Low price Windows PC recommendations

[Chris M]

That screen sounds like a custom (HP/Dell/whatever) screen. What the tech will probably do is:

Boot into BIOS, reset to defaults ('cause it's easy and always a good place to start) Reboot.
Boot into BIOS check UEFI settings (if present) ensure first boot device is your SSD. Reboot.
If still failing.
Boot from bootable USB and rebuild MBR or BCD.

Hardest part will be finding the correct key to furiously tap to enter BIOS.

[handrawn]

makes sense chris

lets see now, on my desktop it's DEL key, on my laptop it's F1, on the other laptop it's F11 I think, or is that the boot menu options....

I only know the desktop for sure because i built the thing myself... I have a password set in BIOS so it always stops there and I don't need to tap furiously just hit the right key a fraction of a second after entering the password and hitting enter - oh and I have to remember to enter the admin password not the usual password or else I get read only BIOS

ah such fun....

[Jonopen]

Thanks all.

@Chris (it's a Lenovo Thinkpad) I'm thinking the (blue) screen options showing are part of the Windows 10 recovery system. I've done a search on "windows 10 recovery options screen" and most of the images that come up look familiar.

@handrawn I don't think I can really blame Acronis because I'm fairly sure I didn't click the 'OK' button after it said disk cloning was successful before I left it.

My new worry is that it's going to end up costing more than the best part of a new PC. At least the guy in the shop said they'll do an initial assessment for free. I've spent about £60 so far, but I'm mindful that being Windows 10 and not upgradable to v11 and the laptop is getting on a bit, it's not going to be the good investment.

@handrawn I've always wanted to build a PC, but this is not the first upgrading mishap I've had over the years. The first one was when I put (forced) the wrong RAM in an old desktop years ago. It literally went up in a puff of smoke.

I'll post back here once I have more news. Thanks again.

[handrawn]

discuss options with the guy

if your clone is ok and it's only the boot, then as chris says that should be, technically, straight forward; and if you think it's time to get a new windows 11 computer, you can buy one, put your windows 10 clone onto in and then upgrade back to windows 11 through updates - it is not the software that prevents upgrade to windows 11 it's the hardware; however this requires some technical knowledge to deal with driver issues etc

I've always wanted to build a PC, but this is not the first upgrading mishap I've had over the years. The first one was when I put (forced) the wrong RAM in an old desktop years ago. It literally went up in a puff of smoke.

I went on a tech college course to learn how to build a PC computer in 1991 - I also got some very good advice: don't buy a 286, wait for the 386 - things have moved on a lot but it's still electronic meccano and a lot of reading of specs and stuff to ensure compatibility of the components


You forgot to tap into Fawcett's first law: 'don't' - if you have to force it in you are doing it wrong - that said there is a Fawcett Inn in Southsea [Portsmouth] south of Fratton Park, that I remember well, but now I am starting to woffle...



[edit: nope the 80286/386 was even earlier, my how time flies and memory muddles.... ]

[Jonopen]

It’s been a bit of a journey but I’m back up and running on my Windows laptop.

In the end the tech guy could not rescue the original mechanical hard drive, so I cut my losses and went for a fresh install of Windows on the new ssd which is now installed.

After a few Windows updates and downloads I'm now sorted. I'm just in the process of copying back some data files and have reinstalled my Xara apps from Magix. I've actually installed Designer Pro X v18.0.0.61642 which although older than my copy of Photo and Graphic Design (v19.0.0.64329), I think might give me a few extra features.

Anyway, I must say so far the new drive has made a big speed difference when booting up and and running programs. It is literarily like having a new laptop! The whole operation is so much more snappy and smooth.

Thanks all for help especially Marco for his suggestion the ssd.

[Acorn]

For what it's worth, i just spent £100 on a refurb A1 PC bundle: https://www.morgancomputers.co.uk/hp...eyboard-mouse/
Price has gone up to £120:

• Mini PC Bundle with Monitor, Keyboard & Mouse
• Intel Core i5 6th Gen 2.20GHz Quad Core
• 8GB RAM (Max 32GB)
• 256GB SSD
• Windows 10 Pro
• Optical Sculptured 3-button mouse
• DisplayPort, USB-C, VGA, USB -A

Cheap enough to donate to a community hall, which I am doing.
We have broadband for £1/m so why not support those without Smartphones, computers and the wherewithal to get connected.

It will just have the entire PortableApps package.
I might put an XDA on to see how it fares.
Those wishing to use supply their own 8GB USB stick to keep their personal information private.

Acorn

[Marco D]

It’s been a bit of a journey but I’m back up and running on my Windows laptop.

...

Thanks all for help especially Marco for his suggestion the ssd.

You are very welcome, that's what this forum is for.

[handrawn]

glad your back up and running jojo

[Egg Bramhill]

For what it's worth, i just spent £100 on a refurb A1 PC bundle: https://www.morgancomputers.co.uk/hp...eyboard-mouse/
Price has gone up to £120:

That is cheap and great value. I have always bought reburb in the past and have been very pleased with it.