Thefirst thing I di was to stick the live cd in. That didn't fix a thing plus that doesn't take care of the cooling fan issue..... did I tell you I get that notice right before bios takes over? :-)~MIKE~(-: On Thu, Sep 18, 2014 at 9:24 AM, Stephen Partington wrote: > Have you tried a live CD of any flavor to see if it persists? > On Sep 18, 2014 8:35 AM, "Michael Havens" wrote: > >> when the keybosrd problem stsrted about 6 months ago getting another >> keyboard was the first thing I did and there was no problem with it when I >> attached an external keyboard. You mentioned smoking being a problem? I've >> never done that. You wondered about the distro? I run Linux Mint. >> >> :-)~MIKE~(-: >> >> On Thu, Sep 18, 2014 at 6:08 AM, Lisa Kachold >> wrote: >> >>> Hi Mike, >>> >>> In order to work with the technician effectively, you are going to want >>> to be closely involved with the work process. In this respect, you will ask >>> him what he thinks the problem is, or what his first actions are, for >>> instance if he recommends a full diagnostic. >>> >>> But first, I would do some diagnostics myself before taking your >>> equipment to the technician. >>> >>> IT IS A GOOD POSSIBILITY THAT THIS IS DUE TO MORE THAN ONE CAUSE (but >>> all related to your distro or drivers)! >>> >>> If you are SMOKING or exposing the laptop to soot of any kind, you will >>> want to clean the laptop completely FIRST. >>> >>> Everyone has issues with the WIRELESS switch on older equipment, just >>> futz with it, as I have never seen anyone have it STAY BROKEN? But this >>> clearly would be the technician stage.... >>> >>> Various diagnostic programs exist for linux, which you might consider >>> before spending money on the technician, to verify power supply, bus, and >>> CPU. >>> >>> Intel Proc Diagnostic for Linux: >>> https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?DwnldID=19792 >>> PowerTop: >>> http://xmodulo.com/2013/06/how-to-monitor-power-usage-in-linux.html >>> >>> What distro are you running? Known issues with KDE and Chrome with >>> keyboard I/O are common (which I expect is the cause of your issues after >>> applying a patch): >>> >>> >>> http://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=53398&p=306336&hilit=keyboard+stops+working#p306336 >>> >>> Spares are your friend, so try an external keyboard and see if the issue >>> follows that hardware (kernel driver) switch, then you can be sure that it >>> is application/distro based rather than hardware based. >>> >>> As for fan control, there are various tools and again KNOWN ISSUES >>> (ArchLinux) with fancontrol under linux: >>> http://askubuntu.com/questions/63588/how-do-i-get-fan-control-working >>> Karmic: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux/+bug/451337 >>> >>> You can use a live distro to rule out your keyboard issues - divide and >>> conquer. >>> >>> Using OSI Level debugging, you go to the layer where the issue exists >>> and traverse up and down to adjacent layers, so clearly there is only the >>> human level on the other side of the Physical Layer 1, which is where the >>> problems present themselves, so the other direction would be the drivers in >>> linux. >>> >>> You would rule out issues here with a systematic diagnostic, use of >>> spares and intelligent research. >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On Wed, Sep 17, 2014 at 8:54 PM, Michael Havens >>> wrote: >>> >>>> What can I tell the service tech so I don't sound too stupid? >>>> >>>> :-)~MIKE~(-: >>>> >>>> On Wed, Sep 17, 2014 at 8:03 PM, Michael Havens >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> oh.... I forgot to say that none of the other computers in my house >>>>> seem to have been affected though it may be that it needs to be >>>>> power-cycled and/or it may be something that only affects wireless and >>>>> something got on the phone lines (my home is on DSL). >>>>> >>>>> :-)~MIKE~(-: >>>>> >>>>> On Wed, Sep 17, 2014 at 7:50 PM, Michael Havens >>>>> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Thank you so much for the detailed explanation, Jon. You know.... I >>>>>> have a laptop and I don't have a MAC but I read your troubleshooting >>>>>> non-the-less. I got to the last paragraph and realized something that I was >>>>>> told happened a couple of days ago that might be relevant. My room mate was >>>>>> home when this happened so this is second-hand knowledge. She was watching >>>>>> tv when the power went out then, a second later, there was a big POP down >>>>>> the street (a transformer maybe?). Everything still worked with the >>>>>> computer though; however, maybe it just needed to be power-cycled. >>>>>> >>>>>> Any other comments will be greatly appreciated! >>>>>> >>>>>> :-)~MIKE~(-: >>>>>> >>>>>> On Wed, Sep 17, 2014 at 6:56 PM, Jon Kettenhofen >>>>>> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Hello Michael, >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I'm curious, did you buy this quad new or did you buy it used or is >>>>>>> it a work computer owned by a company? I get the feeling that you bought >>>>>>> it used. