Late last night (Sunday) I uyploaded and printed some photos. Well right after
that I started myLot up. Immediately I heard a small popping sound. Then I
smelled something. I opened my desk where the tower sits and my puter was smoking. Well, long story short, seems the power supply fried out sparking a small fire that also destroyed the mother board. It was an older computer and I had been wanting to get another so it was a good thing sort of. No damage to the desk etc from this as it lasted just a few seconds. I cleaned it up trying my best to get it started but not a thing. Not even the fans turned on. Well my new computer is an eMachine with Windows Vista basic home. 1Gig DDR2 memory with a 160 GB harddrive. It also came with a Canon Printer. It was a total of $405 at Best Buy. Not too bad considering this one is 10 times better and bigger memory and drive wise as my old one and $300 less cost. When was the last time you bought a new computer? Ever have a fire in your tower of your computer? Now I have to learn Vistas ways and means. Fun, fun, fun. w00t
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
[question posted by webeishere]
responses and comments:
Oh my goodness!shocked I have an old one, and I have been lucky(Knock on wood)so far no fires. Enjoy your new computer. Happy myLotting. [snowqueen2008]
Knock on wood for me too! I just purchased a new computer a couple days ago, so (knock on wood) hopefully my 7 year old computer will last until I transfer all the data! [goodnightmoon]
Sorry about the fire and thankful it was nothing bad. I am so glad you heard it and noticed the fire or it could have been really bad. But on the other hand you have you a new computer now. I got my new lap top last January and it come with Vista. I am so glad that I can change the looks of mine to look like the classic windows as I like that look much better than the vista look. I have heard good and bad about vista. I have had to call tech a couple of times so far with mine, it is a dell. I have never had a fire in my comp...knock on wood. [tyc415]
It was really early in the morning when it happened. No TV or anything on. So it was easy to hear the popping. It was all the dust inside that caught fire is all. But the power source and motherboard are fried. I hope I don't have to call Techs. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~ [webeishere]
I had the shock of my life last year. I was surfing the net at my brother's house using his computer. I did not know that the power supply to the computer was from an adapter with many connections. As I was surfing suddenly the monitor exploded with spark flying out. The monitor was damaged beyond repair but the cpu is working fine. To this day I am still traumatized by the incident and whenever I smell burnt I will stop surfing immediately and check the computer in and out. [zandi458]
don't think splashing water would've been a good idea because of all the electrics [jend80]
Oh, thats not good for your computer to catch fire, you must of been working it overtime on mylot...lol. We had to buy a new computer also a few months ago, the other one was just too old, and it had been updated a few times, we've had to buy a power cord for it because it got hit by lightening, so we just bought a new one. I have an eMachines one too, I like it pretty good, its a lot faster than the old one was, but ours still has windows xp on it, I only had to buy the tower, our monitor and everything else was still good. I myself don't like windows vistas, because alot of times its not compatible with your hardware, and our computer guy said that if something goes wrong with it, its hard to fix. So we looked for something that had windows xp on it, I like it alot. Hopefully you found a good computer that won't give you any problems, I'm just telling you things that I've heard, it doesn't mean that its all bad...Have a good day [walijo2008]
Luckily all my programs are fairly newer ones. No problems instaling anything today. Now to learn Vista and play around some this evening. I liked my daughters Vista so I am hoping I go problem free with it. Fingers are crossed here. Hahaha! HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~ [webeishere]
Oh my gosh. I'm glad you noticed it in time. That is awful. I am glad to hear that you got you a new computer though. I used to have a Dell but it quit working after many years of fixing this and that. I now have an Emachine and love it. I love Windows XP. I know Vista is the thing now though. [stephcjh]
I have always loved eMachines and HP products. So I was elated to see this setup on sale. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~ [webeishere]
We've never had a fire in our computers or my laptop. I mostly use my laptop that I bought from my son when it was 3 years old. I've had it going on 3 years and never had a problem. It's a Dell Inspiron and a great laptop. And it has XP Pro on it. I like Vista, but we were waiting until all the bugs were worked out. But perhaps yours will be fine since Vista has been out lots longer. [Barb42]
Ouch dont you just hate when that happens!! My laptop had a fight with a cup of tea a couple months ago... and of course the tea won!!! My laptop fried and motherboard and harddrive fried with it.... It cost me €700 to replace it but fortunately my house insurance will pay for the replacement. Good ol' house insurance.. never know when I might need it lol [elemental69]
