[Jeimygirl]

Hello. My name is Jeimy (Jamie) and I'm new to this forum. I have come for some very needed advice.

I bought an HP laptop about 2-3 years ago. HP dv5000. In the past few months it started to act funny and run slow. I had about 50% memory left. (I an a photo editor so I have lots of pictures) In the past month or so,. my laptop would run, and shut off, sometimes it wouldn't shut off for days, then it should shut off every 2-3 minutes. I came to the conclusion that the fan was not working (it overheated and I couldn't hear it). Saturday morning it really got bad. it would start up for 10 seconds and shut off. sometimes it would start all the way to the password screen then shut off.

I decided to take it apart and get to the fan. Talk about a pain! After going from my custom built desktop with 6 fans I could easily reach to clean to this, it was pretty aggravated. I found way too much dust, obvisous reason to why it wasn't spinning.

Well I cleaned it, put it all back together, and....

Still nothing

It still started up and shut off within seconds. I decided to take my hard drive out and have it start up without it, maybe that was the problem... nope, still the same.

I have no clue what it can be and taking it to get looked at is so darn expensive I would rather invest in a new one.

I'm really worried because I have TONS and TONS of pictures, including ALL original pictures of my 11 month old from the day he was born. If these are lost I will be so devastated. Not to mention I start my new college classes in a week or so and I take half of my classes online.

What could be the cause of this? What should I do (before taking it to someone)

This sucks

[kris23]

sounds like the mobo is dying so everything is messing up, if you have a desktop, you can connect the HDD you removed to the desktop with an HDD enclosure.

laptops arent built for reliability so these things are bound to happen, and when they do happen, they cant be as easily repaired as with a desktop.

so pretty much, you cant do anything with the laptop anymore.

[Jeimygirl]

I do have my desktop still, I wasn't too worried about not being able to use my laptop as much as I was of fearing that all my pictures and such was gone. I have a general knowledge of computers and wasn't sure if i would use the HDD from my laptop on my desktop, at least to remove my stuff.

[BlueMak]

Unplug it from the mains. Then remove the battery. Then plug it in the mains, but don't install the battery.
Switch it on, anything happens?

If you manage to make the system work, then you need to back up all your pictures, kind of silly to not have done so already.

[Jeimygirl]

Originally Posted by BlueMak

Unplug it from the mains. Then remove the battery. Then plug it in the mains, but don't install the battery.
Switch it on, anything happens?

If you manage to make the system work, then you need to back up all your pictures, kind of silly to not have done so already.

No luck...

I have also noticed 2 new things 1- The laptop starts, the boot screen comes up, starts to load for about 2 seconds then it restarts itself, and shuts off after 10 seconds. 2: I don't think my battery is being charged anymore. This is new as of yesterday. When I plug it in the lightning bolt turns on then right off. And yes I can still turn it on (for those 10 seconds) with the power cord plugged in and no battery.

And I was just getting ready to buy an external drive to back up all my stuff. I used to back up everything the beginning of the month, but once I had my son I had no time to sit and back up everything. Yes, very silly of me to not have done that though

[kris23]

just figure out what kind of 2.5" drive you got (SATA or IDE/ATA) and buy a HDD enclosure for it, then you got all the things in there and dont have to deal with the laptop anymore

[Alex]

I dont mean to sound patronising here but why on earth didnt you use a media card, or CDS/DVDS to back up those important pictures!? I mean you can never rely on a hard drive for total security.

As Kris said, get an external enclosure, plug it into another computer and copy all the important files off. Sounds like the laptop has just died due to overheating from blocked vents over the months/years. Its always good to clean a laptop every 6 months, even if you turn it over and perform some basic vent cleaning.

You just need to take out the hardrive, check if its SATA or IDE, and get a USB enclosure, like this http://www.burn-media.co.uk/product.php?productid=26704

They are quite cheap. good luck !

[Zardon]

Alex relax its easy to forget those things.

Welcome to the forums Jeimygirl. Backing up on a regular basis is a great idea.

If you dont know how to remove the drive, take some pictures or post information and we will do our best to help you and talk you through it. its a simple procedure.

