Windows Vista Software vs Hardware Problem

This is just a question, nothing I can fix. If a computer will function in safe mode but will not function in normal mode, does this sound like a software or hardware problem? If this information is too vague, please let me know. I am trying to understand info given by a support tech to a friend about her computer.

Thanks,
Dee

 

Thanks Steve, now I'm really confused. Just when I think I'm getting a better understanding of the computerr, I find out I don't understand at all.

Dee

 

Thanks Pete for replying. the computrt makes a high pitch noise and will not do any function in normal mode. When tech support was called, the computer is still under warranty. she got software support and the tech would not troubleshoot her problem. He tried to sell her software, which is not under warranty, and told her nothing was wrong with her hardware. I'm going to call the hardware dept. today and that is why I'm trying to find out.
Thanks for explanation, that is helpful.

Dee

 

This is what is recommended in those circumstances
How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista

 

Thanks Mattman, I will pass this on.

Dee

 

My friend took her laptop to a local repair shop today, seems her keyboard needs to be replaced. Dell is going to provide the keyboard and the local shop is going to install it. I feel better, at least I knew it was not software.
Can some one tell me what I need to put in run to get to DirectX, I have forgotten.
Thanks for everybody's help,
Dee

 

For DirectX Diagnostic Tool type dxdiag

mickzer.

 

Thanks so much, I found the problem.

Dee

 

Keyboard...I haven't seen that reason why it won't boot into "normal mode ".

Non-standard keys that use third-party software rather than standard keys...maybe.

The BIOS will load standard drivers for the keyboard, so will Safe Mode.

Sounds strange to me.

I suppose the keyboard could be "broken ".

Matt

 

I don't understand it at all, I am not very computer savy but if if is the key board why would it work in safe in safe mode. It seems to me that if it was broken, it would affect all functions. Is my rationale wrong?

Dee

 

I think we agree.

There may be special functions(keys) that are controlled by software when Windows is in normal mode, maybe like an Internet or Email key that opens those programs. There are "keyboard helper" programs and automatic "updaters" for those programs. I wonder if they tried uninstalling any programs related to the keyboard? They probably just connected a standard keyboard and it started working.

They may be getting a replacement keyboard, when say, a program updater has corrupted the keyboard software. Oh well, I hope it doesn't end up costing them much.

Matt

 

They are getting the keyboard at no cost but are paying for the installation. I have tried to get her to subscribe to thiis forum but she is afraid to do much with her computer. Will let let you know if it works.


Dee

 

High pitched noise... Have you been able to identify where this is coming from? I doubt a keyboard would make that noise, and I agree with the others on the unlikelyhood of a Dell keyboard stopping a PC working...

 

Still waiting for the keyboard to be installed. Did find out a little more today, the backspace, shift and caps lock would not work in normal mode. As soon as it is repaired, will let you know

Dee

 

End of Story:

Replacing the keyboard solved the problem, goes to show what I know.

Dee

 

Yes, I would agree with you there Pete. A keyboard completely ruining a PC makes no sense, even on a laptop!