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I opened up my computer to clean the dust off. There was a lot of dirt on the fan and the heatsink. I cleaned them and put the computer case on. i turned it on and it  booted up but shut down automatically in 2 seconds and a weird sound comes on. Its not from the speaker. it sounds like it its coming from the motherboard. i checked for loose wire and connection. I checked the ram and they are firmly in place. There is no burning smell. The sound continues unless i unplug the computer. When i try to turn on the comp when the sound is on.,it doesn't start. unplugging it for like 5 seconds and starting it works but the sound comes again and the computer stops. Another thing, the sound continues for like 5 seconds after unplugging the computer. All the fans start up too. I recorded the sound. If you want to hear it download it from here http://rapidshare.com/files/126665139/MIC-2008-07-02_18h15m21s.wav.html

ThanksI may be wrong and someone can advise you further but your power supply may be broke.

Did you change anything in the Bois?

You could also try the following.

Remove the video card and power up, See if it still beeps.
Remove ram, see if it beeps.
Basically disconnect everything see if it beeps.
 
You may need a replacement motherboard and CPU, but also wait for further advisement. 
I don't know if power supply is broke or not and don't know how to check it. I didn't change anything in the Bios. I TRIED REMOVING video card and ram but didn't work. I even disconnected the drives. Quote from: echohunter on July 02, 2008, 05:37:43 PM

I opened up my computer to clean the dust off. There was a lot of dirt on the fan and the heatsink.

I fixed it. Thanks for all of your help.

I fixed it. Thanks for all of your help.

I am now at home, using DSL connection (AT&T) to connect to internet. I have two computers at home, one is a compaq with windows vista installed that I use now. The other is a dell with windows 2000 installed that my dad uses. And I am just using the router so both computers can access internet at same time.

I have configured all the wirings correctly, following the quick installation manual from Linksys website. However, the two computers can not access internet. However, individual computer connected directly to modem works.

I also can't access http://192.168.1.1, the IP of the router. And I am using a motorola DSL.

Weirdly, I used to be connected using a Siemen DSL and both computers worked fine using the router until the modem "died" and AT&T tech support guys brought me a new DSL and configured it for me upon request.


Any suggestions?
Thanks.
mcxeb52!I would suggest you to go and purchase something other than Linksys. My Linksys dropped out of internet
almost daily. even updated firmware did not correct problem. I have a Belkin router now that works great.
Maybe someone else here has a better suggestion Quote from: mcxeb52! on June 14, 2008, 05:19:57 PM

However, individual computer connected directly to modem works.

Go to the 192.168.1.1 page, under the LAN settings section you will see that IP address listed, just change it to 192.168.2.1 and hit apply. Everything else will update automatically.

Sorry for the delay in the response. But thank you very much for the help. I resetted modem once more to factory settings by pressing the reset button on back of router.

Then I rebooted and my computer finally recognized the router and I changed the router to 192.168.2.1 IP and rebooted for changes to take effect and it now works as intended.

I NEED some suggestions for a pair of desktop speakers (no subwoofer) to match with a high end sound card.

The usb digital to analog output having 112 db dynamic range, signal-noise RATIO of 112db and total harmonic distortion of 0.0015.

I will have my own version of 4.0 sound with the usb sound interface having 1/4" outlets to send signal to the stereo amp to power a pair of passive speakers.  The interface has another outlet with a 1/8" stereo PLUG for a pair of desk top speaker.



For the desktop speakers I want mid - high range sound.

I have listened to the Creative Labs T-20 but it sounded flat and not much in the high FREQUENCY range.  The Bose Companion 2 sounded good but I would still like a stronger upper range.

I would have to recommend these speakers .

Quote

Sony touts SOMETHING called "Turbo Shift" technology that "changes low frequency bass range previously inaudible by human ears to a range that can be heard for increased bass

My computer will turn on, but will not boot up.  I have an integrated nvidia geforce 6100 video card.  Is my best option to try putting a new pci express card in or just assuming the motherboard is totally crashed and buying a new one?  I also have two broken pins in my connection for the COOLING fan.  Does this matter?  I didn't know if full contact needed to be made there.  Thanks. have you checked the most common causes?

loose connections on the back of your computer? make SURE everything is properly fitted into its place.....

loose cables and contacts on the motherboard? check cables from your hard drive, power cables and so on, and make sure they connect properly...

is your hard drive can be detected in your BIOS and set to boot?

is there any error message displayed on the screen?

you mean chassis fan, or CPU cooling fan?

pls let us know more...... What exactly does the computer do when you turn it on? Is there any beeps? if so, how many? Does anything show up on the monitor? How old is the pc? What brand and model? If custom build, what motherboard?
We'll need a lot more information before we can be more useful to you.Okay, sorry.  I have an emachines T3410 desktop.  The motherboard is K8MC51G.  The computer turns on, cpu cooling fan and chassis fan both start running, green light for hard drive comes on.  No noise from hard drive, no monitor communication at all.  The IT guys at work told me the first thing detected is the video card and I was going to change that, but I have an integrated one.   There is an open slot for a PCI Express card, but they told me there was a good chance that the motherboard itself was bad.  I have had some display problems recently with the monitor colors(IE the whole thing going a greenish color) so I was hoping that was the only problem.  Since I have no idea what happened, I do not know whether the rest of the peripheral hardware is still functional.  i bet that the motherboard was not defective...try removing the memory and clean the contact before plugging it again on the slot....

also make sure that the slot on your board is clean..if you are in doubt, you can replace the memory and on your system again....

hope this HELPS... My first thought was that you might have a bad monitor, since you didn't hear any beeps come from the computer (probably not the memory). What kind of monitor is it? how old? Try a different monitor.Okay, I know that the fans run off the motherboard, so it makes no sense that it is completely ruined.  The monitor test screen displays fine, just no communication from computer.  The monitor and computer are less than two years old, but shouldn't the computer boot up even if the monitor is not hooked up?  And does anyone know about the bent pin on the cpu cooling fan where it hooks into the grid on the motherboard?  I know this is not the original problem, but am curious as to its importance overall.  I may go to a small local repair shop and see about trying the new pci video card as the hard drive cant seem to get past the initial startup and I am just not good enough at this to know what is wrong.  There is no smell, nothing appears to be burnt, and nothing is bulging.  It just wont go. Does the cpu fan spin at all? If the pin is bent, but the fan still spins, I wouldn't worry about that. If the fan is not spinning, straighten the pin and try again. Take caution though, when the cpu fan doesn't spin. Without a fan, your cpu can get fried in less than a minute.

I have WINDOWS vista ultimate's dreamscene update. When using a video desktop background, explorer.exe process seems to INCREASE in terms of CPU usage, I think to almiost 100% sometimes.

Any reason why explorer.exe's CPU usage goes up like that and also the video background pauses intermittently sometimes (like when you're trying to play HD video but your graphics card is the bare minimum needed to play it).

I have a geforce 8500GT with 256mb ddr2 ram, 1GB system ram and AMD64 Athlon processor. Maybe graphics card is not powerful enough or my processor isn't powerful enough to allow smooth video playback for dreamscene?

--------

Dreamscene is a nice feature. If it causes problems, I' can always go back to a still desktop background. However, if I can get dreamscene to work properly, why not use it? DREAMSCENE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR: WINDOWS AERO
See: Windows Help and Support: Troubleshoot problems with Windows Aero (http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/c33fe91a-9e6f-41f4-ae82-3ed2d5fa2fbf1033.mspx)

NOTE: The Windows Aero color scheme is not available for the Vista Home Basic version.

1 GHz 32 bit or 64 bit CPU processor.
The computer needs at least 1 GB of RAM.
A graphics card with support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128 MB of memory.
The graphics card must support Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware.
The graphics card driver must support Windows Vista Display Driver Model (WDDM)
The computer display color depth must be set to 32 bits per pixel.
DREAMSCENE FOLDER LOCATION: C:\Windows\Web\Windows DreamScene

WARNING:
On some less powerful computers, Windows DreamScene can cause a significant performance IMPACT. Some DreamScenes will use more of the CPU Usage than others. You can check in Task Manager (CTRL+SHIFT+ESC) under the Performance tab to see how much CPU Usage is being used by a particular DreamScene.

PROBLEM TROUBLESHOOTING:
See: Windows Help and How-to: Troubleshooting Problems with Windows DreamScene (http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/c9c423ac-c343-4694-9408-877631d810b51033.mspx)

hi.. my friend wants to run a set of speakers outside on his patio from his computer.. its not a very long run but IM sure the cables that normally come with a set of speakers will not be long enough...im assuming we will have to use computer speakers, right???  any suggestions on how to hook this up and/or what kind of speakers to use would be appreciated...thanks, JoeComputer speakers should be fine but, if it's too short, you need to get an extension cable.
Basically, its a long wire where you can plug the speakers into one end and then it goes into the computer.Well another alternative is, do you have a stereo that sounds good, has long speaker wires and hax AUX inputs?

Simply go down to your electronics store and ask for a 3.5mm male jack to RCA and you should get a cable that plugs into your speaker port and then into the AUX PORTS on your stereo and viola!

You now have awesome computer speakers and a GREAT way to entertain

KurtisWhy not try these:  WIRELESS Bluetooth Computer Speakers

They're currently sold out...but for the price...I'd check availability.

