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Hey I need your HELP.  My computer keeps on shutting off randomly, I have no idea why?  My brother said that he switched the power supply and it still keeps on shutting off.  Any suggestions.  Do a virus-scan first of all. It could be making the computer shut off.

Or you could check that its not overheating and the internal fan is working properly. Quote from: Bogard on November 18, 2007, 01:05:39 PM

Hey I need your help.  My computer keeps on shutting off randomly, I have no idea why?  My brother said that he switched the power supply and it still keeps on shutting off.  Any suggestions. 

I am looking into purchasing a lap top with some very valuable programs on it. The programs were licenced to that lap top. Is it possible to transfer the programs to another laptop or a spare hard drive (so I can have a back up incase something happens to the current lap top )? Please advise this laptop is on e-bay and has only 4 days LEFT on the auction.
Thanks JoshWelcome aboard

The simple answer is NO. Programs have to be installed, they can't be moved from one location to another. I dont know MUCH about computers, but what does cloning a hard drive do.That should work. Quote from: mudrunner on NOVEMBER 28, 2007, 09:23:32 PM

I dont know much about computers, but what does cloning a hard drive do.

I was able to move programs like Microsoft Office and Panda Internet Security from my work computer to my wife's laptop with SystemSuite's Transport Wizard

pls someone help me, all of a sudden i cant see my CD drive i think its calle d drive.
i put a cd in and NOTHING happens, i GO to my comp and theres nothing there. pls help me
Dawn I'm assuming you have windows XP.

'Download Guided Help'

This is a program you download and
run.

Scroll down to the rectangular shaped box
at the site'Download Guided Help'
Download this 127kb file and run it to see
if that helps.

Download is---->Here

Quote from: twinny24 on November 28, 2007, 03:55:02 PM

pls someone help me, all of a sudden i cant see my cd drive i think its calle d drive.
i put a cd in and nothing happens, i go to my comp and theres nothing there. pls help me
Dawn

On my current COMPUTER I have 2 drives:
(1) 320GB (actually says 298GB total free)
(2) 200GB (actually says 186GB total free)
That gives me a total of 484GB
If I get a computer with a 1TB hard drive how much space will actually have free?Drive manufacturers measure Gigabytes as 1,000,000,000 bytes.

Real people and OSs measure Gigabytes as 1,073,741,824 bytes (1024^3)

The former is therefore about 93% of the latter.

120GB x .93% = 111GB
250GB x .93% = 232GB
300GB x .93% = 279GB
500GB x .93% = 465GB
750GB x .93% = 697GB
1000GB or 1 TB x .93% = 930GB

EDIT: It may be a little less than 930 (about a GIG or two) because of the space RESERVED for storing the file names. That space is called the File Allocation Table (AKA FAT).

http://club.myce.com/f138/format-size-loss-236367/          Thanks for the help!!!!

Hello Everybody,

My Iball 4 gb pen drive has become write protected, so i cannot format, add or delete files from it. I confirm that there is no switch to MAKE the protection off.
Please let me KNOW if there is any way through which i can remove write protection and use my usb DEVICE as i was using before.

Thanks & REGARDS,
YogeshThis utility should work: http://files.extremeoverclocking.com/file.php?f=197

It will format your drive, so you will loose the data, but it should remove any kind of write protection. So just backup the files first and then try this.I'd be interested to know who write protected it...
And Linux be careful with suggesting with workarounds for security as we cannot know the circumstances.

my computer keeps on restarting.  But the problem is that, when it restarts, the green LAMP of the monitor changes to orange and no matter how hard i try to "revive" it by pressing the reset button, it still gives me the blank screen.  Before, i managed to turn it on again by turning off the whole system and then wait for 20 or more minutes before turning it on again.  But today, as soon as i turn on pc, it is already in that state, though it had been off the whole night.  I have tried cleaning the video card but it doesn't solve the problem. By the way, i'm using Windows Xp home edition service pack 2 and my motherboard is Asus P5PE-VM.   I hope you guyz could help me.  Thanks a lot.have you try without the graphic card? Quote from: kuszmania9999 on November 24, 2007, 04:58:10 AM

have you try without the graphic card?

The P5PE-VM,with integrated Intel Extreme Grpahics 2,delivers powerful integrated 2D and 3D graphics performance for functionality and value.

Quote from: kuszmania9999 on November 24, 2007, 04:58:10 AM

have you try without the graphic card?

Most BIOS will beep in error if a way to produce video (through on-board or a card) isn't found.

Anyway, Ken...

You said you cleaned the video card. According to ASUS, the model you specified has on-board video.

Quote from: ASUS website

The P5PE-VM,with integrated Intel Extreme Grpahics 2,delivers powerful integrated 2D and 3D graphics performance for functionality and value.

So we'll need to know the following:

1. It sounds like you have an added on video card. What is it (make/model)?

2. Have you tried using the on-board video?

3. Have you checked your monitor cable? Since you have on-board and another video card, make sure your monitor is connected to the correct one.

4. How long have you had this problem? Did it work properly before? Have you added/removed any hardware? Has there been any other odd behavior or error messages from the computer?

5. What are the full, complete specs of your system?

I have Dell DIMENSION 4400
Processor INTEL R Pent R 4 CPU 1.6 Ghz
Processor Speed 1.56 Ghz
Memory 256
Windows XP Home Edision

Computer is very very slow.  Have had several crashes in the past and have had to remove and install Windows again with the help of Dell.

I purchased an External Drive and want to upgrade the memory to 512 but have not yet installed.

Can I transfer all data and "programs" to  external drive?  If I wipe out everything can I just reinstall it off the external drive?
Can I use the Norton Wipe Clean?
I am not an experienced computer PERSON... I just click until I get what I need and read alot of forums.

Thanks any advise. Quote from: dynamic on November 28, 2007, 01:12:28 PM

Can I transfer all data and "programs" to  external drive?  If I wipe out everything can I just reinstall it off the external drive?
Can I use the Norton Wipe Clean?

Quote from: dynamic on November 28, 2007, 01:12:28 PM

Can I transfer all data and "programs" to  external drive?  If I wipe out everything can I just reinstall it off the external drive?
Can I use the Norton Wipe Clean?

Yes, you can do transfer all data and "programs" to  external drive by using a drive image program such as DriveImage XML.  I'm not familiar with Norton Wipe Clean.  Is that a brand of toilet paper?   

If you install your memory sticks in dual CHANNEL mode, obviously your computer speeds up.

But I have TWO 256mb DDR ram sticks in slot 1 and slot 2. I have ONE 256mb DDR ram stick in slot 3 and one 512mb ram stick in slot 4.


Would it be better to get a 512 MB ram stick to replace the DDR ram in slot 3? OR

Would it be better to just get a set of two 1 gb ram sticks to replace the memory in slot 3 and 4 ?

Or other suggestions ?

Ok Im a computer engineer and have only come across this problem 3 times in over two years but I REALLY need to find a solution
Plug in my Kingston data traveler into any WIN xp system bang zap up it shows in my computer to access
the way it should

HOWEVER plug it in these machines and yup detects says works ok but thats it !
open ADMIN tools DRIVE managment yup its there assign drive letter the open and hey presto
access to it
however still doesent show in my comp
and well *censored* !

