Graham: On Fri, 6 Dec 2002, Graham monk wrote:
> Hope you dont object too stronly to this post, but I think it is > hardware related and I know ther is a lot of knowledge on this list. Our > computers are running MYOB and an Access database on Win98. The files > and printing are done from one computer. Every so often this machine > reboots. This usually happens when given several documents to print. It > is 1Ghz with 256MB RAM Dell. I AM working on a switch to Linux. I have > tried replacing the power supply, Switching the RAM Increasing the > cooling (twice) It does not always correlate to printing It does not > allways correlate to heat, but does seem to occur more frequently when > hot and when printing. Any suggestions other chuck them all out and > replace with Linux? ( Which will happen when I can get a viable > replacement running) It's not necessarily a hardware problem and the failure of your attempts in this regard makes me suspicious. It could also be software related. Somewhere I remember reading that Win95/98/ME interpret the reboot interrupt differently than DOS did, but I can't find the reference at the moment. However, what would happen if Window$ or an application were corrupt and sent that instruction to the CPU? Done exactly the wrong way, it might result in a cold boot without the benefit of the gratuitous "Close Program" menu. Such things could also be the result of a virus that your anti-virus software hasn't sniffed out yet. My suggestions might be: 1. Back up everything as it now stands: operating system, applications and data. You *DO* have some sort of reasonable backup strategy, don't you? 2. Download the latest, greatest virus definition files for whatever anti-virus utility you prefer and run a comprehensive virus scan. You should be doing this often anyway. 3. Go to each application's website and check for bug fixes and free upgrades. Install any you find. Software developers do this to cover their a**es in the hopes that you'll be grateful and buy the newer versions next time around. 4. Uninstall and reinstall all applications, one at a time. I'd be real suspicious of Window$' print spooler. Be sure to do a *COLD* boot after each uninstall *AND* after each installation. There are a couple of small areas in the CMOS or the CPU's cache that don't get wiped with a warm boot. A cold boot blanks even these so their contents can't interfere with rebooting or running applications. Also, cards that you may have installed (e.g., NICs, USBs, video cards) often have their own, onboard memory that won't get wiped unless you actually turn all power off. Settings written to these by Window$ (or by incoming data and instructions) could interfere with Linux' operation. I know for a fact that the reverse is true! 5. If all else fails, do a low level format (e.g., fdisk), rebuild the disk and reinstall the operating system and applications from the original installation disks, not your backups. This is a drastic measure! But sometimes you have to weigh the time you'd spend trying to debug the system against the time you'd spend simply starting over with a clean slate. 6. Sell the Dell on your next yard sale and replace it with a Gateway! No, I have no stock in either company. But, if one doesn't work correctly, that's a strong reason to switch brands. Other hardware problems that might cause the same symptom: 1. Intermittently failing memory chip. I hate when this happens because you won't find it with normal troubleshooting techniques unless it just happens to fail at the same time you're looking! That's pretty much only as you cold boot. 2. Bad connection on the motherboard. I had this happen once with a 'garage' brand. It costs more to replace the motherboard than to buy a whole new 'puter! (See #6, above.) 3. Twitchy CPU. Check around the local used computer shops to see if they have any spare CPUs of the right type at a reasonable price. About a year ago I picked up a P-1 200 for $2. I makes a nice lapel pin! (See #6, above.) 4. One of the add-on cards you're using is faulty. Open the box and remove any cards you don't absolutely need. Sequentially replace the others with units that you know are okay. If all else fails, refer to #6, above. Best of luck. Peace, health, wisdom and wealth. Live long and prosper. Stan Schultz Techno-Geek wannabe Home: (403) 230-1911 Work: (403) 220-8570 FAX: (403) 270-8928 Webpage: http://www.ucalgary.ca/~schultz
