Machine shuts down, can't find boot device

Allen wrote:

I repeat: my keybord IS NOT wireless. It plugs directly into a USB
connection. My mouse is wireless with a USB receiver, but my keyboard IS
NOT WIRELESS.

If your system has a PS2 keyboard connector, you could try that - if
you have an old PS2 kyboard. Might work, probably not . . . but I always
try the cheapest, easiest fixes first, even if they aren't the most
likely to solve the problem.

--
Enkidu

On 8 Jan 2010 16:42:31 GMT, Enkidu wrote:

Allen wrote:

I repeat: my keybord IS NOT wireless. It plugs directly into a USB
connection. My mouse is wireless with a USB receiver, but my keyboard IS
NOT WIRELESS.

If your system has a PS2 keyboard connector, you could try that - if
you have an old PS2 kyboard. Might work, probably not . . . but I always
try the cheapest, easiest fixes first, even if they aren't the most
likely to solve the problem.

Boot a Ubuntu Linux livecd and see if it happens with that as well.

1.If it does, you have crappy hardware.

2. If it does not, then Windows 7 is to blame.

#2 is far more likely to be the case as Windows 7 hardware support
sucks big time. Linux has far more and better hardware support than
Windows and especially Windows 7 which is the worst version of them
all.

TheBee

Allen wrote:
Enkidu wrote:
Allen wrote:

Enkidu wrote:
Allen wrote:

I cannot access BIOS, unless there is some way unknown to me to see
what's in it while the machine is running. When I try to open it
with F8 at boot, I get the same old "no boot device found".
Allen
Try F-2 or F-12, or even TAB at boot up. You might have to press it
several times as the system boots so you get it entered after the
keyboard is recognized and before it attemts a normal boot.

As I have said, I CANNOT open BIOS.I've tried all the various keys
and combinations, and all I get is the same old, same old "no boot
device". I would be very surprised if the BIOS battery is shot, as
the machine is 21 months old; I have changed a BIOS battery only
once, on a CompuAdd machine bought about 22 years ago. I was the PC
guru (I couldn't get out of it) from the first PCs until I retired in
1993 and nne of those machines ever had a battery problem.

I would be surprised to learn that a dead battery on the MB caused you
to not be able to access the BIOS. There somply has to be a keyboard
combination to access the BIOS, but you'd have to enter that key or
combination repreatedly as you booted up, and it should enter the BIOS
setup scree before it tried to boot frm the hard drive. If it doesn't,
your MB or youe BIOS is just dead.

One other idea - you aren't using a wireless keyboard, are you? If you
are, get a different wired keyboard and try that. If you're using a USB
keyboard, try an old PS2 keyboard . . . perhaps your keyboard isn't
being recognized by the BIOS but by the OS which isn't booting. If that
were the case, you the computer never sees what you type.

No, I'm using a USB KB, but I might try another. just in case. Further
comments: you mentioned pressing F keys multiple times--my rule is to
press them at least 60 times, unless something happens sooner. And about
BIOS batteries--my computer is never off for extended periods, except
for opening the case or when bad weather indicates chances for damage; I
have had very, very few hardware problems over the years, going back to
analog days starting in 1954.

There is a slim possibility that your BIOS rom died. It happens once in
a rare while. But I don't know if the battery has anything to do with
it. Usually the battery is for the system clock. Had this problem a
long time ago with an ACER model, in that on bad setting in the rom
caused it to not respond anymore to any access to resetting it.

And the worst could be a hard drive interface failure, where any HD
requests won't make it.

TheBee wrote:
On 8 Jan 2010 16:42:31 GMT, Enkidu wrote:

Allen wrote:

I repeat: my keybord IS NOT wireless. It plugs directly into a USB
connection. My mouse is wireless with a USB receiver, but my keyboard IS
NOT WIRELESS.
If your system has a PS2 keyboard connector, you could try that - if
you have an old PS2 kyboard. Might work, probably not . . . but I always
try the cheapest, easiest fixes first, even if they aren't the most
likely to solve the problem.

Boot a Ubuntu Linux livecd and see if it happens with that as well.

1.If it does, you have crappy hardware.

2. If it does not, then Windows 7 is to blame.

#2 is far more likely to be the case as Windows 7 hardware support
sucks big time. Linux has far more and better hardware support than
Windows and especially Windows 7 which is the worst version of them
all.

That was one of my other suggestions. In the past I've had to use a
linux boot disk just to see if the hardware will respond. I've seen
this missing OS error message before and clearing that one isn't easy.
On one machine I had to use Linux to format the entire hard drive to
clear out any junk on the hard drive. At that point I'd stop and then
resintall windows, which worked.

GreyCloud wrote:
snip
There is a slim possibility that your BIOS rom died. It happens once in
a rare while. But I don't know if the battery has anything to do with
it. Usually the battery is for the system clock. Had this problem a
long time ago with an ACER model, in that on bad setting in the rom
caused it to not respond anymore to any access to resetting it.