Isnt it amazing how we learn from our mistakes lol... I know I did.... I will never give my laptop a cup of tea again!! :-) [elemental69]
Wow! sorry that you old one caught on fire.. but the new one is the one that looks like it is Smoking! Very nice indeed!. I am glad that you were there and it did not turn into a house fire!blink [LouiseKnittel]
Wow, I thought it was because you are so hot here on mylot Grandpa Bob..lol I have not had a fire, but our power supply did go out on our old computer, which is why I am now on windows 98, can't afford a new one..Though I wish I knew you were going to get this..As much as many people have been saying how bad vista is, I had a talk with my neighbor who had gotten one and she said that the home one is the problem, if you had gotten pro, that vista is much better...(BTW, I sent you a PM, I hope you can help me) [carmelanirel]
Yeah it was that also. Not really. I had just logged into myLot when it sparked and popped. I replied to the PM as well. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~ [webeishere]
Mine is two years old...and I want to hang on to it for a while as I love it...it's like one of my best friends! LOL....Mine has never started on fire and God forbid it does. I would freak out! Have fun learning all the new things on Vista and let us know how you like it! [jillhill]
i think too much use of the set leads it tto the fire right? as we need 6 to 8 hrs rest in 24 hrs day so does the puter also need that if you give 1hr rest in every 8 hr then it will be ok got you all fellas. kumar so bye take care of it and it will take care of you. [kumarbukai]
Wow I can't believe your computer went on fire. Goodness it's a good thing you were there when it happend or it could have been much worse. I am happy for you that you got a new computer though. Now I've never had any computer of mine go on fire, but I did buy a new computer a few months ago as well. It's a GateWay & I bought it at Circuit City. It's very fast, much faster then my old computer. It also has Window Vista. I really don't care for Windows Vista much at all. It often time blocks things I am trying to do or blocks me from going on certain websites. I do like some of the features on it, but not many. [photographygirl73]
I have learned already how to change settings for the internet. So I do not get saites blocked. (yet) I like it a lot so far. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~ [webeishere]
I have never had that experience, and it has been a long time since I bought a new computer. It is nice that you are sharing your good price with us. I am just trying to do some things for my silly old laptop. [GardenGerty]
You are so lucky that you were home when this happened. I got my computer used, it was new to me and I was happy with it. My son reformatted it for me and got it all set up. I would be lost without my computer. I would have to go out and get another one too. Good luck with learning the new system. [Polly1]
i got my brand new computer from best buy. it came with a canon copier also. my copier,is an office all in one copier,scanner,and printer.my computer is a gateway brand.it cost me around $866.28 all together. it has 500 gigabite hard drive,and 4 gigabite of memory.i really like it. i almost decided to get an e-machine from walmart. but,instead got this one. i am glad i got this one. [catfish57]
Hey that's good news! Have fun!lol [flowerchilde]
lollol Ha! Ha! you got my joke! [flowerchilde]
Oh Grandpa Bob, sad I can sure relate to this! Remember all of those computer problems I had throughout the summer? The ones that took me offline for approximately six weeks? Well, as it turned out, my power supply "fried out" too. shocked My CPU isn't behind a door, so there was no smoke, but there was a disgusting smell, and the thing was as hot as 'you know where.' Fortunately, I was able to have the defective parts replaced, maintaining the same CPU. I have windows XP, and I do love it. I've heard both good and bad about Vista, but have never actually seen it in operation. I hope you come to really enjoy it. By the way, great price on everything. Wow. It even came with a printer. Let us know how you're 'getting along with it.' Happy Computing. Take care. [someonesmom]
Thanks. I can't recall an odor. I was in too much of a hurry I guess. But the tower was very warm. I am learning as I play with Vista. Fun so far though at lewast. A new toy I guess you could say huh? HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~ [webeishere]
the last time i got a new computer was last october its beast, its got a quad core and its amazing for games [edb1rd]
My computer is old old old! We bought it nearly 4 years ago, and it was refurbished even then. We had to buy everything to go with it and all in, it cost us a little under $900. Ouch! I've never had an actual fire, but 2 years ago, the apartment building across from us burned down. To be safe, we were all evacuated too and the hydro to the building was switched off. When they switched it back on, our apartment suffered a power surge and it fried my power pack. It took us a week of head scratching before we figured out what the problem was, and then $55 to get a new power pack. The installation of that was dead simple. I've been after getting a new one for a while, and I must admit, I LOVE the price you got at best Buy - that's awesome! I should start saving up and get myself something like that for Christmas. All that memory! I wouldn't know what to do with it! [angelwhispers30]