The drive is probably unaffected by the issues you are experiencing, sounds possible that the motherboard has just died.

[kris23]

if i understood right, she already removed the drive to test the laptop itself, so she probably knows how to pull apart a laptop properly and get it back together.

if you need help finding a good enclosure, just post which country you live in and ill find an online store.

[BlueMak]

Eh, it might not be so easy to copy the files from the drive to another system, or at least be able to read them without problems.

When I built my current system I installed as an extra hard drive the C: drive from my previous system. The files in the Documents....for the then user were not accessible with my new XP installation.
I tried Vista that I had installed to try it and after clicking on several warning messages I managed to copy them elsewhere.
So, she/he might still need some help to access those files depending on where they're saved.

[kris23]

if the host system is used with an administrator account, it should be able to reassign user privileges easy enough.

with vista it does this almost automatically.

[Judas]

imo first off getting what you can off the drive would be priority right?

grab one of these Laptop IDE Hard Drive Adaptor -- DataPro (it doesn't have to be that specific product.. but any laptop to desktop converter will work)..

plug the drive into your desktop and you should be able to copy/pull the data.... pictures and whatnot off the drive through your desktops own windows.....

once that's complete it may be worth running tools to ensure the drive itself is in good shape... running it through your desktop to check it should be no problem at all.


as for your laptop...

you may need to contact the manufacturer and inquire about it there.

[BlueMak]

Originally Posted by kris23

if the host system is used with an administrator account, it should be able to reassign user privileges easy enough.

with vista it does this almost automatically.

Yes, with Vista it is very easy. But with XP, at least the Home version, I haven't found a way to do it yet.
And the chances are she/he has XP.

[kris23]

Originally Posted by BlueMak

Yes, with Vista it is very easy. But with XP, at least the Home version, I haven't found a way to do it yet.
And the chances are she/he has XP.

ive never used XP home before, if it really is like that then that sucks but with Pro it should be easy enough to get into a drive like this.

[Judas]

before SP2, i had issues accessing the documents folders if the account had no password.....

after sp2..... every drive i've accessed has never given me a access denied message... i've been able to go straight away into it...

be it using xp home to access a xp pro folder. or vice versa

[BlueMak]

Originally Posted by Judas

before SP2, i had issues accessing the documents folders if the account had no password.....

after sp2..... every drive i've accessed has never given me a access denied message... i've been able to go straight away into it...

be it using xp home to access a xp pro folder. or vice versa

Well then I don't know what's going on since both the original and this have/had SP2 installed.

[Jeimygirl]

This reply is going to take me a while (not that you all will notice) I gota catch up with all the replies.

Ok let me begin from the first one down

"I dont mean to sound patronising here but why on earth didnt you use a media card, or CDS/DVDS to back up those important pictures!? I mean you can never rely on a hard drive for total security."

Trust me, I'm kicking myself for this one. Like I have mentioned I used to do it once a month, and then I just stopped (shame on me!) lucky all my good ones are backed up online, but just not the originals and not all of my 10,000 + pics.

"If you dont know how to remove the drive, take some pictures or post information and we will do our best to help you and talk you through it. its a simple procedure."

I do know where it's at, and I'm glad to know that if I didn't you re willing to help me. On the dv5000, if it's not the same on most HP's in that time frame, it's just two screws to take the cover off and two to remove it from the latop, I have taken my laptop completely apart piece by piece and have put it back together.

"Yes, with Vista it is very easy. But with XP, at least the Home version, I haven't found a way to do it yet.
And the chances are she/he has XP."

That I do. I got the laptop before vista came out, and in all honesty, I'm not too fond of Vista. Too many "are you sure you want to do this? are you sure you want to click OK to do what you wanted to do before I asked this question, But are you sure sure you want to do this" Ok, maybe not that bad, but I really like to do what I need to do without it asking me 2-3 times if I'm "sure" i want to do that. There's probably a way to turn it off, I just haven't used a Vista long enough to bother looking.

In everyone's opinion, what should I do. I already know that the laptop is pretty much fried. My parent's are using my desktop and I don't want to take it from them.

