old windows 2K question something weird issue

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dacflyer
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old windows 2K question something weird issue

Post by dacflyer »

i have this older laptop (DELL Latitude with a attitude problem)
that we use at work for older programs..
it got strange issues..
the keys z,x,c,m,<,> and enter key have major delays on them. i can hold down the key and it will be several seconds delay before it responds.. not is not the KB either.
also if i use the up and down arrow keys to scroll... the down key will shoot me to the bottom of the page. that is where the curser will appear.
what the hell is wrong with this darn thing... any ideas before i fling it across the room ?
virus scan and malware shows nothing..
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CeaSaR
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Re: old windows 2K question something weird issue

Post by CeaSaR »

You don't have anything like Sticky Keys or some other aid turned on? It's been a while, but if you inadvertently hold down the shift key for too long, it can activate them.

Try a fresh, cold boot and tell us what happens. It'll only take a few minutes, what can it hurt?

CeaSaR
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Janitor Tzap
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Re: old windows 2K question something weird issue

Post by Janitor Tzap »

Did you try a different keyboard on it?

It sounds like the keyboard has problem with either the keys, or the Keyboard controller chip.

Also I agree with CeaSaR....
Look for HOT-Keys program that may be running in the background.
Try disabling them, and see if the problem is gone.


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dacflyer
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Re: old windows 2K question something weird issue

Post by dacflyer »

i've tried all that.. it is something deeper... running me nuts... i think it is a bug, but everything i use says all clear..
some time i can press the buttons once and they work or have to pound it several times..
i even changed the actual KB...and used a usb KB.. both do the same thing. sticky keys and hot keys are all off.
and as i said before,, if i use the down arrow button, it won't scroll the page, it dives to the bottom of page.. and up jumps to the top. this thing is old as an abacus, i should just retire it...tell work it's gotta go !
it is also to the point that i cannot get any adobe or flash java updates any more..
i just need an excuse to shitcan the thing...lol
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Janitor Tzap
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Re: old windows 2K question something weird issue

Post by Janitor Tzap »

Hmmmm........................

Okay,
This sounds a lot like a Malware infection.

Can this machine boot from a CD-Rom?
Or from a USB Stick?

Yes?
Then boot the system up on some portable version of Linux{Ubuntu}.

If after Linux boots up, and the Keyboard functions normally.
{While your still running in Linux.}
Then go down load the Free Version of Malwarebytes.
Install it and run it.
Hopefully that will kill the Malware.

If the Keyboard is still messed up, while even running the portable version of Linux.

That would indicate a messed up chipset on the Motherboard.

One thing to try in this case, would be the "Hard Reset".

Before you try this.
Write down the current settings in the BIO's-CMO's.

Next:
Unplug everything from the Computer, and make notes as to which jacks they were plugged in to.

Next:
Crack open the case, and locate the Battery and CMO's RESET Jumper.
Remove the battery, and move the Jumper from "Run" mode to "Reset".
NOTE:{Check the Battery, it should read 3.0V or higher, if not, replace it.}

Next: Disconnect the power cables to the MotherBoard, Drives, and other devices.

Next: Press and hold the "Power Button" on the front of the case for 30 seconds.
Let the system sit like this for about 10 minutes.

Now, reconnect the cables.
Put the battery back in.
Move the CMO's Jumper back to "Run".

Reconnect the devices you had connect to the computer.
{Remembering which jacks they go to}.

Then power it up.
Go into the BIO's and put the settings back in.

If all went well, you'll have a working Keyboard.
If not..........

Tell your boss you need a new computer. :wink:

Good luck with it!


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dacflyer
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Re: old windows 2K question something weird issue

Post by dacflyer »

i have ran the malware, it detects nothing.. i am not allowed to install linux or other programs without ITs Permission...and they won't fix this either..
and the info you gave me was for a desktop,,,,this issue is on a laptop..but i figured that out,, same process for the most part..
anyway this lappy is scheduled for an appointment with a microwave later on today for a 5 second treatment... then i'll get a new compfuzer..
i already saved what i can,,, rest is useless...
and yes, i'll remove the battery before i nuke it...
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Janitor Tzap
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Re: old windows 2K question something weird issue

Post by Janitor Tzap »

dacflyer wrote:i have ran the malware, it detects nothing.. i am not allowed to install linux or other programs without ITs Permission...and they won't fix this either..
and the info you gave me was for a desktop,,,,this issue is on a laptop..but i figured that out,, same process for the most part..
anyway this lappy is scheduled for an appointment with a microwave later on today for a 5 second treatment... then i'll get a new compfuzer..
i already saved what i can,,, rest is useless...
and yes, i'll remove the battery before i nuke it...
:Laptop huh.........

You misunderstood me about Linux.