I know dittily about computers.
I know I have a Dell with Windows Xp.
I know it powers on, but won't start up.
I tried to open the computer (after trying to figure this out for 20 mins...) and saw there was a battery. I removed and replaced the battery thinking this would work (it does in my remote..)

When I opened it, I had unplugged all of the cables. After the battery trick, I plugged the power cord back in and the power went on immediately without me PUSHING the button.  Before I opened it, the fan would turn on. After I opened the case, the fan doesn't turn on but the machine still does.

What can POSSIBLY be wrong with this?

It is an older computer and I don't WANT to put a lot of money into it. If this is something that cannot be fixed easily, all I am worried about is will I be able to retreive the info I have on here off of here?

Help me please! Sorry for the LACK of knowledge, I will do my best to get answers if you think you can help me!

Hey guys, I seen some questions like this but none that could help. I recently sold my old compaq system, granted its old but it had always worked for me and now the PEOPLE think I jerked them. The MONITOR LED lights up GREEN for about 3 SECS and then it turns orange like its in protect mode,and I seen ONE of your answers to swap the power cord, and I tried three.*censored*So, how does the monitor work on another computer ?

I have acquired an old used Dell computer running windows xp? I WOULD like to add a RAID 1 configuration to it, but I don't have the ability to reinstall the OS. Is this possible?
 I do not see the point of a raid system without an operating system as it can do nothing without an operating system.

You can get it up and running using Knoppix Live or Ubuntu live linux both are free and they work without putting anything in a hard drive, they work from the ram and CD, there is no formatting done on the hard drive so leaves it clean for you to install XP or VISTA laterI do have an OS. It is winxp pro. I just don't have the ability to re-install it (no xp disks). I just want to know if it is possible to put in a raid card for mirroring (raid 1) and not reinstall the OS. I have acquired the answer. Yes it is possible to add a raid card to an existing OS.Link ? ? Quote from: PATIO on November 27, 2007, 08:11:22 AM

Link ? ?

Hey all, I WOULD like to know who manufactured my laptop's monitor, just for infomation thats all, my laptop's model is TOSHIBA Satellite A100 SK900E. They used to produce their own through their PARTS company, Toshiba-Matsushita. I am unsure whether or not they still do, but I would assume so.What good would the information do you ? Just for
information on my end. Call it curiousity if you will.There are 3 DIFFERENT manuf. of that screen for that machine...do you have a serial# that might narrow it down ? ?
A Model # is useless...you need to provide the # that is imprinted on the chassis itself or the metallic ID sticker that shipped with the machine...

In case I've posted this topic at the wrong section, if you're a mod please help me get this moved to the right one. Thanks you.

Hi everyone,

as the thread TITLE suggests I'm STUCK in a reboot loop. Whenever I turn on my computer, it shows some graphic card info, some CPU and then calculates Ram, then goes off to boot. Just before the Windows XP Boot Screen is supposed to appear the computer RESTARTS and sends me back to the very beginning. Once it reaches the point where it was supposed to show the Bot Screen I get to chose whether to run Windows in Safe Mode, etc.

No matter which option I choose the result remains the same, I'm bounced back to the beginning. In case you need any information about my computer feel free to ask. :> Any kind of help will be greatly greatly appreciated, you guys have helped me lots and never let me down, so I'm counting on you! Thanks in advance.Turn off your computer, remove RAM sticks, video card (if any), clean connectors with an eraser, put them back.
If you have more then one RAM stick, put them back one-by-one.
Get a can of compressed air, and clean your machine inside (DO NOT USE VACUUM CLEANER!!!)
Don't close computer's side panel. When computer starts, see if all fans are running.Allright then, after abit of problems getting compressed air I finally got down to clean it. However it still reboots in same manner as before, it couldn't be related to my Bios or anything alike it could it?No it's probably not anything in the BIOS.
Are you able to get into safemode ? ?
Enter safemode by tapping F8 repeatedly after startup and before you see the Windows splash screen.
From ther go to Control Panel/System/Advanced/Startup and Recovery and un-check "auto re-boot on ERRORS".
Shut down and re-boot.
You will now get BSOD's instead of restarts...write down the full error message and post back.Tried to boot in safe mode, same results, it still loops.So i assume you weren't able to make the Control Panel changes then ? ?Well, when i can't even reach Windows how am i supposed to get to the Control Panel? :/ I can't even boot from my Windows CD and get into Windows Installation.

I think I forgot to mention I'm posting theese messages from my Laptop not the Desktop Computer I'm trying to fix.

I have a question though, would it work if I set the Hard Drive from my Desktop Computer into another computer, booted from there, got into Windows and un-checked "Auto re-boot on errors", shut down the computer and then set the Hard Drive into the computer I'm having trouble with and booted from there?Not if your running XP...XP is tied to the hardware it was installed on and will probably not boot correctly being moved to a different machine.
Are you saying the XP CD will not boot ? ?
There is a prompt early on to press any key to boot to CD...did you see this ?
Sadly it is Windows XP Professional.

I do know usually when you set it to run from a CD it will say "press any key" or the like, the problem is whenever I hit F8when it starts up, usually it would show a little blue square where it gives me the options to boot from IDE, CD or Floppy, etc. Well, that's what it'd usually do.

My if I press F8 when I boot from my Desktop Computer, the little blue square does not appear, instead it goes straight to where I select which mode I want to boot Windows with. I'm starting to think the issue lies in the Motherboard, it's quite new and this is the first time I'm using it. It's a K9N Neo V2.

Quote

I'm starting to think the issue lies in the Motherboard, it's quite new and this is the first time I'm using it. It's a K9N Neo V2.

Allright, so I'm standing with a brand new problem here.

The new Motherboard only has one slot where I can set in the wire that connects my Hard Drive and/or CD Drive, I thought I could connect both the CD Drive and the Hard Drive with the same wire, in the manual for the Motherboard there were even illustrations and instructions that I could do this.

No I can't, it will only boot one of theese Drives, either the CD Drive or the Hard Drive, if I set the CD Drive "first" with the wire and the Hard Drive "second" with the wire it only boots the CD Drive and vice-versa. Inside Bios it will also only detect one of the Drives, under same circumstances as mentioned before obviously.

What do I do?

Edit: On a side note I'd like to add, that on the Motherboard itself there is only one socket for me to insert the connection wire to my Hard Drive and CD Rom Drive.

Allright, so I'm standing with a brand new problem here.

The new Motherboard only has one slot where I can set in the wire that connects my Hard Drive and/or CD Drive, I thought I could connect both the CD Drive and the Hard Drive with the same wire, in the manual for the Motherboard there were even illustrations and instructions that I could do this.

No I can't, it will only boot one of theese Drives, either the CD Drive or the Hard Drive, if I set the CD Drive "first" with the wire and the Hard Drive "second" with the wire it only boots the CD Drive and vice-versa. Inside Bios it will also only detect one of the Drives, under same circumstances as mentioned before obviously.

What do I do?