Every time my laptop is connected to any network using the integrated wireless device, sooner or later my computer will crash, even as soon as connected to a network at fresh start up.

Right now I'm using external wireless device from PCMIA card slot.

I apologize if this thread is posted on the wrong section. I'm not sure where the problem is so I assume it originates from my original built-in wireless device.

I request your help to solve this problem.

Thanks you

What Operating System are you using?

How long has this been happening?

Did you do anything before this? (install, download, ect...)Windows XP sp2
About 3 days
As far as I can remember,
I did alot of customization since last month using Tune Up 2008 and Customization. A few weeks ago my computer has just been cleaned up TOTALLY after being attacked with viruses and trojans.

The strange part is, I reformat the drives, and hence the windows. But then my computer crash right on startup after drivers installation. Only when I turned off my wireless device it shows no problem.If this problem only happens when you have the wireless turned on, I would try reinstalling the drivers.Tried, but it seems something's wrong with the Driver CD, any idea where can I download the drivers?

Laptop NEC Versa E2000You will need to go to the manufacturer's WEBSITE and LOOK for the model.It's surprising how many Laptops get a problem with the power PLUG, ( The socket where the transformer plugs into ).
It seems to be a common FAULT.
This might have no connection to your fault but keep an eye on it.

Hello!

I'd like to buy a laptop, and may play some games on it, though not the most recent ones. I know that video cards using integrated memory aren't fast because the GPU is on the main board and also uses the computer RAM. I know I should buy a card with some dedicated memory instead. However, I found lots of notebooks having some Integrated + Dedicated memory at the same time ??  I've seen a card having a 256 megs dedicated memory that can go up to 1,5 gigs.  Is the system using up the first 256 megs of dedicated memory first, then uses my RAM up to 1,5 gigs as a swap ?   Or is a video card with only dedicated memory's way much better? Thanks!Welcome to the forums!

A video card with shared memory is no good for gaming, unless you only play older games.
These cards with some of their own memory and more shared are just as bad really.
Be aware however that dedicated cards suck more power and put out more heat than integrated cards.
Whatever you decide you will have to make sacrifices with a laptop, they're just not meant for gaming.
If you would like some more specific advice, listing laptop makes/models that you're interested in, or the video cards or chips CONCERNED, would help us to give more specific advice.
Hope this helps.Right now I don't have any model in mind, however I can tell you that my type of gaming is with game consoles emulation such as the N64, or PSX. Also, I was told by someone that unless I install Windows XP on the laptop, I shouldn't bother buying an integrated video card since Vista ask a lot of video power. Vista does need a beefier computer than XP, and I would say that integrated graphics would possibly struggle a little with Vista, especially if you don't have a lot of RAM.
If you're just emulating games (by the way, that can't be discussed here as it's against the forum rules) then you won't need a great graphics card, as FAR as I am aware most emulators need CPU power more than powerful graphics cards - at least, in my experience they do.
If you do have any questions regarding graphics cards or the other HARDWARE specs feel free to ask away, as laptops can't be upgraded much it's important to try and get the best you can for your money if you must have a laptop.Let's say I'd pick this laptop on FutureShop worth 1000$, which is my budget: a Pavilion DV9934CA , with a CORE 2 Duo 5750,  with 4 Gigs of RAM, equiped with a GeForce 8400M GS with 256 megs dedicated memory that can climb up to 1,5 Gigs. Would Vista struggle on that machine?   It will certainly run a lot slower than XP, but it should run acceptably on that machine.
The graphics card is poor, but adequate for Vista - if you plan on any other gaming I would try for a better one.
That sounds like a pretty decent machine for the price though, all things considered.I see. Thanks!  I've got one last question for now. Out of curiosity, I'd like to know the exacts differences between a fully integrated video card and a partially dedicated card. I know that an integrated card uses a GPU that is integrated directly on the main board, and uses the system memory. But how does a partially dedicated card works? First, is the GPU directly on the main board, or does it have a board of its own? Second, how does the memory works here? Does it uses its own memory first, then uses the RAM as a swap if need is? I noticed that this category of video cards  often comes on laptops that are a bit more expensive than the cheaper ones, so I'm wondering if their graphics cards are yet a bit better than the fully integrated ones. Thanks for the infos!  On a laptop, many GPUs are actually built into the board, WHETHER dedicated or not.
Generally speaking though, these "partially integrated" cards are separate graphics cards, with a small amount of their own VRAM.  They use this and the system RAM together.  I'm not sure if the card will use its own RAM first or not, but I think there wouldn't be much difference in speed most of the time anyway because these cards often use slow VRAM anyway, whereas normally GDDR3/4 RAM, used by most dedicated cards, is much faster than the system RAM.
The cards which use system RAM as well as their own are usually better than integrated chips as they are often a better class of GPU entirely.

Does that help clear it up somewhat?Yes thanks! I think I'll buy this type of cards. I'm ready to put about 1000-1200$ for a laptop so I won't get the cheapest parts, but since Vista seems so hungry for system ressources, I think I'll stay with Windows XP..You're more than welcome.
You'll see a lot of people advocating Vista over XP or vice versa, my advice would be to see if you can try Vista out, perhaps on a friend's PC, to see if you like it or not.

Any Ideas??  Dell 4100 Pentium III 800 MHz PC 133 sticks (2) total 512 Mb OS winXP pro. Are there any jumpers or changes that can be made, to install two (2) PC 133 512 Mb sticks (total ~ 1Gb). Dell tech. specs." Max both SLOTS 512 Mb". All the Best ZacharyIf the motherboard spec. on ram says up to 1 gig or 2gig ect. thats all the BOARD will deliver, no exceptionsXavier is right.....the MB's have a max for a reason....if I were you I'd change the MB.

It's the same with overclocking.....I can't understand why people overclock,,,,it's only PUTTING the system under PRESSURE that it doesn't need......if someone wants more speed...why not just upgrade, it could work out much cheaper in the end.

Hey everyone. Warning: I'm not PC savvy.

I recently bought an ATI Radeon X1600 Pro 512 MB AGP

When I turn my computer on with the new video card in, I get a bunch of blue and red vertical lines (mostly blue). I left it on for about 20 minutes, but nothing changed.

Everything works fine when I put my old video card in, an ATI 9600 (I'm using that now).

I updated my motherboard chipset, like the booklet suggests but that didn't help. I even TRIED doing a full system restore. I have no idea what to do, or what could be causing the problem.

My monitor is relatively new too. In my uneducated opinion, the monitor should work just fine with it, could it be the problem though?

Here are my other specs, let me know if I'm missing something important:
Win XP
Pentium 4 2.53 GHz
1 GB of RAM

If anyone has any suggestions, please fire away.Silly question but does you Video card require a power cable from the video card to mother board?

Your power supply may also not be strong enough to deal with the video cards requirements.


Updating your drivers may also help, did you get an install disc? i agree, same thing happened to me, just update your video driversNo it doesn't require power cables.


When I try to install the CD that came with the card, I get an error saying something about using a VGA adapter driver..

After looking that up on google, I tried to switch to VGA mode with F8 when booting up but I still can't install the CD.

So that's my next step I guess.. how do I use a VGA driver if the F8 thing doesn't work?

I'm feeling a lot more optimistic  You need to completely uninstall the original drivers you were using with your 9600 before installing the X1600. That's why you're getting the error message about installing the card first with the default VGA driver.I uninstalled the driver (and everything ATI related) from Add/Remove PROGRAMS but it still isn't working.

When I reboot my PC, "ATI - Software Uninstall Utility" keeps showing up in Add/Remove. I tried uninstalling that, and then using the CD both before and after rebooting.

Googe search shows that I might need something like Driver Cleaner, but it isn't free. I can't find a free alternative, is there one?

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the help! Quote from: NotGood on July 02, 2008, 07:09:57 PM

Google search shows that I might need something like Driver Cleaner, but it isn't free. I can't find a free alternative, is there one?

hi all,
My friend's pc use two windows ,98 and XP.
 Now she has installed Cannon LBP2900 laser printer in window XP.She  use USB port .It has no problem.But when she change window 98, this printer does not active.let me know why?
thanks in advance for any reply.
 
best regards,
greenTry Nusb33e.exe------------>GoHereIf the Windows 98 and Windows XP operating systems are on the same computer, you need to install the printer SEPARATELY in both operating systems.

You should install the software for the printer before it is connected to the computer.  When you connect a USB device to a computer running a Windows operating system; it will automatically search for, load, and configure the best driver it can find for the device.  If it thinks it found a compatible driver, that's the one it will attempt to use forever (until you either remove it or search for an update).  I'm guessing the Windows 98 operating system did not come with a suitable driver for the Canon LBP2900, so you need to install the correct software either from the installation CD that came with the printer or latest download from a Canon website.  This European SITE provides downloads in several different languages of the World:  Laser Shot LBP2900. 

Suggested installation steps for Windows 98:
    o  Ensure Canon LBP2900 printer disconnected from computer and removed from operating system (Remove from within Device Manager, then reboot Windows 98).
    o  Install the software for the printer.
    o  Reboot Windows 98.
    o  Connect one end of USB CABLE to printer.
    o  Connect POWER source to printer, power on printer.
    o  Connect other end of USB cable to computer.
    o  Windows should detect NEW USB hardware (printer), search for, find, load and configure the printer device driver software.
    o  You should now be able to access printer from within Windows 98.
     

