How screwed is my PC?

[Lucky Toma]

My PC has been on its last legs for awhile now. Last night we had a power cut in the area whilst I was working on it. When the power came back on my computer was basically buggered. Its like its got a virus - takes about ten minutes to complete the simplest command and Firefox and IE are corrupted so I cant get online.
Is that it for the old girl? Or is there hope?

 

[Jackson-ctid]

The power surge has probably fried it, it could be fixed but I'm guessing it's already quite old. In which case, you're better off buying a new one.

 

[yerwot?]

My PC has been on its last legs for awhile now. Last night we had a power cut in the area whilst I was working on it. When the power came back on my computer was basically buggered. Its like its got a virus - takes about ten minutes to complete the simplest command and Firefox and IE are corrupted so I cant get online.
Is that it for the old girl? Or is there hope?

all running programmes terminated incorrectly: you need to start in safemode and this will organise the start-up sequence. costs nowt its simple ,and a power-cut does not usually generate a harmful spike so give it a try g'luck

 

[auction294]

Safe Mode simply starts the PC is reduced functionality without loading all system and device drivers.

PCs are not like cars whereby components, over time suffer from wear and tear. They either work or they don't. Memory , CPU , Hard Disk etc wont wear out as such. They will , eventually fail. As will any mechanical or electrical device but that failure is permanent. Memory may develop faults, Vista & 7 have a memory diagnostic or you can try memtest x86 which is a pretty good indicator if your RAM is still okay. The Power Cut hasn't affected you as your PC boots, but you could test your PSU (Power Supply Unit) with a tester, these cost no more than a tenner from any local PC retailer. Probably cost more than Tevez if you go to Maplin.

Is there any hope? Yes, if your components check out, and it's software based errors, slow etc then a reinstallation of Windows will return the PC back to day one. If you go down that route ensure all data is backed up although 7 & Vista back up to Windows.old if you reinstall without formatting the disk. You will also need to reinstall all software; printer , drivers, Anti Virus, Office etc so make sure you have all your licences to hand first.

If reinstall isn't an option , and the components check out you will probably need someone that knows what they are doing to look at it and so what maintenance or tweaks can be done. Or if it needs more RAM. Usually though 'the kid next door' is not the best option and causes more harm than good. Someone who really knows what they are doing is best loooking at it.

 

[waspish]

Buy a new hard drive for it.. re-install your windows operating cd on it and should be like new!

Before you do though don't forget to save all the files you want to keep!

 

[auction294]

Unless there is a reason to buy a new Hard Disk, such as it being faulty or you simply would like more storage space then you dont need a new hard disk drive.

 

[bluetoo]

Safe Mode simply starts the PC is reduced functionality without loading all system and device drivers.

PCs are not like cars whereby components, over time suffer from wear and tear. They either work or they don't. Memory , CPU , Hard Disk etc wont wear out as such. They will , eventually fail. As will any mechanical or electrical device but that failure is permanent. Memory may develop faults, Vista & 7 have a memory diagnostic or you can try memtest x86 which is a pretty good indicator if your RAM is still okay. The Power Cut hasn't affected you as your PC boots, but you could test your PSU (Power Supply Unit) with a tester, these cost no more than a tenner from any local PC retailer. Probably cost more than Tevez if you go to Maplin.

Is there any hope? Yes, if your components check out, and it's software based errors, slow etc then a reinstallation of Windows will return the PC back to day one. If you go down that route ensure all data is backed up although 7 & Vista back up to Windows.old if you reinstall without formatting the disk. You will also need to reinstall all software; printer , drivers, Anti Virus, Office etc so make sure you have all your licences to hand first.

If reinstall isn't an option , and the components check out you will probably need someone that knows what they are doing to look at it and so what maintenance or tweaks can be done. Or if it needs more RAM. Usually though 'the kid next door' is not the best option and causes more harm than good. Someone who really knows what they are doing is best loooking at it.

Good advice but I would do it the other way round. Try a system restore if you have a restore point available. That way you may be able to find out if your current problems are software based. If youre sure you have hardware problems I would take auction's advice.