I have a Canon Pixma MP160 inkjet printer and no matter what I do the printer will not ALIGN itself. Everything I print has horizontal lines going across. I nozzle cleaned it about 5 times, did print head alignment 3 times, cleaned the paper loader and tray... nothing. As it is now, the printer is pretty much useless. ATM, I am only using black ink to print(since I dont have any COLOUR left)... dont know if that causes any problems?....

There must be some way to fix this or is the printer busted?Welcome aboard 

Quote

ATM, I am only using black ink to print(since I dont have any colour left)... dont know if that causes any problems?

Alright so I have a socket 478 motherboard and a crappy cpu I need to know what do I have change to be able to USE 775 socket CPUS, do I just change my motherboard or is it something more drastic than that?yep for the most PART if you wanna  change cpu to a 775What is it you exactly want to do and how much do you have to spend ? ? ?I want to put in a core 2 duo but I know I can't without a 775 socket so do I just need to buy a socket 775 motherboard and then put in the new cpu or is there something else that is critical to have to change it? Quote from: Konfuzed on November 28, 2007, 01:18:28 AM

I want to put in a core 2 duo but I know I can't without a 775 socket so do I just need to buy a socket 775 motherboard and then put in the new cpu or is there something else that is critical to have to change it?

I have GOTTEN a new PRINTER and I am following the instructions, which say to load the disk and run the setup first. Well I have been doing that for the last two days and all I have is 30 percent??? Is there any reason why this is doing this???

Printer:
HP OFFICE JET 4315 ALL-IN-ONEDid you connect USB cable ONLY when asked to, not before?
Was your printer on when you started installation?
Did you connect USB cable to your printer, FIRST, and then to your computer?
What Windows version?

i KNOW i know i have read all the FAQs about ntldr file and how to fix, my problem is when i LOAD my OS disk and try to repair it says hard drive not detected! i can run a diagnostic in bios and it says hard drive pass. ( primary hard disk self test.... S.M.A.R.T.

(quick)  - pass
comp.  - pass
s.m.a.r.t. - pass
 
please help. THANKS, doc.How is the drive jumpered ?
Is it the only drive on that channel ?
Have you tried another IDE cable ?sorry this is all happening to my compaq notebook. i'm work taking advantage of ie here!Another fine example of why we thrive on details here...
 

Are you PRESSING a key to boot from CD early on when PROMPTED ? ?Simple fix 

http://tinyempire.com/notes/ntldrismissing.htmhaven't tried jess' link yet...
yes i am trying to repair windows  after it has loaded the cd. that is when i get the message that the hard drive is not found

hey guys, I have a problem...a "I cant choose a freaking mobo" problem.

I am going to be building a Q6600 system, after-market cool it, and hope I can reach 3GHz. The only problem is that I cant find a good motherboard. Money is not a limitation for me, but I dont want to pay some rediciulous amount for a motherboard.
So my here is my future pc:
Q6600 (AM cooling)
8800GT (From XFX i think) and possibly a 2nd one in the future
OCZ platinum 800MHz DDR2
WD 500GB HDD
DVD burner
700 Watts PSU (For SLI)

Ive been looking at the Asus maximus formula, however I noticed that it is Crossfire mobo, and now i am lost as to what i want for a mobo so that it would be able to OC fine with respectable results. I am also going to try to OC my videocard(s), but again the motherboard is what I NEED advice on. please help me!

I would rather have an X38 chipset motherboard because I saw somewhere it is the newest, and that it will support next gen CPUS..

Also whats the best aftermarket air cooling solution for Q6600 that worked best for you (if you have Q6600) ?

Thanks in advance  Some people like going to Disneyland. I like answering questions like this 

1. Your motherboard will either have to be 780i SLi or 680i SLi-based. X38 does not support SLi, so you won't be able to add another 8800 GT later on.

I suggest going with the T1/A1 revision 680i SLi motherboard from eVGA. It's the best for Quad-Core overclocking.
HTTP://www.amazon.com/eVGA-nForce-680i-Motherboard-122-CK-NF68-T1/dp/B000O0I864

2. With the Thermalright Ultra 120 eXtreme, you will be able to get you G0-stepping Q6600 to 3.6Ghz PRETTY easily on that motherboard. Also, you'll need the Scythe S-FLEX 120mm 1600RPM fan with it.

3. I reccomend waiting until December, when the new 8800 GTS will be released, which will possibly be a better choice than the 8800 GT.

4. If you can, wait 'till January for the new 45nm-based Quad-Core CPUs, that will allow you to overclock to 4.0Ghz easily, and will be a lot more powerful.

5. Ditch that RAM. But TWO of these instead (4GB total)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220144

6. Instead of buying a single 500GB HDD, buy two 320GB HDDs and set them up in a RAID-0 array.

Enjoy!i recommend the p5n32e sli mobo from asus. it comes in three types, standard, plus, and premium.

as for the CPU cooler, i second the ultra 120, it dropped my temps about 20C.

an added note, you may want to increase your PSU to at least an 800W if you plan to GO SLI.ty for the suggestion Jess607 ill definitly look into the Thermalright Ultra

Yes homer, I might have to do just that with all these changes that I might take from my original plan. 800W PSU seems like a great idea, and its also a pain in the *censored* to find for reasonable price

After giving it some thought, I figured that I really dont need to get the 8800 GT as the ATI 3870 is very overclockable and wont void warrenty if i do so. it is also way cheaper..i can get 2 for ~450 and they will perform way better than the GTX or ultra (or they say). I went to a computer store and he told me his Maximus formula oced his Quad core to 3.7GHz and his mem to about 1400 MHz on that motherboard. I wont take it that far (im not crazy) but i am starting to like ATi motherboards better. Does having 2 3870 cards sound like a good idea?

PS If i am to overclock the ATi card(s) I would have to get aftermarket cooling to keep it cool Under load (about 60C max under load)
Quote from: homer on November 22, 2007, 06:45:48 PM

i recommend the p5n32e sli mobo from asus. it comes in three types, standard, plus, and premium.

as for the CPU cooler, i second the ultra 120, it dropped my temps about 20C.

an added note, you may want to increase your PSU to at least an 800W if you plan to go SLI.

ty for the suggestion Jess607 ill definitly look into the Thermalright Ultra

Yes homer, I might have to do just that with all these changes that I might take from my original plan. 800W PSU seems like a great idea, and its also a pain in the *censored* to find for reasonable price

After giving it some thought, I figured that I really dont need to get the 8800 GT as the ATI 3870 is very overclockable and wont void warrenty if i do so. it is also way cheaper..i can get 2 for ~450 and they will perform way better than the GTX or ultra (or they say). I went to a computer store and he told me his Maximus formula oced his Quad core to 3.7GHz and his mem to about 1400 MHz on that motherboard. I wont take it that far (im not crazy) but i am starting to like ATi motherboards better. Does having 2 3870 cards sound like a good idea?

