Computer repair in Toronto

[basic]

So my computer has been acting strangely lately.

I've tried a few things (including a new hard drive). I don't know if it
is a motherboard issue, one thing is that the mouse port has stopped working. I think I need an expert to diagnose and help fix the issue.

Can anyone recommend a decent place to take it into in Toronto?

[willy]

If the PS/2 mouse port is not working properly, the cheapest way to 'solve' the problem is to switch to a USB mouse.

[Zertz]

Can you describe us your problem? We can probably help you for free

[sickcars]

So my computer has been acting strangely lately.

I've tried a few things (including a new hard drive). I don't know if it
is a motherboard issue, one thing is that the mouse port has stopped working. I think I need an expert to diagnose and help fix the issue.

Can anyone recommend a decent place to take it into in Toronto?

If you can, tell us exactly whats wrong and what you have tried to fix it? Have you changed anything recently? Tried a usb mouse?

Also if you would like I could take a look at your comp if you want. PM me if interested.

Ciao

[basic]

Pentium III
501MhZ
768MB Ram
XP

I bought it used from this site about 2 years ago, worked like a charm up until recently.

Intermittent issues:

it will shut down completely
Error saying ati2dvaa driver stopped working properly, goes into what looks like vga
Windows Error Report message saying the system has recovered from a serious error
Winamp and MS Picture viewer will not start, clicking on the icon just brings up an error message and shuts them down
Mouse port stopped working (its plugged into the USB port now)
My modem stops working intermittently. It connects and randomly drops the connection but reconnects within 5-10 seconds

I installed a new 160GB harddrive, reinstalled Windows, was able to transfer all my files from my old 40GB HD.

Could it be the Motherboard or Ram that's shot? I don't think it's the power supply/fan as the shutting off thing doesn't happen often.

sickcars, if we can't get it resolved here, I'll take you up on your offer

[aimfox]

Pentium III
501MhZ
768MB Ram
XP

I bought it used from this site about 2 years ago, worked like a charm up until recently.

Intermittent issues:

it will shut down completely
Error saying ati2dvaa driver stopped working properly, goes into what looks like vga
Windows Error Report message saying the system has recovered from a serious error
Winamp and MS Picture viewer will not start, clicking on the icon just brings up an error message and shuts them down
Mouse port stopped working (its plugged into the USB port now)
My modem stops working intermittently. It connects and randomly drops the connection but reconnects within 5-10 seconds

I installed a new 160GB harddrive, reinstalled Windows, was able to transfer all my files from my old 40GB HD.

Could it be the Motherboard or Ram that's shot? I don't think it's the power supply/fan as the shutting off thing doesn't happen often.

sickcars, if we can't get it resolved here, I'll take you up on your offer

It's definetely not a virus. Did you installed any hardware or software recently before your computer started to act weirdly?

[sickcars]

Hello,

Well that first error your getting has to do with the ATI Driver for your video card. So some things you can try are, update to the latest drivers. If you have the latest video card driver then get an older version since the newest one might not work properly for your config.

Your Winamp & Picture Viewer error sounds weird. Have you tried uninstalling winamp then reinstalling with the latest version from their site (to make sure its a good working copy and not reusing a possible corrupt file you have now?)

Picture Viewer...that comes with windows unless its another program you bought/downloaded so that�s odd. Not sure if there is an option in windows add/remove under Windows Components for that. If there is uninstall and reinstall it see if it helps.

Now what kind of Modem is this? 56k dial up modem or your DSL/Cable modem??

It is possible its the Motherboard, since you say the PS2 port for your mouse no longer works. But it could also be the ram, its an odd problem.

One thing you can check for yourself is Bulging caps on your motherboard, here is a link so you know what to look for. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capacitor_plague

If it is the Capacitors on your motherboard its not even worth fixing on an older computer like that and the motherboard would have to be replaced. Also since its a P3 its hard to find a Motherboard for that so you would have to go for something newer and that would call for new MB/Cpu/Ram maybe PSU etc so basically a new system.

Let me know what you find.

Ciao