kernel panic and other problems

[kdeputer]

I haven't had this problem before but after adjusting a CPU fan and cleaning out my computer, I try to boot up and my Kubuntu install doesn't boot up. I clicked the recovery and it only loaded once.

Now, it just ignores the selects but sometimes, I get a kernel panic. I have no idea what's going on.

I found a usb stick with an old copy of Mint on it just so I can access my stuff (i.e. data). I told myself not to have data on my OS (drive)!!!

I also have a copy of Windows 7 on a partition on this drive that is booting up the 'Windows Error Recovery' screen. It also boots up a BSOD but it doesn't stay long enough to read the message.

I will never again have a dual boot on one drive. It is a hopeless endeavor that is inevitable to failure and problems. I need Windows because I interact with other Windows users including family members.

So, any idea how to diagnose this problem? I wish I could add more info.

There's two other drives and I thought maybe something got messed with but it seemed the same. However, I've disconnected the other drives but nothing is any different. I thought maybe cleaning out the fans (was dusty) and I used compressed air but if that did anything, that is insane?!? Since I can 'see' my stuff on the drive, i.e. all the partitions (only 4) - two partitions of 100 each (windows and kubuntu) plus two other smaller linux ones seem to all be accessible.

Maybe someone will recognize these symptoms? Really frustrated so ending the post here. :-(

[Snowhog]

Unless you 'zapped' the CPU (static), I'd suggest checking that all boards and cables are securely seated.

[anamnesis]

Hello
Snowhog is right. Check all the parts you have touched and all cables. Then enter the BIOS and check system temperature/fans. In this case you really should rule out any hardware issues before you fiddle with any operating system.
Regards

[kdeputer]

Thanks for the replies, guys. Here's an update: Still not sure what's wrong. But, the new situation is that Kubuntu boots up, Windows goes to the same screen with the message 'Recovery Error' but ultimately boots up. I know no one cares about the Windoze problem, though. What is annoying is that I cannot reboot properly. It goes through the motions but eventually I get the monitor screen going black and the orange LED. So, I'm losing video or what? The fans are still going, the computer is still on.

I checked over cables and internals but I haven't noticed anything. Earlier, I took out the video and sound cards, inspected them, blew off dust and back in they went. I only have one HDD in now.

There are still issues, obviously, with the reboot problem and Windoze still booting up with the error problem (and I still notice BSODs).

[Snowhog]

BSODs can be the result of RAM going bad. Run the Memory Check option (Grub menu and/or LiveCD) and let it run overnight.

[kdeputer]

Yeah, that should have been one of my first checks and tests. I gave up early and took it in to be serviced.

Was told one RAM stick is bad and now good to go. But, when I turn on the machine and go through the boot up on either Windows or Kubuntu, it's practically back to the same state. Windows booted up once.... but, then it rebooted on its own. It won't boot up again... getting same screen to choose boot normally or 'repair.' Doesn't matter which choice, it won't finish but will reboot. If I choose Kubuntu, it just reboots afterwards.

This seems like a hardware problem still, doesn't it - when both operating systems won't boot properly?

I wasted time and money bringing the computer to a shop. It doesn't seem like they spent much time on it. I could (should?) have thought of taking out a memory stick! :-/

Edit: They said they did the memory test, too, and that's how they concluded one stick was bad (probably tested each stick alone in the machine, too, I assume). But, this hasn't solved the problem yet.

[jlittle]

I'd suspect a power supply issue has led to a stressed mobo, which has stressed the RAM sticks. But only because power supply problems were so common a few years ago, and because that series of events afflicted my main system. Had to replace power supply and mobo, and two out of four RAM sticks failed within a couple of years.

Regards, John Little

[dmeyer]

I'd suspect a power supply issue has led to a stressed mobo, which has stressed the RAM sticks. But only because power supply problems were so common a few years ago, and because that series of events afflicted my main system. Had to replace power supply and mobo, and two out of four RAM sticks failed within a couple of years.

Regards, John Little

You stole my thunder. I wanted to say PSU issues.