So, with limited cash for the time being should I

A: Buy a desktop
B: Buy a laptop
C: Take my laptop to a specialist and probably have the motherboard replaced.

Now it's been a very long time since I have looked into parts and prices for computers (like 8 years) so I need as many opinions as you can provide.

I was thinking a desktop. Pros: MUCH easier to keep cool and to install/uninstall parts and to do basic cleaning on. Usually get a faster computer with much more memory for the price. Con: Not really mobile.

But with a laptop I can take it to school and take notes and such.

The good thing is that I'm not going to school, physically, for probably a year or so. So a desktop would be fine since my laptop never really left my house anyways. And in that year's span I can save up to get a much nicer laptop than I could now since I'd have more money.

Also, since everyone here has so much knowledge of this stuff, what do you suggest I get, specs wise? This is what I would use it for:

Uploading/Editing Large pictures, or should I say high quality pictures. Roughly 50 pics or so a week, but averaging 300 a photo "session"

Multitasking: Internet/editing/emailing/uploading/downloading/ etc all at one time

Roughly 5,000 songs but I want to start uploading videos and burning and such.

Along with all the basics like school work etc.

What do you suggest?!

(by the way, you are all awesome, thanks for the quick replies and very useful info!!!)

[kris23]

a desktop is the best solution here, what is your budget? and what kind of laptop drive do you have? and again i ask, which country do you reside in?

[Jeimygirl]

Originally Posted by kris23

a desktop is the best solution here, what is your budget? and what kind of laptop drive do you have? and again i ask, which country do you reside in?

I'm sorry for missing that question. In the US. Florida. I'm not looking to buy anything new, because my budget is only $350, including a screen. I was looking to maybe getting something off of craigslist for the time being.

as for the drive i have no clue. My laptop is at home. How can I check? I have internet access on my phone so once I get home (in about an hour or so) I can check and reply

[Zardon]

Originally Posted by Jeimygirl

That I do. I got the laptop before vista came out, and in all honesty, I'm not too fond of Vista. Too many "are you sure you want to do this? are you sure you want to click OK to do what you wanted to do before I asked this question, But are you sure sure you want to do this" Ok, maybe not that bad, but I really like to do what I need to do without it asking me 2-3 times if I'm "sure" i want to do that. There's probably a way to turn it off, I just haven't used a Vista long enough to bother looking.

Right click on the "my computer" or whatever you have called the machine, properties. top right in "search" key in "UAC" (without quotes), a line will appear saying "turn User account control (UAC) on or off". click it. uncheck the tickbox and reboot.

This is basically microsofts version (cocked up) of the MAC OSx system security features. It is the first thing most people switch off as its overkill.

Give Vista a shot, its actually a lot better once you get used to it, especially if you manage to wrangle 2GB of ram and a dual core CPU, I wouldnt go back to XP anymore. (although ive a machine in the house still on XP for a few reasons).

[kris23]

Originally Posted by Jeimygirl

I'm sorry for missing that question. In the US. Florida. I'm not looking to buy anything new, because my budget is only $350, including a screen. I was looking to maybe getting something off of craigslist for the time being.

as for the drive i have no clue. My laptop is at home. How can I check? I have internet access on my phone so once I get home (in about an hour or so) I can check and reply

well..... an IDE drive would have a connector with numerous pins coming out of it something like 60 pins overall.

a SATA connector has a much smaller spade like connector that connects to a small but flat cable.

it should say on the drive label as well, if its an IDE drive, it would say something like ATA-6 or anything with ATA on it

a SATA drive usually just says SATA

well, here are the external enclosures by vantec

SATA:
Newegg.com - VANTEC MRK-250ST Plastic & Aluminum Alloy 2.5" Black USB 2.0 & SATA External Enclosure - External Enclosures

IDE/ATA:
Newegg.com - VANTEC MRK-250FD Plastic & Aluminum Alloy 2.5" USB 2.0 & SATA External Enclosure - External Enclosures

[Jeimygirl]

Originally Posted by Zardon

Right click on the "my computer" or whatever you have called the machine, properties. top right in "search" key in "UAC" (without quotes), a line will appear saying "turn User account control (UAC) on or off". click it. uncheck the tickbox and reboot.

