A couple of days ago my computer stared acting weird. I went to go online and do normal stuff when I noticed that I could no longer close windows, select or use pull downs, or click on and files of folders on my system among other things. At first I thought it was windows that maybe I picked something up or something was broke plus my HD had caught fire a while back so I figured is I was going to format and reistall it would be on my new HD. So i went a installed my new HD with a clean install of XP. Much to my surprise I am still having the same problem so I thought maybe my copy of XP was no good so I used another (they all retail legit), formatted and installed and it is still happening. So then I suspected that it was my cordless optical mouse (I had dropped a few times) so I took it and hooked it up to another computer and it ran fine, I could click all the stuff on that computer that I can't on mine.

So if is not my OS, HD or mouse I am stumped at what it could be I mean I am left with my mobo, cpu or video card I guess but I am not sure how that would effect XP.

Anyone have any input or have had this happen? or know what could be causeing the problem?

If you're previous hard drive actually caught fire I would think there is motherboard or IDE controller damage.

Yeah, I think the whole "caught fire" thing would be the first big clue that something would be wrong with your system.

Double-check your case for any secondary damage that the fire might have caused. Did you replace your IDE cables? Are you using the same power supply? Any scorch marks on the mobo?

Rob

Quote: Originally Posted by Rob Yeah, I think the whole "caught fire" thing would be the first big clue that something would be wrong with your system. Double-check your case for any secondary damage that the fire might have caused. Did you replace your IDE cables? Are you using the same power supply? Any scorch marks on the mobo? Rob

The "fire" happened a while ago and since then no it iis not the same IDE cables and I have replaced the PSU two times since then I just bought a new Ulltra 500w and I haven't noticed any scorch marks on the board.

What make or model of HDD is this, because I have had a similar problem with a Maxtor 10gb. What happens is the bearings they used in the 10gbs sucked so after a long time the rotational speed of the heads slows down, and when it does, so does your Windows. It's a known issue with the older Maxtor hard drives, which is why I use Western Digital, I have an old WD 170 _ mb_ that still works

Wait, wait, wait. I want to be clear on this. His Hard Drive caught on fire? This is the one he's still using? I just need a yes or no answer before I either ridicule or think about this guys problem.

Quote: Originally Posted by Thread Topic Weird Problem

Quote: Originally Posted by Rjupiter HD had caught fire

Just a sprinkle of understatement there.

Hail Mary the HDD into the trash for a field goal.

NO! I am not using the same HD. THe problem started on Tues. (which was the old HD) so I took it out and replaced it with me new SATA drive and I am still having the same problem.

Well, you have replaced the HDD, the PSU and reinstalled XP, so chances are it is motherboard related.
Have you tried flashing the BIOS?

Edit: You also may want to try reinstalling your chipset drivers.

Ditto GF's post. Something must have gotten a little too warm on your mobo when the HD caught fire, even if it didn't leave a scorch mark.

Rob

Here's a thought:

During the unexplained, unordinary, and abnormal event (that actually sounds like a load of shіt) of the HDD
"catching fire", the internal chips and PCB leads melted together and caused the IDE Controller to short out.

I bet it's the IDE controller.

Quote: Originally Posted by TekXoID Here's a thought: During the unexplained, unordinary, and abnormal event (that actually sounds like a load of shіt) of the HDD "catching fire", the internal chips and PCB leads melted together and caused the IDE Controller to short out. I bet it's the IDE controller.

Probably, as it is definately mobo related. It can't hurt to try my suggestions though just in case.

I think he's gone. A burning hard drive? Please spare me the bull.

Quote: Originally Posted by BigAkita I think he's gone. A burning hard drive? Please spare me the bull.

Now why the crap would I lie I have nothing to gain from that and would be kind ridicilous to do so. I am trying to solve a problem that is majorly interferring with key aspect of my daily production and came to this board for advice and not to get crapped on.

For one thing there was a mis-wiring in my old PSU, the ground wire and the hot one got swapped causing and short out when I went to plug it/reassble the computer. After I found out it was the PSU wiring I bought a new PSU and prayed my stuff would turn on but it didn't. I was in a pinch cause I had important crap on my HD that I did not have a chance to back up. So I thought that the HD needed to be grounded, so I toook a piece of thin metal/wire wrapped it around the one of the pins where the powwer plug goes and another to a metal pole that was touching the ground. I then plugged in the drive my new PSU and turned on the computer. When I did so the under side where there is an exposed pc board for a half a sec or so shot up a flame and melted/fused one small area but the drive still worked and kept working still replaced it a few days ago. This all happened outside my computer as my HD was sitting on a chair at the time when I did the test and turned on the power. As a result of this all my DVD and CD players were toast and I had to be replaced.

That is what hapened about a year ago and it was only until tuesday that I stared having this weird problem with windows. I have since the problem and everything I have a new SATA HD and new PSU that I installed on Wens. after encountering the problem and it is till happening. I just wanted to make sure that it was my mobo before I have to go and spend the money for a new one.