by Moderator

To: dd5339
Compaq Armada M700, PII 366.

The 90's just called, they want their laptop back.


12 posted on 10/15/2004 7:07:37 AM PDT by unixfox (Close the borders, problems solved!)
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To: dd5339

Remove all power, that means the battery too. Let it set for a while, then power it up without the battery.. Just the brick.

I have several old notebooks that I still use, but I keep to the OS that was orginally shipped with the system. I even have one that's still running Windows 3.1, but I hardly use that. (It has a monochromatic, non-backlit display and can run for 8 hours on rechargeable AA ni-cads.)


13 posted on 10/15/2004 7:10:19 AM PDT by tje
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To: dd5339

Get an undamaged XP disk and try to start it with that disk in the CD drive.


14 posted on 10/15/2004 7:13:52 AM PDT by meeps
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To: Baynative
No newfangled contraptions for me thanks. I'm using an abacus. Good lord man, whats next? Flyin machines and horseless carriages?
15 posted on 10/15/2004 7:13:53 AM PDT by cripplecreek (The economy won't matter if you're dead.)
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To: All

Dang! But you all are a sarcastic bunch! Your making me laugh though so that is improving my mood which is a good thing.

Keep the great suggestions coming!

Semper Fi


16 posted on 10/15/2004 7:23:02 AM PDT by dd5339 (A sheepdog, a warrior, someone who is walking the hero's path.)
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To: bad company

If your going to do it, do it right!

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976423812.htm

Semper Fi


17 posted on 10/15/2004 7:24:37 AM PDT by dd5339 (A sheepdog, a warrior, someone who is walking the hero's path.)
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To: dd5339

Unintended Concenquences.


18 posted on 10/15/2004 7:26:51 AM PDT by bad company (Global test? Damn I forgot to study.)
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To: unixfox

I've seen those models go for as much as several dollars at eBay.


19 posted on 10/15/2004 7:31:00 AM PDT by Dog Gone
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To: dd5339

"It kept asking for the XP disk and would not power down with the on/off button."


I hate "intelligent" computers.

I love the old days when power off meant power OFF.

In your case, perhaps do the ultimate - pull the plug. Or take out the battery. Or whatever.

I just got a new PC set up yesterday (cheap, on top of it), and I'm scared what's going to happen.


20 posted on 10/15/2004 7:31:40 AM PDT by the OlLine Rebel (Common sense is an uncommon virtue.)
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