I got that program to remove the files I wanted from my one drive.  I have a dead drive the thing is it isnt working.  Does this mean that there is know way to see it?By 'dead drive' what do you mean?
Do mean 'dead' as in it cannot START up or what?Yeah, that last time was a fluke.If it won't work as a Slave, then I don't see anything else you can do.

I'm sure you already know this but there are people who specialize on extracting data from DAMAGED Hard Disks. However, you will need a lot of $$$$$$$.I justed wanted to see if this would be able to make it run again.  Some how it does, when the hd crashes an burns.  So it has to somewhat work how else does the data come off?What?  In the event of a hd failure how do you think the data is recovered?  The hd is some how running.I don't know how they recover data off bad disks.Thats why I wondered if I couldnt reanimet the drive.Name it whatever you want, its toastTwo things you might want to try.

1.   wrap the drive in plastic wrap and leave it in the FRIDGE over night.  Make sure it is sealed tightly so that no moisture cannot get into it.  Have your MACHINE set up so when you fire it up with the cold HD you can get to your recovery program with out delay and start removing your files.  This method is only good for a bad bearing or a circuit that is overheating.  You may have to do this procedure several times to recover your files, or it quits working completely.

2.   if it is a bad circuit board, if you can find an identical drive, very carefully swap the circuit boards.  This is the board on the bottom of the drive.

Other than that, I guess it is off to data recovery if the files are WORTH it.To answer, Squall's question, if a drive no longer spins, but data recovery is desired, a recovery company can dismantle the drive in a clean room and remove the platters and either mount them into a special rig or into a working drive casing. This can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
I suppose that why its cost so much.  Not that I need to or anything just if I got it working again would have some money saved.  All my drives are samll.Well, you most likely won't get it working again. It'll make a nice paper weight though.Thats true. I mainly took it apart for study, here at squall enterprise we stress the effort to make sure I know what I doing an saing.

Hi All,
Hopefully someone can help me out here. I had a hard drive FAILURE on my Seagate Barracuda 120GB hard drive. I've managed to recover the missing data off it using 'GetDataBack for NTFS, however I'm only able to see 30GB of the disk and not the REST of it.
I've got the drive configured as a slave, but want to make full use of the 120GB as I can.
I'm able to format the 30GB without any problems.

Thanks in Advance
Paddit You won't get the full 120Gb ever.....there's some taken up with the system.
You'll ALWAYS lose a few Gig.

Personallly, I would scrub the HD with Zero Fill...and then treat it with Disk Genius.

Then put a clean set of Windows on.

Then you will have a drive like new.So there was a HD failure and now the computer only recognizes 30GB out of the 120GB?

What OS?

Is it hooked up as a slave?Hi
Yes that's right. I'm running XP. I'm able to format 30GB only. I've tried Zero Fill as suggested by Fred8, but I still can't see anything.Have you treated it with disk Genius,
It won't take anything unless you do.See Seagate's page about the 32 GB limitation:

http://tinyurl.com/23brcsHello Pad. There is an article that concerns the problem you are experiencing. Please perform the procedure provided in the following Microsoft KNOWLEDGE Base article.

How to locate and correct disk space problems on NTFS volumes in Windows XP

Let us know if it helps or not. Good Luck.

-- Goku

If I have one computer that seems to have crashed; haven't yet gotton this resolved, but I saw someone had typed in about moving the hard drive from the computer that wouldn't boot into windows 98 to remove the hard drive and put it in another computer to save the DATA from it. Can someone maybe make sense of this to me, 'cause if there's a possibility that I can do that and save all my music that would be a happy day! --> Although, this particular computer/hard drive had windows xp home EDITION on it; the hard drive has 280 memory for an hp.  Is this something to consider?-- Just pull this one out, slide it into another tower with a different motherboard?The motherboard doesn't matter.   What does is if the drive you want to move is SATA and your mobo doesn't have any SATA connections, or if the drive is ATA and your mobo doesn't have any ATA connections, you might have to get yourself a suitable adapter.    Also, if the file system on the drive you want to move is NTFS you cannot ACCESS the files using Win.9n.

Apart from the foregoing moving hard drives around is easy, you could also consider getting a USB adapter and plugging up the drive as external.

Maybe you'd like to tell us what your hardware SETUP is, and which operating system is involved.

Good luck

I was running a Soyo 880 MB with an Athalon XP 3200, 3 gig of DDR 400, and a 720 W PSU.  I started getting an "Checking NVRAM" on boot up, and having to reset the Bios.  I've replaced the battery twice since this started, (all the batteries were good) and keep getting the "Checking NVRAM" on boot.  Since the batteries did not solve the problem, I switched out the MB with an new spare 880 MB and still got the same problem.  I've also changed out all the CABLES, HD's, processor and vid card.  Still the same problem.  The only thing left to change is the PSU and the case.  Is it possible that on shut down that the PSU can short out or drain the battery?  I'm at a loss, could use some help.Discounting the things you've already checked, it could definitely be the PSU. It could also be the RAM (which you didn't mention.)
Yes, I did change out the memory, also tried different configs, 1 gig,2gig, 512.  The PSU is only about 2 months old, but then again I had them go bad right out of the box.  It is a Thermotake 720 W.   Will have to pull a PSU out of another unit to see if the problem persist.  You sound like the kind of person who should be answering questions on here as well as asking them. Maybe you should stick around, if you have the time.Hi Dias,

Forgotten my Spanish, spring or summer?

Thanks for the thought.  Mostly self taught from trying to keep 14 units running. 

I'll post tomorrow after I get off work on what happens with the different PSU.  If it is the PSU, that will be a challange to figgure out.  First thing that comes to mind is that the unit is just too big for the PSU. Quote from: N4646W on July 05, 2008, 02:30:03 AM

Forgotten my Spanish, spring or summer?

First thing that comes to mind is that the unit is just too big for the PSU.

USRobotics Modem 1785-00, Sportster 0461 is not detected as new hardware during startup.

The modem was installed after a hard drive erase, f-disk and windows reinstall.

The modem was working when removed from another computer.  The 0461 is replacing a previous modem that WORKED.

When checking "Modem" in the Control Panel, the first msg box that displays is titled "Install New Modem".

I have downloaded the driver for the modem from US Robotics

What should I do next?cfmoore...

Here's a link to all the information you'll need including the installation maual for your modem:  005684-00, 005685-00 Faxmodem

That link will provide you with PDF manuals and installation guides...as well as a link at the bottom of the page for the driver/firmware for your device.

Pay close attention to this manual:  Installation Guide

Keep us posted...The modem is still not recognized during start up.

Before I did the reinstall, I turned off the computer, removed the modem, and then restarted.  During the boot up there was a msg "Updating ESCD Success".  In "Modem" in the Control Panel, no modem was detected as installed.

After following the rest of the US Robotic install instructions, I saw the same "Updating ESCD Success" msg during boot up.  In "Modem", the first msg box to display is "Install New Modem" with the msg that new device has been detected.

What should I do next?

ChuckI'm assuming you're using the driver provided from the information I provided you in my previous post...correct?

At this point of the installation...you can let Windows search for the best driver automatically...using the Found New Hardware Wizard.  If this doesn't work...you'll have to tell the Wizard where the device driver is located by specifying the location of the driver.

When you downloaded that driver and installed it...it probably extracted itself into a directory.  Did you note the directory?  It will usually install in your local drive at:  C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers

So you'll need to let the hardware installer know where to look for the driver.

If you've provided the correct path, the Wizard should continue...installing the appropriate driver for your modem.  At some point, you may/may not be DIRECTED to insert your Windows CD to complete the installation.

Once the new hardware installation is complete...you may/may not have to reboot the system to complete the installation.

Please let me know if you still need help with the installation.  I'll try to remain on line as long as possible...The modem has been installed.  It worked going through "Install New Hardware"

I had messed up with the driver installation.

I still have to set up the telephone connection

Would not have gotten this FAR without your help and others with other problems.  This is an old computer that had been atop a bookcase of old vinyl records for THREE years.  When I first pushed the on button, all it did was beep endlessly.  It would have been worth the expense to take it to the shop.  On the other hand I did not mind putting in the time to get it working.  I also learned along the way.  Feeling of accomplishment

Glad to hear the modem's installed...

We all make mistakes every now and again...some more than others, but we muddle through and our sticktoitiveness KEEPS us focused on the task at hand.

You just saved yourself a good sum of money, by not taking it to the shop...

If there's anything else we can do for you...just shout...


All the best...

Dear friends,

I am trying to repair a Tomato motherboard, it doesnot bootup,but the FET no. 60N03s become very hot withina short time.

I change some capacitors but doesnot help.


Would you kindly help me ?

ZaccariousOkay....what's a tomato motherboard?

How do you know the FET is getting too hot?

What kind of cooling do you have?does this happen to be a Hothouse Tomato motherboard? If so, it's by design!

sorry, couldn't help myself...

Wow, that post contributed nothing. Sorry.I was going to say to that person, "Your motherboard is pizza!" but I held back, BC_programmer, but MAYBE I should have let it FLOW...

