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Question

Desktop turns on and turns off

Dec 12, 2013 10:45PM PST

I have an older Compaq Presario which was working perfectly yesterday until I decided to try out a Ubuntu CD. Thought that this would be a good idea since I'm using Windows xp and as everyone knows the support for that is ending. After trying out the Ubuntu cd which seemed to work OK, I removed the CD and turned off the computer. The problem now is that the computer turns on and then immediately turns off. Sometimes I see the Compaq screen for about a second and try to press the function key for a recovery, but it never works because the computer turns off. Does anyone have any idea what went wrong because I'm completely frustrated!

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Did you install Ubuntu on your hard drive?
Dec 12, 2013 11:32PM PST

If so, you may need to restore to factory settings. You can boot from the Ubuntu CD and copy any files you want to save to a flash or external hard drive.

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Clarification request
Dec 13, 2013 9:42AM PST

Thanks for your response. When I put the cd into the drive it was my understanding that the software was not being installed but apparently it was installed. This makes me think that the Bios may have been corrupted, and I have no clue how that can be tested or fixed when the computer won't boot up. I should also say that the monitor also shows a black screen so the monitor could be the problem, but my feeling is that it is a corrupted Bios. This computer is a 10 year old Compaq Presario S5200nx.

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Response to resetting computer
Dec 14, 2013 2:39AM PST

Hi,
You're right, but I don't even see how I can do that at this point because the computer is completely unresponsive. All I can do is turn it on, and both the computer and the monitor just shut off. Whatever that software did to the computer, I think that it may be fatal. I really should have known better to have fooled around with Ubuntu because it's obvious that it's not stable enough for anyone to use. If I was going to try to convert to Linux I wish I had stuck with something that's been around longer like Red Hat. At this point I have no idea what I can do to salvage this computer short of doing some really expensive repair work (replace hard drive, power supply, etc.). Also I'm sure there's been damage done to the BIOS. This is a Compaq Presario computer, model no. S5200NX that's about 10 years old. Wish I had just stuck with XP. At least I would have a working computer. Thanks goodness I just bought a new Windows 7 laptop or I'd really be up the creek.