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Nerd/Boffin Technical corner. Page 49

Mine disconnected a while ago and I couldn't get it to recognise the wireless password. Eventually had to call provider and it turned out (after repeatedly doing the same thing I'd been trying for hours but in a much longer version to satisfy phone man) that at the provider end only one computer was on a permanent 'channel' and so they adjusted it to include more. Don't know if that makes any sense, or if he was just chatting bollocks, but it seems to have worked. So just call them.

One of my computers starts to boot up and then beeps five times. It then dies. From what I read on the internet this is some type of memory error. Any advice? Please and thanks.

Quote: Harridan @ April 1 2012, 1:44 AM BST

Yeah, and recently did a major system clean up. Been happening about once a fortnight for ages. Not a big issue, but the router is in someone else's room so I can't always pop down and restart it. I was just wondering if this was a something with an easy fix, guess not!

I know it's not the answer but you can probably restart the router from your laptop by logging into it's setup pages via it's IP address.

Quote: Ben @ April 1 2012, 10:13 AM BST

One of my computers starts to boot up and then beeps five times. It then dies. From what I read on the internet this is some type of memory error. Any advice? Please and thanks.

Do you have any spare memory? If so, swap the old out and see. If not you could try removing the memory altogether and see if it gets past where it usually does. I had a similiar problem before and it turne out to be one of the two memory strips I had.

Yeah, that's what I've read online, Nils. I'm going to take it to bits later and have a look.

Be methodical when swapping out or you can lose your way and lose where the faulty stick is.

Bugger. Computer charge connection has been flickering and unstable for a few days now but I ignored it because I bought a new charger about a month ago and I am idiotically petulant. Computer just died. Managed to get charger in tenuous position again but now no internet and don't have the strength to talk to BT for hours (again). And will clearly have to send my computer to A PLACE. I don't know where A PLACE is, but I know it's sinister...

Quote: Ben @ April 1 2012, 10:13 AM BST

One of my computers starts to boot up and then beeps five times. It then dies. From what I read on the internet this is some type of memory error. Any advice? Please and thanks.

The number & length of beeps from the BIOS at startup depends on which manufacturer of your computer, so it might not be a memory problem.

However if you are happy to play about inside & if you know how to earth yourself to discharge static electricity, you could try swapping over Memory strips, provided that they are in paired sockets and are identical strips.

Ugh, I give in. Can someone please recommend a trustworthy/quick/cheap (one outta three ain't bad) place that can sort out the fact that the chargery bit on the computery bit is clearly f**kered?

I'm not sure if it would involve any soldering? But you can probably buy the faulty part for about 50p and replace it with a new, firm, tight, wet... sorry... a nice new bit. But it depends how brave you are?

Take it to a local laptop repair shop, I'm sure you have millions popping up in your high street. Theyt only last a few months but they're a constant presence. Get a quote first though. I bet you're looking at £30-£50 repair job.

Quote: Lee @ April 6 2012, 2:03 AM BST

I'm not sure if it would involve any soldering? But you can probably buy the faulty part for about 50p and replace it with a new, firm, tight, wet... sorry... a nice new bit. But it depends how brave you are?

Take it to a local laptop repair shop, I'm sure you have millions popping up in your high street. Theyt only last a few months but they're a constant presence. Get a quote first though. I bet you're looking at £30-£50 repair job.

I would be brave but I would also be stupid. Can't even work out how one would remove the chargery 'thing'. Oh yeah, I know the lingo Cool

It has never occurred to me to trust these shops, will they really not steal/wipe/otherwise insult my computer?

There is every chance they'll call you a cliche for having a pink/purple/polka dot coloured laptop.

Quote: Ben @ April 6 2012, 10:49 AM BST

There is every chance they'll call you a cliche for having a pink/purple/polka dot coloured laptop.

:D I most certainly do not

Quote: AJGO @ April 6 2012, 1:53 AM BST

Ugh, I give in. Can someone please recommend a trustworthy/quick/cheap (one outta three ain't bad) place that can sort out the fact that the chargery bit on the computery bit is clearly f**kered?

Can you post a photo of the broken bit.

Or use your phone camera and send the photo to my mobile.

Bill

Quote: billwill @ April 6 2012, 11:36 PM BST

Can you post a photo of the broken bit.

Or use your phone camera and send the photo to my mobile.

Bill

It's not visibly broken, just that the charge keeps going (it's always got charger in). Bought a new charger about a month ago which worked fine for a few weeks, so think must be a dodgy bit in the connection part. If that makes sense. It's been better but still bit wonky since it died t'other day. Might ignore it for a bit longer

My Macbook Pro battery is telling me it needs to be changed. :/ Bound to cost a bundle. :(

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