1. "Pizza" here should be read as a HUMOROUS variant of "toast".

2. zaccarious, don't bother!

current Compaq computer has AMD-K6-2 at 500mhertz processor, windows 98, physical memory of 58138 kbytes, memory 64 megabytes, storage, I am looking to upgrade(but spend about 400 to 500$) What kind of processor, and Ram should I be looking for? Is higher better? I want to use an IPOD and use a digital camera and surf the web. . What are the minimums I can get by with? Thank you for any and all replies.  For the price i would go with the DELL INSPIRON 530 appx in the range of $500[google dell inspiron]Thank you, xavier for the help, I have heard good things about Dell and that is the computer I use at work... Getting a new computer really depends on what you want to do on it.

Quote

I want to use an IPOD and use a digital camera and surf the web.

RAM - Random Access Memory.
Basically, if you have more RAM, the more programs you can have running. More RAM makes the Computer and the Programs run faster.

I was thinking of XP when I wrote my RAM recommendation.
You will most definitely get a Vista so I recommend at least 1GB of RAM

Hey guys, im looking to buy a 150-200 gb ( i dont think they make 200 gb but instead 250 gb?) external harddrive. It doesn't need to be portable like for traveling but i just want to backup and store my files so i know they're safe =D. I'm looking for the price range to be below $100. Any RECOMMENDATIONS? Also, it has to be fast and have a smooth connection (and quiteness is the key!) ThanksIs that US$, CAN$ Singapore$ ?

It would give a hint to your location on an international website. Then someone may be able to post advice.I'm actually looking more into 160gb now, US dollarsGameaholic,SEE if anything here whets your appetite. http://www.frys-electronics-ads.com/ truenorthSince you're not worried about portability (and, I assume "pretty!"), why not "make your own?" You can buy a harddrive and a SEPARATE enclosure - can be USB or ESATA. 250 GB harddrive ≈$50 and enclosure ≈$20. Just be sure that the harddrive interface and the enclosure interface match. Also make sure the enclosure to computer interface matches what you want - USB or ESATA.

Good Luck!Hard drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148261
Ext. Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817173047
Total: $70 plus shipping

External Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136228
Total: $110 plus shippingjust a quick question, if your not getting an external HD for its portability, what are you getting it for? cant you just use an internal HD?Maybe he wants to put it in a fireproof safe after he copies his files. Makes sense to me.he said it doesnt need it to be portable.

Quote

It doesn't need to be portable like for traveling

....like for traveling
resting in a safe is hardly traveling

While we became distracted i believe our poster has disappeared.truenorth

I have a dell dimension 4100 board, I cant find anything really wrong with it except this.  Cause I'm not sure if there is a hardware problem or not yet.

[recovering disk space -- attachment deleted by admin]Yet another blurry picture... can't tell you anything from that.Sorry this one is some what blurry.  But theres a limit to the size.

[recovering disk space -- attachment deleted by admin]then us a picture hosting service like Photobucket. Can't tell you anything from these blurry pictures you KEEP giving.http://s310.photobucket.com/albums/kk403/squall_131/?action=view&current=DSC00692.jpg  Here you go.On your camera, there should be a button that LOOKS like a flower. Press it and re-take the picture  Okay will see if I cant do that then, batteries DEAD. Quote

batteries dead.

smell the board, if it smells burnt sniff around (like a dog) and you might be able to pinpoint what went bad.
not that it matters, if it smells burnt you will probably just get a new one.

I would like to install RAID 1 on the wifes computer. The motherboard has no support for RAID. How can I set it up. She has had a *censored* of a time with pictures not comming up from CD's. I thought that this might work better for her. Keeping them on two hard drives. The computer is home built. Intel D945gcnl motherboard, Pentium dual core processor E2180, Western Digital 160 gig hard drive and a Pioneer DVR-215D make up the machine. This is all new to me. I am 57 years old and like working on this stuff. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your time.Hope this helps...it's for Windows XP:  How to Install Windows XP on a RAID ConfigurationI have been told that If the motherboard doesn't support RAID you have to get a controller card for RAID then hook up the hard drives to the card then do all the stuff in your post. Do you know is this is true before I spend the money on the card? Or is the guy at Micro Center just trying to sell me a card?you will need a card if your motherboard does not natively support RAID. im kind of confused as to why you wish to setup a RAID1 array, could you please go into greater detail?My wife likes to take pictures of the grand children, the dogs places we go and then she has been saving them to a CD. Well as of late she has tried to bring up some of the pictures and she can't. We tried bring them up on my old laptop and some came up and some didn't. So if we have them on a hard drives with RAID 1 She stands a better chance of not loosing her pictures. That is the only reason. I want to keep her from loosing any more pictures. Last time she almost cried. Thanks for your time. I will pick up the card and drives.If her images were backed up to a CD...I don't understand why they could not be retrieved...unless the images were saved in a format not supported by the operating system or image viewing software.

I think you may be looking at this the wrong way...sort of like making something easy a little too complicated.

If you're simply looking to have a backup device for importand documents, files, folders, images, etc;, etc...then, certainly, backing them up to an external media such as a CD, DVD, flash drive, or external USB drive would be your best bet. Quote from: I Shooter on June 26, 2008, 06:10:34 PM

My wife likes to take pictures of the grand children, the dogs places we go and then she has been saving them to a CD. Well as of late she has tried to bring up some of the pictures and she can't.

Out of 4 CD I was only able to recover the pictures on one.

One CD was created in Adaptec Easy CD creator,that one will not give up it's pictures.

Is this cpu DEAD or not I dont really have a machine to tell me if it is or not?  Any thoughts tried to make it to the recommened size but good enough to tell.

[recovering disk space -- attachment deleted by admin]Not even sure what the heck I'm looking at. Can you provide a CLEARER picture?Not really its the top of a socket 370 intel cpu.  Its hard cause of the sizeing.Well, as blurry as that picture is, it's hard to tell. It looks like it's melted.  Thats why I havent posted these till know.Thats funny, i made it bigger not sure if it will be better or not.  Something else I should bring up. 

[recovering disk space -- attachment deleted by admin]I see it... I just can't see what I'm looking at. I realize it's the top of the processor, but without more detail....notice the blue like color.  See where its some what scratched, is that a BAD thing?That looks melted to me.
It may be working, or it may not, the only way to tell for sure is to try it.
However, it's definitely possible to see that the HEAT spreader on top and the surrounding area have twisted as though melted - that must have been some intense heat!

The "blue thing" is the heat spreader by the way, and it doesn't usually matter if that's damaged.Are you looking at the white stuff?  Cause thats the paste.I'm saying that the heat spreader looks twisted to me.
I think I was slightly confused by the paste though, looking again the chip itself appears intact.Squall, it's impossible to tell with these pictures. You need to provide clear pictures. If size is a problem, upload them to a photo hosting site first.Doing so, I need to talk with him about this too.  Probably getting mad about the changes. QUOTE from: squall_01 on July 03, 2008, 12:34:16 PM

Doing so, I need to talk with him about this too.  Probably getting mad about the changes.

I am using Windows XP. I am using two hard disk for storage. It was partitioned as Drive C, D & E. Yesterday when I started my computer after 10 days of gap the Drive E disappeared from the computer. I want to retrieve all data & drive which has suddenly disappeared from the computer. So please help to do so.

The other problem is that when computer starts it prompts to go thro set up by pressing F4. Why is it so?
 Do you know what Setup F4 brings you to? Is it the BIOS?

If you're using two hard DISKS, can you clarify that the second Hard Disk is plugged in properly.

Do you remember installing/downloading/running anything before this happened (despite the fact it happened 10 days ago).Ya Setup brings  to BIOS.

Shall i open the cabinet & see the connections & secuire properly?

the last TIME all was working properly. i hadn't installed anything.Sounds like your battery may have died. If you go though the BIOS setup does it see 2 drives?

i think the battery is OK. I searched for drives in BIOS utility. but where to locate it? Quote

but where to locate it?

i opened the cabinet removed the connection of both hard disks

when i try to system restore it says

ALL drives will be monitored by System restore. Even storage drives for some reason.

Quote from: BC_Programmer on June 27, 2008, 08:26:43 PM

ALL drives will be monitored by System restore. Even storage drives for some reason.

Not if you didn't save a restore point with the drive in the computer.

Hi,

I'm running 32-bit XP Pro Sp3, and recently i installed two 2gb kingston notebook ram cards for my HP pavilion dv2600 laptop. However, my machine tells me i've only got 3 gb of RAM. This is checked with everest. However, CPU-Z says i've got 4 gb.

my question is, why does my computer only "see" 3gb?

if it's due to the fact that i'm running 32-bit version of XP and not 64-bit, then is the additional 1gb of RAM in use by my machine?Well,  32bit windows should support up to 4 Gb of SYSTEM memory.  since a 32 bit machine means that the processor can access a memory address up to 32 bits long. this is 4.2 billion unique memory addresses or 4 Gb of memory.  so in 32 bit windows There is an imaginary 4.2 billion unique addresses available to applications.   (I think I explained this right)

This means that while we can't say it's not window's fault that your computer isn't recognizing the last Gig.  It is very capable of supporting 4 Gb.  the problem I would guess is LIKELY hardware.  Look up your motherboard model online and see how much RAM it can support,  Since the buses and physical design of a motherboard can physically limit the amount of system memory capable of being used.

good luckThis old favourite keeps coming up. There ought to be an FAQ about it. It's not really to do with hardware as Doomsayer seems to think. No hardware will enable 32 bit Windows to see 4 GB of RAM.

