Demonically Possessed Laptop

[Coinneach]

This is a Windows computer, right? If it's several years old, and it's had the system updates from time to time, it could be that the processor can't handle things well anymore. If you've already added the maximum memory the computer can handle, you might try turning off some of the processes that get loaded on startup (Start>Run>msconfig).

When it comes time to use the laptop as a frisbee, I recommend formatting and scrubbing the hard drive (do both, like kilts, one is not enough), or take it to a service that will do that for you.

[James MacMillan]

Back to your original problem - It might just be dirty. old keyboards routinely get clogged up and the keys start doing strange things. Try taking it apart enough to blow some air in under the key pads. If you cant take it apart, or just don't want to, try running a vacuum hose repeatedly over the keyboard, slightly depressing the keys as you do so.

Can't hurt - Oh, do this with the power OFF.

[Livingston]

Having an HP laptop for work with the touchpad and the point stick, I know what you are talking about. I hardly ever travel with it or use it away from the docking station/keyboard/mouse at my desk but when I do, I have the same problem. Never thought about disabling the touchpad. I'll have to check that when I go in tomorrow.

I've always assumed it was just my laziness of letting my hands rest on the notebook and never thought to try to fix the issue, just watch out for it.

[Jerry]

Well, it looks like I am stuck with this thing for a while. The desktop's pwr supply was toast, as I had thought. The computer will now come on, but will not post. Even with only the MB connected, it won't post, so it looks like the MB is fried also. I'm looking for a new MB,at this point. I do, however have a problem, I cannot locate my Windows XP CD. This means, any updated board I install will cause Microsoft to require that I get a new key before my OS will be permanent on the machine. Since I can't find the CD, I'm looking for the same MB I have. It is an ASROCK socket 939, dual sata2 , with PCI express and AGP slots

[bunchdescendant]

Jerry-

Find that CD!

The OS will detect that you have changed the Mobo and do the deed to ya. It's possible to call Micro$oft and explain the situation but don't bank on it.

Ray

[Jerry]

Jerry-

Find that CD!

The OS will detect that you have changed the Mobo and do the deed to ya. It's possible to call Micro$oft and explain the situation but don't bank on it.

Ray

Yeah, I've been through that one before! My opinion of Microsoft would get me put on probation by the mods, so, I'll keep it to myself, and advise everyone else to do the same. My daughter says that if I replace the MB with an identical board, the OS shouldn't detect the change. She claims she has done it before. She does know ways around "Microsoft's tyrannical policies., but I don't want to go that route.

[bunchdescendant]

Yeah, I've been through that one before! My opinion of Microsoft would get me put on probation by the mods, so, I'll keep it to myself, and advise everyone else to do the same. My daughter says that if I replace the MB with an identical board, the OS shouldn't detect the change. She claims she has done it before. She does know ways around "Microsoft's tyrannical policies., but I don't want to go that route.

Key word is highlighted. Identical? Not so. The Mobo's Serial numbers would be different. Kind of a 'been there, done that' situation. Another point to make is the bios will possibly be updated too. This could be a good thing but do you want to take a chance?

It's better to find the CD. Less hassle unless you really enjoy talking to a moron that only wants you to buy a new registration key and nothing more.

And my opinion of M$ would get me permanently banned!

Ray

[Jerry]

Since it seems that no matter what board I wind up with, I might upgrade to a better MB and processor and go another route around the Microsoft monopoly. One choice would be switching to Linux. But, I am concerned about running my Windows based games in Linux. Does anyone know if they would run? As for this possessed laptop, I have to be very careful. I was on another forum, posting about ducks, and later, typed the word "five". It did it's jump the cursor thing,and I'll let everyone guess where it put the letter "F"

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Jerry, if you are looking to move away from MS and get a new PC, take a look at the Zonbu offering. Based on Linux, and they do all the upgrades, backups, etc. for you. I am seriously considering it for my next purchase. They are low power consumption as well.

[The Supreme Canuck]

Do you have the "NoScript" extension installed?