That sounds like quite a wacky experience you had! Thankfully I have never had my computer blow up or take time out! I have had my computer for many years now and I'm very happy with it. I know how to maintain it so I go inside, get rid of the dust and by doing this, it gives me excellent service. I don't know anything about vista, yet! It's my intention to build a pc from scratch and then put vista on it. That definitely sounds like you had a possessed power supply! Good luck with your new computer. Andrew [AndrewFreyne]
I bought my Lap top 2 Months ago and I am so glad that I did My Computer is still running great and that is an Emachine I bought it 5 years ago and it has never let me down but I prefer my Laptop as it is so much easier and more comfortable for me now It was getting hard for me to sit at the Computer Desk all the time Enjoy your New Puter [gabs8513]
I want a laptop also. With a wireless card as well. But for now I just myLot at home. Hahaha! HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~ [webeishere]
I am a creature of habit and NEVER want a new computer that i have to try to learn to use. Last week i tried to fix something on this one and my husband spent hours trying to straighten it out and it still isn't right. So even though i would like to have a laptop i want it exactly like this one(before i messed it up). Sorry your old one blew up but glad you are looking forward to learning your new one. [cjgrooms]
Good thing it didn't happen to me. I believe I would freak if my computer started on fire. Anyway, Its been a long time since I bought a new computer. The one we have now was a christmas gift from my mother in law about 3 years ago. Before that we only bought used ones. A friend of my husband rebuilds them and he has always given us a good deal. Good luck and have fun learning everything about your new one. [madasp]
The old one was a few years old as well here. I couldn't use a rebuilt or used puter. I like being the one to add files etc not others. hahahaha! HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~ [webeishere]
Hi GRANDPA BOB, I have never heard of computer goin up in smoke, I hope you are ok. Glad you have got a new computer and hope you have as much fun as before, I have a Vista as well. Good luck. Tamara [tamarafireheart]
Wellz. Two things you could try. Replacing your power source or putting your old harddrive in new Computer. I had trhis situation once... I tried to give my computer too much power ( I put in second power source) plugged em both in and it did exactly what you described a pop then smoke then nothing. [Moneyseekerz]
All that would have cost almost as much as this new one cost. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~ [webeishere]
OMGblink sorry to read that but at least you were able to get another one, Iv had my computer for a little over a year I'm hoping it last a long time because there so expinsive to buy.happy [apples99]
One other thing, I personnely find vista hard >.< Might be cause I started with windows 98 lol [Moneyseekerz]
well I am glad you got such a good buy for your money if only computers could be that reasonably priced here in montreal, I would be jumping for joy. [winterose]
ha i have not seen this happen to my pc or any of my friends pc but when i was in my aunt home last saturday the cpu was not at all starting and it sdoes not get the power to get started at all and i could not find out what it was and for the same configuration of your new pc what here would be costing in my place is around 600 dollars as you got a printer too congrats and happy mylotting [lkvinodh]
Hey Grandpa Bob! Sorry about your computer, but glad that your ok and your desk too! Glad you were able to get a new one so quick. Good price too! Best Buy is a great store. I have had my computer for about 3 years now. It's a compac and it came fully loaded with a printer and I'm happy enough with it. My Mom had someone pick it out from online somewhere and sent it to me from Florida and the whole thing cost under $400. I have Windows XP and I know the next step will also be Vista. So let us know how Vista is when you get aquainted with it. Good luck with your new computer. I'm sure you will love it! Take care Grandpa Bob! [Opal26]
And my house too. Hahaha! I shop Best Buy for a lot of my electronics. So far I am liking Vista. But it's a learning process still for me. Thanks. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~ [webeishere]
Hi webeishere, my computer is over eight years old and you now have me worried that mine may catch fire or worse! I use it all the time and the poor thing has run out of memory once and is almost out of memory now. I just hope I can keep it working as I can't afford a new one for a while. Good luck learning Vista and hope it works well for you. [kimlot]
I do keep my computer dusted and it is in a computer hutch so it stays pretty dust free. This eases my mind some however I will keep a real close eye on my computer to make sure that this does not happen. Thank you for letting us know about your computer catching on fire, this was something that I had not thought about. Take care! [kimlot]
I'm glad it wasn't more serious. The last time I bought a new computer was in 1999 - a Gateway with Windows 98. I still have that - in my step-daughter's room. That crazy thing cost me $1300 back then. (With a printer.) The computer I use now is a reconditioned Dell with Windows XP and lots of bells and whistles. It cost me $300 back in March. Sounds like you got a good deal. [kenzie45230]
