Dear Computer: What's Going On!!??

[TwilightDwells]

Dear Computer,

It seems to me that you've been distant lately... It's like you're downright repulsed at the very sight of me. We used to be close - you listened to every rant I'd write in a Word document, and you always made me feel better. What happened to US computer? Why did you decide to be so mean?

I was so good to you, I cleaned you every 2 days, I scanned you every 3 days, and I always made sure you knew the websites I went on and approved. We've been together for 8 months - and I thought we were going so strong. I bought you expensive programs with my money - money which I could have saved for something else - and I always kept you updated to perfection. I LOVED you like no other computer I've known! Why are you suddenly pulling away?

You've been running slowly, and crashing... I just can't take it anymore! Twice today while I was watching YouTube videos you pushed me away! First you made your screen flash a multitude of colors and turn off--nearly giving me a panic attack! Then an hour ago you "went to sleep" by yourself when I was on there again - that time actually giving me a panic attack! Are you and YouTube sneaking around behind my back!? Or are you doing it simply to spite me!? I thought I knew you - I counted on you through thick and thin.

You used to let me go through my nerdy stages and not care! Now, suddenly, I can't even watch Star Trek on Netflix without you making the Internet go off twice? Why are you acting this way? Why don't you understand anymore? Is it because I've been spending so much time with my IPad? Is it wrong to love more then one electronic? He can't supply me with what you can, you're the only one who I can play Sims on, and you're the only one I play when I have friends around! I let you meet my friends, go on vacation with my family, and order my books on! Do you know how easy it could be to go to a bookstore? Do you know all the time I could have saved? I let you do EVERYTHING for me! I trusted you! Why? WHY!? Why, do you do this to me! Eight months, computer--eight months!

After all we've been through together... I just can't believe you're doing this now. Is it me? Have I loved you so much that I've spoiled you to the point where you hate me? Are you searching for independence so bad that you'd be willing to hurt me? I'd lose all my games just to make you work right again--I might go down kicking and screaming, and possibly with tears--but I'd do it for you.

I never told you this, but I almost bought a Mac--I looked online for a month trying to decide which one would be the one and I thought I made the right choice. But obviously I was mistaken. I try so hard to make you perfect. Remember when you were sick with that stupid tracking cookie? Do you remember that after I cried for you I did all I could to make you feel better so that you could be you again?

Maybe you're doing this because you're mad at me for going on vacation next Easter Break and I'm not able to bring you... I'm going halfway around the world computer--I don't want to see you hurt--I have to leave you at home! I just want to know what's going on, and why you're doing this to me. You've never been so cruel. Crashing...lagging...it's not you. I can't see why you'd change. I thought... That you'd be there for me, but you obviously aren't.

I thought you could understand me! I really believed that you were the right one for me. You know I can't handle change, and you know my emotional issues. Why are you doing this to me now? I don't care that I bought the extended warranty--I just want you to be happy and be free of issues. I thought you were my break from the computer issues I've had, but you obviously aren't. Is it a virus? Spyware? Or is this completely normal? I don't understand anymore... I can't even look at you, computer, not right now anyway.

I'm sorry, but I think we need some space, I'll be spending time with my IPad for a while until I figure out what is wrong with you. He's smart, he's pretty (you're pretty too!), and, most importantly, he gets me.

You're loving Owner,
Katie

*If you read all of that, you probably got a pretty good understanding of my computer problems. But if you haven't, here's the gist of it:

- Computer randomly freezes then the screen makes a multitude of colors for about 20 seconds before turning itself off
- Games will randomly freeze or crash to desktop
- Internet goes on an off like a faulty light-bulb
- Goes into hibernate for no reason--even if I'm using it (hibernate or "sleep" is turned off)
- Runs slow sometimes

Aaaaand, that's all I can think of at the top of my head. Is this a terrible issue? When I went to my mom about it she started yelling at me saying that it's "perfectly fine" and that she "doesn't know everything" so she's pretty much useless right now... I am deathly afraid of a virus, or anything like that, so I'm trying fairly hard to move out of the "Denial" stage right now (Please tell me it's normal...) and I really have no idea what's going on. I'm really careful with my computer so I'm absolutely mortified of it's actions. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

(PS: For curiosity's sake, I actually wrote this on my IPad, I just can't trust my computer right now. Also, if you're wondering why I seem all cheery, that's basically because I'm just trying to not cry and have another panic attack or worse.)

(PSS: If you've actually read the entire thing I'm impressed. You get a cookie. )

[Paradise]

It may sound obvious but has anything been over-clocked in any way? It sounds like your Graphics card is on the way out. Some gamers over-clock there hardware for better performance, in most cases this works out ok. But it may have been err 'over-clocked' too much.

