Topic: Computer Problems

[RossRoy]

I'm starting to think it was only a freak coincidence.. SageTV crashing and making the system reboot at a bad which ended up corrupting some system files. Because the CHKDSK /R check is not returning any errors or bad sectors on my system drive.

I'm currently in the process of running it on the other two drives, but it's starting to look like a coincidence cause by a really badly timed crash/reboot.

Thing is though, I'm not sure I should trust CHKDSK with its surface check - the SMART system in the HDD might be reporting successes when in fact, it failed. Which is why I'd like to run the Western Digital diagnostic - but I'll have to run it from a functional Windows.

[Achim]

Well. at least for next time, wouldn't it potentially be helpful to have one of those Linux CDs around? You know, the kind that runs straight from the CD. I remember having a link to a site where you can download an ISO; IIRC it also comes with a bunch of diagnostic software. If you are interested I could look up the link.

Ha, found already: Knoppix

[RossRoy]

I have one of those - but honestly? I don't trust the tools that's on them .. I'd rather run the diagnotic from the hardware maker when possible.

[RossRoy]

Ugh! I think I may have found the actual problem with the computer - bad RAM.

This morning, I tried booting the computer one last time before reinstalling - and it booted fine! So I was like WTF?!??!!?

So if it boots fine, that means the file aren't necessarily corrupted on disc; the error must happen elsewhere. So I tried MemTest+ v2.01 and guess? The screen is RED with errors - all above the 1024MB mark. So at least, that might mean only one strip of ram is bad. I'll try reseated them in the other slots to see if it automagically fixes it. If not, guess it's warranty claim time with the chance to upgrade to 3GB of memory

There's one thing though - I took care to buy what I thought was quality memory for the first time in my life (I usually buy the cheapest I can find) - and it's the first time RAM has gone bad on one of my systems. Score one for the cheap stuff! (Kingston ValueRam vs Crucial Ballistix)

[Achim]

If not, guess it's warranty claim time with the chance to upgrade to 3GB of memory

That reminds me that I wanted to upgrade my RAM to 8GB (from the current 4GB)

Glad to hear that the problem may ultimately be far less expensive than originally anticipated

There's one thing though - I took care to buy what I thought was quality memory for the first time in my life (I usually buy the cheapest I can find) - and it's the first time RAM has gone bad on one of my systems. Score one for the cheap stuff! (Kingston ValueRam vs Crucial Ballistix)

That's where my "trouble" lies though, there is no way to install cheap RAM in the Mac Pro. Gotta get some rather specialised stuff, which, of course, has its price...

[RossRoy]

If not, guess it's warranty claim time with the chance to upgrade to 3GB of memory

That reminds me that I wanted to upgrade my RAM to 8GB (from the current 4GB)

I would go higher without even thinking twice about it - but I'm still running Windows XP 32bits with no interest in upgrading So anything above 3GB is pure waste.

That's where my "trouble" lies though, there is no way to install cheap RAM in the Mac Pro. Gotta get some rather specialised stuff, which, of course, has its price...

That's one of my gripe with Apple computers. Sure, it's their way of making sure they keep control over what hardware goes which simplifies development on the OS - but still, why should I have to buy expensive premium stuff just because it's "approve by Apple" when the cheap stuff does the job just as well (or even better, in light of recent events!).

[Najemikon]

I've always found RAM problems to be completely RAMdom...  and nothing to do with brand. The more expensive names just seem better on replacing the stuff when it does fail.

[RossRoy]

I've always found RAM problems to be completely RAMdom...  and nothing to do with brand. The more expensive names just seem better on replacing the stuff when it does fail.

Yeah.. But the claim process seems to be so complicated and too long for my taste so I'll probably just buy new RAM and still go through the exchange and try to sell it off - or pass it on in one of the computer I might have to build in the near future

[RossRoy]

Well, I'm back up and running (mostly).

I took out the bad RAM strip and the computer worked fine, but I decided to take the opportunity to clean out all the junk by doing a format/reinstall!

I still didn't go out to get the new ram to replace the defective one, so I'm running at 1GB of RAM but it's fine for now. I just don't want to go to the store during the boxing week madness.

So I'm now in the process of reconfiguring most of the stuff, and I'll add the memory some time next week.