Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in .

I have tried to update the bios three times tonight and every TIME it gets to %87 then freezes . after about 20 mins it comes back to life and says it has FAILED PLEASE try again.  

the program has three progress bars deleting (the old bios)
programming (the new bios)
and verify

it gets to %87 on the programming one ,,, so i need to know if it has already deleted the old bios and if i restart it WONT boot up again,,,, game over  



please help meThe first question you must ask is why is BIOS updating failing?  Second question is why are you updating?

Hi guys,

My old PC one day started sounding like it was powering, but remained black. Deffo wasn't monitor, and sometimes, the screen would activate, but not for long. Maybe because I had to power down lots of times, think I screwed something up cos there were some error messages when the screen rarely did activate.
It doesn't come on at all now, but I have accepted there must be a FAULTY component in my PC.

Anyways.. since then, I am using a new PC, and have my old hard drive a slave, which works great, and I have been able to access all my old files.
However...when I try to run my old drive as the master (or the lone drive), it gives me the option to run in safe or start windows normally etc, but then whatever I CHOOSE, it really quickly flashes up an error message, and then reboots itself.
All I can manage to snatch of the message is something like "A problem has been detected...windows...has been shut down...."

I don't KNOW much but I am just guessing that windows has been corrupted? Does that mean I have to re-install it? (Windows XP). I do have the boot disks, but does it mean I would lose all the files I have on there?

Please correct me if I am totally wrong on this!!

As a side issue, am I able to retreive emails from Outlook Express on the old drive even when I am using it as a slave?

Many thanks for any replies posted,
Kop442000.kop442000.......If you are successfully using the old HD as a slave on your new machine .........Why are you wanting to run it as the master ( on the same machine ) ?

What am I missing here ?
Or are you wanting to fix the problem and then put the old hard drive back into the old pc ......If thats what you are wanting to do then ....put it back in the old pc and use the repair console.
let us know

dl65  Well I am only borrowing this new machine, so I guess, I just want to run it as the master to make 100% sure that I can know in my mind it is fine, and concentrate on fixing whatever is wrong with my old PC.

Also I want to retrieve some old emails in Outlook Express, and not sure how to do it when the hard drive is the slave...

Thanks. kop442000....Have you TRIED connecting your old Hard drive in the new pc and check to see if it boots up ok .
I mean with it SET as master and the other Hard drive temporarily disconnected .......then you are 100 % sure the old hard drive is ok ........

let us know

dl65  

I recently bought a new cd burner.  It is an AOpen CD-R/RW burner.  It came with NERO Express.  I tried to use Nero to burn cds but after about %20-30 my computer will shut down and automatically restart itself.  What could cause this?  Here are my computer specs:

Processor: AMD Athlon 900 MHz
Operating System: Windows XP HOME Service Pack 2
System Memory: 512 mb of RAM
It sounds to me like the drivers for the new burner are not properly installed... Have you contacted the manufacturer of your burner for driver information? Also, did you UNINSTALL your drivers from the PREVIOUS burner BEFORE installing this new one??

[glb]FLAME[/glb]this is the first and only cd-burner ive had in this computer.  I dont know about the drivers because the device manager shows it to be working properly.  Also, I have contacted the manufacturer's site but like all manu. sites, you never get a reply in forever.  But, i forgot to mention that it just doesnt restart with Nero, but with any other burning tool I have used.I suspect the CD burner is defective.  Return it under warranty.Thats the thing, I know its not defective because I have gotten 3 successful burns outta it.  Every other time outta the 100+ times ive tried to burn a disc the computer self restarts.  So its not defective.  I just feel that something else is causing it to do this.i had a similar problem with an old hp pc. Try to replace the ribbon cable first. Mine was doing the same thing, after replacing the ribbon ,it worked fine.  was some sort of defect.Try to replace the ribbon first. I had the same thing happen to me on an hp pc. Replace the ribbon and that should fix it.Ill try that when i get outta class...lol...i dont think i have another ribbon though...i try to find one though.  Anyway, Ill keep you posted on what happens when I do that.  Till then, Later.I replaced the ribbon..and even asked around.  Ppl told me it was defective ram....i checked that out...its not the problem either..... I have another discovery.  I found out that it will burn music okay, but when I try to burn a data disc of any kind.  It MAY finish sometimes and even though it does finish, my burner nor my dvd-rom wont read it.  What the *censored* is up with that? If anyone else is out there, Id appreciate it if you said something and not left the forum unreplied to.  :-/The only two thing in my opinion that could be causeing this mess are "bad" drivers, or a defective drive...

[glb]Flame[/glb]

OKay so the other day i was recovering the files originally on the computer when i got it through the computers recover cd.. And it says something about the hardrive not being connected and having to choose these other things, i remember seeing the words allocation drivers Also there was a blank screen and the computer TYPED i really hate you and am going to made this difficult for you as if it hadc a mind of its own.