Can you give me some specifications? If you CCleaner and tell me what it says on the top next to the CCleaner logo it would help more.

Jamie.

[Digilodger]

Originally Posted by TwilightDwells

*If you read all of that, you probably got a pretty good understanding of my computer problems. But if you haven't, here's the gist of it:

- Computer randomly freezes then the screen makes a multitude of colors for about 20 seconds before turning itself off
- Games will randomly freeze or crash to desktop
- Internet goes on an off like a faulty light-bulb
- Goes into hibernate for no reason--even if I'm using it (hibernate or "sleep" is turned off)
- Runs slow sometimes

Nope, didn't read all that; only quickly scanned through the whole letter, sorry . But thanks for summarizing it in 5 simple bullet points.

Now, we would be much appreciated if you could add another line listing the operating system, manufacturer, and make model of your computer. If you're on Windows 7, you can find these info by going to Start Orb ---> right click on Computer ---> select Properties.

The information under Windows Edition and System are useful; but if you have to keep those info secret for whatever reasons, then please at least list the OS and model.

---------------------------

Is Your Computer Overheating?

Just a guess, but "overheating" is the first thing pops up in my mind when I read through your problems. Do you hear your fans go wild before shutting down?

You can use programs like HWMonitor (it's free, and also my personal favorite) to check and monitor the temperature. It reports temperature of processor cores, video card, hard drive, also reports fan speed, voltages, etc. Make sure that your hardware is supported, though.

Other than that, SpeedFan is a good alternative. If you don't want to install any program at all, then you can utilize the computer's BIOS; the exact steps vary depending what you have, but dig around and you should find a field that list your CPU temperature.


The exact safe temperature range varies depending on what you have on board. However, the general rule is never above 80 degree Celsius (176 degree Fahrenheit). If possible, try it keep it below 60 degree Celsius (140 degree Fahrenheit).


Software Problem or Hardware Problem?

Again, all I'm doing is taking shots in the dark here. It's hard to figure out what's wrong with so little info.

The easiest way (at least for me) is to temporary run another OS (e.g. dual boot Ubuntu) for a while and see if similar problems occur. It's good to have two OSes anyway because if OS A runs into problem, I can still boot into OS B to attempt to solve the problem. However, this doesn't seem to be a choice for you.


The best choice for you is to do one--or both--of the followings:

• Download a tool from your manufacturer (if any) to run automatic test. For example, Dell has this handy diagnostic tool for its customers. Again, we need to know your computer's OS, manufacturer and model for more detail instructions. OR . . .

• We can also jump straight to a factory image restore. A factory image restore will returns your computer to state when you first brought it home---in your case, the same state as it was 8 months ago. This should fix any software problem you may have. However, if it's an overheating problem or other hardware-related problems, this won't be able to fix it. Once again, I'm sorry, but I need to your know OS, manufacturer, and make model for detail instructions.

By The Way . . . What About the Warranty?

Before we mess with anything, are you sure that you cannot just send it back to the manufacturer or bring it back to the store to have their tech fix your computer for you . . . for FREE?

In the USA, usually new computers come with at least 1 year warranty. I've no idea where "everywhere" is; so I cannot check. But please check your warranty, if possible


On a side note, this is the first time that I've heard someone clean their computer every 2 days. Usually people clean their computer once or twice per year. (Personally, I clean mine around New Year.) I have to ask . . . Why?

[TwilightDwells]

Originally Posted by Digilodger

On a side note, this is the first time that I've heard someone clean their computer every 2 days. Usually people clean their computer once or twice per year. (Personally, I clean mine around New Year.) I have to ask . . . Why?

By clean I mean physically clean I don't like it to get dusty or dirty or anything so I use this special cleaning cloth on it.

[Digilodger]

Originally Posted by TwilightDwells

The Manufacturer is Dell and it is Model N5110. It's got a 64-bit Operating system.

Thank you so much! This makes things much easier. Nice laptop, by the way!


Please, go to Dell Support Center ---> Pick your region or country ---> Click on the green "Download Now" button.

Install and run the program. It should automatically check for anything wrong with your computer and report back. Please post your report back on here if possible.

Originally Posted by TwilightDwells

By clean I mean physically clean I don't like it to get dusty or dirty or anything so I use this special cleaning cloth on it.

Yes, that is weird. Before you, I have never heard of anybody (that I know of, both online and offline) clean their computer, especially laptops, every two days.