If you are running 32-bit Windows, you must live with it. You will not ever see all 4GB of RAM you've paid for. Due to an architectural decision made long ago, if you have 4GB of physical RAM installed, Windows is only able to report a portion of the physical 4GB of RAM (ranges from ~2.75GB to 3.5GB depending on the devices installed, motherboard's chipset & BIOS).

This behavior is due to "memory mapped IO reservations". Those reservations overlay the physical address space and mask out those physical addresses so that they cannot be used for working memory. This is independent of the OS running on the machine.

Significant chunks of address space below 4GB (the highest address accessible via 32-bit) get reserved for use by system hardware:

    • BIOS – including ACPI and legacy VIDEO support

    • PCI bus including bridges etc.

    • PCI Express support will reserve at least 256MB, up to 768MB depending on graphics card installed memory

What this means is a typical system may see between ~256MB and 1GB of address space below 4GB reserved for hardware use that the OS cannot access. Intel chipset specs are pretty good at explaining what address ranges gets reserved by default and in some cases call out that 1.5GB is always reserved and thus inaccessible to Windows.

oh. so some of the invisible 1g of ram on my machine is added to my graphics memory? improving game performance? Quote from: JXY on June 30, 2008, 05:49:33 PM

oh. so some of the invisible 1g of ram on my machine is added to my graphics memory? improving game performance?

Hello fellow computer users.  I HOPE you can help me.

I have an old (5-7yrs) Epson dot matrix PRINTER (Model LQ-570+) that I am currently using with an old PC running Windows 95 that I would like to now use with my new HP Pavillion (a6257c) desktop which is running Vista.  The printer is in perfectly good working order and I need it for a particular application - printing duplicate forms - so I would very much like to make this conversion.

One obvious problem is hardware related:  the printer is currently connected to the parallel output of the old computer - the new HP computer did not come with a parallel interface card.  The other problem would be software related:  I suppose that I will also need a new driver (if one exists) for the printer which runs under Vista.

One possible solution is to try to connect to the printer via one of these USB-to-Parallel adapter cables that are on the market and then try to find a driver that might be compatible with this arrangement.  Another possible solution is to purchase a parallel interface card for the HP computer (assuming they exist) and then finding a driver to that would work in this configuration.  What are your thoughts on these two options?

Another solution would be to buy a new dot matrix printer that has a USB interface and has drivers that are Vista compatible.  This would obviously be the most expensive solution so I would like to avoid this if possible.  Do you think I might have to do this?

What I am wondering is if anyone out there has been faced with the same or similar type problem and what they did to solve the problem.  Or perhaps if someone is knowledgeable of Epson products, their interfaces and their compatibility with the Vista OS.  Or perhaps you could refer me to another source who might be able to answer my questions.

Thanks much, Alalwill,As an almost totally exclusively Epson user for over 12 years here are my observations and suggestions.You should 1st direct a question to Epson as to whether or not (and i highly suspect NOT) this printer is Vista compatible (even IF an adapter is available).Assuming it won't be then (a situation we faced) if you are able continue to use the computer it is working with for those printing functions you need that can be achieved with that combination. You could certainly upgrade the O/S to at LEAST win98 if you felt you wanted to. But going to XP or Vista probably would not be adviseable or maybe even not possible on a win95 machine.You have identified another option which is to find another printer that will do the function you want with Vista.The printer will probably be not very expensive as the money is made on the ink. In the case of Epson(and some others) they have gone to proprietary "memory chips" on their cartridges making it difficult and adding additional costs to overcome "their" chips and be able to refill their cartridges--so that is something to think about when selecting a replacement if that is the way you chose to go.Personally if the old computer is doing the job i would continue to use that combination. Remember to turn your printer on (even if you don't need to actually use it) at least once a week to prolong the printer HEAD life-and always turn them off when not in use for the same reason) goodluck,truenorth Quote from: truenorth on July 03, 2008, 11:26:36 AM

The printer will probably be not very expensive as the money is made on the ink. In the case of Epson(and some others) they have gone to proprietary "memory chips" on their cartridges making it difficult and adding additional costs to overcome "their" chips and be able to refill their cartridges--so that is something to think about when selecting a replacement if that is the way you chose to go.

I am wondering if it is really the "dot matrix" feature that alwill desires to retain or is it some format (printing style,etc) that he doesn't want to lose? ...Perhaps if alwill were to tell us what is exactly the function or feature that he desires to have we might suggest options beyond what has been stated so far.truenorth

The printer is in perfectly good working order and I need it for a particular application - printing duplicate forms - so I would very much like to make this conversion.

Hi friends,

I have a asrock p4i45d ver.1.04 MOTHERBOARD. Its was working fine, suddenly stopped. Now I try to boot, only 3 short beep is COMING but nothing else.

Would you kindly help me ?


ZaccariousAccording to ASRock's website, that's a memory error.

"3 beeps     Main memory read / WRITE test error." Quote from: zaccarious on July 04, 2008, 06:40:29 AM

Hi friends,

I have a asrock p4i45d ver.1.04 motherboard. Its was working fine, suddenly stopped. Now I try to boot, only 3 short beep, pause and continue same but nothing else.

Would you kindly help me ?


Zaccarious

ok i have notice that my computer is somewhat sluggish. my proccessor is a Pentium III that should be running at 1GHz but on Belarc Advisor(a prog that checks your overall system status, it says that the proccesor is running at 996MHz) i want to overclock my system but i am wondering where i can get one of those programs that can check the temperature of the proccesor

plz respond.Speedfan and Everest will tell you your temperatures.thanks calum

and i need some more help too, im going to BUY another fan to overclock my sys and im wondering if i can add another fan(if there is another connector for a fan) my motherboard is for the Dell Optiplex GX150, i dont even know if there is another fan connector but can you send me to a site that can tell me or if you can give me some advice

thanks in advance  You're welcome.

The GX150 has only one fan connector, however adapters can be purchased to connect fans directly to the PSU if you have any free Molex (IDE optical drive/HDD connector) power connectors.
I doubt you'll get far TRYING to overclock a Dell by the way, the BIOS is locked down to avoid this.ok i remember that there is a slave connector off of the ribbon cable that goes to my CD Drive(My cd drive is connected by the master connector.), could i hook up the fan that way? but just to tell you that my system was used but Dell put in brand new parts in it that just came off the assembly line. but i open up my system and see wat other power connectors are avaible.No, it's the power connector that you need, not the IDE cable.
The plug will probably be white, it's not a ribbon cable.

Oh, and re reading your FIRST post, 996MHz is the CORRECT speed for that CPU, and 4MHz wouldn't make any noticeable difference anyhow.ok, but i also wanted to get another fan due to on Speed Fan it said that my HD is overheating perhaps because there is hardly any air flow(there is only a fan for the CPU and a heat sink. and i checked and there arent any unused PSU connectors.Do you not have a system fan then?
That would explain the high temperatures.
What temperature is your HDD running at?i have a fan and heat sink on my CPU and a fan for my PSU. and Speed fan says my HD is at 50 degress Celcius.Looking again, there's no way to mount a fan on a GX150 anyway as it's so small and fiddly.
Sorry but I think you're out of luck.
Maybe try cleaning out any dust inside your PC, beyond that there's not a lot you can do.Thanks Calum for all your help.

But one last question, what if i get a standard Desk Fan and set it behind my Computer and let it blow cool air into the computer, could that drop the temp on the HD? You're welcome.
Setting it behind the computer will blow the warm air blown out by the PSU back into the computer, where it will not be able to effectively escape.

You could cut a hole in the front of the PC to provide an air intake . . .ok so wat if i turn the fan around to suck all the warm air out would that work?

and the cutting the hole in the frame is a good idea, i'll try that.I doubt that turning the fan round would produce good results.
If you do decide to cut a hole be careful not to cut wires etc, it's easily done believe me.Thank you Calum.

Hello,

I am rather desperate as I write this.  Not a good way to introduce myself.  I have a job that was sent to me on a CD-R disc.  It won't open the files, which are listed as shortcuts, which is understandable.  Can anyone tell me what needs to be done to either open these files, or what the creator should have done so I can access these files?  Your wisdom is GREATLY appreciated.

Forever in your debt,
KelleWhat do you mean here:
Quote

It won't open the files, which are listed as shortcuts, which is understandable.

The files listed are "Shortcut to Video RM" and "Shortcut to Video TS"  both are listed as 273 bytes.