PS If i am to overclock the ATi card(s) I would have to get aftermarket cooling to keep it cool Under load (about 60C max under load)

Hey Jess607,

according to this website : http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/hardware-canucks-reviews/3270-his-radeon-hd3870-review-crossfire-performance-preview.html
the card is pretty good in cross-fire. and i remember reading somewhere that 2 overclocked 3870s will beat 2 SLIed 8800GT's
ill try to find the site. Also Isnt crossfire more efficiant than SLI?

alright man, thanks for the warning. I guess that guy at the pc place was taking out of his you know what...

Should I just wait until the new year and see what new stuff is coming out? I heard the new GTS from Nvidia is supposed to be better than the GT, and I also heard something about a new ATi ...or should i just get the GT and the motherboard you suggested?

Thanks

http://www.tomsgames.com/us/2007/11/20/crysis_sli/

just wanted to show this review with SLI enabled in Crysis....What the heck went wrong there?

Still i think they use a different mobo than wat u had suggested

Older desktop case with AMD athlon 2400 CPU. Power supply failed and I ordered a NEW one. Unfortunately the replacement doesn't fit. I DISCOVERED some manufacturers use proprietary designs that do not fit the standard cabinet. Having made one costly error I think I need advice this time. We're retired and not rich, a good used case WOULD do just fine. I'd appreciate SUGGESTIONS on where to and how to find a cabinet to fit my main board into. I would prefer a mini or midi tower case.____________ pc.com.


EMail address removed.Please REMOVE your email address, for safety reasons.Cases are cheap. No need to get a used one.. not to mention I have no idea where one would get a used case.

Just go to http://www.NewEgg.com
It should have everything you need.

Dell Dimension 4400
AOC CRT Monitor 15"
Rage 128 Pro ULTRA GL AGP
Windows XP (Home Edition)

I don't know if this is a real problem or not. I recently bought a used system with a CRT monitor. When I power up the monitor, it sounds like it is getting a power surge of sorts. After the computer is POWERED up, the monitor clicks a few TIMES as if it is turning off and on.
After that, no problems. The picture is great and there is no flicker of any kind. It just sounds like a tube inside the monitor is getting too much juice as soon as it is turned on.
I've seen this with 19" CRT monitor I used to own.
Is this something to be concerned about?

Thank you.

...WillThat sound is common on older CRT's ...similar to an OLD Star Trek sound effect...
The click sound means the transformer is on it's last legs...it may last another week or it may last another year.
Just keep using it til it dies but be PREPARED to get a new monitor.Thanks, Patio. You're exactly right about how it sounds like something from Star Trek.

I'm using a LiquidVideo monitor w/built in speakers, but can't get sound from the monitor's speakers. (Operating system is WindowsXP Home Edition) Any SUGGESTIONS?Check the connections...
Look for a volume knob on the monitor...
Review the settings in CONTROL Panel/Sounds and Multimedia...I had the same problem. Go to Start/Control Panel/Sounds and AUDIO Devices/Open Advanced at the bottom near the Speaker Volume Button/Select Monitor Speaker/Ok/Ok.

Also look for a speaker setup on the monitor menu button/Volume.

At least that is how I fixed mine.

I bought an 80Gig hard drive a while back an tried installing it with only partial success.  When I first installed it the computer didn't read it, as if it wasn't there so I tried to do some research on how to install the thing and the only thing that I came up with was to clone my PREVIOUS hard drive and then install it.  This worked really well except that my previous hard drive was only 30Gig and so now the NEW hard drive will only read 30Gigs.  Could someone TELL me the proper way to install a new hard drive or link me an article I would really appreciate it.  I am trying to go with a master/slave set up with the 30Gig drive as the master.  Thanks!Welcome to the CH forums.

Sounds like you've got the Master/Slave jumpers set and the disk ready to go.  The rest depends on which operating system you are using and whether you have the full install cd for the OS.

Please advise which OS you are using.





New drives are not formatted...this is why it wasn't recognised.
When you "clone" a new HDD if you miss one or two steps in the process it will only USE what it needs sizewise to create a clone of the source drive...sounds like this is what happened.
I suggest starting over.
Backup any data you need from the new drive.
Then DLoad the diagnostics from the HDD manuf. site and use them to prepare the drive for use...

hi,   i am old and stupid.  my computer is old but smarter than i am.  i need to replace the battery.  is there a way to just unplug everything and take the "tower" ( i think it is called ) to a place to get a battery installed.  the problem is that i live in harpers ferry west virginia where there is NOWHERE to get help.  i have to go to falls church, virginia, tuesday but do not know what to do or where to go.  anyone out there with an idea??yeah you could do that, nothing will happen, just bring tower and battery or powersupply, by the way is it an laptop or desktop computer ?Here's what you need...

                       

Available at WalMart...part # CR2032.
I'd contact your local Library or High School to see if they have any Computer Clubs...tell them you need this replaced and they'll probably do it for nothing except a smile and some homemade cookies...the battery is only 5 bucks and i'd hate to see you pay a shop to replace something simple.

Harper's Ferry is a neat town...i was there 3 summers ago.

Best of Luck !thank you all,
 
i unplugged everything and labelled it all, then went to a place called Microcenter in fairfax, va.  i walked in with the tower thing and a screwdriver.  someone stopped me at the door and pointed me inside an office where a MAN watched as i undid the sides and FOUND the battery (when he identified it) and promised that i would not blow myself up if i TOOK it out carefully.  hey, i build houses and do plumbing all the time, how hard could it be now that i knew what it was.   i had a terrible time removing it because of the tiny, tiny metal clip that holds it in place.  i borrowed a teeny, tiny screwdriver and got it out.  i got a new one from the salesfloor and popped it in, SCREWED the side back on and left only $1.04 poorer.   thank you.  the man was kind but insisted, (rightly) that he was not a technician, he was a salesman and did his best to convince me that it was time for a new computer since mine dates back to 1990.      i did not want to tell him how far i dated back!!!!For a dollar four i'd say you did WELL ! !
That's why i didn't want to see you pay a shop to do it.
And you're right about the spring clip...they're tricky and can break rather easily if not careful.
Anyways Congratulations on doing it yourself and stop by anytime !

I used Gnome Partition Editor to re-partition and format an IDE hard disk.  Since then, Scandisk tells me that the LBA sectors are damaged (I don't think they're physically damaged, though) and won't allow Windows 98 to install.  I tried to perform a low-LEVEL format, but the utility I have (hutil.exe) just gives me an error message (it hadn't done that, before).

So, assuming I'm right that the disk isn't physically damaged, and that Gnome Partition Editor just corrupted the LBA sectors, how do I fix this thing?

Any help would be much appreciated!1.  What IDE hard drive do you have?
     o  Manufacturer
     o  Model
     o  Size

2.  hutil.
http://www.samsung.com/global/business/hdd/support/utilities/Support_HUTIL.html

What is the "exact" error message when you attempt to perform low-level format with "hutil.exe" utility?  And what do you mean by low-level format?

Were you ATTEMPTING the "TOOL -> ERASE HDD -> LOW LEVEL FORMAT"?

The "TOOL -> SET MAX ADDRDESS" screen looks interesting; particularly the "RECOVER NATIVE SIZE" item.