And the worst could be a hard drive interface failure, where any HD
requests won't make it.

Greycloud, I suspect you are right; I've had a suspicion all along, but
didn't want to accept it. I suppose that means a new MB, and my
80-year-old fingers aren't up to doing a replacement. Thanks very much.
Allen

Allen wrote:
GreyCloud wrote:
snip
There is a slim possibility that your BIOS rom died. It happens once
in a rare while. But I don't know if the battery has anything to do
with it. Usually the battery is for the system clock. Had this
problem a long time ago with an ACER model, in that on bad setting in
the rom caused it to not respond anymore to any access to resetting it.

And the worst could be a hard drive interface failure, where any HD
requests won't make it.

Greycloud, I suspect you are right; I've had a suspicion all along, but
didn't want to accept it. I suppose that means a new MB, and my
80-year-old fingers aren't up to doing a replacement. Thanks very much.

Well, there is a good possibility to save some money, rather than going
out and buying a new PC... go to a mom and pop PC shop and have them fix it.

"GreyCloud" wrote in message
...
Allen wrote:
GreyCloud wrote:
snip
There is a slim possibility that your BIOS rom died. It happens once in
a rare while. But I don't know if the battery has anything to do with
it. Usually the battery is for the system clock. Had this problem a
long time ago with an ACER model, in that on bad setting in the rom
caused it to not respond anymore to any access to resetting it.

And the worst could be a hard drive interface failure, where any HD
requests won't make it.

Greycloud, I suspect you are right; I've had a suspicion all along, but
didn't want to accept it. I suppose that means a new MB, and my
80-year-old fingers aren't up to doing a replacement. Thanks very much.

Well, there is a good possibility to save some money, rather than going
out and buying a new PC... go to a mom and pop PC shop and have them fix
it.

Heh...living in one of, if not the most, wired city in the U.S. (soon to be
the home of the Blues Waters petascale supercomputer), we have many to
choose from. I often have to tell people where to go (heh)...it's so sad
that so many people don't know they have an alternative to the Geek Squad's
overpriced, and underpowered service.

Lord Vetinari wrote:

it's so sad
that so many people don't know they have an alternative to the Geek Squad's
overpriced, and underpowered service.



Reminds me of another company. I'm not going to post their name but
their initials are Microsoft Corporation.

--
Alias

Alias wrote:
Lord Vetinari wrote:

it's so sad
that so many people don't know they have an alternative to the Geek
Squad's overpriced, and underpowered service.


Reminds me of another company. I'm not going to post their name but
their initials are Microsoft Corporation.

Got that MS hatred cranked up again huh cody?
hehehe...they sure know how to push all of your "stupidity buttons"
don't they!
Oops!...LOL!

Lord Vetinari wrote:
"GreyCloud" wrote in message
...
Allen wrote:
GreyCloud wrote:
snip
There is a slim possibility that your BIOS rom died. It happens once in
a rare while. But I don't know if the battery has anything to do with
it. Usually the battery is for the system clock. Had this problem a
long time ago with an ACER model, in that on bad setting in the rom
caused it to not respond anymore to any access to resetting it.

And the worst could be a hard drive interface failure, where any HD
requests won't make it.
Greycloud, I suspect you are right; I've had a suspicion all along, but
didn't want to accept it. I suppose that means a new MB, and my
80-year-old fingers aren't up to doing a replacement. Thanks very much.
Well, there is a good possibility to save some money, rather than going
out and buying a new PC... go to a mom and pop PC shop and have them fix
it.

Heh...living in one of, if not the most, wired city in the U.S. (soon to be
the home of the Blues Waters petascale supercomputer), we have many to
choose from. I often have to tell people where to go (heh)...it's so sad
that so many people don't know they have an alternative to the Geek Squad's
overpriced, and underpowered service.


I would rather go to a blacksmith with my problem than the Geek Squad
and its clones, based on what I've heard. Incidentally, I live in
Austin, which is also one of the most wired/wireless in the US. My first
experience in computers was with an analog fire control machine 56 years
ago, and have been almost continuously dealing with them ever
since--mainframe, minis, micros, you name it. This is the first time
I've ever felt the need to take a PC to an outsider for repair.
Allen

Frank wrote:
Alias wrote:
Lord Vetinari wrote:

it's so sad
that so many people don't know they have an alternative to the Geek
Squad's overpriced, and underpowered service.


Reminds me of another company. I'm not going to post their name but
their initials are Microsoft Corporation.

Got that MS hatred cranked up again huh cody?
hehehe...they sure know how to push all of your "stupidity buttons"
don't they!
Oops!...LOL!

Ever pay for their online support services? Their services aren't all
that good if nothing more than take your money and run, as compared to
other companies doing the same thing.