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> There's almost always a reason for failures and it's usually a >>>>>>> problem that can be isolated. If it's a part, it can be replaced. If it's >>>>>>> something else, it can be fixed. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> When stuff like this starts to happen, it may be one of three >>>>>>> things: a loose connection or a bad motherboard or a power supply. Apple >>>>>>> builds solid hardware but sometimes it gets abuse or just used in a poor >>>>>>> environment with too much heat and/or moisture or just takes a physical >>>>>>> beating - they are rather heavy. Also quads, I believe, have water >>>>>>> cooling. I have seen at least one report of leaks. That's usually easy to >>>>>>> rule out if there's no leaks. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> So where to begin? Well, the pedant is back! >>>>>>> >>>>>>> You may want to take some anti-static electricity precautions. >>>>>>> First, disconnect the Mac completely from all exterior cords, wires, etc. >>>>>>> Lay it on its side where there is plenty of light, a clean worktop area and >>>>>>> a Phillips screwdriver. As you have seen, it's easily taken apart, at >>>>>>> least the easy pieces need only your hands. Pull the fans out, take the >>>>>>> video and other cards out, unhinge and pull the memory sticks out and so on >>>>>>> until you are puzzled how to get the cooling shrouds out. (Don't do that.) >>>>>>> Inspect everything. Look for any corrosion. Remove as much dirt and dust >>>>>>> as you can with an air duster can (take care here, the these cans may >>>>>>> contain hydrocarbons that are flammable and they should not be inhaled!). >>>>>>> If you use an air compressor, be gentle and use lower pressure less than >>>>>>> 40psi. What you can't get out with air, start with a clean microfiber >>>>>>> cloth and wipe without generating static (i.e. don't rub hard). Make sure >>>>>>> all the connectors are clean and shiny before reassembling. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> We call this clean and re-seat the boards. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Make sure you put the same memory sticks back into the same slots - >>>>>>> it usually matters or makes a difference. If you don't remember, read up >>>>>>> on it from a manual, usually online at Apple.com. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Memory sticks are tricky because they often won't reseat properly >>>>>>> without strong pressure. First, make sure the middle slot on the memory >>>>>>> stick is lined up with the ridge in the bottom of the connector. The slots >>>>>>> are offset from the middle on purpose, they are only supposed to go in one >>>>>>> way. (Having burned out a memory stick by forcing it in backwards, I can >>>>>>> speak from experience! Won't do that again!) The way to handle this is to >>>>>>> use two hands, with thumbs or your choice of fingers at each end of the >>>>>>> board. Making sure the stick is aligned correctly in the connector; push >>>>>>> FIRMLY down until both ends of the connector snap into the stick. Main >>>>>>> logic boards are epoxy and embedded fiber, are very strong and can take a >>>>>>> little flexing without >>>>>>> hurting them. Same with memory sticks. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Make sure the memory is seated well - it may take close inspection >>>>>>> with a flashlight. If the sticks are all the same size, then no stick >>>>>>> should be higher than the lowest one. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> OK, reassemble the computer. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Testing the power supply can be difficult. It's easier with a >>>>>>> common desktop PC because the power connector is almost always on top of >>>>>>> the board and easily accessible. It's not enough to test a power supply >>>>>>> out of the computer because it won't be under load. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Here's how an expert taught me to test the power supply on a desktop >>>>>>> PC (but not a Dell!) Take a meter and set it to DC volts. There will be a >>>>>>> pair of test leads with pointed ends to poke at things. