Category: Geeks r Us
I'm having a problem with my Acer Aspire One D255 netbook. This has been going on for months now, so I'm not even sure if it can be fixed, but I would like to try something, because it's driving me nuts! I'm running Windows XP Home and NVDA on it.
Awhile ago, I accidentally sat on the screen. That's the only explanation I can think of for why there are lines on it and it's not readable for a sighted person. But the netbook was working completely fine. Then, one day, NVDA started acting crazy! It would read only parts of words. So if I wrote "the mouse ate the cheese" it might say "th mo at th ch", not as letters but as sounds. When I turned it on again, some of the keys no longer worked. A second time, and it started beeping and wouldn't stop for a few minutes! Now, said keys still don't work, and I'm using an external keyboard, more specifically, the extra for my Macbook (I forget why I bought it, as the Macbooks' keyboard is now fine). Many times, when I start the netbook, I have to hit at least one key on the built-in keyboard in order for NVDA to speak correctly. Sometimes, it starts misreading things while I'm in the middle of reading or writing, and in many of those cases, even hitting a key on the netbooks' keyboard won't work. I have to restart NVDA! Oddly enough, running Malware Bytes does seem to resolve the issue for awhile, though the program never seems to find anything suspicious on the machine, and neither does Microsoft Security Essentials. My HP is starting to do something similar, though nowhere near as serious. So I'm wondering if I have some kind of virus or Malware on my compact flash card. I will scan it as soon as I post here.
At any rate, my Acer still beeps when I start it, usually one short beep and then a series of short beeps. It no longer takes a few minutes but definitely under one. I've never counted. The only thing I could think of, with regard to the keyboard, is that I shorted it out with my sweaty hands. I would try to uninstall and reinstall the driver for it, but NVDA still acts up, as I said, and I don't want to be left with no way to get the machine working again!
It's also worth noting that, awhile ago, I thought I ruined the original ac adapter. It turned out that it was built so that part of it could be detached. In any case, I bought a generic one, and part of it appears to have gotten stuck in the jack of the Acer. I can no longer plug the original adapter in, only this one. It's somewhat loose and I have to plug it in just the right way, but thankfully, it does work. I have no clue how to open the machine so that I could remove the part, and am afraid that, even if I do, I still won't be able to use the real adapter! I also dropped the machine and now the headphone jack is slightly sunk-in and no longer works as it did. But I just use my external usb sound card, so that's not a huge deal. I only mentioned these incase they're part of why the machine beeps at start-up. I'm sure the headphone jack isn't, as that just happend about two days ago, but the adapter might be.
Can anyone please help me? Is there a way that I can plug in a monitor so that a sighted person can use either the Acer Recovery feature to get the system back to normal, or an external cd rom drive to install a clean copy of XP? Since it's a netbook, it only has usb ports, and I've never heard of a usb monitor. But I'm hoping that reinstalling XP will fix these issues. I would love to be able to use my computer without having to lug around an external keyboard, having NVDA stop reading properly, and having to wait for it to finish with its' beeping routine before it starts up. Thanks for any help given.
count the number and types of beeps then look up that pattern. that's your computers way of warning you of errors durring boot. hard to say waht the problem is but it might be software wise if another system is starting it as well.
No, another system is definitely not doing this, only the cutting of speech with NVDA. The beeps and loss of keys are only on the netbook.
yes, but different beep patterns mean different things.
there's deffinetly something goin on during bootup (i think its hardware related)
you might want to check again and make sure the netbook doesn't have a monitor port. I have an aspire netbook and it has one. It's inset a bit, therefore hard to feel, but it's toward the back. That might at least help you a little bit. As for reinstalling xp, maybe look at a usb cd drive. Sounds like your machine's in pretty bad shape.
some newer ones have HDMI output or maybe yours has a what is that called? ugh. Graphics vidio port?
Yes, the netbook does have a VGA port. It should be located on the lefthand side just in front of the power input. also, if you're audio jack is screwed up, you can get a USB audio adapter from amazon.com for about 6 bucks. I just got one today and it's working great.