Greetings: Any ideas on intitializing PC133 512Mb STICKS. Purchased TWO pcs. "new" from FASTMEMORYMAN (Has not replied). Dell 4100 Pentium III 800Mhz two RAM slots, works FINE with other sticks. Currently 256+128 total RAM 384 Mb. Would like to use both for a total of 1Gb. Thax  All the best ZacharyTravel to Dell's site and enter your service tag # and see if it supports that RAM.
They may be faulty....you can DLoad MemTest and use it to make a bootable floppy/CD to test if it is BAD or not...

what is scsi- scsi chain and  wht isunique of each DEVICE in this chain.
is it like an ADAPTER that can befixed in IDE slotGoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooogle

Well long story short, my uncle built me a computer with the specs as such

> Motherboard - ASUS A8V-VM SE
> Processor - AMD 4200 X2 Dual Core
> Video Card - PNY Nvidia 7300GT
> Memory - 1GB PQI PC3200 Turbo Memory

I went ahead and BOUGHT a 9600 GT to replace the video card, and another gb of ram to add to the 1 stick of 1gb ram. The problem is, apparently this motherboard throttles back the power once the CPU gets too hot, and apparently the temp is set pretty low so it MAKES it impossible to play any game from about 2000 onward without some major lag.

So, I was hoping somebody could help me PICK out a new motherboard that will be compatible with the parts I've listed. I'm looking for something under $100 is possible (I'm already in the hole from buying the new parts)

Also, I've installed a lot of parts in my own computer before so I'm pretty good at that kind of stuff, but I've never completely replaced a motherboard before, so any tips, or websites that'll help me out would be appreciated.

Thanks

Let me know if you need any more information because I could find it for you. Here's a picture of my computer specs if that helps.

http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm368/Johnny_Tremane/Computer.jpg

I'd be willing to settle for 240 pin memory if that's all I can get, but since I already have all this extra ram, a 184 pin would be nice.

hey Guys.. need some suggestions!  my friend want to upgrade his old CPU, maybe you can give me an idea about this mobo i plan to buy for him....i have read some feedbacks online about EMAXX motherboard...and they say that this mobo was great...

any suggestions or feedback would be greatly appreciated.....

anyway this is my first topic SINCE becoming a member.....thanks in advance, guys! Hello!
Welcome to CH!
I think it will also depend on his budget and where will he use it..Is it for gaming?first things first...

this is a CPU---->

and this is a computer --->


now that thats cleared up, as jerry said, we will need to know your budget and what he plans to use it for.Hey Homer, it's possible he wants to upgrade his CPU because he's talking about his motherboard.  Quote from: Carbon Dudeoxide on July 01, 2008, 02:50:18 PM

Hey Homer, it's possible he wants to upgrade his CPU because he's talking about his motherboard. 

Hello!
Welcome to CH!
I think it will also depend on his budget and where will he use it..Is it for gaming?

rebel214: I am not familiar with EMAXX boards; have always used ASUS or (awhile ago, ABIT.)

What model MB are you looking at? What type of processor (CPU) - AMD or Intel? How will your friend use his computer?

Give us some more info and we'll be pleased to discuss further with you.

Quote from: jerryheavyarms on July 01, 2008, 10:48:05 AM

Hello!
Welcome to CH!
I think it will also depend on his budget and where will he use it..Is it for gaming?

budget: P8000 - P9000 ($190 - $215)

gaming is not a main option, but a few could not harm...

Looks like it could be tight on that budget but you've obviously spent some time thinking about it - seems to me that a low to mid AM2 MB with AMD  x2, 2.5 or so ghz processor and 1 GB RAM plus HD will take all of the money; and, will be a huge improvement over his current system!

There seems to be no light for the keyboard.
I've looked through the manuals but can't find anything sugesting an on/off switch..etc

Could there possibly just not be a keyboard light for this model?
MAYBE there is one but it's defective?
ANYONE help would be apprieciated.We need more information, Please look here.
What Operating System?
Anything happen before this?

Can you try installing the drivers for the keyboard?Windows Vista.
I assume it has some sort of lighting, but I've never OWNED a laptop before
and I IMAGINE they all have some sort of lighting in the keyboard/keypad (like cellphones)
Wouldn't this feature be a standard?

Thanks for RESPONDING. Are you sure it isn't actually a  Toshiba Satellite U405-S2820 ? Quote from: mims24 on July 02, 2008, 10:01:42 PM

There seems to be no light for the keyboard.
I've looked through the manuals but can't find anything sugesting an on/off switch..etc

Could there possibly just not be a keyboard light for this model?
Maybe there is one but it's defective?
Anyone help would be apprieciated.

Windows Vista.
I assume it has some sort of lighting, but I've never owned a laptop before
and I imagine they all have some sort of lighting in the keyboard/keypad (like cellphones)
Wouldn't this feature be a standard?

Thanks for responding.

I know there is software to retrive info off of drives, but I never messed with a dead one.  Is it possible to self FIX it or do I have to send it to maxtor?  There is data I want off the drive.There are CO. that do DATA RECOVERY, Google data recoveryBy the way, sending a drive to a company that does data recovery can cost a lot...like $3000.00.

If the software doesn't work your going to have to ASK yourself how bad do you want the data?
Wow, verys pertty bad some what.What are some good ones? Quote from: squall_01 on June 30, 2008, 10:17:41 AM

What are some good ones?

Anyone know where to get good HARD Drives between about 80 gb an 160 gb IDE an SATA.  Need multiple drives so hopeing to find some cheap.  Maxtor or western digital. External or Internal?Some what both more internal, you seem paranoid.Depends where you live really - I myself don't like Maxtor ones - I also thought Maxtor and WD made all there drives the same... I cannot see them deliberately making good and bad hard drives.

In one of my computers, I have had a hard drive for 12 years, its sounds abit like "Louis Armstrong" but it is STILL working.I use maxtor alot around here.  West coast of usWell I'm from the United Kingdom, so by the time you paid for shipping, it wouldn't be worth it.If I was getting a new Hard Drive, I would just go down to the computer store and get one.  Quote from: Carbon Dudeoxide on June 30, 2008, 06:37:28 PM

If I was getting a new Hard Drive, I would just go down to the computer store and get one. 

I live in a remote location, the closet thing is a walmart which is thridy minutes from my house.  Which is a problem when I can probably get it cheaper online.

So the drives are bigger then what I want.

I am thinking of trying to build a PC for the first time. I used to know of a web site that would let you start with one component and then would only show the other compatible components. This would keep you from making mistakes like buying a case that everything wouldn't fit in or buying a motherboard that wouldn't work with the video card you picked.

So to make a long question short does any one know of any U.S. website like this as I can't remember the one I used to look around at?Well,  regretfully I do not know of such a website.  However I do have advice for you.

Read a lot!!  seriously, start with a motherboard,  then look at all the specifications: CPU socket type, fsb (front side bus) memory type, northbridge chipset, video interface (PCIex16 2.0, AGPx8 etc....)  and everything you can find.  Then for EVERY word or acronyms you don't know or understand.  look it up,  learn everything you can about it.

Example =>  motherboard SUPPORTS 16 Gb 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel

look up  DDR (learn what it is,  different types i.e. DDR DDR2 DDR3  and what the number means (it's data transfers / second)

It will take a while but in the long run you won't regret knowing what you are doing when you are inside your computer or when something goes wrong. 

And honestly,  it is really just matching numbers and interfaces between your motherboard and everything else.    Keep ASKING questions here if you really don't understand something and there are plenty of people who would gladly explain things to you.

good luckHere's some ideas: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/How-To,4/Build-Your-Own,16/

And take a look here: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/building-pc,511.html

Best of luck, and, if you have any questions, post back and someone will be pleased to HELP!

check out www.intel.com for motherboards and processors that work together.

then go to www.kingston.com to see what ram will be best for the motherboard.

then go to www.newegg.com and find a computer case (two major types of cases: atx & micro atx), hard drive, cd/dvd drive, keyboard, mouse, monitor, graphics card, etc. along with the motherboard, cpu, and memory you found at the previous sites.

hi this is my first post and I'm not sure if this is even the right section. Here it goes: I wrote my PHD thesis outline using OpenOffice 2.2 and saved it to my USB key. God love me, but I cannot open the document either on my LAPTOP (sadly running on Windows Vista) nor on my friend's iBook G4.  When opening through OpenOffice, the ERROR message says: cannot read, document is not in WinWord97 and when I TRY with AppleWorks 6 it says that Translator could not read or translate the document. When we try to open the document on the windows computer all we see are strange hieroglyphics where there should be text.

What can we do? Is the text lost forever? What may have happened? Any advice is welcome

So you can't open it with Open OFFICE on the same computer?

What if you try copying the file back to the computer it was originally made on.Hi Mr Dioxide   we tried that but it didn't workexcuse me, mr. dudeoxideIt is possible the file didn't save properly. Did you remove the USB safely?Bluehousewren: What file format did you save your OOo document in - .odt or .doc?

Hi.

I'm not sure where to look for the answer to this so I'll just post it. 

I have a compaq FP5315 monitor.  When playing games or watching internet TV, a lot of the time the image is rather jerky, rather like someone is pressing a pause button on and off very quickly.

Anyone know why this could be?  I'm guessing it could be something to do with the video card, but I don't know enough about it to work it out really.

I'd appreciate any help on this subject - thanks, guys. Welcome to the forums.
We need some information about your computer - if you don't know the specs, is there a make and model?
Also, has it always been like this?  If not, what happened before this started?Compaq Presario 061.  System model is DY148A-ABU SR1080UK. Processor is x86 Family 15 Model 2 stepping 9 Denuine Intel~3200 Mhz.  BIOS version is American Megatrends INc. 3.22, 19/03/2004.  SBIOS verion is 2.3.  I'm using service pack one of windows xp.

