Windows XP Support

[DkC]

@Vasudev

Thanks for the info.

@Humbert

Well, what worries me if I would find the new Start Screen Convenient or not. A lot of people who don't use computers extensively would find the new start screen convenient. Though, I have a friend who has windows 8 and he seems to like the start screen a lot as well so I'm about to go find out what's up about it. :3

@Humbert
No, the PC powers up but does not boot, not even the BIOS. Tried the CMOS Battery reset as suggested by Vasudev but it didn't work.

[Vasudev]

Hey DkC, try diagnosing your PSU(Power Supply Unit) or  commonly called as SMPS. If it's alright board maybe faulty.

[humbert]

Well, what worries me if I would find the new Start Screen Convenient or not. A lot of people who don't use computers extensively would find the new start screen convenient. Though, I have a friend who has windows 8 and he seems to like the start screen a lot as well so I'm about to go find out what's up about it. :3

Trust me, the start screen is the best thing there is and better than the start menu in every way. If you want to launch a program, simply hit the Windows key once and click a tile - as simple as that! Not only that, but the start screen is highly configurable. You can add tiles, remove them, resize them, put them into groups, turn live tiles on and off, etc. etc. -- AND if you can't find your tile, simply start typing and it'll appear. Just try doing this with the start menu! Also - don't let people tell you this is very related to the hated Metro interface. I have NO Metro apps and it works perfectly.

I've read that MS is bringing back the start menu in Windows 10. Fortunately they left us the option of disabling it and using the start screen instead. It's probably the first thing I'm planning to do when I install Windows 10.

No, the PC powers up but does not boot, not even the BIOS. Tried the CMOS Battery reset as suggested by Vasudev but it didn't work.

Looks like it's time for a new PC. As is always the case, try to get the best you can afford. Even a non-speed demon will get you by for the next few years.

[DkC]

@Vasudev

Sorry, I won't go through the trouble. This has been the third time I've experienced this type of problem with a Desktop System. Last two times it happened we brought it to a repair shop and it had the same diagnosis. I don't remember the details but it was something to do with the motherboard and the power system. After a bit of research, I'm assuming that that is SMPS.

What would be helpful is to find out what causes such problems, because before this present case, the problem had simply randomly happened. Just one day, much like any other, the system just stops booting. I'd love to know what I have to do to prevent it. Though if it's just a cause of a really old system, then it can't be helped I guess.


@humbert

That sounds pretty amazing. A customizable Start Menu would simply be just great. I probably won't need something like Rocketdock anymore if that is the case. I like having my desktop devoid of any icons and just leave the Recycling Bin there after all. :3

[humbert]

That sounds pretty amazing. A customizable Start Menu would simply be just great. I probably won't need something like Rocketdock anymore if that is the case. I like having my desktop devoid of any icons and just leave the Recycling Bin there after all. :3

Exactly right! No more icons cluttering your desktop, no more hard to find links and no more launchers. One tap of the Windows key and there you are, tiles big as life and configured to your preferences. Once you get Windows 8.1 installed, if you have any questions I'll walk you through it.

I am firmly convinced beyond any doubt that those people who insist in bringing back the start menu don't know how to use the start screen and, still worse, don't bother to learn it. They criticize without knowing what they're talking about. I'll debate this with anybody.

[DkC]

Thanks, Humbert. I have no idea when I'll be getting a new system though. So far, this laptop has managed to work with me for quite a while. I still personally like working with a desktop though, not really a single clue why. I just don't have enough money to buy a new desktop(I can't easily find part time jobs here where I live).

I also used to ride that bandwagon about Windows 8's Start Menu(Especially when it was still Windows 8.0). Well more or less as that died down when Windows 8.1 came out, I also more or less opened up to trying Windows 8. Though, I am also guessing that most of the "hate" that was directed at Win8.0 was mostly about it's compatibility issues as well. Well, anyway, Thanks again, Humbert.

[humbert]

Of course a desktop is the way to go! The best way to do anything on a computer is to sit comfortably in your chair facing a big screen an working with a comfortable keyboard and mouse, not to mention having everything you need right there at your desk. The reason we use laptops at all is because of the need to move around. You can't exactly carry a desktop from one room to another, let alone to somebody else's house.

If you're looking for a desktop it shouldn't be so expensive because of the fact that you can simply buy the parts and assemble it. If you're lousy at assembling (as I am), no problem, many places that sell computers will assemble it for you for a nominal charge. You can also upgrade the parts later if you want. And don't forget - you don't exactly need a Core i7-5960 or similar.

After playing around with Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 for several years, in all honestly I find no justfication for any complaints about Windows 8 or 8.1. For me it works great, it's very stable and leaner than Windows 7. Also - blaming Metro is a groundless excuse. I hate Metro also and I use none of their apps, and still the OS works great despite using 100% "desktop" apps. And as you know I'm in love with the start screen - it's a marvel of technology!

[Vasudev]

Now, PC encountered problems; Monitor goes off and no display/signal detected. The issue occurred while gaming and gpu temp was 68C and suddenly monitor goes off and PC is still running! Only way now is to perform hard reset.

[humbert]

Now, PC encountered problems; Monitor goes off and no display/signal detected. The issue occurred while gaming and gpu temp was 68C and suddenly monitor goes off and PC is still running! Only way now is to perform hard reset.

How many fans does your case have? Also, did you check that the fans on the graphics card and CPU are working?

As you know, I have 2 graphic cards in SLI plus the heat-generating FX-8350 cpu as well as 2 case fans. My system also heats up during gaming but it keeps on going.

[Vasudev]

Now, PC encountered problems; Monitor goes off and no display/signal detected. The issue occurred while gaming and gpu temp was 68C and suddenly monitor goes off and PC is still running! Only way now is to perform hard reset.

How many fans does your case have? Also, did you check that the fans on the graphics card and CPU are working?

As you know, I have 2 graphic cards in SLI plus the heat-generating FX-8350 cpu as well as 2 case fans. My system also heats up during gaming but it keeps on going.

0 case fans. CPU & GPU fans are running, infact the s/m is running and I can hear music being played on itunes. What I observed from MSI AB temp reading is that, the problem occurs when my gpu hits 68C. I need to confirm whether my gpu is dead or not.
Because  its 6 y.o. and it can latest games on medium to high settings w/o any hiccups.
If gpu is dead, I'll buy a new PC when AMD ZEN comes out or will go for the APU way.