Yeah 10 years ago a comp was like buying a used car. Very costly. I recall paying $800 previously for a new comp. Now this is way better and larger and half that price. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~ [webeishere]
Wow, that's a great price! And a printer, too! You're a good shopper. happy Too bad you got Vista, though. I'd like to get a new computer but I hear you can't get XP anymore. I have my XP disc and I suppose I could replace Vista on a new one but I'll keep my old puter a little longer. [dragon54u]
Wow...it is such a lucky thing that you were sitting right there when it happened. It could have been a lot worse if it had shorted and no one was home. Luckly, I've never had a pc fire although I did have 2 off the wall experiences. The first one was shortly after I got my first pc...a friend came over and tinkered with it and moved some things around inside. When I went to turn it on, nothing. He thought that the processor might not be in right. I took it out, turned it, put it in...nothing. Took it out, turned it, put it in...there was a little pop, a slight current in my fingers and it fired right up. The second time was Hubby's old pc. Our motherboard had went out and we were trying to hook my old motherboard up to the pc (the motherboard from the first pc I had mentioned above) and there was a wire that wouldn't connect up. I licked my fingers, grabbed the wire and touched another wire...nothing. Licked my fingers, held the wire and touched another wire...nothing. The third time, there was a pop, a spark and it came on. Hubby says I'm lucky I didn't electrocute myself LOL As long as it worked I don't care. I bought my new pc 2 years ago from Walmart and I'm very careful with it b/c I don't want it tore up. I hope you enjoy your new one. **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~ [twoey68]
Yeah I was fortunate enough to have seen/heard it before it got out of hand. I almost poured a glass of water inside it. Didn't matter either way as it got fried anyhow. Hahahahaha! Licked your fingers when messing with electricity? Too funny in a sense. Hahahaha! HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~ [webeishere]
Hi grandpa Bob... Good thing you were there when it happened...My speakers started smoking one time...My grandson who's 6, was yelling.."smoke!" We threw them out but the smell was just awful... We purchased a new one a couple months ago...My husband uses the new one... The one I am using is threatening to die on me...I wish it would just die and get it over with..It is driving me batty..It takes me twice as long to do anything..LOL [Feona1962]
Well I'm glad to hear that your desk came out ok and that no one was hurt. I have Windows Vista and I have had it for about a year and it's an ok system I would like to go back to Windows XP because I know it better but Vista has those things that explain things to me in a way I can understand so that's the nice part about it. I wish you luck with your new computer it's always fun to get new things. happy [Amberina]
Join the club, GB - my computer fried itself a month or so ago. It was three days out of warranty, and we were furious, as Acer just didn't want to know. My husband ordered me a new computer - an eCube, which arrived this morning. So exciting! At the moment I'm using a spare computer my husband cobbled together for me while we argued with the insurance company and Acer - but we're just going to have to pass that one off as a bad experience. Enjoy your new computer! [guybrush]
Now Acer I've heard of. But never have heard of ECube comps till now. Thanks and you as well enjoy yours. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~ [webeishere]
Thats a nice looking computer && not bad on the price! I got my laptop from Wal-Mart for the same price, it's a ACER && I also have VISTA. I didn't like VISTA at first, but it's easy to get the hang of. It's so different though && I'm still finding new things on it. I got my new computer back in June. Never had a fire though... :) Have fun with the new computer! [Foxxee]
Holy moly, that must have freaked you out a bit. Did the fire affect all your files and everything you had saved in the old computer..were you able to transfer the stuff? Mac computers don't have a separate tower...everything is built in the monitor. I've only had my computer a little over a year...so knock on wood, I hope it'll last me a spell [pyewacket]
I stillhave the tower. I may see about getting the hard drive out and possibly install it on this one. The only files I had really were photos. Which I once again did not save to a disc. Someday I'll start saving them to a disc. Someday. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~ [webeishere]
Glad your fire wasn't even more serious. Electrical fires scare me to death. We live in an older home and if an outlet overloads it doesn't trip the breaker - it just catches fire! We've had it happen three times now. Another reason I'm glad to leave this place. My last computer purchase was 2 1/2 years ago. So far it seems to be holding up pretty good. Its a Dell, and we did have a major problem with memory last year. But Dell came thru and replaced all the parts affected at no cost, saying it was a defective part. Do you keep an electrical fire extinguisher on hand for these things? I know I do now that I know we have old wiring here. After the first fire I learned the smell of buring plastic quickly, and caught the next two fires before they did much damage. [TessWhite]
