Lplater38,

memtest86+ is installed in Ubuntu by default. There is no need to download it.

Switch off your PC.

Switch on the PC whilst holding down the Shift key to bring up the GRUB menu.

Use the arrow keys to move to the entry labeled Memory test (memtest86+).

Press Enter.

The test will run automatically, and continue until you end it by pressing the Esc key.

Allow the test to run for at least one full pass. This may take some time, so leave it until it has finished.

If the memory is faulty you will see portions of the output highlighted in red, otherwise it is okay.

1 members found this post helpful.

^ memtest can take a looooong time, just saying.
best to start it, go out, come back in the evening...


ouch.
it's good you did that to another machine.
if it was the machine we're talking about right now, i wouldn't be inclined to try to help you anymore.
a computer is not a shredder. you can't "oil" it.

1 members found this post helpful.

Computers have multiple fans.
If you tried oiling case fans it's probably OK - but they are cheap to replace anyway.

Do NOT try oiling any fans attached to your motherboard, CPU or video card.

Do not give that "Geek" organisation any more money for something you could easily do yourself.

2 members found this post helpful.

I tried that by going to "Shut Down" and then trying to turn computer on by pressing the button, nothing. I tried doing it by "restart" holding down the shift key, nothing, no grub.

Your instructions are clear and uncomplicated so I don't know what to do now except wait for our monthly Kerb side Council Clean up. I reckon that would be a good 'Clean up system for this bit of junk'

Lplater38,

Don't throw in the towel just yet.

You need “hands-on” assistance from a real live person locally and preferably one who is not going to charge you $100 a time.

There is at least one organisation that can provide you with help and that is U3A (The University of the Third Age).

Just ignore the term university, you are not going to be studying for a degree!

Here as an example are some local U3As in NSW:
http://www.nsw.u3anet.org.au/?page_id=209

U3As exist all over Australia (and the UK etc), so use Google to find a local U3A in your area.

Contact them and explain that you need help with your Linux/Windows computer.

It will be worth joining to find an IT specialist to help you get this fixed.

U3As are always looking for speakers on a variety of subjects, so you may find that you are much in demand with your tales of the Outback!

You can then trade your skills for their’s.

1 members found this post helpful.

Thank you, I was a foundation member of the local branch of U3A along with a good friend, now dec, Ian Kensett-Smith. That was a lot of years gone.

David Chapman and I started the Coffs Harbour Linux Club,others came along after the first 12 months, like a person from the current club who did the logos and has kept the interest going with the club.Matthew Davidson, who is also running a computer business. but I do not attend now as they are all experts and they leave me for dead when they get talking.

I was always on to them in running a learners school, even at a reasonable cost to students, but each time t hey attempted to train newbies the talk would skyrocket to the moon and the learners were lost.

David Chapman was keen to get the club going for his personal business concerns, but did put a lot of free time into the early days of the club. I see I do not get a mention in the CLublinux page, but that is the way it goes.

So yes, there are avenues.

I must admit, I had not thought of them as yet, but will give them a go. Having Linux does have its problems