So now the computer says there is only 2.5 gb on the hard drive and its a huge 9.6 gb actually. So i need the other space i will destroy something if im stuck with 2.5 gb, so anyways.. if you KNOW what i did and how i can fix it that would be great  LOL, looks like a virus or some hidden files to me.
Did your recovering CD formatted your hard-drive also or did it only overwrite everything?
Maybe the recovering CD has put all your ancient stuff in one large FILE.
Try displaying hiden files and serach for a large file in start->search->search by size or look for a hidden folder in your hard drive root.

If you just used the recovery CD, it is likely that you don't have anything important, so I would recommand you formatting manually your hard drive by reinstalling Windows XP yourself if your comfortable with this kind of operation. If not, BELIEVE me, installing Windows XP is REALLY easy, everuthing is done almost automatically and the installation software has a formatting tool and it will ask you if you want to do that, just say yes and reformat in FAT32 file format, not in NTFS.

I am trying to use a COMPAQ Presario 1200 laptop with a USB to Serial converter, I notice that the computer slows incredibly when this device is INSTALLED.  Any ideas?

When I start up my extra computer, which runs ME, it's color is all off and I have no CURSOR or pointer to speak of.  I'm not in safe MODE, since it doesn't say it in any of the corners.  I can't find the cursor on the screen and nothing happens when I move the MOUSE.  It is plugged in CORRECTLY, i hope..
any help would be appreciated.
Thanx..Judging by the way that you said that "the color is all off", it sounds like a video card issue... Have you tried updating or reinstalling your video card drivers?

[glb]Flame[/glb]

ok...here's the deal.

Just recently, in the last few weeks, i will get this "matrix-ey" looking imprint of whatever window i had open on my desktop.  It also appears in games, not as an imprint, but as a checkerboard looking artifact.  I think the problem is video card related, but im not sure.  I have updated and rolled back my driver to my card, and neither helped.  It seems to clear itself up given time but will re-appear.  After a while, i can take a reduced window from explorer and "erase" the imprints as if the window was an eraser.  I can only do this after a period of time has passed.  If i try this right after appears, then it just makes a yellow smudgy mess inside of the explorer window that i use to try and erase it....if this makes sense.  

I have RUN an up to date virus scan..nothing.  Updated bios...no help.  Opened my case and GAVE it a GOOD dusting, including removing MEMORY sticks and the vid card.  If anyone else has experienced these problems, or if you need more clarification (as its difficult to describe and im not smart enuff to KNOW how to capture the image on screen and post it here) let me know....its really getting old.

system specs:
hp 552w
pentium IV 2.0
radeon 9800 pro 128
768 ram

Thanks in advance....

Richoh....and i can similarly drag a desktop icon around and it leaves trails....trippy, but annoying.anyone.....anyone....buellerWhat if you only show a white background on your desktop... Is the "ghost" of the image still on your screen? Also, does this happen on any other monitor?

[glb]Flame[/glb]ok..maybe i can be a little more descriptive...

i changed my desktop to a white background and it still did it.

it left yellow vertical stripes with imprints from a yahoo page in the stripes.

During gaming, this appears as a checkerboard glitch all over most of the screen, sometimes accompanied by blue vertical stripes in the same places as the yellow ones would have shown if not in game.

i dont have another monitor to test if its the monitor or not, but my gut tells me its the card...but not sure if its software related or if its just on its way out...but i could be wrong, im admittedly as useful as a monkey and a keyboard.Rich... Please see my E-Mail messages for more information...

[glb]Flame[/glb]

hello, my dell laptop recently fell from my desk while it was connected to its adaptor. this has caused the ROD like metal piece that connects the adaptor to the computer to break off. a technician (one that i question) says the only way to fix this is to replace the whole motherboard which would cost more than then laptop itself. does anyone KNOW if there are any alternatives to this, if welding the piece would work?? Please help..Hello friend.
I shock to hear that...but...
Anyway I think some technitions can do especially Authorized Technitions. So try to contact them. I do hope that they will repair your laptop.
Take care of you and others and be happy and dont worry.
Bye...
Dur-E-Wahab
I'm afraid the technician is right and you are SOL.  No, they can't be welded.depending on the model,you may be able to replace the power plug which GOES ONTO the motherboard.Dells are usually able to be fixed.it will cost a few hundred bucks to replace but it may be worth it depending on what you haveAny piece of electronic equipment that needs repairs can be repaired.

See the evidence yourself by examining the MB carefully. To determine whether the motherboard needs to be replaced, see if you can get someone knowledgeable enough (i.e. local university)  to help you open up the system, and see if the adapter connector points actually connect to the motherboard. If it is, see if there's a crack or break coming from the adaptor point extending across the motherboard. If it looks bad, then the technician's got it right. MB may need replacing.

