computer was dead, now ok?

[John R. Sowden]

I sent a request for help yesterday because my Ubuntu 13.04 decided to 
stop, not wake up from a spin down.  Sorry for not following the thread, 
but that was sent on a different computer.

Anyway, for the benefit of anyone with a similar circumstances:

1) I verified that a windows computer I recently bought works fine.
2) I removed the windows HD and installed my Ubuntu HD.  It ran fine, 
except that
I could not access the internet.  It tried to access Ethernet 2. Nothing 
helped in the net tools, etc.  Loopback worked fine.
3) I installed the windows hd in my computer.  I got a windows "stop 
screen" and a message that if this happens again, remove any new HD or 
HD controller.  I was able to boot up in the safe mode.
4) I installed the Ubuntu drive in my computer.  This time I got the 
Compaq splash screen and the option to enter the BIOS, which I did not.  
I selected a recovery mode.  Did a file system check, and then ran 
'normal' from the recovery menu.  It flashed a few things on the screen 
that I could not read, one showed 'failed' (in red), and then the 
display went black.  the HD was spinning but no seeking.
5) I shut it down and rebooted, selecting the most recent Ubuntu. It 
came up fine, net and all.

I have no idea for sure what it was.  The sata connector seemed a little 
loose on the MB end, but nothing else was amiss.

hope this helps someone,

John