11-12-2006, 09:37 PM
Hi,
The malware solution that you proposed is best. Simply re-format the existing drive and re-load an OS. Then see if it is at all stable. Total cost, a little bit of your time.
Nothing fancy in power switches. Just determine the number of poles the switch has and get a similar one from Rat Shack. Hook up the wires and see what happens. If that fixes the problem, yank the old one and put in the new one. Might take a bit of work with a file or drill to get things to fit, and silicon sealant (in whatever color makes you happy) can fill any gaps. Switches are cheap, so this is an easy fix.
If the problem persists, check out the HD. Since you've already got a 'spare', you might even want to do this before checking the switch. Simply swap out the HD with your spare, format, install OS and see what happens. If this fixes the problem, you can decide whether you want to buy a new (small, cheap) drive for this system or a better one for your system. This is another freebie test and you only need to spend anything if it seems that this is the required fix.
It sounds as if you don't have a spare power supply. If that is the case, you'll need to buy one, and that is something that Gateway might be using that is not standard. Comparing the connectors between that machine and yours (size, shape, number of pins and colors of wires should do it) would probably let you know if you can use a standard PS or not. I do have a couple of surplussed supplies that do work but were too small for my use, 235 Watts. I'd be glad to mail you one if it's big enough to handle that machine. Just PM me with your mailing address and we'll get it in the mail.
--Pete
Quote:- Do I have to use Gateway brand replacement parts?Depends on the part and the series of the computer. We had a lot of Gateways at Boeing years ago. When they broke, for the most part, they could be repaired with standard parts.
Quote:- How can I tell the difference between virus/spyware, power supply, power switch, and HD issues without spending money on the wrong parts?I'd check in the virus/spyware, power switch, HD, power supply order.
The malware solution that you proposed is best. Simply re-format the existing drive and re-load an OS. Then see if it is at all stable. Total cost, a little bit of your time.
Nothing fancy in power switches. Just determine the number of poles the switch has and get a similar one from Rat Shack. Hook up the wires and see what happens. If that fixes the problem, yank the old one and put in the new one. Might take a bit of work with a file or drill to get things to fit, and silicon sealant (in whatever color makes you happy) can fill any gaps. Switches are cheap, so this is an easy fix.
If the problem persists, check out the HD. Since you've already got a 'spare', you might even want to do this before checking the switch. Simply swap out the HD with your spare, format, install OS and see what happens. If this fixes the problem, you can decide whether you want to buy a new (small, cheap) drive for this system or a better one for your system. This is another freebie test and you only need to spend anything if it seems that this is the required fix.
It sounds as if you don't have a spare power supply. If that is the case, you'll need to buy one, and that is something that Gateway might be using that is not standard. Comparing the connectors between that machine and yours (size, shape, number of pins and colors of wires should do it) would probably let you know if you can use a standard PS or not. I do have a couple of surplussed supplies that do work but were too small for my use, 235 Watts. I'd be glad to mail you one if it's big enough to handle that machine. Just PM me with your mailing address and we'll get it in the mail.
--Pete
How big was the aquarium in Noah's ark?