Computer help?
My computer is out of order (only for the third time in a week; who's counting), and google is confusing me more than anything, so I was wondering if maybe one of you lovely people would know a solution.
Basically, I can't get Windows to start at all because one of the Windows files is damaged (given that the file is called "SYSTEM", I assume this, uh, isn't very good). It's telling me to enter the Setup CD to try and repair it. Last time this happened, I ended up reinstalling Windows, but passing over that, so far, so good.
The problem is that I've also been having trouble with my CD-Rom drive - it would usually take several tries before it coughed out the drawer (if that's the right word). Of course it has chosen this exact moment to stop cooperating altogether.
I went to look for a new CD-rom thingy (what is even the right word? Drive? /clueless) earlier, but given all of them have notes on them saying which Windows version they're compatible with, and stuff like "software included", I assume Windows needs to actually be functioning to be able to install the drive? Or is there a difference between an internal and external version? I'm really confused about the whole thing and not very computer-savvy (I ended up opening up my PC myself for the first time ever over the weekend - so much dust!), but I assume I can't just take out the old drive and put in a new one and it'll work, right? :/
Trying to google this actually got me to pages on how to install Windows without CD-Rom drive, but from what I gather this'll probably wipe my hard drive, which would really suck.
Asklfldf, I wish I knew a reliable computer repair shop nearby, or that my computer would be a little less cumbersome to carry around. D: Also, man, I always flail when my internet goes down, but I didn't realise how much worse having your computer go down entirely and not be able to even write anything is. :(
In other news, HIIII. Sorry for the absenteeism; I was busy flunking my exams. *g* (I've mostly been reading my flist, though.) I hope you're all OK! *hugs you all close*
Basically, I can't get Windows to start at all because one of the Windows files is damaged (given that the file is called "SYSTEM", I assume this, uh, isn't very good). It's telling me to enter the Setup CD to try and repair it. Last time this happened, I ended up reinstalling Windows, but passing over that, so far, so good.
The problem is that I've also been having trouble with my CD-Rom drive - it would usually take several tries before it coughed out the drawer (if that's the right word). Of course it has chosen this exact moment to stop cooperating altogether.
I went to look for a new CD-rom thingy (what is even the right word? Drive? /clueless) earlier, but given all of them have notes on them saying which Windows version they're compatible with, and stuff like "software included", I assume Windows needs to actually be functioning to be able to install the drive? Or is there a difference between an internal and external version? I'm really confused about the whole thing and not very computer-savvy (I ended up opening up my PC myself for the first time ever over the weekend - so much dust!), but I assume I can't just take out the old drive and put in a new one and it'll work, right? :/
Trying to google this actually got me to pages on how to install Windows without CD-Rom drive, but from what I gather this'll probably wipe my hard drive, which would really suck.
Asklfldf, I wish I knew a reliable computer repair shop nearby, or that my computer would be a little less cumbersome to carry around. D: Also, man, I always flail when my internet goes down, but I didn't realise how much worse having your computer go down entirely and not be able to even write anything is. :(
In other news, HIIII. Sorry for the absenteeism; I was busy flunking my exams. *g* (I've mostly been reading my flist, though.) I hope you're all OK! *hugs you all close*