I don't know anything about the software issues though so can't be of any help there. From what I've been told, it isn't possible to work on the internal guts of netbooks.
yeah thanks.... VGA is the port name i was lookin for.
i dunno how many USB ports you got to play with, but you may need a USB hub.
i'm goin huh? bout you and the swetty hands bit. that doesn't make any sense, unless they were like pretty wet. i'm thinkin more than a little swet .
Yes, I think I found the port. It certainly doesn't look like any kind of vga port or tv-out port that I've ever seen. If this is it, then it's on the right side of the machine, just above the usb port. it's really small and flat. I have three usb ports on here, as well as a hub, but it's not plugged in at the moment. I have a few usb audio adapters. I get them from Ebay. They're usually about $2 with free shipping.
Definitely more than a little sweat. *smile* I have a sweating problem. It doesn't always get that bad, but when it does, it feels as if I've just taken my hands out of water. Is it possible to install XP from a compact flash card? I don't think it is, but figured I would ask. I use those for just about everything. Since this machine doesn't have a pcmcia slot, I use a usb card reader. But I really love those slots, as they're much neater. This is why I prefer them, as well as serial and parallel ports on regular laptops.
keep those hands dry.
grab an XP disk off eBay, they're cheap now.
get a USB CD drive while you're at it.
but before i did that, i'd check on what those beeps mean.
might not be worth saving your baby.
Actually that port is on the left of the machine as you face it.
You have set on it , dropped it, wet it, and used a plug not made for the machine. What you have is a short.
Time to buy a new one, because there not worth fixing for the price you'd have to pay to do so. 200 or less will cover this.
I'd spend a bit more and get a regular laptop. You'll have to install XP if that is what you must have, because they come with Windows 7 home. I'd keep the 7 home, but to each her or his own.
When you got the plug loosened you caused issues. Also the screen his small wiring that will short easy. ]
Opening the machine is not hard, but you'll need parts to repair it, and as I say it simply is not worth a repair.
Dropping these things hurts the hard drive, so that might be the issue as well. If you had not damaged it so offten I'd have other fixes, but you have, so replace it.
Sorry
I completely agree with you on a netbook not being worth the price of repair. Now my HP Pavilion ZE5385US, or my IBM X32 are completely different and are actually worth fixing. But I can find a netbook for under $130, even under $100 on Ebay. It's just annoying. If I were to invest in another real laptop, I would want it custom-made or would go for a slightly older machine. The newer ones don't have what I consider to be essentials in a full laptop, such as pcmcia slot, parallel port, and 56k modem. Plus, many are made cheaply today, and in China. A real investment would have me looking at a Japanese product.
Wayne, you more or less said what I did, but with more words.
i hope you backed up whatever you have on that thing that you wanna keep for your sake. if not , i'd do so now!
here's your options as I see them.
you can go used, refurbished, or new netbooks on eBay, too.
if you want your exact netbook, there is one used, two refurbished (one by manufacture one by seller), and one new. it'll be between $175 and $215.I've done the research for you, so take a look if you wish:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/Laptops-Netbooks-/175672/i.html?Operating%2520System=Windows%2520XP&_nkw=Acer+Aspire+One+D255&_dmpt=Laptops_Nov05&Type=Netbook&rt=nc
might be easier to pick up this exact netbook if you wish, or look for another netbook with XP on it. I think that either option would be a better choice rather than gettin a new netbook only to uninstall 7 and install XP in its place. if you get a new netbook with 7, you may void the warintee by uninstalling factory stuff and puttin XP on it.
Hope this helps!
any more questions, feel free to ask!
Actually, I am very interested in hard disk destruction. I've heard that, if you can get the hard drive out of a machine, you can destroy them with a hammer. I have several old machines that I'd like to get rid of, but I would never throw away a working drive for safety reasons. I must see how much it would cost to have the drives removed and destroyed, or at least removed, so that I could destroy them at home. Alternatively, I could get enclosures and use one or two of them as backups for if my computer and compact flash card get corrupt/no longer work.
But if you already are using a cheap netbook and you like it, why not buy a better cheap laptop and like it too?
JH correct. Smile.
