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It's a 3 year old £300-odd (discounted) Acer.
One memory slot doesn't work and each time I switch it on it stalls & beeps on launching windows* (i.e. post BIOS). Usually, next switch on brings up an error page from where you can boot up OK. Sometimes it does * for a few cycles.
Is it worth trying to fix?
Sounds like a software error that a full format and re-install of Windows could fix but unless you know a tame IT guy it will probably cost more than it is worth. Plus if you are running Windows XP I wouldn't bother either.
Go get a new one from Dell.
Like this for example [url= http://www.dell.com/uk/p/inspiron-15-3531-laptop/pd?oc=cn53102&model_id=inspiron-15-3531-laptop ]Inspiron 15[/url] for £199.
on the same type of subject my laptop (Acer - xp!) has in the last two weeks started to take 20-30 minutes to start up, used to take 30 seconds.
Malware and virus scanning installed and up to date - nothing showing
Im also needing a new laptop.. that dell seems great value!
Mine is also an acer-seems a bit of a theme running here(slow start up and proccessing etc).
XP users - change to windows7. Gave our lass' PC a new lease of life.
started to take 20-30 minutes to start up
Clean all the dust out of the fan?
it stalls & beeps on launching windows
Can you be a bit more specific? What do you see, how far does it get, what do the beeps sound like?
brings up an error page from where you can boot up OK
Can you be a bit more specific?
Cougar beat me to it - when asking for help for a problem, the error message that you are given by the computer can be passed on to those you ask assistance from - the error messages are *not* state secrets 😉
How many beeps?
You may be able to discern a message from their number and diagnose the problem via Google and the BIOS version.
Regarding the slow start-up.....you haven't got tons of stuff on the desktop have you? Stuck a temp image folder from your camera on there or something?
I did that with a folder from my camera and next time is started it up, it took about 5 times longer to start. Remembered reading something about not overloading the desktop with stuff, moved the temp folder of pics and all was well again.
The beeps are say 1/3 of a second long but run into a continuous beep.
This happens when the "starting windows" screen (after an animation I think) is up.
It's W7, 6 months ago I wiped the HD and reinstalled it. Not much crap on there.
*luncjtime bump* just in case the IT folk look on here outwith working hours.
*daytime bump* for the IT people "working" at their desks 😛
- NoIs it worth trying to fix?
If you want to though I would investigate why the memory slot isn't working. I've had this sort of intermittent startup once and it was indeed a memory problem. Swapping the memory sticks around worked. I would have a nose with a strong light and see if you can see any bent connections. Also try cleaning the contacts on the memory chip with an eraser. Make sure you don't leave a stick in the 'dead' slot as that can confuse matters
i suspect that knowing you you've already done all of this though 🙁 so you may just be out of luck
I think it is doing one of those critical memory dumps on Windows start up.
It may not be too bad a deal, and not critical for the life of the machine. The memory slot is a much worse problem. Have you enough RAM in the one slot available? Can you swap it out for some other to see what happens.
When it has started properly look at installing CCleaner, there is a free version, and give everything a good clean. Check Startup to see if everything is what you want.
I only have 1 memory card now,yes it is enough, I'll try those things RIk.
Ta TPTC also
Reseat memory,
run memtest86+
http://www.memtest.org/
or
memtest86
http://www.memtest86.com/download.htm
The beeps are say 1/3 of a second long but run into a continuous beep.
Sounds like a faulty keyboard to me, that. Mash all the keys; failing that, disconnect it and plug in a USB one.
give everything a good clean.
Is it dirty? Then leave it alone.
Interesting Cougar- a long string of characters appears in the log in box after start up.
Try soaking it in oil.
Which type?
Comic Sans.
Well I pligged a wireless keyboard in, it didn't disable the laptops one and nothing changed.
Currently running a me test.
It won't, that's why I said to disconnect it. It's probably just a screw or two and a ribbon cable.
Or those daft wee clips you shove in with a jewellers screwdriver.
ZIF (zero insertion force) sockets.
TBH I CBA using it with an external keyboard just to save the boot up PITA, esp as hibernation mode now seems not to drain the battery.
It was more a diagnostic step. If that fixes it, we can replace the keyboard.
Dude, do you want to send it to me to look at?
Ah I see. I'll try a bit harder then. That's a very kind offer, I'll wait until I am truly desperate!
As I said, I've discovered it's hibernating without draining the battery now (it wasn't previously, hence shutting down each time) so it's less pressing.
I was meaning the keyboard release clips, should have been more specific :S
****.
Hibernation drains battery again so I will be posting more daft Qs on this/...