This is basically microsofts version (cocked up) of the MAC OSx system security features. It is the first thing most people switch off as its overkill.

Give Vista a shot, its actually a lot better once you get used to it, especially if you manage to wrangle 2GB of ram and a dual core CPU, I wouldnt go back to XP anymore. (although ive a machine in the house still on XP for a few reasons).

I didn't mind vista except for all those questions. I figured there was a way to turn them off. I use a MAC at work, and XP at home, I've just been on a few friend's comp's with vista and they know way less about computers than myself so everything is stock. Since I spend most my time on the comp at work, I never got around to upgrading.



And I have the one with two rows of gold prongs, with a space at the end and 4 more.

kind of like this:

................................... ..
................................... ..
(not sure of the amount, I'm not at home yet)

I'm think thats ATA correct? This is the best example I could get:
Oyen Digital: Western Digital Scorpio WD2500BEVE 250GB ATA/IDE Laptop Hard Drive

[Judas]

one question jeimy...


Do you travel, or make frequent trips in which you would make use of your laptop.. or possibly in the near future would be doing such things?

If so

a laptop is definite..

that is essentially the only REAL good reason to get a laptop over a desktop.....

if the computer is going to sit put...... then there isn't a real reason to get a laptop...

but reguardless price is always the deciding factor right

[Zardon]

Originally Posted by Jeimygirl

And I have the one with two rows of gold prongs, with a space at the end and 4 more.

kind of like this:

................................... ..
................................... ..
(not sure of the amount, I'm not at home yet)

I'm think thats ATA correct? This is the best example I could get:
Oyen Digital: Western Digital Scorpio WD2500BEVE 250GB ATA/IDE Laptop Hard Drive

Yes thats IDE. and thats the right kind of Hard drive for the system yes.


this is sata (red cable with black connector)

[kris23]

ok since we figured out the type of HDD,

Newegg.com - VANTEC MRK-250FD Plastic & Aluminum Alloy 2.5" USB 2.0 & SATA External Enclosure - External Enclosures

thats the one you should get to use the drive as an external drive.

good luck

[BlueMak]

From what I understand Dell has some very cheap models (desktop) that you might want to check at their site. At least in the USA. They don't sell computers here to anyone else than large businesses because we are just peasants.

I know you could get a notebook for 350 GBP or if lucky even 350 Euros, but I doubt you would be able to get one for $350.

[kris23]

you can build a nice desktop for 350 but no monitor.........

[Jeimygirl]

If I build my own desktop (which is what I did with the one my parents are using) what do you suggest I get? Such as what kind of processor, how much RAM I should get. Again I will be working with big files and picture editing (Adobe CS3 itself requires 1gig to work) and I am always multitasking, so I would need lots of room, and something that can keep up with big files without having to wait 20 minutes just to load my pictures.

[temeteus82]

I would get system that has 4 Gb of RAM for image editing and stuff. So that means 64-bit OS but the WOW64 in Vista 64-bit is much better what it is in XP 64-bit.
As for CPU I would say that the E8XXX series CPU's from Intel have nice price/performance ratio.

[Zardon]

Originally Posted by Jeimygirl

If I build my own desktop (which is what I did with the one my parents are using) what do you suggest I get? Such as what kind of processor, how much RAM I should get. Again I will be working with big files and picture editing (Adobe CS3 itself requires 1gig to work) and I am always multitasking, so I would need lots of room, and something that can keep up with big files without having to wait 20 minutes just to load my pictures.

If you go for photoshop work and images, and apply a lot of filters, I recommend the Q6600 intel quad core processor. It is very inexpensive for basically having "4 processors". Photoshop loves multiple cores and you will find everything is more responsive.

Also Vista 64bit home premium and 4 GB of ram if you can. I wouldn't worry too much about a graphics card if you don't game, you can recoup the costs of the ram a little by getting a board like the nvidia 9600 or ati 3650. There are some pretty decent budget graphics cards in this review http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews.php?reviewid=605