There is a place that will custom build your laptop, but your netbook didn't have any of these things you want, so 300 349, and you get a full keyboard, more power, and 1 year to sit on it and get it fixed. Lol
No, removing 7 doesn't void the warrentee. If she sends it back fore repairs she'll just end up with 7 again is all.
I simply wouldn't, due to XP not being supported next year, and these cheap laptops, if cared for will last you a few years.
I have a full backup of everything imaginable on my desktop. The important things are on my compact flash card, which I always use to transfer files between my computers, and my HP laptop is up-to-date with my important files. So I think I'm definitely safe. Oddly enough, the Acer does still work. I'm using it right now. It just has some weird quirks. lol Thanks so much for doing that research for me! I looked on Ebay for Aspire One yesterday, though I set my maximum price to $150, so missed it. Still, I'll take a look. The reason why I stick with Acer is that, of all the netbooks out there, the reviews praise them among the best, and say that their keyboards are fairly standard. I had an AOA150 before this one, and did nothing to it at all. It just went dead one day! So now I'm beginning to wonder if I should choose another brand. I just want something that's easy-to-use. I don't care if it's small, but am not looking for touchscreen etc. It's really ashame that the IBM X32 (and probably X31 as well) is still so expensive! It's the size of a netbook, built well, and even has nice high keys! Mine was used, fell once, and after that was never the same. Loud fan noise etc. and then completely quit on me. But I do take responsibility for that. The only laptops which have honestly stood the test of time are my Keynote Golds, which are now about 16-years-old. Only recently have they started giving me problems, and even then, they may be software related.
ah yeah wayne. if she likes the cheap netbook, she can get another cheap netbook with better specs.
i'm just sayin if she feels she just have to have XP, then those are the options.
she could do what you suggest and install xp after uninstalling 7, but if she doesn't want 7 on her beast after repairs if she needs them....
sooo many optins with puters now. *smile*
tiff, you need to be more careful with your beast's!
it sounds to me like you dont care so much if you stick with XP. if not the options are much greater for you.
we need to talk sometime. i think we'd get along with older tech, electronics, etc.
True enough JH, but I'm a 7 convert, so you can't talk to me about XP. Gonna buy 8 in a month of so when it comes available for sale. Run 8 on one box 7 on the other, see what I like best.
Last a full sized keyboard keeps her from having to add the external, so she can keep the machine on her lap, or in front of her. Less danger of sitting on it. Smile, JK.
i see your point, Wayne.
personally i'm stickin with XP until either a it isn't supported or b somethin dies and i have too.
if she has an overlay, then she can use swetty hands? jk.
If I am going to buy a laptop, then I want it to have all the features of a real laptop. Most laptops today don't have all the periferals etc. that I desire and many come with Windows 7. I guess that's not a huge issue, but I'd need to look more into it to see if it's something that I want to learn.
I was going to say that if I had to go with a full-sized laptop again, I might get this.
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/topic.aspx/global/products/latit/topics/en/latit_d410_sp_spec?c=us&l=en&cs=rc956904
This review is nice.
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2405
But it says nothing about a parallel port and it also mentions heat. I really want to stay away from a laptop which gets very hot, as I mostly have it on my lap, and am usually outside in the summer. that said, I do fully intend on buying a laptop cooler, not the kind with a usb fan, or the gell, but a holder that will help to keep the vents running smoothly and put the laptop on an angle.
Hmm! That overlay is a very interesting idea! I don't technically need one, as I know what keys are what, but if it would protect the keyboard, I might invest in one. I want to get an IBM Model M keyboard someday, and you'd better believe I'm hell bent on keeping that baby in good condition! They're literally the best keyboards in the world, and the price shows it! I don't really need a full-sized one for a laptop, as I never use the numberpad.
Hopefully, I'll be getting a DOS machine soon. If it works as well as I'm planning, I may not need to worry about getting a new laptop at all! Still, that Dell is a bit old and will be heavy. So I need to keep a small portable in mind, regardless of what system I use. Since this is my only real DOS machine, I do not want to ruin it!
Many keyboard are water resistant now Tess. Blood, I'm not so sure, but. Enough wet on any machine and it goes wacky though.