woww... that must be really scary... glad nothing serious happen to your house grandpa bob... good on you for already having a new computer... enjoy it and have fun here... take care and have a nice day... [lingli_78]
happy Well, I am glad you have a new computer, and it doesn't really matter that the old one zonked. :) I use Vista. Sometimes, it is a pest, but otherwise, it is just great. I absolutely love it. :) Cheers and happy mylotting [positiveminded1977]
Certain software that you download from the Net is incompatible with Vista. And Vista has .docx documents, which simply refuse to open on a computer than doesn't have Vista installed on it. :) Other than this, Vista is fine. And even on Vista, you can create .doc documents that easily open on Xp computers. Cheers!! [positiveminded1977]
WOW, I am pleased tha it didn't cause any other damage and love the look of your new one. I got a laptop for my daughter in April but my own is very old about 10 years I guess but still works well at the moment so no point in getting another, it runs on Windows XP whicj I love. Luckily I have never had one set fire though and hope not too experience that one. Ellie :D [ellie333]
i have replaced everthing on my pc i learned a long tine age don,t throw your computer away just replace the parts and thats what i do i just put new window on my pc i do all my mantience on my computer i had to learn because they was charging to much money to fix. sorry about your computer but congulation on your new computer enjoy [annjilena]
I have a dual-core Intel with 2Gig memory and a small hard disk. It used to be my webserver when I had a website going for a few months last year. I still hope I can make another website hosted on my own computer but I don't have the money for another computer yet. Cheers!! [underdogtoo]
Oh Gosh !! It is so terrible to hear that . It is good that no one was hurt . Well; I can never imagine having a fire in my Computer . [sweety_81]
Good thing you were home when that happened.How terrible. I did get a laugh though at your comment down the way about placing the pc in a bonfire. I don't know why but I just got a hoot out of it. It made me laugh and laugh. [janeellen47]
Well the tower itself didn't catch on fire. but a few years back we had a storm and the power went out. when it came back on I could smell smoke. I was looking around for it when I saw the computer monitor smoking. it didn't fry the tower but the monitor was fried and we had no choice but to get a new one. [shymurl]
Seems a few others here have had monitors burn out. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~ [webeishere]
lolWhat are you like, if you wanted a new one you should have just gone and bought one instead of setting fire to the old one!! I have never heard of a computer setting on fire though, I think I would have been pretty scared by that. I hope mine never does that, mine is about a year old I think. Just. [gemini_rose]
This was the only way my wife would get it for me. w00t I'm joking. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~ [webeishere]
Hi Grandpa B, Wow..what a Sunday there..LOL! ANyway, You got a very great deal then, I am sure you will learn that fast and if you have problem, we have many friends here who are expert in computer, they are just a post away! LOL! ANyway, I haven't experienced that...OUr PC is 2 years old..So, it will still serve us longer! LOL!happyhappyhappy [checapricorn]
I got a new computer last year. I spent the same amount of money but I got a lot more on this one. My old computer had windows 98se and this has vista so it was quite a big change for me. I know that some people have said they prefer xp but I never had xp so it seems fine to me. I do kinda hate having to put my password in for everything unless I shut off the administrative access thing. But other than that I like it. My husband, my daughter, and I all have our own desktops and each has our own homepage and it is just one computer. That is pretty cool. Sorry about the old computer. Hopefully you didn't lose important files. Never had a fire but my RAM did go out on my last computer but I thought it was something really bad. Take care. [Ruthep]
yes windows vista is safe and very nice to use [ddp_dev]
Hello my dear tryxiness Ji, Well, last time ever I purchased was lap-Top Toshiba Satellite A-45- S 150 , which I am still using. I ourchased in Feb'04 at FLT LDR DALE (Miami) from circuit city malls at the cost of more than 800 $, I do not exactly remembr. It does all my purpose and I am happy. It was sad to know about your incidence, it wass due to alertness taht nothing more was damaged, and as wanted to change, it ha sautomatically been replaced. Sometimes it becomes boon. have a nice time. [chintoo07]
Nope never have what type computer was it? lol. Dont mean to laugh but that was kinda funny [jimssaftytips]
Hi webeishere, Well since it was an old computer and you were wanting a new one, I guess there is no real harm, but do you have any protection for your new computer if it happens again? My brother had the same thing happen with his about a year ago, and it was only about a year old. Blessings. [Pose123]
Keeping it clean is the main thing actually. itr was a large build up of dist that caught fire is all. Did enough damage though dang it. Thanks also. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~ [webeishere]