Why on the planet Earth would you want to open up your computer and clean it every two days? Dirt doesn't even have time to build up then. Not to mention that you are increasing the chances of harming your computer as you do it waayyy too often. Heck, even for the screen, people usually only clean it once or twice a week.

And how are you cleaning the laptop without a can of compressed air anyway? Laptop components are small. How you manage to clean everything with only a microfiber cloth is beyond me.

Originally Posted by TwilightDwells

Also, what is a CCleaner? I'm not really sure what you mean...

CCleaner is a free computer cleaning program, arguably the best of its class right now. It automatically clean out your temporary files, browser histories, cookies, Recycle Bin entries, Windows hot-fix files, cache files, flash histories, etc. It also support cleaning the registry (I do NOT recommend using this feature though) and secure file deletion (overwrite over the original files so that they're unrecoverable after deleted).

Website: www.piriform.com/ccleaner

But I don't think you have a need for it right now.

[TwilightDwells]

Thanks! In case you're wondering why I had to take that last little bit out, it was because my mom got to that email before me and told me to delete that post. Anyway, I'll try that when I get the chance and I'll see what it says.

[Digilodger]

Originally Posted by TwilightDwells

Thanks! In case you're wondering why I had to take that last little bit out, it was because my mom got to that email before me and told me to delete that post.

Take out those info and we would be taking shots in the dark again (lucky that I quoted it before you deleted the post ). Your mom is an interesting person.


By the way, If your computer was really only bought new 8 months ago, then it's still under warranty (you can check your Dell warranty status here).

So if your mother doesn't trust us, you can tell her to contact Dell and make them fix it for you for free.

Note: Dell should cover ALL of your shipping fees. In all of my cases, they've done that; in one case, they actually replace the entire 2-month old system completely free (the power supply went kaput after about 2 months for no reason). If the representative doesn't mention anything, then you should ask for it.

[TwilightDwells]

Originally Posted by Digilodger

Please, go to Dell Support Center ---> Pick your region or country ---> Click on the green "Download Now" button.

Install and run the program. It should automatically check for anything wrong with your computer and report back. Please post your report back on here if possible.

Okay I Downloaded it, now what do I do? Should I run a test or anything?

[TwilightDwells]

Originally Posted by TwilightDwells

Okay I Downloaded it, now what do I do? Should I run a test or anything?

Nevermind! I used it but nothing came up. I seriously am confused - I have no idea what to do now. Is my computer going to be okay? I was on YouTube both times my computer did that colorful lines and crash thing, I don't know if that's the problem. But I don't know.

As you asked before, my computer's fans have been really loud lately. They sound like fans, I mean, but they're, like, extremely loud. I don't know if anything I just told you means anything, but I just thought to mention it.

[Digilodger]

Originally Posted by TwilightDwells

Nevermind! I used it but nothing came up. I seriously am confused - I have no idea what to do now.

My fault, I supposed. I assumed that you would have no trouble installing and running a program, sorry. Here's guide:

Note: I will assume that you had no trouble downloading and installing the program. This is a guide to run the program. Also,if any image fails to show up, please leave me a message and I'll fix it ASAP.


==============================

Step 1: Find the program on your computer and run it.

Click on the Start Orb ---> type Dell Support Center into the search box ---> choose Dell Support Center from the search result.

Screenshot (click on spoiler button to view):

Spoiler:

Step 2: Run PC Checkup

On the program window, make sure that you're on Dell Support Center tab. Choose PC Checkup.

Screenshot (click on spoiler button to view):

Spoiler:

Step 3: Default Scan

On the next window, choose Run Default Scan.

Screenshot (click on spoiler button to view):

Spoiler:

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Dell Support Center should automatically scan your computer for any problem. My laptop passed the test without any trouble (see screenshot here), but if yours reveal any problem, please report back here.

[TwilightDwells]

I did the scan, and my computer passed... So I still don't know what's going on. *Sigh*

[TwilightDwells]

Nah, not your fault. When I opened the program I didn't know where to go or what to push. There was a bunch of options but I didn't know which one was the right one. (It migt just be because I'm blonde and have Anxiety issues, so... A little fear and confusion is/was to be expected.)

[Digilodger]

Originally Posted by TwilightDwells

I did the scan, and my computer passed... So I still don't know what's going on. *Sigh*

Same here, I don't know what's going on either. Well, we have two options: Either to ask you to update your graphic card drivers to the latest version, or to factory restore your computer and see if it somehow eliminate the problem. If neither of these work, I'm throwing the towel.