JH You can keep XP after its not supported, just you'll not receive the Windows updates, but for about a year or so this won't matter to much.
Last I am not talking an expensive machine, but one the price of a netbook, but with way more power, an optical drive, light weight, about 5 LBS or less, full keyboard 10 keypad and all, one year sit on protection, and just better for 300 349.
7 is a piece of cake to learn and you can ask it much if you are looking for things in the search box. Want to remove a program? Type remove programs in the search box, hit inter and find the program you want to remove.
Looking for a file you lost? Type the name in the search box, find it, if its on the computer.
Want to know what you paid your money for? Type System information, and read what the machine has. *sigh
Beautiful.
lLast if you have a problem with the machine 7 fixes itself for most minor stuff.
you dont have to go with a full-sized laptop. are you thinkin of gettin a new puter? if so do you want another netbook? if so think about if you want XP or something else.
i looked at your review, it seems okay for what you'd use it for (its not your main PC, and you just use it outside, right?)
it doesn't mention them probably cause it doesn't have those ports.
if you do get that, i i'd upgrade the ram to at least 1 GB, preferably 2, and get the faster 5400 RPM drive.
I'm definitely not about to spend $300 to $349 on a new computer, which will probably break after a few years, given how they make these machines today. If I'm spending big bucks like that, it'll be on a tried and true machine or a custom-made one. If they upgraded the Toughbooks, I might consider one, as those are practically indestructable, and are most likely made in Japan. But right now, I'm not looking for a heavy hitter, just a little portable thing to carry with me. Still, I don't want it to be so flimsy that it breaks after a year or so, even with decent care. What's the purpose of spending even $100 if I have to keep buying machines?
I sort of switch off from one computer to the other, So for all intents and purposes, it would be considered a main machine. But it wouldn't be where I do my printing, scanning, etc. For that, I have my desktop, which, thank The Gods, is also very durable. I just find that, the longer I use a Windows machine, the slower it gets, especially online. Even when I defrag, and clean out cookies and temporary files. It'll start off fast, and after awhile, it gets slow and I have to reboot, or it will update and slow to a crawl. I'm really getting sick of that. I like at least 2gb ram, but netbooks don't have those.
Full sized doesn't apply anymore. These Autra books aren't full sized at all, but work better than your average desktop.
A 13 inch screen can be above a full keyboard 10 key and all.
I have Dell's 14Z. It is about 4 pounds, has a 14 inch monitor, and a laptop keyboard, but the keys are full sized. Doesn't have the 10 pad, but it is nice. A basic model is running 450.
Its really tin less and an inch thick as well, so.Mine is not basic either, but that is an example.
The one I'm talking is regular, but small as well.
As for removing programs I prefer this.
cdprogram1
del *.*
rd
cd
Done. There is a find command, but I've only used it once and don't remember it. Need to brush up on my commands! Bad Eleni! lol
Netbooks do come with 2gb ram, if not, it is as simple as upgreating the ram. Never have good experience with Acer. Try brand like Asus, or HP, or MSI, they do have good ratings.
do registrey cleaning and chec for spyware/addware/malware. that'll help your puters work better.
well... here's the real question. would you like help in looking for a puter? if you want the older ports, check to see if there are say USB to serial converters out there. plug that baby into a USB port and wa-la. hello serial port! how are you?
wayne, i think an ultrabook would be a bit expensive for her though.
but as i understand it, they are thin, yet have power. they also have the optical drives. i'm shocked at how thin laptops today are.
I don't trust these thin laptops with their plastic everywhere. For that kind of price, it had better be aluminium, with everything built-in (all ports, drives, jacks, and slots), and have a good battery life (over three hours minimum)!
And also, most netbook do come with at least 90% size keyboard. you may not have the numbpad, and a couple of other keys, but most of it do have pretty good keyboard for what you need to do.
That could have lots of reason why your computer run slow. It could be lack of ram space, or you have too many program running at the back.
It also can be as simple as you running a old machine that may not support all the latest stuff on the web browser or such.
