Online IT forums, where art thou?

May 1, 2007 7:19 AM

It's almost 60 degrees outside, so why is my computer frozen? ( know any free online IT help forums?)

My fiance's notebook has been freezing up lately. If you really want to know the details, they're available here. What I'd really like to know is if anyone has some recommendations for good online IT help forums that would at least help me to rule out quick fixes before I decide to to go with reformatificationalism of the ol' hard drive?

posted by Smarson to computers & internet (13 comments total)

I don't know of any good free online IT help forums, but, since you suspect the driver you installed might've done something, I suggest you use XP's System Restore feature (assuming you have it turned on) to restore your system to its state before you installed it. If that doesn't fix it, I'd suggest reinstalling Windows next, and if that doesn't work, reformat the hard drive.
posted by cerebus19 at 7:27 AM on May 1, 2007

@cerebus19: Already tried the system restore, so I guess that rules out the driver. You're right about trying to reinstall windows though before I go for the reformat. Thanks!
posted by Smarson at 7:33 AM on May 1, 2007

Start with downloading the memtest and let that run.
posted by Ferrari328 at 7:42 AM on May 1, 2007

I'll agree with cerebus19 except when you reinstall windows you really should be reformatting anyway.
posted by cellphone at 7:58 AM on May 1, 2007

@Ferraro328: Thanks for the link.

@cellphone: Really? Is that based on a time argument (takes just as long to do both), or more of a precautionary measure?
posted by Smarson at 8:07 AM on May 1, 2007

Could be bad memory or a video card problem. As ferrari said, Memtest will help you diagnose the former.
posted by chrisamiller at 8:40 AM on May 1, 2007

Sometimes good, sometime useless, http://www.experts-exchange.com/
posted by zackola at 8:53 AM on May 1, 2007

@zackola: Awesome! This is exactly the type of resource I was looking for.

Any other sites like this out there?
posted by Smarson at 9:09 AM on May 1, 2007

Submit your question to google groups. You can even ask on the official microsoft newsgroups.

Considering its a Dell, you might be able to just call them up or search their website support.dell.com if you are no longer in warranty. Considering its only 5 months old, you should be in warranty.
posted by damn dirty ape at 9:46 AM on May 1, 2007

Try the support forums at Computing.Net.
posted by Otis at 9:49 AM on May 1, 2007

@damn dirty ape: Google Groups, Of course! (slap forehead)

@Otis: Great link, thanks.
posted by Smarson at 10:24 AM on May 1, 2007

I know of a fantastic website, but they charge $5 to register new accounts.
posted by theiconoclast31 at 1:33 PM on May 1, 2007

Protonic.com
posted by IndigoRain at 5:15 PM on May 1, 2007