Okay, blind shot in the dark: Factory Image Restore

A factory image restore will restore your computer to the same condition as it was when you first brought it home. So if your problem was caused by a certain software settings or maybe something you installed along the way, then this should solve it. Please follow my previously posted instructions here to perform a Dell Factory Image Restore.

If you need some backup options, then please visit this post for a quick outline of several cheap or free backup services.

[TwilightDwells]

I don't know about the restore thing... It doesn't make sense at all, sometimes it works perfectly, then it'll just go weird. I've been avoiding doing too much on my computer for these past couple days because of it. I do have a backup, but last time I tried that (on a different computer) it didn't work and I could only save a few files from being gone forever. This all started last weekend... When my computer did that line and crash thing. My mother said it would never happen again because she did something and said that everything was working fine. I don't think it's overheating, I have my laptop on my desk pretty much 24/7 and it never really gets hot up there. But the fans inside my computer have been going crazy a lot lately and have been making enough noise.
Last weekend I didn't even do anything bad either, I had a friend over and she wouldn't do anything, so we just watched Star Trek on Netflix that night, however, my Internet was being crappy and we were exhausted so we just turned my computer off and finished watching it on Netflix the next morning.
I'm really careful with my computer, so it's really weird that this could suddenly happen. I'll admit that I wasn't 100% careful with my computer before that, (mostly because of my compulsive issues where I'd do something then start doing it non-stop) so I vowed I'd never be stupid with a computer again. I tried, I seriously tried, but I couldn't pull through obviously. Cuz in some way I messed it up, and now I'm too scared to go near it.
It hadn't Blue Screened yet, but with my luck it probably will. Why does this always happen to me? I mean, I'm responsible, I know the difference between right and wrong. I only download from 100% trusted websites too.
I even deleted MineCraft off of my computer because I was scared that it could be the issue.
How can everyone else I know go onto unsafe websites and do stupid things with their computers, but never have problems? It seriously makes me upset. I'm very aware that thisnhas turned into a rant, but my counselor canceled our session today so I need to let it all out.
I mean, I don't even know why I keep trying with computers in the first place. When I told my sister that my computer was having issues she just looked at my mom and said "Looks like Katie has ruined another computer mom, in eight months too!" Then she started teasing me more. My mom got mad and said that "this would be my last computer" and that "I'd better find some way to fix it". This coming from the girl who has broken 2 computers, 2 TVs, 3 IPods, and 4 phones? Could I possibly be that bad?
All I do on my computer is mostly these 3 things: Write novels, go on YouTube, Play Sims, do schoolwork, and shop for books on Chapters. Sometimes I go on Netflix, but that's only if I don't own the movie and only want to see it once. I also go on TeenHelp too, but I usually use a different electronic for that.
Obviously I need a super-computer, or st least one I'm incapable of destroying. Or maybe I should give up on computers altogether? I mean, I don't need to achieve any of my goals in life. How am I supposed to achieve goals if I can't even keep a computer normal?? Obviously I'm no good at it. So why even try right?
Okay...I'm going to stop. I think I've made zero points in this rant.
But, on a side not, I figured out why my computer hibernated randomly that one day! Apparently, your not supposed to hold an IPad over it so...lesson learned I guess.

[Paradise]

I think your graphics card is on the way out, Sims uses a lot of graphics and I have known it to burn out several cards.
You could buy an external card and test it.

[FlyingTrue]

I have the impression that the mainboard is failing. Dell computers are known for using inferior quality parts these days. I highly recommend having this repaired as soon as possible so that it will still be covered under the warranty.

[TwilightDwells]

So should I call the company and ask if I should send it in?

[FlyingTrue]

Yes that is highly recommended. However be prepared to be stonewalled to perform baseless troubleshooting that will not have anything to do with the problem though before you are able to get an RMA.

[TwilightDwells]

Originally Posted by FlyingTrue

Yes that is highly recommended. However be prepared to be stonewalled to perform baseless troubleshooting that will not have anything to do with the problem though before you are able to get an RMA.

Uh... Is there anyway I can skip that part and just get to the point where my computer is fixed? Or is there no other option?

[FlyingTrue]

That's the way that Dell has become these days unfortunately, heck their call center reps have been known to sometimes to even go so far as to claim problems are software related or that you have a virus or something, so that you have to pay for their "software troubleshooting" before they proceed further with you. So make sure you use the terminology with them that a certified computer technician has given a professional diagnosis on the issue, so you can try to get around any possible "script-traps".

Also make sure to back up all your important data, as they will likely wipe your hard drive even though there is nothing wrong with it.

[Digilodger]

Originally Posted by TwilightDwells

Uh... Is there anyway I can skip that part and just get to the point where my computer is fixed? Or is there no other option?