How year old was your system? I think you must have been working for a long period it got heat and the wire has been shot! Anyways you got a brand new computer , the cost is not too expensive or low , its moderate only , i got our first computer 2 years before , my computer is not that old and we use it all the time.I hope your computer is very friendly and can be over used too :)I never had any fire in my computer , i dont want it to happen to mine , as my parents wont get me another one because they dont want me to sit before computer always.. [shana123]
OH! NO! Well Im glad that it wasnt any worse than that and no one was hurt. Now you have a new toy to play with LOL. [christylynn]
Hello Grandpa Bob. It is a scary scene to have this happen. But how long have you been using this computer of yours? Well, mine is an IBM brand, which is seven years old, but still ok for simple use and I think that it can still last two or more years before I have to renew it. Take care, Bob. [williamjisir]
I hope you had everything backed up properly, Grandpa Bob! That's a classic example of taking lemons and turning them into lemonade.happyWhen my last computer died on me I was unable to replace it with a brand new one because of my low income, but I did shop around until I got a really nice one that was within my means. I'm very happy with it. [worldwise1]
wow.. I'm not gonna lie, but you are like the first person I have ever heard of who had their computer caught on fire. -0-;; well your computer does sound pretty decent for a price, but I personally don't like buying a pre-built computer from the stores; instead, I would rather buy each individual computer parts, and build the computer on my own. There were times when I really was not happy with like my first two desktop computers (one from Compaq, which I hated THE most) and one from HP (was pretty decent, the best part was that it had win98SE) but I'm sorry you would have to go through learning Vista. I have Vista on my laptop right now and I'm using it, and I don't hate it too much. If you were to do just some general things with your computer, (as long the applications you're running does not eat up too much of your memory) you won't hate it, but you WILL hate Vista someday, and want to go back to XP. 1GB of memory, is.... not really good enough to run Vista, and I swear. I have 3GB of memory on my laptop, and sometimes even 3GB of memory is not sufficient... well happy mylotting and hope you enjoy your eMachines computer :) [animeniak]
Thank goodness it did not set your house on fire!! Oh, that is scary!! Did you lose important files or were they backed up? I email files to myself and save them in a folder in my email, online, so I can retrieve them from anywhere in the world. Of course, documents with more sensitive material, I don't. I make hard copies and back up on a portable hard drive. That was a good price. I think that prices are coming down as more people are using computers. I bet you can't believe the difference in the speed, huh? [nanajanet]
I got this computer in december. It is a Compaq Presario. Like you I have a Windows Vista. Out of all the computers I have had, I have never had a fire happen to it. [seabeauty]
I bought a whole new computer back in 2003. BUT since then I've upgraded almost every part at least once if not twice. Its all in the same case but not the original parts. I'd like to upgrade now to a quadcore processor with more ram. I like building systems and working on them (good thing thats my job) but to be honest....i HATE emachines and vista. [saundyl]
Oh, boy that could have ended badly. Good thing you were home and noticed it. I never had this happen to my computer. I know they can fry but didn't know it could actually spark a fire. At least it was an old one and you so quickly found a replacement. I would be very unhappy, if this would happen to mine. There is a lot of stuff on there that I wouldn't want to lose. We backup regularly but still. The only time we almost had a fire was when the coffee machine suddenly started smoking. We had a birthday party for one of our kids and I kept the machine going for the adults to have coffee. One of the parents noticed the smoke and asked if my machine always steamed like that. Thank God! There was no damage done, just the machine was broken. But there easily could have been a fire because I had Party Supplies (you know streamers, plates, all the nice paper stuff) stored right next to it. I'm still counting my blessings on that one. [jonesy123]
Oh my god. iam so sad to here about this. I think you work more in computer or any power problem. ok take care. [vimaal]
I myself witness it, my brother was with the computer 24 hours playing games and he didnt notice that the monitor is overheating. Luckily my brother unplug the electrical wires right aways to prevent it from burning. He said that he didnt notice it for he so focus on the game. He play again but with my computer. Recently my brother just bought with new computer set, it better than the old ones, the latest model i think but i dont know the price, for he like to have plenty of games to installed and he like to edit photos and movies. He knows computer very well but me i just know how to use. [Margarit]
Hello Grandpa Bob! Sometimes it really needs to get the older things changed but owing to the fact of contended nature one would not go for :) Your story describes how destiny sometimes appear in the shape of blessing in disguise, hehe kidding Sir. Really sorry to learn about the fact. Anyways thats good that you have a new one with much speed and a newer version of Windows. Now you can explore the new software and enjoy mylot in new prospects of windows. God bless you. [aliasad]