I really prefer built-in ports. I don't like all this usb converting. But since this isn't meant to be a desktop replacement, I don't need them. If I was going for a full laptop, though, it must have at least parallel, pcmcia, modem, and cd rom built-in.
and you may have some services that you honestly dont need to run, but dont go turnin them off without googleing what each one is first.
okay so tiff answer me this please ? what's a toughbook. does that really exist?
so it sounds like you aren't going for a full laptop then.
my Asus 10HE netbook's battory last 9hours of continue use. That include having jaws on, word processing, and other bits and pieces, which include browsing the net and so on. In fact, i hardly come across any netbook that have battory last less than 3hours. Most netbook and laptops, include ultrabooks are pretty plusticky, unless you go for some Macbooks range. or paying top $ for the metal feels and looks.
No, the netbook is fairly recent. Even my HP, which is 10-years-old runs fine, especially now that I had the ram upgraded to 1gb. Like I said, I don't need a full keyboard. Even on my desktop, I use a laptop layout with NVDA. But I do want a decent keyboard. That is, nice and tactile. I don't like how so many are flat against the machine, instead of having thick, tall kkeys, but I guess that's a given. Even my HP, which appears to have decent keys, has caps. I also don't mind small keys. I just want to be sure that page up, page down, home, end, insert, and delete are on the keyboard. I also like arrow keys that aren't all stuck together, but I can live with it if that's not the case. Maybe I will look into these other netbooks, since Acer and I don't seem to get alone.
you and your puter get alone? oh wow... JK!
well... it sounds to me like a netbook could be your best bet since you dont need all the ports. perhaps you should go and look in stores and that to see wha'ts there. at least you can feel them. tha'ts another option along with lookin online.
JH_Radio, yes. Toughbooks really do exist. They are/were made by Panasonic. They're totally worth the price for the piece of mind they give.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toughbook
No, at this point, unless I can find one for under $250 (prefer under $200) I am not looking for a full laptop. Same price for the netbook, though I'm hoping to find one much cheaper.
buttercup, what's the model of your netbook. I'm really digging the 9-hour battery life! As for plastic, I'm not expecting metal from a netbook. I was saying that, if I was going to pay an astronomical price, like $450, I wanted a computer with everything in it, including a decent case.
lol I meant get along. My fingers are typing without listening to my brain!
Interesting! I didn't realise they have a whole site for these!
http://www.panasonic.com/business/toughbook/laptop-computers.asp
for $250 you'll be gettin a netbook, not a laptop.
I'm positive that I can find a real laptop for $250, give or take a few dollars. I got my IBM X32 for $261 and it's a laptop.
that is if you get new.
and yeah i saw that link on the page you sent me.
uh huh i know about your fingers tiff, i'm playin with you!>
i'm curious about these toughbooks. wonder why i've never seen them on eBay etc? will have to dig around.
Butter is correct on brands. If you want a really netbook don't pay more than 150 as JH suggest.
Now plastic? Dear, the casing on my Dell is Aluminum. The only plastic on my computer is the bottom and the keys. The bottom is due to efficient cooling.
JH, yes there expensive, but she said they weren't real, so. hahaha.
They're definitely on Ebay. I'm looking at them right now.
tiff, can you select them as a catigory ?
like to look at?
like i see netbooks and notebooks as a catigory, but not toughbooks.
Ah, now I see why you're confused. Toughbook is just the name of the product line. It's not the name of a type of computer. But you can type in Toughbook in the search box, and if you go to pc laptops, you'll find them.
tiff, product line = toughbook.
type of puter = laptop or tablit. is that right ?
Yes. They have both laptops and tablets.
that's what i understood from reading.
no desktops though.
No good though.
what's no good wayne?
i didn't see anything 'bout ram and this on the specs of one of the laptops either.
The computers. Not a main brand, so likely to have service issues.
oh okay now i see it, you choose what you want.they are configurable.
No. Then again, desktops don't need to be that tough, since they mostly stay in one place. The good ones are all metal anyway. But if you want to play it safe, see which are still made in Japan. You really can't go wrong with their tech, though you may need to buy one made for their market, as I'm not sure if any major companies still export from there. I just found an interesting article about HP laptops, but their desktops are made in the same place, the Akishima plant.
http://www.electronista.com/articles/11/11/07/hp.consumer.notebooks.will.use.made.in.japan/
Watch out for tricks like "assembled in" which is not the same as "made in". Sony is now starting to import their screens from China, and I' sure other companies are pulling the same sort of nonsense with their products.