3.  What is the make and model of your computer (or your motherboard)?  The BIOS may have limitation on hard drive capacity.  ALSO be interesting to know how BIOS sees your hard drive.  Does CMOS setup have it configured to "auto detect" the IDE hard drive settings?

4.  I don't have any "hands-on" experience in this area, so if somebody knows what they're doing, JUMP on in.Sounds like you used a powerful tool without reading the instructions...
Here   is the link to GParted's Help Files, FAQ's and Forum.

You probably have to start over with GParted to get the drive recognised. If it doesn't work properly that HDD may have bit the dust.

I'm getting my hubby a Geforce 8800GT for Xmas.  Right now we have have identical CPUs with a 6800 in them.  When he gets this new card he can give me his old one and I can run both the 6800s in MINE.  Will a 500W power supply support both cards?  If I need more power, how much?

The really sad thing is....I could ask him and he would know instantly, but he'd be smart enough to know what I'm up to and ruin my surprise.  Wow . . . a RELATIONSHIP where both PEOPLE are into computers.
That's what I'd like, heh.
Just hope that he doesn't run into this thread.
Off topic randomness aside . . . yes, a 500W PSU should be fine, as long as you're not running huge amounts of things like 10 hard drives or something.Awesome!  It's actually not as great as you think, us both being COMP geeks.  He has to listen to me whine every time he kills me in FPS GAMES.....now, especially, in UT3, LOL.  I can hold my own though and he gets his paybacks.

pls i'll like to KNOW if i can get step by step procedures to format a sysytem and install NEW softwares cos i intend to handle my systems myself skillfully
any site or ebooks i can make use of?Of course, there are many websites with computer info and it's all accessible by doing searches on the Internet.  Get ACQUAINTED with Google, Yahoo, MSN, etc. and learn how to use them for searches. 

Visit a library, get a membership card, and use their resources.  And, of course, you could buy books on certain computer topics.  Take a LOOK at Amazon.com for books and, when you find something you'd like to get, see whether any used books are listed on the site; used books can often be bought for substantially less and are usually in very good condition. 

Use forums, like this one.

I have a LCD monitor with built in speakers, which is fine except that there is REALLY no bass.

What can I do to get the bass working better?Spend the $25 and get a decent 2.1 system from your local pc shop such as Frye's, Microcenter, eBay, pricewatch.com, etc...

D.
What do you recommend? I had a speakers that came with my computer when I got it. (Brand: compaq).

But I gave that to my dad. But I want a cheap, portable speakers that is of good sound quality. Nothing big, so I can easily take it wherever I want, and if it's small,. that would be good.

I don't mean CHEAP as in bad quality, but CHEAP as in not expensive but recommended.I just bought a set of $10 powered speakers from Frye's last weekend.  The stand about 6 INCHES tall and are not deep at all.  The key is to get the powered ones, the kind that have a cord that plugs into an ELECTRICAL outlet in the wall or a USB powered set

For the most part doing day to day stuff these are fine and sound decent enough.  I don;t think I've ever spent more than $50 on PC speakers - anything beyond that and you should be running em through a real amp with real monitors

D.
Look for the Inspire series from Creative. Something like the P380s will do very well.
Or something like the X-530 from Logitech, or the Z-2300 if you want something even more expensive.

Overall though, you can't beat the quality of headphones such as the HD555, but there is no bass, as you say you want.i bought a logitech 5.1 surround sound system about a year ago for $130 (i cant remember the model number). i can only assume that the price has gone down quite a bit from the time that i bought them.

i found a set from logitech that is quite similiar to them for a great price. check them out hereif there were only tiny speakers that are good for the price, i'd be happy.

I should say, I have a desktop computer and it's working so I don't want to spend money on a laptop now. And I did take my desktop to school (college) from home.

So I'd want a really tiny speaker (less wires, less stuff to have).


I really don't mind too much about brand of speakers as long as either it is name brand or has good user reviews, BUT when I said bass, it was because on my current monitor integrated speakers, some music I like to listen to don't sound right without some nice bass added to it, that's all. Not that it has to be anything high tech or of the sort.

But using earphones is fine but i don't really like using earphones for long times at a stretch.
Quote from: elxr06 on November 21, 2007, 01:54:24 AM

if there were only tiny speakers that are good for the price, i'd be happy.

I should say, I have a desktop computer and it's working so I don't want to spend money on a laptop now. And I did take my desktop to school (college) from home.

So I'd want a really tiny speaker (less wires, less stuff to have).


I really don't mind too much about brand of speakers as long as either it is name brand or has good user reviews, BUT when I said bass, it was because on my current monitor integrated speakers, some music I like to listen to don't sound right without some nice bass added to it, that's all. Not that it has to be anything high tech or of the sort.

But using earphones is fine but i don't really like using earphones for long times at a stretch.

z5500. best. speakers. EVER!

Quote from: elxr06 on November 21, 2007, 01:54:24 AM

if there were only tiny speakers that are good for the price, i'd be happy.

I should say, I have a desktop computer and it's working so I don't want to spend money on a laptop now. And I did take my desktop to school (college) from home.

So I'd want a really tiny speaker (less wires, less stuff to have).


I really don't mind too much about brand of speakers as long as either it is name brand or has good user reviews, BUT when I said bass, it was because on my current monitor integrated speakers, some music I like to listen to don't sound right without some nice bass added to it, that's all. Not that it has to be anything high tech or of the sort.

But using earphones is fine but i don't really like using earphones for long times at a stretch.

How about the T40s, then? No subwoofer, less mess.

Quote from: Jess607 on November 21, 2007, 03:02:36 PM

Quote from: elxr06 on November 21, 2007, 01:54:24 AM

if there were only tiny speakers that are good for the price, i'd be happy.

I should say, I have a desktop computer and it's working so I don't want to spend money on a laptop now. And I did take my desktop to school (college) from home.

So I'd want a really tiny speaker (less wires, less stuff to have).


I really don't mind too much about brand of speakers as long as either it is name brand or has good user reviews, BUT when I said bass, it was because on my current monitor integrated speakers, some music I like to listen to don't sound right without some nice bass added to it, that's all. Not that it has to be anything high tech or of the sort.

But using earphones is fine but i don't really like using earphones for long times at a stretch.

How about the T40s, then? No subwoofer, less mess.

Sure, that would be fine, as long as  the quality of the sound coming out of the speakers isn't bad, given that subwoofers are not included in the package.

Thanks for the info Jess07. Appreciate it 

I will take a look into your recommended speakers. Sounds good to me.

i have new computer.motherboard Intel D865GSA..when i press button on.my fan,lamp at motherboard,harddisk and CAROM is work.but monitor not display anything..anybody can tell me what the problem in my computer?
one problem again..how i to know prosesor work or not If there's nothing on the display, check the video card and connection to the monitor from the video card. I don't think it's the processor.it should be loose cable somewhere or the monitor. Make sure the monitor working 1st ok. Quote from: exe_027 on November 24, 2007, 01:50:37 AM

i have new computer.motherboard Intel D865GSA..when i press button on.my fan,lamp at motherboard,harddisk and carom is work.but monitor not display anything..anybody can tell me what the problem in my computer?
one problem again..how i to know prosesor work or not

Quote from: Broni on November 25, 2007, 11:39:35 AM

What?

my COMPUTER will not LET me ACCESS my programs or my settings it says I am not AUTHORIZED SEE administrator.  I am the administrator.

