I think I'm screwed!!!

[TimeCode]

Did you check for blown capacitors? I know that's not something you can replace immediately, but I personally see them a lot.

I did. None are even slightly bulging.

 

[usacvlr]

Did you try a different CPU?

 

[anonymous Mac Tech]

I have everyone sign a waiver stating they realized that pc's can go out at any time due to "natural causes". - just fyi

PC do and will go out on you from time to time.

I know we all know this as experienced techs. Its getting the customer to appreciate the fact. Waiver is a good idea. Does anyone ever question you about it? Ever had to play the waiver as your "trump card" in a sticky situation?

 

[Yocomputaguy]

i had the exact same issue one time. I thought that it was the mother board, and moved on to the video card. Come to find out...The processor was overheating...and it was shutting off just that quick...

 

[TimeCode]

Did you try a different CPU?

I did. Both were p4's and I was willing to upgrade her from a 1.7 to a 3.0. Didn't work. Thanks though.

This may be far fetched, but it seems like that case is shorting things out. I would explain to her the situation, and if you are confident you can gain her business account too, eat the cost of the new mobo, and case (new egg to the rescue!) then let her know you have taken care of it.

I think if I treat her well I can get the business as a client.

I agree with you about the case and the only other things it could be are the DVD drives or the 1.44 Floppy. EVERYTHING else was swapped out.

I swapped out:

1. PSU
2. CPU
3. RAM
4. Videocard
5. CPU Fan
6. HDD
7. Power cord
8. KVM cable (I checked against a known good connection, my test PC)

I think I'm done.

 

[ClickRight]

C1 error is usually RAM related. My advise would be to replace the RAM (yes, AGAIN) with a different module. Also, do not use the original PSU when you do this as it may be frying components.

 

[TimeCode]

C1 error is usually RAM related. My advise would be to replace the RAM (yes, AGAIN) with a different module. Also, do not use the original PSU when you do this as it may be frying components.

I've tried 3 different sticks and without any RAM and it still shows C1. I've tried 3 PSUs. I have given up. I just wish the lady would call me back.

 

[abe]

i think she doesnt have the money for the repair, thats why shes not turning up.

 

[TimeCode]

i think she doesnt have the money for the repair, thats why shes not turning up.

Do you have any idea how much that would suck?!?!?! I've lost way too much time, energy, and parts on this project to not have her call back. Well, at least I could keep the extra PC since I ruined my Linux box trying to fix hers.

I've got another client who doesn't want to fix his PC that I bought the MoBo for. maybe I'll move it to a larger case and use that (an HP Slimline) for the server. I wonder how well it would fit in a new case...

 

[ell]

I have everyone sign a waiver stating they realized that pc's can go out at any time due to "natural causes". - just fyi

PC do and will go out on you from time to time.

I know this doesn't help right now... sorry about your dilemma.

How is your waiver worded? I'm thinking I'd like something like it in my work order.

 

[ejsaunders]

I second the taking it all out putting it on STATIC DISSIPATIVE foam or matting then plugging it in but not turning the plug on, and leaving it for about 10 minutes.

Otherwise I'd put it back together as in original and take it to a completely seperate power area (i.e. a neighbour) and try it

Was there anything you've plugged in to the power point lately, or something you've done differently that you can point your finger to that contributes to teh weirdness?

 

[Jayson]

Do you have any insurance? If you have any sort of professional insurance I think you could turn it in and buy a new system for your customer. If not you would have to provide the customer a new system out of pocket. I know the shop owner that I used to work for didn't take the battery out of a laptop he was working on, dropped a screw on the mobo, and fried the laptop. He bought that person a replacement.

Did you have the customer sign any sort of waiver on the work order? If not you've opened yourself to some liability and could potentially get sued if the situation was not handled correctly. the customer now has every right to take you to small claims court. Not trying to scare you, and don't know all the details, but it sounds like the system is toast and you should prepare to arrange for another system for that customer.