 Not sure how long the problem has existed - probably about two years or so.  Its not major but its annoying.

Cheers.

FeenixThe first thing is that I would highly recommend updating to SP2 or SP3, running SP1 is very insecure especially now that updates are no longer available for it.

Try downloading and installing these drivers for your GRAPHICS chip, reboot, and let us know if anything improves.
Do you find that the computer is in general slower now?Will do.  Yeah, I think the MACHINE as a whole is a little slower.  I'll update to sp3, check out the drivers and let you know how things are going.

Cheers, mate. 

FeenixOK.  Have installed Service pack 2 and am installing sp3 as we speak.  I DOWNLOADED the driver you suggested I try and it SAID my computer did not meet the minimum requirements but didnt say why.  As far as I can see I either have the wrong chipset or my temp foled isnt big enough.  Any adice please?

FeenixGo to My Computer, right click your C: drive, and click properties - how much free space do you have?
Also, right click My Computer and choose Properties - how much RAM do you have?
If the model number is correct that's the right driver for your chipset as far as I can determine.

Edit: try this.OK.

Tried the new link and am getting a message saying that one or more files needed to complete installation of the driver are missing or corrupt.....

FeenixOK, go to the C: drive and delete the Intel folder.
Download the drivers again and try to install again.
Let us know.OK.

Tried deleting intel folder and re-downloading - same result.

However, I checked out the card itself - NVIDIA GeForce FX 5500 - and found that I was using a very old driver, circa 2003.  Updated the driver and BINGO - problem appears to be solved.

I think the problem with what I was watching on the bbc website was that what I was watching was live so there was probably a time delay.  Tried watching other stuff since I downloaded the new NVIDIA driver and its ok now.

Cheers, guys.

FeenixI'm sorry, I assumed you were using the onboard graphics . . . I should have asked.  i feel really dumb now 
I would have recommended updating the Nvidia drivers if I'd asked that QUESTION and the thread would have been resolved earlier, sorry.
Well, I'm glad you solved it.No need to feel dumb mate - thank you for your help!

Take it easy.

Feenix

Hi,

recently my standby button greyed out. Can't remember what i did to cause the change.

Anyway, I checked the latest drivers to my Nvidia 8400 GS Notebook GRAPHICS CARD, and installed them.

but the standby button is still greyed out!?

I'm running xp professional SP3, intel CENTRINO duo 2.2ghz, and 4096 mb RAM.

any suggestions will be appreciated.  HEY man, why you up so late? 

I am assuming this not in Safe Mode?
I would TRY a System Restore.yo carbon.

gonna go to bed soon :p

yes this is not in safe mode.

and i'll try system restore.I'll be here. Only 1 in the afternoon .i tried system restore, but the restore calendar jumped to July, and there's only one restore point which was created after the change.

can't seem to get back to june's calendar. previous month button did not work.

any other suggestions?I did a Google Search and it came up with many links.
From what I have read, it is to do with device drivers.

As I recall, you have been having problems with your drivers  that is correct, but i downloaded and installed the latest driver from laptopvideo2go.com or words to that effect, but my standby button remains unavailable.  I don't think you would mind performing another Windows Repair?

Well, i been having problems with mic

My mic doesn't work, I have tried 2 different ones (maybe they both broken??)

but something seems odd, when I am in ventrilo and turn on my winamp, it starts playing the SONG for everyone in ventrilo channel,

or when I put on windows sound recorder + winamp it records my song instead of my voice

I have windows xp home

so heres the question, do I have issues with my computer hardware or I have something wrong with my computer settings?

any help appreciated, English my 2nd language so if you don't understand something, ask overIs the mic turned on in the Volume CONTROL?



I had no mic option under my volume control but I managed to find it under OPTIONS->Properties and realized my mic was muted,

thanks this is SOLVED now  Congrats!

Good luck with your recording

i have a compaq presario v6000 laptop with built-in network card. for a couple weeks it was hit or miss if it would work and now wont at all. the light stays orange as if its in the off position. the switch appears to be ok and the card is making a good connection. the drivers also disappear whenever its not working. any help will be appreciated Quote

the card is making a good connection.

the drivers also disappear whenever its not working.

when the wireless card isn't being used the laptop will probably power it off. But that doesn't explain the dissapearing drivers scenario...

Thank you in advance for your help on this topic. I have an HP 7000ZD laptop. Recently my laptop froze on me and had a RED line across the top of the screen. My computer felt hot so I thought it was overheating. I took a home fan and had it blasting air into the fans of the computer and it seem to work fine. However if I took the home Fan off the computer the laptop would freeze on me and with a RED line across the top of the screen. I took the laptop into an authorized HP Repair shop and the said I needed a new fan assembly on the laptop. I put the new fan in and the same problem still happen. But if I placed the home fan onto the computer it worked fine. So next HP told me I needed to replace my processor. I received the processor today and yet again same problem laptop would freeze on me and with a RED line across the top of the screen. I have reinstalled windows; I have ran the disk repair. And still the same problem. Can my Hard Disk being going bad? It seems like the last thing I haven’t replaced. Why can I have a Home fan blowing on the laptop and it works and if I don’t have a fan blowing into the laptop it freezes? Thank you again for ANYONE’s help on this. It’s mind blowing to me.It is most likely your Laptop is overheating. Has this problem always happened or is it recent?

I would try to get the money back for the new processor as it didn't fix your problem.It started a week ago. The fans where dirty before I replaced them a week ago. Can it be the hard drive overheating making the computer freeze? Thank youIt wouldn't necessarily be the Hard Drive. The computer should have an automatic shutdown sequence that will forcefully shut down the computer when overheating.

I suggest downloading Speed Fan and tell us what the temperatures are.Win9x:NO  64Bit:NO  GiveIO:YES  SpeedFan:YES
I/O properly initialized
Linked ISA BUS at $0290
Linked Intel 82801EB ICH5 SMBUS at $1100
Found nVidia NVIDIA GeForce 5600 FX Go
Linked nVidiaI2C0 SMBUS at $3D403E3F
Linked nVidiaI2C1 SMBUS at $3D403637
Linked nVidiaI2C2 SMBUS at $3D405051
Scanning ISA BUS at $0290...
SuperIO Chip=PC8739x
Scanning Intel SMBus at $1100...
SMART Enabled for drive 0
Found HITACHI_DK23FB-60 (60.0GB)
Found ACPI temperature (32.0C)
End of detection




Thank you for helping me!As soon as I got done posting that my computer shut off with a blue screen. I didn't have the home fan blowing on it so the speed fan would get the correct readings. As soon as I put the Home fan back on it it works fine again its crazy.Actually I meant these RESULTS:
When I had my home fan on the laptop it read like this
HDO: (With a down Arrow) 34C
Temp 1: (With a down Arrow) 30C

When I turned off the home fan it read like this
HDO: (With a check mark) 35C
Temp 1: (With a down Arrow) 30C

3 Minutes after I had turned off the home fan it read like this
HDO: (With a check mark) 36C
Temp 1: (With a down Arrow) 33C

And Then it shut down and rebooted

Thanks36*C is pretty low for the computer to respond to the heat but it seems that way...

Can you try a SYSTEM Restore to a date before this problem?I did restore the computer before an earlier date. That did not work So I reformatted the computer from scratch and that did not work...Hmmm....do you think it's possible there is a problem with the MONITOR, not the computer itself?

If you have another monitor laying around, try plugging it in the VGA port and see if the computer freezes.I can try that at work tomorrow if I boot up with another monitor will my laptop screen be on at the same time? If this works with another monitor can my laptop monitor be fixed? Thank youIf it's a simple Driver problem, you just have to reinstall the drivers.
If it's a problem with the monitor itself.....

since my Toshiba laptop satelite 1800-750 HDD failed,the laptop has being experiencing Startup problem.I Changed the HDD,after a lot of trials,it started,and i was able to format it and install OS(win XP).But for the past 3 days the laptop has not been able to startup again.When i press the switch botton,the power indicator lights up ,but nothing shows up on the SCREEN(i.e a BLANK screen).Am confused,can any one help me out..!Can you boot from the Windows CD?the laptop does not show ANYTHING on the screen,and it is starting up to give u the OPTION to boot from cd.I want to know the problem why it is not starting up..That is my CONCERN for now..You say the indicator lights come on but the screen remains blank.
Does anything else come on? (The Fans, HD, ect...)

HI all!!
I am planning on upgrading most of the components in my PC

3.0 GHz P4                            =>  3.2 GHz Athlon 64 X2 6400
(2x 512Mb)kingston              =>  (2x 1Gb)  G.SKILL 240-Pin SDRAM DDR2 1066
Intel D915GAV Mobo             =>  BIOSTAR TForce TF8200 w/ NVIDIA GeForce 8200 northbridge
Radeon x1600 pro                =>  eVGA Geforce 9800 GTX (G92)
aslo:
2 Seagate  SATA HDD's  80Gb and 160Gb
2 cold cathode lights (UV)
DVD+RW  and CD-RW drives
4  80mm case fans
1 PCI card (soundblaster live!)

