Computer got very slow, formatted source drive, can't even install windows

[TidusZ]

Computer was running fine since like 2008 - then, at the same time as my cable modem craps out, the PC starts running incredibly slowly to the point where it takes 5 minutes to open windows explorer.

There was freezing rain outside at the time so electricity may have been affected but lights didn't flicker and other PC is unaffected. The cable modem/internet is working fine now as well.

I managed to boot into a windows 7 install CD (after a long time) and format the main drive, but couldn't progress after that even after waiting an hour or more. Since then, every time I try to boot from either a windows 7 USB or DVD it is extremely slow. Even after an hour, the first menu hasn't popped up yet and all I can do is move the mouse around.

What I've tried so far is disconnecting all the hard drives, removing 2 ram sticks, then 3 so that only 1 stick is in use. No change. I'm going to try different ram sticks. Past that I don't really know what else I can do at this point, don't know where the problem lies as it doesn't seem to be the ram/hdd. The processor is a q9550 which was o/c to 4.25 for a long time but it's been at stock for the past couple years. I've cleaned the pc a few months ago so it's not that dirty.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Computer was running fine since like 2008 - then, at the same time as my cable modem craps out, the PC starts running incredibly slowly to the point where it takes 5 minutes to open windows explorer.

There was freezing rain outside at the time so electricity may have been affected but lights didn't flicker and other PC is unaffected. The cable modem/internet is working fine now as well.

I managed to boot into a windows 7 install CD (after a long time) and format the main drive, but couldn't progress after that even after waiting an hour or more. Since then, every time I try to boot from either a windows 7 USB or DVD it is extremely slow. Even after an hour, the first menu hasn't popped up yet and all I can do is move the mouse around.

What I've tried so far is disconnecting all the hard drives, removing 2 ram sticks, then 3 so that only 1 stick is in use. No change. I'm going to try different ram sticks. Past that I don't really know what else I can do at this point, don't know where the problem lies as it doesn't seem to be the ram/hdd. The processor is a q9550 which was o/c to 4.25 for a long time but it's been at stock for the past couple years. I've cleaned the pc a few months ago so it's not that dirty.

I would ordinarily say that it sounds like your HDD(s) may be going south on you.

However, I have some experience trying to boot the Win7 DVD install disc, on an overclocked rig, and having it sit there at the "Setup" screen, nearly forever.

So, I'm going to suggest that you reset your BIOS to factory defaults or optimized defaults, and connect only the DVD drive, and try booting the DVD, and see if it gets to where you see the list of HDDs.

Your mobo/CPU may just be getting tired.

If it happened at the same time that some of your other equipment failed (cable modem), then it may have been due to some electrical disturbance, and there may not be much that you can do about it, short of replacing parts.

You could always try a fresh PSU unit, as sort of a "hail mary" sort of thing, but honestly, I don't see it doing all that much good.

Time to upgrade?

 

[TidusZ]

well I think I found the problem...

Not a great picture but basically the bios and area underneath it is scorched black.. I'm going to figure out how to try to boot the 2nd bios and see if that works but most likely I am gonna need to buy new mobo/cpu/ram and may as well get a small ssd. This is just netflix box. I've been debating between g328 or G4400.

I had this pc plugged right into the wall so I guess I know not to do that.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Ouch! Yeah, I think it's time to replace it...

CPU might be OK, probably is if it's booting the BIOS. Could sell it and get a few bucks for it. Maybe the RAM's OK too?

I mean, you could try buying a S775 board, they still sell them, for like $70.

Or consider buying a SKL i3-6100, 8GB of DDR4-2133, and a decent H110 mobo. (Or an ASRock Combo-G B150 board, with both 2 DDR4 and 2 DDR3 slots, and re-use some DDR3 on it, if you've got any.)

 

[Ketchup]

well I think I found the problem...

Not a great picture but basically the bios and area underneath it is scorched black.. I'm going to figure out how to try to boot the 2nd bios and see if that works but most likely I am gonna need to buy new mobo/cpu/ram and may as well get a small ssd. This is just netflix box. I've been debating between g328 or G4400.

I had this pc plugged right into the wall so I guess I know not to do that.

Good find on that one. I have seen things like this a few times (mine and other's PCs). The system powers on and boots, but there is obviously something wrong. Always amazed me how those electrical surges can pick one little piece, but leave the rest untouched.

As far as replacement, unless you have DDR3 laying around, no reason not to get a cheap Slylake setup. And then, you will be able to get something better down the road (if the need presents itself).

 

[JeffMD]

I can't really see trace damage "slowing" ram and cpu's, the electrons don't slow down, they either respond, or they don't. It sounds like the HD is going south, it is probably pulling several attempts to read each sector as it goes. You SHOULD be able to see this in the S.M.A.R.T. Diagnostic.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I can't really see trace damage "slowing" ram and cpu's, the electrons don't slow down, they either respond, or they don't. It sounds like the HD is going south, it is probably pulling several attempts to read each sector as it goes. You SHOULD be able to see this in the S.M.A.R.T. Diagnostic.

Yeah, I was wondering if the damage was close to the SATA ports / southbridge, and that was the problem. Maybe a PCI or PCI-E SATA controller would fix that issue?

 

[TidusZ]

I can't really see trace damage "slowing" ram and cpu's, the electrons don't slow down, they either respond, or they don't. It sounds like the HD is going south, it is probably pulling several attempts to read each sector as it goes. You SHOULD be able to see this in the S.M.A.R.T. Diagnostic.

I took some better pictures with the motherboard out of the case. Even with no hard drive connected the computer was still not working properly when booting into windows installation.

I'm about to go buy new mobo/ram/processor. Interesting thing of note, is before I formatted the drive the PC actually did work, but just extremely slow. I was able to watch a video