I think I've posted this in the correct part of the forum. I'm pretty clueless when it comes to technical computer issues, so I could be wrong...

Last spring I got a Dell Ispiron E1505 that came with Windows Vista on it. Everything was fine until I realized about a week ago that something WEIRD was going on. First, I put a CD in because I was trying to get a few songs off of it and put them on iTunes so I could put them on my iPod (which I got about five weeks ago). I hadn’t listened to the CD in a while, so I wanted to play some of it to see which tracks I wanted to put on my iPod. Well, the CD would not play in iTunes at all. So I opened WMP and tried to play it in there. I got a “C00D11D2” error message. Next, I tried it in Real Player and it worked fine.

The next problem I noticed was that videos played using Quicktime or WMP had video, but no sound. I also noticed that games that came on my laptop (solitaire, spider solitaire, etc.) don’t play sounds anymore. Over the weekend I got on MSN Messenger (which I rarely use) and found that it does not play sounds either. AIM and other default noises on Windows still play and I am still able to hear videos on youtube.

I don’t know what I’ve done to cause this. The only thing I can come up with is that it has something to do with my iPod and/or iTunes. A few days before I noticed all this, I plugged my iPod into the laptop and there was an error message. Apparently the iPod was corrupted somehow. That problem has been fixed.

Does anyone have any idea what I can do to solve this issue?Am I to take it that no one has a clue what's wrong with my laptop? If anyone has ANY ideas, PLEASE tell me.  There are issues with the iPod software no matter what flavor of Windows you are running...
It sounds LIKE your file associations have gotten wonked as well.
I'd start by temporarily un-installing the iPod software and see if you can play music and videos normally.Trying System Restore wouldn't hurt.I've tried both of those ideas, but things are still messed up. 

Quote from: patio on November 14, 2007, 03:29:46 PM

It sounds like your file associations have gotten wonked as well.

Windows updates current?
How is your security? Firewall, antivirus, antispyware?
Any errors in Device Manager?

i know some about computers and have researched but could not find the answer.. I have a NVIDIA MCP61 motherboard with an integrated Geforce 6150SE nForce 430 gfx CARD... with this board can I buy another gfx card to ADD to it for better performance. and if so... what  the best card I can GET in around the 100 dollar price range. thanksno, you cannot add another card to increase performance. to do that you must have an SLI or Crossfire motherboard and 2 SLI or Crossfire compatible VGA CARDS. (SLI is the term nvidia uses and Crossfire is the term ATI uses.)

for a graphics card around a hundred bucks... this one is $140, but it will be a massive improvment on the integrated one.I said I have an integrated gfx... so I still have a slot for a pci express gfx card... and I upgraded my watt from 250 too 500... and gfx card recomendations?my apologizes, but when you said "add to it," i assumed you ment going SLI. as for my reccomended graphics card, its in my last post. click on the blue word.nah its ok.. i just am not sure what I am doing and didnt know how to properly explain.. no offense taken

I need to have a radio station online to spread from one sound card of a computer to many amplified speakers in different rooms.

The question is: How many such speakers can I load on that computer (with splitters in serial from that card) without hurting the card?Technically, sound plugs aren't even really made to support two sets of speakers. I'd go into specifics, but that's beyond the point.

Your best BET would be to connect your sound card to a receiver of some sort and let it sort the signal to different sets of speakers. Quote from: quaxo on November 25, 2007, 05:56:52 AM

Your best bet would be to connect your sound card to a receiver of some sort and let it sort the signal to different sets of speakers.

I have Windows Vista installed on my computer, but I made a new PARTITION so I could install Windows XP, because of how much faster it would be..

But now I can't change back to my Vista partition, I'm STUCK with the Windows XP one, which has problems on it. I NEED to change back to my Vista partition, but I don't know how.

I tried changing the BOOT file (Start - Run - sysdm.cpl) but I've DONE something wrong, now my computer won't load any partition, I just get a black screen when I boot. I don't know where my Vista recovery disk is either.

Any help will be appreciated GREATLY.

EDIT: I get the option screen when I boot to select Windows XP or Windows Vista, but when I choose Windows Vista I get a black screen that doesn't change.. The Windows XP one works perfectly.

i'm using windows xp, sp2 version5.1
when computer start to boot up, at black and WHITE screen this error appears
" a disk read error occured "...
i'm using HDD brand samsung SP0411N (40GB/7200rpm/2M/PATA)
so anyone, please assist me....
so?what happened after the error?press ctrl+atl+delete to restart...
 and computer will reboot and same problem will occured and..
press ctrl+atl+delete to restart...
anyone please don't hesitate to help me...At what point does this occur exactly?

Does Windows even BEGIN to load?

Is that all it says? "A disk read error has occurred?" Is there anything following that?it happen after BIOS, before loading windows XP sp 2...anyone pleaseWhat happened pprior to all of this?

Do you have any critical data on there? If so, you should remove that drive and slave it to another computer to see if your data can be salvaged.

If not, or after you do the above, you should download the diagnostics (free) at the Samsung site. It will create a bootable floppy so Windows will not be an issue. can you give a try in safe mode? Quote from: anonymous on November 24, 2007, 06:12:56 PM

it happen after BIOS, before loading windows XP sp 2...anyone please

I'm thinking of buying my brothers system but after reading up about it I've discovered the graphics CARD is awful so I'd need to upgrade it, the PROBELM is because of the case and the size of the system it only takes half height graphics cards....can anyone recommend a card that would fit the system linked to below?  I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to stuff like this so I'm not even sure what a half height card is called, would there be a special name for them?

http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/desktops/0,39029980,39195843,00.htm

Any info would be appreciated, thanks

Natalie xin the link you provided, is that the system you are looking to buy? you did not SPECIFY. Quote

half height card

Hello, I will be using an external usb drive for this. My mother board is 865pe neo2-p. I am not sure if more info is needed for this forum to HELP me out.  Thank you,Dimarrco.  Can you please make it clear what you are trying to do.  Hello, I am wanting to have a second drive that will basicly mirror the first. It should automaticly save to both drives at the same time. For backing up info, docs, program settings, ect. In case of virus or drive crash. Thank you for your time, Dimarrco How to set up Software RAID in windows XP Professional

Like most other hard drive and STORAGE options, RAID is managed through Windows XP's disk management window, found by right CLICKING on 'my computer,' then selecting 'manage' followed by 'disk management.' Windows XP Professional is only capable of creating RAID 0 striped arrays, while the various Windows Server operating systems can also create software RAID 1 mirror arrays.

If you indeed are using XP Pro, this is the only option you have with this OS.  RAID 0 stripes the drives (A RAID 0 (also known as a stripe set or striped volume) splits data evenly across two or more disks (striped) with no parity information for redundancy. It is important to note that RAID 0 was not one of the original RAID levels and provides zero data redundancy. RAID 0 is normally used to INCREASE performance, although it can also be used as a way to create a small number of large virtual disks out of a large number of small physical ones).

