I've had my parents' computer for about 11 years now, and it's really starting to show its age. I'm not tech-savvy, so I need some help figuring out what's going on here. Recently, I've noticed a few major issues. First off, the keyboard is acting weird—when I press certain keys like 'W' or 'S', other keys like '1' and '2' stop working, but only in certain combinations. It seems really strange to me.
Secondly, there's the dreaded blue screen of death. Whenever my dad tries to turn it off, the computer crashes and restarts, showing that error message repeatedly. We found a workaround by pressing a big button on the computer's case, but it gets stuck, which feels risky.
On top of that, the computer shuts down if it's not being used for about five minutes, and it's incredibly slow compared to how it used to run. I'm worried it might be some sort of virus. I've tried restarting, adjusting keyboard settings, and googling for solutions, but nothing's worked. I'm really hoping someone can help me troubleshoot this!
4 Answers
Honestly, at 11 years old, that computer is basically a dinosaur. You might want to think about getting a new one, especially considering the issues you’re facing. But hey, if that’s not an option, replacing the keyboard could be a quick fix for the key ghosting you're experiencing—keys are pretty cheap these days. Also, check inside the case for dust buildup; a clean computer runs better!
Your parents might think replacing is a waste, but think about it: you’re likely throwing money at repairs that won’t last long anyway. A refurbished computer can be had for around $200 and would probably perform way better than what you have now. Plus, it’s more energy-efficient!
Exactly! And a new setup can improve daily productivity without the hassle of constant failures.
Blue screens can be a sign of hardware issues or system failures. Have you thought about doing a clean install of Windows? It might solve the slow performance and errors. Just back up any important files first! Also, running a malware scan could help since you’re worried about viruses. If the problems persist, investing in an SSD would significantly speed things up too!
Good point about the clean install! It’s often overlooked, but it can breathe new life into old systems.
You could also try checking if your hard drive is failing. Use tools like HD Tune to check for errors. If it turns out to be an old hard drive, upgrading to an SSD could bring a massive performance boost! Remember to dust out your components too—it’s easy to forget those basic maintenance steps.
Seriously, checking the hard drive is crucial. If it’s got issues, you'd want to address that before anything else.
Yeah, a new keyboard is just a minor investment compared to all the headaches with an old system. And don’t forget the cleaning part—it can really help with performance!