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Fixing Windows Boxes that Crash After Blackouts?

Posted by Cliff on from the smells-like-a-hardware-issue dept.

UnseenTomorrow asks: "Everytime there's a power outage in my house, my Gateway computer crashes. It's only 2.5 yrs old. After the crash the computer just will not allow Windows to boot (yes, this includes "Safe Mode" and every other boot option in that menu). Should I explicitly say that I'm tired of rebuilding or restoring the image everytime? Does anyone have any idea of what could be the problem. I've other computers running fine after the power outage with the same OS but different hardware manufacturer. Any clues or suggestions would be greatly appreciated."

3 of 110 comments (clear)

  1. Think ahead by TheWanderingHermit · · Score: 5, Informative

    That's why God invented the UPS. The last one I bought was $90, but you can get them for much less, use the networking connections, and install the software that'll automatically shut down the system.

    I don't use a huge UPS (actually I have two). I've noticed that if we get a power outage that's more than a flicker (i.e. lasting longer than 2 minutes, while circuits reset), that it'll likely be out for 45 minutes or more. So I don't worry about keeping my systems going for longer than 5 minutes (which is the 2 minutes plus 3 to shut them down -- which will change when I finally have time to set them up to communicate with the UPS).

  2. Wow... by Jerf · · Score: 5, Interesting

    "My machine won't work. Here's no relevant details. What's wrong, and how can I fix it?"

    Cliff, if this is the best you could find for an Ask Slashdot, it's time to decommission the category.

    The only answer this deserves is this. Why don't you read it too, Cliff?

  3. Your likely problem... by redheaded_stepchild · · Score: 5, Informative

    Ok, here's your answer. I'm guessing your Gateway has GoBack on it. GoBack does not play well with other software or hardware, and likes to shit itself^H^H^H^H^H and can cause data inconsistencies when you pull the plug.

    Basically, what it takes to fix it is get rid of the problem (GoBack) This will require, when you boot up, hit the space bar and turn GoBack off. Leave it off. Then, do what all the other nice people on /. are telling you to do, and get a UPS and plug a new computer into it.


    To the editors: ARE YOU SERIOUS?? What, today is 'any old story will do' day?

    --
    Don't use the Troll mod just because you disagree with me.