Yes, the last computer, I had did the same thing, I didn't know what it was or the damage, I didn't see any flames, but I smelled that electrical smell that comes with burning. My daughter's friend the computer geek, gave me the diagnosis, Power supply and motherboard was destroyed, it was an emachine, he bought another motherboard for it and it also burned out. I told him to forget it and bought me another one this one is a Compaq, and if this one is damaged beyond repair I am going to get another one. [Chevee]
Grandpa Bob I am back and i see you still live an exciting life with everything happening I am surprised it went that far and since there was no real damage i guess being pushed to buy a new Computer was all we need Good Luck and Have a Great day I was gone for about a year [vmksvmks]
Now that really scares me what if you weren't home when this happened. Thank God you had good luck this time. [savypat]
It it not too hard to learn Vista i felt the same way when I first changed over and believe me I went kicking and screaming LOL I noticed in the post you said you opened the desk and saw it smoking. Do you keep your computer tower enclosed in something?? If so you may want to rethink that. The tower really needs good air circulation. Also as far as the dust I open mine every 3 months and blow it out. I have a dog and live on a main high way which means lots of dust. I also used to smoke. i noticed since I stopped smoking and also placed my tower up off the floor that it stays a lot cleaner too. Either way Glad you were able to get a new one i just got me a real nice one at Best buy for 500.00 I paid 160.00 to install a better power supply in it and to add a good Video card i got both on New Egg and this system runs really well and runs any game without any problems Not bad for 660.00 all together [phoenix_risin]
Wow what a mess you could have had. I am glad it was not a bigger fire than it was. I am so sorry to here your computer had to go to go to computer heaven. It was a good old thing. I am glad you where able to get a new one for less than the old one cost. My last new computer was in 2000 and it is dead now. My computer I am using now was given to me by my son. I am not sure how old it is. I think it is 5 or 6 years old. It is working fine. I did get VD in it once before I got a viral protection in it. I just bought an upgrade of Microsoft office home and student 2007. It paid 76 dollars at costco. I am so pleased to have an upgrade on Word and the other office products. I got something called one note which I have not opened yet to see how that works. What document program did you get on your computer? Glad to see you back. I thought I scared you away with my offer of help with the cross stitch and PM you my phone number if you need help. I do love cross stitching and get a little excited about helping someone. I am in the process of designing a baby announcement for my grandson who will arrive some time in February. I have gotten three sheep on it so far and am working on the boarder. I know where I will be putting the lettering for his name date and weight. I think I will be adding some trees and birds and a son. I will photograph it and post it when I am though with it. [teapotmommommerced]
That happened with my laptop. I'm happily watching TV and surfing and the next thing I know it's sizzling, smoking, and popping. Startled. I turned it off and restarted it thinking it was something weird but not serious. Nope. Then I used a pair of tweezers and painstakingly unscrewed it, and realized the speakers were overheating (after I burned myself on them). So after yanking them out I discovered I had a still-working computer. Joy. So I followed up by buying a different laptop with "this one is burning!" as an excuse. Hahaha. [masquedxangel]
Hahaha! Thanks for sharing your story! When I was in university and doing my thesis project, I can still remember when the computer monitor that I had been using that time suddenly made some sounds of popping, then, my monitor screen has blacked out. My computer that time has been opened for a long period of continous usage, and that monitor is sort of old. I will never forget when it almost made some fire if I was not attentive. I assume, you will never forget that "Computer Explosion" for the rest of your life, right? :-) [malquisce79]
good thing u were there. glad it didn't cause anymore damage to anything. i go off & leave my computer on all the time. mine is old to & as much as i have used it i am surprised mine hasn't done the same thing. [ANTIQUELADY]
Can't say that I have ever had a tower catch on fire. I've had to replace a fan before. I've had my current pc for about 3 years. The next pc I get I hope to be a lap top. But with the way things are going, I won't get one anytime soon. I'm just happy that this one still works pretty good. Glad you were able to replace yours quickly. Best wishes learning Vista! [terri0824]
I'm hearing more and more than Vista is getting very easy to use. I won't have it for a long time, but I'm curious. [AmbiePam]
Grandpa Bob, if I didn't know better I would think someone might be conspiring against you. You're having a lot of trouble lately and I don't think that is right. Of course you handle it with a lot of grace. And at least you got a good deal! That is a very good buy you made. Next time I get a new computer, I'm sending you in to do my buying! [AmbiePam]