I'm not sure if there are (but probably there is) software out there that can do what you want it to do. 

Alan <><  I'm not sure using an external HDD for this is such a good idea...Patio, would you explain to me why not an extrenal drive for this set up? Dimarrco

Hi, I'm sure this QUESTION is very old hat but...

I have a five year old DESKTOP with a TEAC CD-W540E CD- RW drive.  It's working OK with AUDIO cds and OLDER data disks but when I put in a Memorex Ultraspeed CD-RW disc it won't recognise it - keeps asking me to insert disk.  The Ultraspeed works with my laptop NEC DVD+RW ND-6650A.

Can this be rectified with an updated driver or will I have to use slower speed disks?

thanxChances are it cannot read a high speed RW...try a different brand and or a slower speed.
I hope you didn't buy a spindle of 100 of these.Thanx Patio,

fortunately only 10.  And I can use them on the laptop.

my HD (1) was giving me trouble so I installed a new one  (2) and put the old one (1) as a slave drive.  It has been working fine till yesterday and the slave drive changed letters from D to F and now says that it is not formatted and asks if I WANT to format.  there are a couple of files that I desperately need off the slave drive. Have you tried to slave the HD off of another PC or even put into another Pc?This is not a good sign...did you set the jumpers correctly when you made the swap ? ?
Is it on the correct cable position ? ? (slave is the middle connector on an IDE cable )
Has there been any power issues or did you accidently dis-connect the IDE cable while powered up ? ?

One thing you can try but i give it about a one in five chance of succeeding:
Remove both drives.
Boot the machine a few times with no HDD's connected.
Set the jumper on the original HDD as master and hook it up on the end connector of IDE 1.
Power up and keep your fingers crossed...have had the second HD installed for about a month to month and a half and it WORKED fine.  I had changed it to a slave because it was starting to click when booting and was worried about it going bad
Quote from: robinhooddaffy on November 24, 2007, 04:46:21 PM

have had the second HD installed for about a month to month and a half and it worked fine.  I had changed it to a slave because it was starting to click when booting and was worried about it going bad

Can anyone help me, I installed a new 40g hard drive in a Dell C610 laptop. the old drive stopped orking and could not be read by the system at start up. the new drive is in and noticed by the PC, but I cannot boot from my XP cd, nor can I install because the disk is not formatted/partitioned. how can I get over this and get up and running again. Thank You.You NEED to go into the setup by pressing F2, F10 or Delete at start and set the boot order to CD first, then HDD then floppy.
Hit F10 to save the changes and Exit and have the CD in...the setup process will start upon re-boot provided this is a genuine XP CD.I must correct, my op system is WINDOWS ME, please don't laugh, I've tried what you suggested but it isn't working. the bios sees the new drive and the DVD/CD drive, but WONT boot. the options that I get are reboot F1 or ENTER bios F2.

Any new ideas? tried to make boot disk from on-line resource but it wouldn't work either.

Thanks, Quote

tried to make boot disk from on-line resource but it wouldn't work either.

If I boot the LAPTOP it will stop at user name if i click on user to continue it will not INSTEAD it will give me a message that my date and time is invalid that I should GO to control panel to reset it and I can not get to the control panel
Please! I need help?Boot your computer in SAFE mode by pressing F8 key and change the date and time from the safe mode.and restart your laptop in normal mode      How old is the laptop?  If old enough the battery may be starting to DIE.  Consider replacing it. 

Alan <><

I have two hard drives (both Seagate 80 GB, coincidentally) that "crashed" in two of my friends' computers. 

The first one would not boot to Windows, so she took it to a shop and the guy just replaced it without really investigating the problem. I actually had to do some data recovery for her, where he did not even try. I was able to slave the drive and get the data with no problems. 

I did a scan using SeaTools and found just two errors (bad sectors, if I recall correctly). I repaired them and am now using this drive in an external CASE for backup STORAGE.

The second crashed in a similar fashion, but rather than just replace the HDD, the owner decided to buy a new system.(?!?!)  They hobbled along on a repair installation of XP for a few months, then went out and bought a Vista machine.

After scanning this HDD with SeaTools, MANY (100+) errors were found. I again was able fix them, FILLED the drive with ZEROES, and now the scan comes back OK.

Here is my question:  Can both of these drives be trusted?  I figured the first one would be OK, as there were only two problems. I thought it would make a good backup drive.  You think?

What about the second one?  Should I just trash it?

Thanks,

PaulIn my experience, even tho the drives have been "repaired" by any disk utility, I don't trust them.  If they have failed once then they will surely fail again, as will ALL hard drives.  It's just a matter of time.

Just so happens that these folks had a FRIEND like you to get their data back.

Alan <><

Trying to fix my daughter’s computer.
HP Pavilion 700
Sys.# DF247A
CPU: AMD Athlon XP 2400+
HD: Seagate 160GB IDE
Optical Drives: Pioneer DVD R/W & HL-DT-STDVD-Rom
Using Windows XP
Repair experience on scale of 1-10 about a 4.

Computer would shut down after running 10 seconds or so. Opened it up and found motherboard fan not working due to accumulation of dust. Cleaned the fan and heat sink under it, plus the other FANS. All fans now work and shutdown problem cured.
Next, system would not load Windows XP. It would just keep cycling through the boot up.
Ordered recovery disc set from HP for this computer. Set boot order to start from R/W DVD drive and tried to recover but it would still just cycle through start-up.
Replaced old hard drive (Seagate ST 380022A, 80GB), with a new Seagate PATA/100 Barracuda, 160GB. No data transferred. Installed new one out of the box. Jumper set to “Master".
New drive recognized in BIOS. 
Now it starts recovery and progresses through Press “R”, “Preparing Recovery Partition and “Starting HP System Recovery.”  Then, sometimes it will start to transfer files for about a minute and then shut down due to system error such as PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA. Sometimes it won't get as far as the file transfer and then I get one of these error messages; STOP: c000021a {Fatal System Error}, or The Windows Subsystem system process terminated unexpectedly with a status of 0xcooooo1e (0xoooooo73 0xoo66efc8). System has shut down.
I’m thinking maybe something was damaged on the motherboard when the fan wasn’t working and when it reaches a certain temperature a fault occurs? Is there any way I can CHECK this or could it be something else? If I need a new motherboard how would I go about GETTING the right one for this unit? 
Thanks for any help.

Sometimes cleaning the insides can just displace dirt and grime into other areas...
Try removing the RAM sticks. Clean the contacts with rubbing alcohol. Blow out the slots with the compressed air and replace them.
Re-boot and see if things improve...Hold on a second..am I reading this right?
Where is you old hard-drive? Are you trying to recover your windows on an Empty new hard-drive? either that or I am definitly missing something. But if I am getting your POST right, then you are trying to recover a non-existant windows. If you have removed you old hard drive completely, you have also removed you old windows completly becuase windows is install on that old hard-drive. You cannot recover that windows XP if you do not plug that had-drive back in your pc.