I CURRENTLY have a 3 year old 500W  Ultra PSU.    From my own calculations  (adding up Wattage requirements for components) I think it will be enough.  also I have tried entering these components into some online PSU calculation programs which have suggested about 450W. (not that i put much stock into the accuracy of them).
The current PSU has been very stable all it's life (not like i was really putting it to the test with my current setup  )


also,  any suggestions or warnings about the upgrade would be appreciated  (budget=> $550 USD)

thanks for the help!!Upgrading your power supply will give you peace of mind knowing everything is properly powered, and that your SYSTEM is not at the limit. Also it will give you the option to move to SLI if you are planning on upgrading to two video cards in the future, many older power supplys lack the extra connections required.I wouldn't replace the psu until it started showing problems. But that's just me. I have an old Dell that has been running Windows NT for around 10 years now (constantly on, too). But it's probably lasted this long because it's hooked up to a good UPS. A good UPS will preserve the life of any electronic components.I wouldn't replace it untill you need to.The online calculators are actually pretty accurate...
Buy a good name 650W and put ti in the closet til the other one dies...Well,  the thing about the calculator,  was that it recomended like a 450 W  and I was looking at some online reviews of the video card (9800 GTX)  and it displayed that under load that thing could suck up like 290 W  then plus the CPU says it's 125 W so I imagine under load that could probably take 150 W (as an overestimation to be safe)  which is ALREADY 440 W and that's for the CPU and GPU alone.  This is why i was worried.  I found a decent looking 650 W for like $100  on newegg,   it's a Seasonic,  which I've heard good things about.  I'd really rather save that $100  if i could.   So...  If i AVOIDED this purchase atleast for a bit.  and I try this new config. with my old PSU (which still seems quite stable and strong)  What would happen if the components under load did try and suck up more than the 500 W the PSU is rated.  I imagine it would crash the computer and restart it...   is there a chance of something bad happeneing.  I mean,  i could see that frying the PSU.  which i'd like to keep for other applications if I got a new one.  Is that a possible consequence?

Hello this is my first post here
Yesterday my Vista SYSTEM warned me with a pop-up message saying that my HDD reported a smart error and I'd have to backup my important stuff and replace the HDD. My HDD is still functioning very well. Is there any possibility that the SMART report is wrong? MAYBE it reported that because my HDD was running 3 days nonstop at a temperature of 42C. Please respond.


EDiT: NOTE: I bought this drive 2 months ago
  Yes it is possible that the SMART report is wrong - but why take the chance of losing data. Back up your data NOW - then you can debate the accuracy of SMART warnings.

EDIT - 3 days is nothing to a harddrive and 42C is not a problem.I had a post error with one of my hard drives, and it ran PERFECTLY well for the next 7 years (then it got bad sectors and I just replaced it).

You don't need to replace the HDD, but BACKING up your data more frequently then you are (should be) would be advisable.you can still USE your Hard disk, i have also experience the same error with my Maxtor 40gb hard drive, but  still using it and have no problems....

You must backup your data frequently, though,in case of disaster....

Goodluck!
I've never had a SMART error that was reporting wrongly... I agree with patio.  However if you do disagree or doubt the accuracy of the smart error.  Most HDD manufacturers will have diagnostic software on their websites.  Check there and see if you can't test it on your own to make sure it is functioning properly.  If it clears the diagnostics from the manufacturer I wouldn't think you have an immediate problem.

NOTE:  It is always a good idea to have current backups of anything you can't live without

best of luck

Recently, my monitor has been 'turning black' after leaving it alone for a couple of hours without anyone using it.  I can still see the pointer and use the mouse, but nothing happens as I click around on the dark screen.  The only way to get it back on is to turn the whole computer off and re-start it.  I can't even do a soft boot.  Could it be I need a new monitor (it came with my  Dell dimension4700 bought in ~2003)?  I'm RUNNING Windows XP. 
Thanks in advance for any help 
When you power off the computer and re-start, do you power on the monitor again?
No, I haven't been powering the monitor again.  It just comes on automatically.  When the screen turns black I can see the power button as still green color and not amber.What happens if you hit a key on your keyboard...anything?Not sure but worth a try: right-click on an empty spot on the desktop>Properties>Screensaver>'Turn Off Monitor'>Set to never and OK out.

Let us know if that helps.

EDIT: right-click on an empty spot on the desktop>Properties>Screensaver>POWER>'Turn Off Monitor'>Set to never and OK out.

Edited to correct path.Nothing happens when I hit any key on the keyboard.  And, I already have the 'Turn off Monitor' set to 'never'. 
It's been almost 2 hours since I last used the computer and the screen is still on...we'll see how long it lasts.Just for kicks and giggles...what do you have your Power settings configured to?

Start/Control Panel/Power OptionsAnother option - Turn off the computer and monitor; remove the monitor data cable from the computer; re-install the cable and tighten screws; repeat at the monitor end, if not hardwired.

Turn on monitor and computer; I guess then you need to wait to see if it blanks out again.

While monitor and computer are on, gently flex monitor data cable at all points; slide cable between fingers; does monitor output change?

Cycle the monitor on/off with its power button.

Here are my Power settings-
Power scheme:  Always on
Turn off monitor:  Never
Turn off hard disk:  Never
System standby:  Never
Sytem Hibernates:  Never
Hibernate:  Enable hibernation (selected)

I haven't tried disconnecting the cable yet.  That's next.  Will let you know.
Can you test this monitor on another computer? If you cannot continue to read. One simple way to determine if it's just the monitor going out or the computer crashing is to play some audio on your computer. Perhaps load up a very long mp3 play list, for example. If the monitor goes black, but the music continues to play, you know that the computer is running, and that the problem is either the video card, video drivers, the monitor or the cables in between.

I have a 320gb drive which had all the gb before I got it fixed, this includes windows installed.  Being that 1 gb is larger then 1000 I know that there is more on the drive then there really is.  But after resolving a problem I can only see 298 gb which means that I missing 22 gb.  I need as much space as possible cause this is a GAMING pc.Patio has a great table showing this but this is normal...so to speak...

Are you sure you had exactly 320GB before you 'got it fixed'?

For example, my 80 GB HARD Disk is only 74.5 GBSee the attached for true binary capacities of drives.



[recovering disk space -- attachment deleted by admin] Quote from: Dusty on June 30, 2008, 04:25:44 PM

See the attached for true binary capacities of drives.

According to HDD MANUFACTURER:
320 GB = 320 * 1000000000 = 320000000000 bytes

According to Operating System:

320000000000 bytes = 320000000000 / 1024 = 312500000 KB
312500000 KB = 312500000 / 1024 = 305175.78 MB
305175.78 MB = 305175.78 / 1024 = 298.02 GB

Consumer confusion

As of 2007, most consumer hard drives are defined by their gigabyte-range capacities. The true capacity is usually some number above or below the class designation. Although most manufacturers of hard disks and Flash disks define 1 gigabyte as 1,000,000,000 bytes, the computer operating systems used by most users usually calculate a gigabyte by dividing the bytes (whether it is disk capacity, file size, or system RAM) by 1,073,741,824. This distinction is a cause of confusion, as a hard disk with a manufacturer rated capacity of 400 gigabytes may have its capacity reported by the operating system as only 372 GB, depending on the type of report.

The difference between units based on SI and binary prefixes increases exponentially — in other words, an SI kilobyte is nearly 98% as much as a KIBIBYTE, but a megabyte is under 96% as much as a mebibyte, and a gigabyte is just over 93% as much as a gibibyte. This means that a 500 GB hard disk drive would appear as "465 GB". As storage sizes get larger and higher units are used, this difference will become more pronounced.

An example, take a hard drive that can store exactly 250×109 or 250 billion bytes after formatting. Generally, operating systems calculate disk and file sizes using binary numbers, so this 250 GB drive would be reported as "232.83 GB". The result is that there is a significant discrepancy between what the consumer believes they have purchased and what their operating system says they have.

Some consumers feel short-changed when they discover the difference, and claim that manufacturers of drives and data transfer devices are using the decimal measurements in an intentionally misleading way to inflate their numbers. Several legal disputes have been waged over the confusion.

How do I Enable my SLI Memory IN Bio's? When My computer boots I NOTICE the SLI Memory Is disabled.  780i motherboared, 4 gb SLI ram,.Do you have SLI READY memory?Yes, I have OCZ 1066 SLI Ready memory.Have you enabled SLI ready memory in the BIOS?No I have not , THATS what I was asking. How Is It done?.The OPTION should be in the "FSB & Memory Config" section of the BIOS.

Look, i'm using d-link dir-300 wireless lan router.
i've connected my laptop to the router using wireless.
it was successful but it doesn't CONNECT to the INTERNET while the
desktop pc i'm using is ALSO conected to the router but had an internet connection.
i have to use the ethernet cable to connect the laptop to the internet.
 what should i do???

Clik Here FIRST

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When i power my laptop,the power LED indicator and the cd/floppy LED indicator LIGHTS up,and remains in that state,and also the laptop cant proceed with booting.Also nothing even SHOWS up on the sreen during this period..But if i put the power off and on repeatedly ,it may EVENTUALLY boot..Am confused   ,can anyone give me a solution to this anomaly.  What Operating System?

When did this problem start? (any recent hardware changes or downloads/installations?)win xp,it started after my HDD failed.I changed the HDD still the problem is not still gone.To boot,i have to try several times.Bfore it can boot at all. Quote

I changed the HDD