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> You will push the points into the connector until it connects to the >>>>>>> metal of the connector sleeve. Connect the common lead to a black wire's >>>>>>> connector. Test all the colored wires with the positive (usually red) >>>>>>> meter probe. Here are the correct voltages for a PC: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Yellow +12 Volts >>>>>>> Red +5 Volts >>>>>>> Purple +5 Volts >>>>>>> Orange +3.3Volts >>>>>>> Green don't test; this turns on the PC when shorted to >>>>>>> black >>>>>>> White -5 Volts >>>>>>> Blue -12 Volts >>>>>>> Gray I think this one is for the power-is-on LED >>>>>>> Brown Not sure about this one >>>>>>> >>>>>>> The important thing is that the voltages are nearly correct when the >>>>>>> computer is powered on because that shows the power supply to be good when >>>>>>> under a load. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> One other thing - sometimes a part can acquire a static charge which >>>>>>> won't dissipate properly. The only remedy for this is to wait until it >>>>>>> discharges (unless you are a motherboard repair person). >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Things that have hurt my equipment is usually near lightning >>>>>>> strikes. Lost one treasured Mac to a lightning strike that hit the phone >>>>>>> lines. Took out phones for three stories above me. Mac did not fail right >>>>>>> away but eventually lost it (sniff :( ). Lightning strikes across the >>>>>>> strike have taken out a couple ethernet ports over the years even though my >>>>>>> equipment has always been on a UPS. Strong strike will generate an EMP >>>>>>> which is sometimes picked up by a network wire of a resonant length. >>>>>>> Usually, though, it's not serious but if the storm is bad, we'll turn off >>>>>>> the electronics until it's past. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I apologize for the length of this, but you get the idea of the >>>>>>> lengths I go to fix things. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Best of Luck and let me know how it turns out if you have the time, >>>>>>> As always, take care. >>>>>>> Jon >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 09/17/2014 06:27 PM, Michael Havens wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> first certain keys sometimes don't work unless I hold the key down >>>>>>>> and >>>>>>>> then after a time the character will appear (sometimes multiple >>>>>>>> times). >>>>>>>> So it was recomended I pop the keys off and clean under them. So I >>>>>>>> do >>>>>>>> and it doesn't fix the problem. No problem. I'll stick it under my >>>>>>>> table >>>>>>>> and attach wireless periphiels too it. Then I need to go visit my >>>>>>>> kids. >>>>>>>> So I figure I'll suffer with the keyboard problem. The day I left >>>>>>>> for >>>>>>>> Miami (at the airport) the hardware internet switch would not turn >>>>>>>> on. >>>>>>>> Then, after I arrive in Miami, I turn on the computer and a notice >>>>>>>> appears at boot saying that 'the cooling fan is not operating >>>>>>>> properly'. >>>>>>>> What problem do you think is causing this? I called my dad and he >>>>>>>> said >>>>>>>> it sounds like the hard disk is going bad. He also said maybe the >>>>>>>> keyboard controller (because of the internet switch). >>>>>>>> :-)~MIKE~(-: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> --------------------------------------------------- >>>>>>>> PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.phxlinux.org >>>>>>>> To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings: >>>>>>>> http://lists.phxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> --------------------------------------------------- >>>>>>> PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.phxlinux.org >>>>>>> To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings: >>>>>>> http://lists.phxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>>> --------------------------------------------------- >>>> PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.phxlinux.org >>>> To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings: >>>> http://lists.phxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss >>>> >>> >>> >>> --------------------------------------------------- >>> PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.phxlinux.org >>> To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings: >>> http://lists.phxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss >>> >> >> >> --------------------------------------------------- >> PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.phxlinux.org >> To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings: >> http://lists.phxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss >> > > --------------------------------------------------- > PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.phxlinux.org > To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings: > http://lists.phxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss >