[Techtalk] OT but I'm desperate.... Windows....!

[Michelle Howson]

Ok, I've just read every post that's come through on this topic and have
narrowed down those that I need to actually reply to to just a few :)  Some
interesting discussion going on out there.  I feel quite enlightened.  But
only a little do I actually need to comment on!  *grin*

>> ? wrote:
>>>It is true that a monitor is usually the most power hungry component of a
>>>computer, however it is drawing its power from the mains, so doesn't
>>>affect the computer
>
>>To some extent that is true. However, as I recall from an earlier
>>message, all of your hardware is running off of one outlet. The power is
>>shared between outlets, so a power consuming object on one plug is
>>sapping some power from the other plug.

I used to (read: a year ago) run my monitor off my CPU but since scoring a
17" for free, it's been plugged in separately.  I shall experiment with
turning it off just after I've sent through a print job, to see what
happens.  Maybe that will free up enough draw from the mains to stop the
panicy reboot.  However, I am also going to look into the driver
situation...but I think that's refered to a bit lower... :)

--snip--
> 50 Hz or 60 Hz, usually much more (the hold over time).  Power supplies
> should be able to cope over a range of voltages at least as far apart as
> 100 and 120 V or 220 and 240V.  I believe (though I'm probably wrong) that
> the acceptable range of voltages to find on a mains outlet in the USA is
> 90-130V, and in the UK/europe 210-250.  There is a percentage range
> defined, though I can't remember it off hand.

I assume Au has the same as europe....  more curiosity asking here, I don't
think it's going to have a huge practical bearing on what's going on here.
As in, I know the power itself does matter, but knowing what the australian
standard doesn't ;)

--snip--
> As to the original problem, if it crashes every time you go to print, I
> would be rather suspicious.  Though the error pasted in another email
> would seem to suggest that windows is experiencing its equivalent of a
> kernel panic.
>
>I would suspect: bad/unstable power supply (possibly due to current
>availability problems.), dying cpu, flaky printer port/printer riser.
>

Ok well I have a lead on a multimeter and also someone offering me a
discounted surge-protected power board, so the power supply issue is being
worked on.  Oh, that and the fact that I may be moving out of here into a
brand-spanking-new house in a month *grin*  If I can just survive these
last few weeks of session, then I can get into some serious testing and
problem solving.

re dying CPU...please don't say that.  What other symptoms?  I only
bought this box a year ago!

I'm going to get back to basics and check the physical cabling connections
from printer port to printer, and maybe try another printer cable.  I am
also going to check the driver, make sure it is correct and up to date.

I feel like I'm designing a science experiment, trying to keep all my
variables the same and only change one at the time in order to establish
the true cause of my pain and suffering *laughs*  Just so long as I don't
have to write up a 1000 word report at the end, I don't mind.  I am doing a
science degree, after all :)

Ok, replying to Poppy's BSOD message now separately.  Thanks, everyone...

Michelle