As for me, I just did a quick search on netbooks made in Japan, with the expectation that I'd find none. But I was proven wrong! So I went to Ebay and found several versions (entry, standard and high spec) of The Idol Master 2 Original Notebook for only... $2,000 and some change! Seriously, I kid you not. Over two thousand dollars for a netbook! Does it read my mind and come with a martial arts trainer just for me? Holy shit! Thankfully, I also found a Fujitsu Lifebook for $129.
All I did was type Netbok Japan for it to show up. I didn't read about this machine as I'm sure I would have seen the price and not even bothered typing it in on Ebay. I'm still totally amazed right now.
I saw that page where the netbooks were 2.000 I thought it was a mistake, so emailed on it. They never answered. Lol
Not sure what you mean by "not a main brand". They're by Panasonic! Also, they're built to military specifications, so I really doubt they would have any major issues. I mean, you could literally drop them from 30 feet and they'll still work.
I just realised something! I actually have a Macbook! It's not exactly compact like a netbook, but all it needs to make it portable is a battery! It was originally a Leopard machine but was upgraded to Snow Leopard. I'm not crazy about the os and the constant interaction etc. but I also have an XP Pro disk here. How well does Bootcamp work and can I install the syste on my own or will I need sighted assistance?
Didn't know they were Panasonic.
i'm thinkin panisonic is a bit overkill as far as for most people, but tiff you aren't most people. are you?
2 grand for a netbook? holy shit.
ya know tiff. its sad.
we taught the japs how to make stuff, than we didn't make it ourselves.
for audio Sansui, Sony, Nakamichi etc. maybe someday I'll own a dragon. but for now my Denon servs me well.
I'm sick of Chinese and other crap that breaks after less than a year of use! I'm now looking at Fujitsu Lifebooks. Some are definitely in my price range and have all sorts of nice specs. The only thing is that some of them are big, about 14 or 15 inches! But the prices and some of the specs on these machines are really tempting. Most are well under $200. Then, there are the tablets.
Nakamichi! Wow! Now you're talking expensive stuff! But amazing quality, from what I've heard. *smile* I don't know why Americans stopped manufacturing things. They used to be really good at it. Do they still even make computers? If so, they're probably ridiculously expensive.
tablets? hel no...
okay so le'ts see here *smiles*: netbook/notebook/lifebook/toughbook/ultrabook.... lotta books to choose from pun intended!
Sorry. For some reason, my next to last post wasn't complete. What are tablets and can they be used with screenreaders?
Lifebook, like Toughbook, is a product line. Many of these are full laptops, with all the bells and whistles.
see? told ya you and I should talk, i know we'd get along grin.
tablets are small mini puters with touch screens. if you like android or apple go for it.
I see. I think I'll stay away rom those, unless there's a way to use a small external keyboard with them.
i believe there is keyboards yes tiff.
i didn't say this but i was thinkin for tiff? hell no this isn't her thing.
Bluetooth keyboards work, but the accessibility factor is low. iPad is the best for us, but expensive as tablets go.
Now any computer will brak if you insist on sitting on it, dropping it a few times, and generally using it with messy hands, but maybe this is only my opinion?
There is a company in Washington that builds computers. Pricing is about the same as everyone else. The problem with computer builds is the parts. People are using Intel, AMD and such stuff, because it is the best. If your computer is built in China, Japan, or America it will likely have the same company parts, just different speeds and quality.
when you say builds computers wayne, do you mean builds them to specs, say i want his processor, this many sound cards, this OS etc, they'd do that for a price?
i'm curious to see what work they do. do you have a URL?
is it only for desktops or is it for laptops too.
as far as tiff and droppage and spillage and that, maybe that's why the toughbooks are mor for her, along with operation in high and low temps.
They build them to specks. Do a Bing search for computer built in America, or American companies that build custom computers. There are several actually. They do the home theater setups.