wow grandpa bob that must have been scary.I have had two powere sources wear out but no fires thank Goodness for that. I am in need of memory in an appalling way but havent the funds yet for a new computer but would love to get one. I have heard mixed reports on Vista. hope you have a lot of fun with your brand new computer. sounds really nice [Hatley]
I haven't bought a new computer in a while, but I'm lucky to say that. Some power fluctuation at my house a month ago could have well done some damage. We wound up blowing two surge protectors and two power adaptors before all was said and done. Luckily, the computer did not get hosed. [DaddyOfTheRose]
this is why you must always clean out your computer. either with presurred air or a rag or somthing. prevention is better then a fire lol have a good one [LadyKenator]
The last time I bought a new computer was a year and a half ago. But it wasn't due to a fire. blink My old one had been giving me problems for a few months beforehand. Whenever my husband or I would try to turn it on, sometimes it would work, sometimes it wouldn't. As time went by, it only got worse. Eventually the computer wouldn't turn on at all. I was so pissed, I didn't want a computer after that. But my husband won out due to him saying that he relies on the computer to help him locate the jobs his boss sends him on. Though guess who's the one that actually gets to do this? rolleyes LOL Vista isn't so bad, Grandpa Bob. I have the premium and haven't had any problems with it yet. happy [sacmom]
Hello GRANDPA BOB, Wow! It's good you were present when it happened. Looks like you a very fast computer and a very fast internet connections. I am still using Windows XP. Maybe when I have a new PC it will come with the new Vista operating systems. My desktop power supply also smoked one time. It was a bad capacitor. After the capacitor was replaced, the PC worked as new. Unfortunately, last month the mother board give up and there is no spare available to replaced it. I migth need to buy a new PC soon but now I am using my old Pentium III PC. It's slow but it still does the job. Regards. ninjaninjaninja [robert19ph]
My computer have never not got in fire. However it was struck by lightning during this week and my UPS went off. I have to buy a new one. I have bought a new laptop eight months ago since it provides me with portability and I can work on it both at home and at work. [ronaldinu]
Oh my goodness. I'm glad you were right there when it happened. I hate that it happened though. I like your new computer. I had a flat screen like that that came with my dell computer and it died on me recently. I don't want to go out and spend $250 on a new one though. So I'm using a white one now that is one of the big bulky ones. My father in law told me I could use it cause it's one of his old ones until I get me a new monitor. But my mom was talking about getting her a bigger flat screen monitor the other day and she told me I could have hers that she has now. Nothing is wrong with it at all...she just wants a bigger one. So hopefully I will be getting that one soon and won't have to use this big one sitting on my desk. [sweetgirl_k1]
I have only ever had one computer. Hopefully one day I will be able to buy a new one. I have never had a fire in my computer. Thank god. That would scare me really bad, if that ever happened. I wouldn't know what to do either. [cortney09]
That must have been scary. I was typing away on mine a few years ago when everything went dead. I looked down at my feet and there was my bunny chewing away at my monitor wire. I don't know why she didn't get fried but I'm really thankful she didn't. I was so glad that I couldn't even be mad at her that I no longer hat a monitor. [PrarieStyle]
Wow, that sounds very crazy. Let's pray that doesn't happen to anyone at all. That's terrible! Your new computer looks cool! I love Best Buy, did you use your Rewards Card? We have 3 computers (one from 2001, another from 2003 & the last one from 2005). The first one (from 2001) is Sony desktop. The second (from 2003) is Toshiba laptop, & the 3rd (from 2005) is HP desktop. We've never had any of the stuff fry like that before. However it's probably better it did because you got to get a new computer. Yea!!! w00t Pablo [callarse1]
my computer has never caught fire,though sometimes it smells like that.it does become very,if i leave the computer on through out the day.it feels like sometimes it is going to burst. [riyasam]
i am sorry to hear this message that you occur the bad thing.since all us should optimic to things including luck or terrible things.maybe the computer should retire for he is old now ,a new one is called for to instead it as its descendant. [bravery2008]
mine is a year old now, it suits me fine. I purchased it through Dell, dent and scratch section and got it for a song, no noticeable dents or scratches in it so I figure it was a canceled or returned order. Glad you were there to notice the fire! I had an extension cord start melting last year and it blew out the outlet. Can't seem to find any extension cords anymore other than those made in China.... and I just do not know how to tell which ones are safe or not. [Modestah]
Mine right now is a year old, I also bought mine through dell... It has 3GB ram, AMD Athlon 2400 pro GPU, not sure what processor :P I am looking at building a new one myself from scratch though. [andrew_2591]