Parallels Desktop caused hardware problems?

el · Joined: Nov 14, 2006 Posts: 221

Hello,

A friend wanted to use Parallels Desktop to run her old XP computer on her new (I'm assuming) Mac. I'm not sure about the new one being a Mac, though. Anyhow, when she connected the two using Firewire, her old PC crashed (shut down). Since then, whenever she starts it up, using the standard power button, only the fan and the front light turn on. The computer doesn't start up, and neither does the monitor, or anything else (as far as I know). The monitor just shows 'no signal input'. So I don't think it's the HD that's gone. Otherwise the computer would tell her to put in a bootable medium, or something similar. Can it be that a cable burnt through, or something else? I'm happy about any ideas. I can't look into the computer myself, but I would hand on the suggestions.

El

micker377 · Joined: May 27, 2005 Posts: 869

Reset the BIOS, boot into safe mode, remove the new program, and reboot normally. If this doesn't fix it, make sure that no peripherals (except monitor), are plugged in (especially USB). If that works, plug in the keyboard and mouse. If it is still working, hook things up one by one (shut down in between to let Windows find the drivers), until you are sure everything works now. Are you sure the unit wasn't opened and something knocked loose?

el · Joined: Nov 14, 2006 Posts: 221

I suppose she can reset the BIOS by just taking out the lithium cell battery, leaving it out for a little (30 mins or so), and then putting it back in? Because if that doesn't do it, I have no idea how to. Seeing she can't see anything in the monitor.
According to what I was told, she just connected the two computers using Firewire, and the old one crashed. I don't think she did anything inside the computer.

Thanks for the reply

El

micker377 · Joined: May 27, 2005 Posts: 869

Reset BIOS: Look in the manual - there is usually a jumper you change to delete the BIOS settings (for 5 - 10 seconds), and then put the jumper back in the original "run" position. This puts you back to factory defaults. The battery "trick" is for when there is no jumper.

el · Joined: Nov 14, 2006 Posts: 221

I don't believe the manual is still around, but like said, I'll hand everything on. Maybe she does still have the manual!

El

micker377 · Joined: May 27, 2005 Posts: 869

If the manual is "gone", you can go online to the manufacturer's website and download a copy.

el · Joined: Nov 14, 2006 Posts: 221

Thanks for your tips micker377. My friend had, in the meantime, brought the computer to a repair shop, and the motherboard was apparently 'broken'. Her system is up and running again.

So the tips wouldn't have helped, unfortunately. But thanks anyway.

El