We already ran through almost half of what the tech would tell you to do anyway. So if you tell them that you've already ran Dell's PC Checkup, he probably wouldn't waste so much time on it and go straight to other procedures.

Originally Posted by FlyingTrue

That's the way that Dell has become these days unfortunately, heck their call center reps have been known to sometimes to even go so far as to claim problems are software related or that you have a virus or something, so that you have to pay for their "software troubleshooting" before they proceed further with you. So make sure you use the terminology with them that a certified computer technician has given a professional diagnosis on the issue, so you can try to get around any possible "script-traps".

Also make sure to back up all your important data, as they will likely wipe your hard drive even though there is nothing wrong with it.

When I asked her to backup her stuffs in order to perform a factory image restore (which should eliminate any "software-related problem" possibility that Dell's tech might suspect), she responded with nothing but a GOD DAMN rant that doesn't help ANY BIT!

All we asked for was just copy and paste her files into an external storage or upload them to a cloud storage, then reboot into "repair computer." And she cannot even do that. Just copy and paste or upload! How is that so complex?


(Original post, open spoiler to view)

Spoiler:

Originally Posted by TwilightDwells

I don't know about the restore thing... It doesn't make sense at all, sometimes it works perfectly, then it'll just go weird. I've been avoiding doing too much on my computer for these past couple days because of it. I do have a backup, but last time I tried that (on a different computer) it didn't work and I could only save a few files from being gone forever. This all started last weekend... When my computer did that line and crash thing. My mother said it would never happen again because she did something and said that everything was working fine. I don't think it's overheating, I have my laptop on my desk pretty much 24/7 and it never really gets hot up there. But the fans inside my computer have been going crazy a lot lately and have been making enough noise.
Last weekend I didn't even do anything bad either, I had a friend over and she wouldn't do anything, so we just watched Star Trek on Netflix that night, however, my Internet was being crappy and we were exhausted so we just turned my computer off and finished watching it on Netflix the next morning.
I'm really careful with my computer, so it's really weird that this could suddenly happen. I'll admit that I wasn't 100% careful with my computer before that, (mostly because of my compulsive issues where I'd do something then start doing it non-stop) so I vowed I'd never be stupid with a computer again. I tried, I seriously tried, but I couldn't pull through obviously. Cuz in some way I messed it up, and now I'm too scared to go near it.
It hadn't Blue Screened yet, but with my luck it probably will. Why does this always happen to me? I mean, I'm responsible, I know the difference between right and wrong. I only download from 100% trusted websites too.
I even deleted MineCraft off of my computer because I was scared that it could be the issue.
How can everyone else I know go onto unsafe websites and do stupid things with their computers, but never have problems? It seriously makes me upset. I'm very aware that thisnhas turned into a rant, but my counselor canceled our session today so I need to let it all out.
I mean, I don't even know why I keep trying with computers in the first place. When I told my sister that my computer was having issues she just looked at my mom and said "Looks like Katie has ruined another computer mom, in eight months too!" Then she started teasing me more. My mom got mad and said that "this would be my last computer" and that "I'd better find some way to fix it". This coming from the girl who has broken 2 computers, 2 TVs, 3 IPods, and 4 phones? Could I possibly be that bad?
All I do on my computer is mostly these 3 things: Write novels, go on YouTube, Play Sims, do schoolwork, and shop for books on Chapters. Sometimes I go on Netflix, but that's only if I don't own the movie and only want to see it once. I also go on TeenHelp too, but I usually use a different electronic for that.
Obviously I need a super-computer, or st least one I'm incapable of destroying. Or maybe I should give up on computers altogether? I mean, I don't need to achieve any of my goals in life. How am I supposed to achieve goals if I can't even keep a computer normal?? Obviously I'm no good at it. So why even try right?
Okay...I'm going to stop. I think I've made zero points in this rant.
But, on a side not, I figured out why my computer hibernated randomly that one day! Apparently, your not supposed to hold an IPad over it so...lesson learned I guess.

Ah, that felt good! That was my turn to rant out of frustration, after her rant. Thanks for becoming the victim of our problem, FlyingTrue


===============================

And about Dell Support, I'm not sure about their home support, but their small business support is good, in my experience. I've never spent more than 10 minutes on the phone with them to have my problem solved.

All you need to do is make sure you can already immediately response to their questions:

• Have your service tag ready,
• Have your expression service code ready,
• Know your computer's OS and model,
• Either already identified the software problem OR already eliminated software problem, and
• Either already identified the hardware problem OR already checked for hardware problem.