What you can try to do is Install windows on the new hard drive, (btw return the recovery disk HP ripped you off with) then hookup the old hard-drive with the new hard drive, and boot up with the new installation of windows (I am pretty sure the new, not old windows will boot up), and see if that works. You can grab your daughter's old files from the other hard drive, or you can keep them on the other hard drive, w/e you feel more comfertable with. Also if you want to have only 1 windows on the 2 hard drives, grab all the files (NOT Windows Folder from the old hard drive) and transfer them to your new hard drive, then format the old one.

Good luckYes. I guess I was trying to use the recovery disks on the new hard drive. What led me to believe this was possible was that the recovery instructions said that, "If your PC has a blank or corrupted hard disk, you can use only the full system recovery option". Since the new hard drive was blank, I figured this would work. And in fact I was able to install some files (up to about disk #5) on the new HD before the screen went to black and the error message came up that there was a problem detected and the sys. had shut down.
I have re-installed the old HD and tried to run the recovery disks with the same error message coming up, but now just shortly into the first disk.
So, if I understand your reply, I will need a copy of Windows to install on the new drive? Since the old drive is corrupt I don't see how I could get it off of it.
Thanks

P.S. To previous reply. I cleaned the RAM sticks but this didn't seem to help.
Some H/Compaqs have a hidden "recovery partition" that you normally can't see. It has the information that feeds the restore CD you have.

If you boot from a Win 98 boot disk (you can get one at www.bootdisk.com) and when it boots typpe in fdisk and press enter. You will get a long paragraph that you should enter "yes" to (by just pressing the Enter key. Then press the number 4 and you will see how that old drive is partitioned.  DOn't do anything else, just ppress Escape and exit.

If there is only one partition, I would say your re-installer wiped out your best chance for a recovery. Now Windows CD's are expensive, so I would contact Compaq and tell them you need a Windows CD, not a restore disk, which is what they obviously sent you. You may have to be persistent. If they are unwilling to do that, then request a refund for your coaster and then check out eBay or elsewhere.

I assume this is XP. If it is something older they probably don't suppport it anymore and you may be SOL. (I know Dell does not ship Win2000 disks any more.)

Some people claim that you can load from ANY Windows CD and use the code on your computer to get it installed. Ynfortunately this is not true on many brand name machines, but it may be a good last resort.

OK i dont know a ton about computers but i know the basics i think....
i know i need a:

case
motherboard
memmory (ram)
hardrive
cd rom / dvd rom


and i have a computer and parts selected. i got some questions though

1. The computer i have selected has duel channel for the ram. and is there anything extra i have to do to make it run duel channel?


i know i have more lol just let me think.

your help is greatly apreciated.



There isn't anything you will need to do, just read the manual and make sure you install the RAM in the correct slots.
Normally they will be colour coded - so if you have 2 green and 2 red, install RAM in the green slots, for example.
The motherboard manual will make it clear, anyway.ok thanks 

i got 2 more questions now that i think of it.

1.will any cd / dvd drive work for any computer
and will any internal hardrive work?

2. after connect all the parts. do i just turn on the compputer? and will it work?

or is there something i have to do first?Depends what motherboard you have, and what CD/DVD and HDDs you have.
If there are no SATA ports and you have a SATA drive, it won't work.
I advise getting a board with SATA ports, and getting SATA drives. Quote from: Calum on November 20, 2007, 01:21:58 PM

Depends what motherboard you have, and what CD/DVD and HDDs you have.
If there are no SATA ports and you have a SATA drive, it won't work.
I advise getting a board with SATA ports, and getting SATA drives.

Quote from: Calum on November 20, 2007, 01:21:58 PM

Depends what motherboard you have, and what CD/DVD and HDDs you have.
If there are no SATA ports and you have a SATA drive, it won't work.
I advise getting a board with SATA ports, and getting SATA drives.

ok thanks but what about this question...

2. after connect all the parts. do i just turn on the compputer? and will it work?

or is there something i have to do first?

Well if all the cables are together right, processor, memory, HDD, etc yes - but if this is a new drive probably not the way you expect it to... even if it is an old drive you have used before I doubt it will work right... you still need to install an O/S on the drive.  This may entail logging into the motherboard's BIOS and enabling the boot devices so you can boot from your cd/dvd drive.  Then drop your o/s install disk into the drive, fir the bad boy up and you're off.

D.

I'm now in a $5 bet with my friend over this question:
What is the POWER Consumption of a Duo Core Processor?
 someone PLZ answer, i WANT dinner tomorrow
Chickens cause school shootings
75 to 80 watts in most cases.

From what I've READ anyway.

This isn't really a technical issue/problem, and should have been posted in the Off-topic forum.I wish, I had 5 bucks DINNERS around my place...

I built a new computer and when I power it up it tries to START then shuts off. The cpu fan struggles to turn 1 or 2 revolutions. I PUT another new power supply in and the same thing happens. Any ideas?NEED full specs for the system, as well as any error messages that might be popping up before it shuts off.

Is your power supply providing enough power for your configuration?Stop trying before you burn up that CPU...
Replace the fan.Are you sure everything is connected CORRECTLY? What type of processor? Did you bench test it before you slapped it in the case? How MUCH experience do you have at this?

Can someone TELL me, is a geforce GT 512, better then a Geforce 8800 gts. So i guess what i am saying is a GT better then a GTS.Short answer: Yes
Long answer: Yes..alot better?

but ya it really is better, even better than the 640MB version..just a quick search on google (maybe something LIKE 8800GT reviews) will show U that the 8800GT is right behind the GTX...some TESTS its better than the GTX..so buy GT if you can find it.I find neither cards are great.so Tony what do you find "great" ? the Ultra?

I am pretty sure Crafty is going for a budget card, and the best budget is the 8800GT when compared to other stock cards.Its my opinion , i didn't suggest a different card did i .... i was clearly stating i don't like either ...... both cards are not brilliant to play the latest games i think there will be a few set backs ....

The 8800GT is the best option out there.
It's the best BANG for your buck, and one of the highest performing cards too.
It is right behind the GTX.
However, preliminary reports indicate the new GTS cards may be better than the GT, but it's wait and see at the minute, they;re not out yet.hey those new GTS cards, if they are priced in the range of the GT, then you might as well wait and c Quote from: Calum on November 23, 2007, 10:46:02 AM

The 8800GT is the best option out there.
It's the best bang for your buck, and one of the highest performing cards too.
It is right behind the GTX.
However, preliminary reports indicate the new GTS cards may be better than the GT, but it's wait and see at the minute, they;re not out yet.

Hi,

my pc has P42.4 PROCESSOR on intel 845 GVSR MOTHER BOARD  is working fine

with RAM-256 MB and bus speed -266MHz.

    i want to upgrade my RAM with one more peice of Ram 256/266 bus speed

but such 266 speed ram is not AVAILABLE in market now.

   can i upgrade with 512MB ram with 533 mhz bus speed on that motherboard

--what is the maximum ram (in MB ) i.e 1-2GB and with wat bus speed that i can UPDATE on intel 845 GVSR MOTHER BOARD .

 please some expert reply to this query.

Thank you.Go to www.crucial.com com and input the motherboard info and see ALL of the characteristics of RAM that motherboard will accept.