Can anyone tell me what's the exact problem with this Gateway desktop!! can u tell me how to fix it!!?

Question

I bought this gateway desktop about 6 months ago. Problem started few days later, volume didn't work , we called technical support, and they have no idea what was the problem. Finally someone seem little better told us to install the sound driver, we did that and it worked. After 3 days, same exact problem occurred again they told us to do same thing , 2 days later we couldn't type any thing , again they guide us to install , few days later again volume didn't work, my husband teaches online he has to talk on the microphone , the voice didn't record , again install same thing for recording. I already sent this stupid computer twice to them (gateway) with all the hassle but they don't fix anything. every after couple days , volume, record, typing doesn't work , i already spent many days with rude technical support , the funny thing is they can't understand one problem!!!! All they are going to tell me to send the computer to them or they will send me the rebuilt computer, help!!!

Answer 1

It sounds like you have a sever hardware problem, they should replace the pc if its been sent in 2 times already....you should call and demand they replace the pc because you are still having problems....when you call, ask right away to talk to a supervisor and explain what is happening....

Answer 2

I despair of Gateway.



In the UK their support is c**p and their hardware is customised so you need their support.



Like an example... my in-laws PC has a Gateway tweaked sound card which requires a Gateway driver. the driver is overwritten by XP because it's out of date or broken in some way, so they lose their speakers all the time.



It sounds like you have given Gateway plenty of chances to fix the thing and they have repeatedly failed. Tell them that the computer isn't fit for purpose and that they should take it back and return your money.



Replace it with a machine from a company that cares about their customers. Like your local small PC store? It'll cost you a bit more but you'll get better support.

Answer 3

ok well figure out who is in charge of the rude technicans



tell them that ur system has been in to many times to get repaired and noithing is done or if there is a fix it creates another error



the machine doesn t worked and you want it replaced



look at your warrenty or lease etc



telll them did they just throw this crap together



with out drivers



try and pond the machine bk to them



The Motherboard sounds like the problem



You may have to get a little upset with them if they arent doing anything about



Did they check the motherboard

ask them



very odd a system was shipped without drivers

I say its a faulty Motherboard



or have it fixed professionally

Answer 4

If you are using Windows get rid of it. Switch to Linux. There are many free downloadable Linux distributions on the internet. You most likely won't have any problems once you get rid of windows and install Linux, but you should back up your data first.

Answer 5

I have to agree with redsoxer, you should wipe the harddrive and install the OS again. If you don't have the drivers for the hardware, windows update should be able to find them for you (I'm assuming you have Windows XP).



Good luck...

Answer 6

It sounds to me like there is either a buggy program that keeps knocking out the Audio drivers or there is a confliction that could be cuased by unmatched settings between Windows and the CMOS. However, you mentioned that the Keyboard failed at one point in time. Now while this keyboard failure may have been isolated and random, Keyboard issues are rarely the fault of the PC. And as such, Keyboards a now considered disposable.



To solve the sound issue. I recommend first, going to www.gateway.com and download/install the latest drivers and any firmware updates (I'm certain you have already done this but repeat for effectiveness sake).



Next, do the same with your CHIPSET drivers as well as any BIOS flash upgrades/updates. Often enough, problems like these seem to be a result of out dated CMOS/BIOS software. This is strange becuase usually the hardware is working and then suddenly goes out. This is usually a result of an automatic driver update done on the hardware (knowingly or unknowingly).



So go ahead do do the above mentioned tasks, then we will proceed.



Assuming you have completed updating your Sound and Chipset drivers and flashed your BIOS (requires the use of a floppy disk or bootable CD), then we are ready to eliminate pesky buggy software.



Let's start off by running our system configuration tool (better known as MSCONFIG) Click START/RUN and type in "MSCONFIG" followed by the enter key. (Windows 2000 users will need to obtain a copy of this tool as Microsuck decided to take it out of Win2K but returned it to XP. To obtain a copy for FREE, goto http://downloads.comstar-computers.com)



Next a box will popup, we want to click on the STARTUP ITEMS tab. This will house a long list of programs known to older Techs as TSR's which were programs that used to run and then when completed, they would stay loaded into the static memory modules (RAM). TSR - Terminate and Stay Resident programs as accepted today are slightly different then older more conventional TSR's. The current "would-be" TSR's appear usually in the form of an icon down by your clock.



You will want to remove all checkmarks from the list of programs set to load on bootup. You will want to leave the Antivirus, Adware Spyware programs (If any), and any 3rd party software that controls major components such as EKG's. Auto Diagnostic Computers, or any other major software dependant hardware. For common home and business users, you won't have a problem. However, if you are weary about turning on/off TSR's or Startup Programs, simply copy the list of programs to a notepad doc and email it to me. I will review it, tell you what each item does and who it belongs to.



Once you have cleaned up your startup items, we can then click on the SERVICES tab from the same box. In this box, much like the last one, a list is presented to you. Now these are not TSR's these are services that Windows loads and runs to allow you to do specific things such as connect to the web, print, or play Solitare with a friend in Berkley.



You will see a checkmark box that says HIDE ALL MICROSUCK SERVICES. Click it and your list will get some what smaller. Now you are left with 3rd party services. Let's besure that if any audio services are present, we enable them. Then redisplay ALL SERVICES by removing the HIDE checkmark. Now go through that list and again, look for any AUDIO services that may be turned off.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-



Take a break, go blow a smoke and then meet me back here.



Okay let's continue, now that you have clenaed up your STARTUP Items and Verified Services, we need to APPLY the chances and then Reboot the system. Now you will notice your system boots much faster and overall performance has improved. Sound may or may not be working at this point but I have a strong feeling that you will be hearing bells and whistles by now. If not, let's work some more.



IS THE SOUND CARD TURNED ON?



On Gateways, upon turning on the system, you can press one of the following keys. One will take you into your CMOS where you can edit your BIOS. CMOS and BIOS are most commonly referred to as the same thing, but one is actually the name of the microchip, the other is the acronym for what that chip does. BIOS = Basic Input Output System.



Okay when we access the BIOS by hitting either DEL, F1, or F2 (In some cases F10-F12 are designated as your bios access key). Remember, we do this at the GATEWAY logo or where you see the POST testing phase (POST = Pre Operating Systems Test) POST basically counts ram, sets up your hardware for initial use, verifies the date and time, then hands off control to the OS (Operating System i.e. Windows).



Once you have entered into your CMOS/BIOS, look for Intergrated Hardware or something similiar. In this area, we can enable/disable various intergrated harware on your motherboard such as Audio, USB, LAN, and more.



Let's ensure that the AUDIO card is turned on. If it is not, then Enable it. Exit out and save your settings. Let the PC reboot.



If you have sound issues once again.. It is time to start unsinstalling software and slowly reinstalling those applications one by one until we find the culprit. Now since this is tedious and often involves advanced knowlege of PC's and Software, I am here to assist. I can gain access to your PC as if I was sitting infront of it, I can correct issues while you watch. Of course this would require downloading a possible 2 programs (Small) and setting them up with your very own Password which you can change at will to protect your machine from unauthorized access.



If you would like me to take a look at the system and assist in repairing it, pop me an email at [e-mail]. The first Online Service Call is 100% free so take advantage.

Answer 7

Reinstall the operating system and all drivers.