You make a Bootable CD or USB Stick of a stand alone version of Linux.
This does NOT install anything on to the Laptops Hard drive.
The Linux runs ONLY from the CD or USB Stick.
It completely bypasses Windows.

Since your not adding anything to the Hard drive, or cracking it open.
Your IT guy should be fine with you trying the stand alone version of Linux,
since it won't alter anything on the Laptop.


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CeaSaR
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Re: old windows 2K question something weird issue

Post by CeaSaR »

Thought about it and due to the fact that you've used an external keyboard (USB), it sounds as if you have corrupt drivers. Could be a sign of a failing hard drive, especially with the age of the machine. I'd have them mirror the HDD and then try to repair the original. If that works, re-mirror the original to the new and you'll be good to go. If not, check to see if you have power supply problems. Again, due to its age, a degraded supply (including battery) can cause glitches leading to corruption of data.

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Lenp
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Re: old windows 2K question something weird issue

Post by Lenp »

What happens in safe mode?
Does task manager/ performance show unusual CPU or memory use?
Len

“To invent, you need a good imagination and a big pile of junk.” (T. Edison)
"I must be on the way to success since I already have the junk". (Me)
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dacflyer
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Re: old windows 2K question something weird issue

Post by dacflyer »

sorry guys, i already shitcanned the thing..
i talked to IT, they refused to mirror the HD. ( jerks )
i saved the info i needed.. rest is trash.. tossed into the recycle pile at IT.
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Re: old windows 2K question something weird issue

Post by Janitor Tzap »

Well, technically it is the companies Laptop, that was given to you for company business.

So, putting any personal documents, pictures, video, or audio files on it is a big no, no.
And this could lead too a reprimand, or firing, depending on what that content is.

What angers me, is how certain software companies{MicroSquish} are getting so controlling over there programing languages.
Example: If you use C++, and write a program with it.
{MicroSquish} has the right to confiscate that program as there own, and you get none of the money you could of earned from it.
Plus, you can't even distribute it for free.


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dacflyer
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Re: old windows 2K question something weird issue

Post by dacflyer »

what i hate is old drivers programs etc. like from WIN98se or such, they are not able to be used on newer operating systems.
i have some USB video converters that were great, but i can no longer use them,, no new drivers to work with them..
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Janitor Tzap
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Re: old windows 2K question something weird issue

Post by Janitor Tzap »

dacflyer wrote:what i hate is old drivers programs etc. like from WIN98se or such, they are not able to be used on newer operating systems.
i have some USB video converters that were great, but i can no longer use them,, no new drivers to work with them..
I hear ya.

I have an old system running XP SP2.
I have it setup as a Audio, Video, Graphics, and Old Games system.

It has a PCI Video/Audio Capture Card, with an FM Tuner.
A full size flat bed color scanner.
512MB AGP Video Card.
Color Laser Printer.
24X CD\DVD Burner.
1.2Meg 5 1/4, & 1.44Meg 3 1/2 Floppies.
100Meg IDE Optical Zip Drive.
Old VHS VCR, for tape transfers.
The old Kensington Trackball.
Motherboard has on board Audio, USB 2.0, SATA-RAID{ONLY}
2GB of DDR Memory.
250GB PATA Hard drive.
Some old graphic design software.
DOSBOX for some of my old games.

I've checked if I could move to a newer OS and newer Motherboard.
But I keep running into no drivers for most of the system components.
Also trying to find newer Motherboards that still has the the flopply, PATA IDE Controllers,
and PCI sockets, has been impossible.

So, I'll just keep it as a stand alone setup for now.


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gerty
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Re: old windows 2K question something weird issue

Post by gerty »

[quote="dacflyer"]i have this older laptop (DELL Latitude with a attitude problem)
that we use at work for older programs..
it got strange issues..
the keys z,x,c,m,<,> and enter key have major delays on them. i can hold down the key and it will be several seconds delay before it responds.. not is not the KB either.
also if i use the up and down arrow keys to scroll... the down key will shoot me to the bottom of the page. that is where the curser will appear.
what the hell is wrong with this darn thing... any ideas before i fling it across the room ?
virus scan and malware shows nothing..[/quote]

I have one of these also. I use it for programming two way radios. Motorola software needs a serial port (rare anymore),and old slow computer or it'll freak out. I was hoping you found the problem in case mine gets haunted...

edit: they came out with software to slow the clock speed (not specifically for motorola) called moslo http://www.hpaa.com/moslo/
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dacflyer
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Re: old windows 2K question something weird issue

Post by dacflyer »

the laptop is still around if yer interested in it... i'll have to see if i can get it.. but it might be Minus 1 HD.
but it still had 3 good batteries, and the removable CD drive and PS..
if i can get it,, what is thy bidding....
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