Allen wrote:
Lord Vetinari wrote:
"GreyCloud" wrote in message
...
Allen wrote:
GreyCloud wrote:
snip
There is a slim possibility that your BIOS rom died. It happens
once in a rare while. But I don't know if the battery has anything
to do with it. Usually the battery is for the system clock. Had
this problem a long time ago with an ACER model, in that on bad
setting in the rom caused it to not respond anymore to any access
to resetting it.

And the worst could be a hard drive interface failure, where any HD
requests won't make it.
Greycloud, I suspect you are right; I've had a suspicion all along,
but didn't want to accept it. I suppose that means a new MB, and my
80-year-old fingers aren't up to doing a replacement. Thanks very much.
Well, there is a good possibility to save some money, rather than
going out and buying a new PC... go to a mom and pop PC shop and have
them fix it.

Heh...living in one of, if not the most, wired city in the U.S. (soon
to be the home of the Blues Waters petascale supercomputer), we have
many to choose from. I often have to tell people where to go
(heh)...it's so sad that so many people don't know they have an
alternative to the Geek Squad's overpriced, and underpowered service.

I would rather go to a blacksmith with my problem than the Geek Squad
and its clones, based on what I've heard. Incidentally, I live in
Austin, which is also one of the most wired/wireless in the US. My first
experience in computers was with an analog fire control machine 56 years
ago, and have been almost continuously dealing with them ever
since--mainframe, minis, micros, you name it. This is the first time
I've ever felt the need to take a PC to an outsider for repair.
Allen

Ah, same here. I used to work on the old MK113 FCS and the MK114 FCS.
Then there was the older MK101 FCS. That one was almost all gears.
Too bad they didn't keep that paradigm, as for navy ships on an analog
computer you always have a running solution present, unlike a digital
computer solution.

GreyCloud wrote:
Frank wrote:
Alias wrote:
Lord Vetinari wrote:

it's so sad
that so many people don't know they have an alternative to the Geek
Squad's overpriced, and underpowered service.


Reminds me of another company. I'm not going to post their name but
their initials are Microsoft Corporation.

Got that MS hatred cranked up again huh cody?
hehehe...they sure know how to push all of your "stupidity buttons"
don't they!
Oops!...LOL!

Ever pay for their online support services?

When I had my business and a VL with MS we had a great rep who took
excellent care of us.
He even came to our yearly company parties!

Their services aren't all
that good if nothing more than take your money and run, as compared to
other companies doing the same thing.

Sorry, but that was not my experience.

Frank wrote:
GreyCloud wrote:
Frank wrote:
Alias wrote:
Lord Vetinari wrote:

it's so sad
that so many people don't know they have an alternative to the Geek
Squad's overpriced, and underpowered service.


Reminds me of another company. I'm not going to post their name but
their initials are Microsoft Corporation.

Got that MS hatred cranked up again huh cody?
hehehe...they sure know how to push all of your "stupidity buttons"
don't they!
Oops!...LOL!

Ever pay for their online support services?

When I had my business and a VL with MS we had a great rep who took
excellent care of us.
He even came to our yearly company parties!

I think those are a bit different than a one time call in with your
credit card in hand, in which I meant to refer to.
I've had excellent service with DEC in the past in the manner which you
are referring to.


Their services aren't all
that good if nothing more than take your money and run, as compared to
other companies doing the same thing.

Sorry, but that was not my experience.

It is if you call in with your credit card in hand. You just get a
telephone flunky that really doesn't know much, and worse may be one of
those offshore tele-support centers. Much the same as with HP.

But if you pay for a contract, then you should get pretty decent
service. I presume that you had a contract number handy when you did
call them.

GreyCloud wrote:
Frank wrote:
GreyCloud wrote:
Frank wrote:
Alias wrote:
Lord Vetinari wrote:

it's so sad
that so many people don't know they have an alternative to the
Geek Squad's overpriced, and underpowered service.


Reminds me of another company. I'm not going to post their name but
their initials are Microsoft Corporation.

Got that MS hatred cranked up again huh cody?
hehehe...they sure know how to push all of your "stupidity buttons"
don't they!
Oops!...LOL!

Ever pay for their online support services?

When I had my business and a VL with MS we had a great rep who took
excellent care of us.
He even came to our yearly company parties!

I think those are a bit different than a one time call in with your
credit card in hand, in which I meant to refer to.
I've had excellent service with DEC in the past in the manner which you
are referring to.


Their services aren't all
that good if nothing more than take your money and run, as compared
to other companies doing the same thing.

Sorry, but that was not my experience.

It is if you call in with your credit card in hand.

I never, ever did anything like that!

You just get a
telephone flunky that really doesn't know much, and worse may be one of
those offshore tele-support centers. Much the same as with HP.

Oh I've called HP about warranty issues on my laptop and you're
right...its like calling morons-are-us!

But if you pay for a contract, then you should get pretty decent
service. I presume that you had a contract number handy when you did
call them.

Actually I had/have my reps cell phone number! :-)