If the adaptor connection point looks okay, it may be possible to use a soldering iron (small one) to remove the broken component from the board. Once done, get a replacement part and solder it in. If it is welded as Commando suggest, sorry a solution may not be possible as it forms an integral part of the board and TRYING to remove it would damage the board.

At the end of it, if the cost of replacing the MB is higher than the value of the system, then buying a new system is more sensible.

If you think the part can be replaced, it wouldn't hurt to at least have a go at it before replacing the MB or the system.

Good luck.

Adam

im looking into building a P4 system and i was wondering if you gouys had any good sites you know of to get mobo's, CPU (3.0-3.2Ghz), memory, etc......IVE looked at directron.com, and xoxide.com, but was wondering if u had any suggestions.....also any good suggestions for a good mobo for a P4...any help appreciated...       Intel just put a NEW cpu on the market last weekend.
intel p4 660
 please take a look at that bad boy.

    its a 64 bit cpuhttp://newegg.com/app/manufact.asp?catalog=343&DEPA=1 jay_deex3...... you might have a look at Tiger Direct ......

....   http://www.tigerdirect.com/  ........These guys have a good SELECTION and the prices arent too shabby either .

dl65

I have actually two computers, and I have a really STRANGE QUESTION to ASK you. One computer runs faster than the other, even though the other has better specs. See below -

Computer 1 -

Windows Xp Pro
Celeron 1.2 GHz
256 RAM
32 MB VIDEO Card
10 GB Hard Drive

Computer 2 -

Windows Xp Pro
Celeron 2.4 Ghz
512 RAM
Intergrated Intel Graphics
40 GB Hard Drive

For some reason, comp 1 is faster than comp 2. None have viruses or spyware (i checked), and in general, comp 1 can handle multi taskining, and games better than comp 2. Any clues to why?Are they both on the same isp?What programs and software are they running.Is it possible the 2.4 has more programs running in the BACKGROUND?There are alot of variables to your question to give you any specific answer.Integrated graphics for one.  In computer 1 the graphics card is handling most/all the graphics work, in computer 2 the CPU is handling the graphics and the processing.

Some folks may have read my other thread... About a Dell laptop that needs $1,000 of repairs 25 months after purchase.

MOST products, you would expect to last at least five years before wearing out - washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, should last even longer, and they take serious abuse!... A quick inventory of my house has

• The same EQ I bought in 9th grade (I won't say how OLD it is, ahem, but it was Made in USA, and "Tattoo You" and "Moving Pictures" were the new albums I played on it!)
  
• A VCR I bought in 1994, playing through
  
• A TV I bought in 1990
  
• Guitar amp bought in 1979

1.  But warranties are frequently are SHORTER than the expected acceptable life,

2.  And because of the economics of technology, repair costs about twice what replacement would.

3.  But I still feel totally ripped off by Dell. I never felt this tool was "disposable", but apparently, the people who sold it to me, do feel that way.  And that's irritating.

So what do others think - how long is "long enough"?

 The people who sell it don't care, they're salesmen (saleswomen).  They feel nothing and know nothing about the product.

...Remember when it comes to a laptop the internal conditions are much harsher than a desktop due to tighter components and significantly less air flow = significantly higher internal temperatures....

Not sure if this is HARDWARE, but:

This old guy has asked me to sort a problem out with his machine. He says it often freezes when using programmes, and gets lots of error messages.

His PC looked old, so I asked him how long he had had it, and he said about 8 years! I wanted to say "just buy a new one!" but he says he can't afford to.

Is there anything at all he can do to minimise errors and freeings, or is it just inevitable considering the age of his machine?

He is running Windows 98, AMD Athlon, 128MB RAM, 19GB Hard drive (16.8GB free).

I was going to suggest he formats his hard drive, but would this even work? (And he has no cd writer so I don't even know how he would back).

Any replies would be gratefully received, so I can get back to this old guy with a researched answer.

Thanks.
Kop442000Others will have a more complete answer, I'm sure, but I'd start with the basics first.  To me, the basics would include the following:

1.  Make sure he has the latest drivers for all hardware, especially the video card.  Download the latest ones and install them for him.  

2.  Make sure he's downloaded all critical patches from Microsoft for his operating system.

3.  Defragment the hard drive.

4.  Run Norton Disk Doctor, or whatever other program you might have, to check for system problems.

5.  Find out if he's installed any new hardware recently that might be causing a conflict.  If so, focus in on that.  See if it's conflicting with something else.  

6.  Check for spyware.  I use Ad Aware and Spybot.  Both can be downloaded for free, if you don't have them already.

7.  And of course, pay attention to the error messages.  What do they say?  Well, as you said, I would recommand formatting the hard drive, his computer would look like it's new. I often had problems like this with old computers, and a computer that wasn't formatted for 8 years!!! (hehe, I'm a formatting freak, as soon as something does not work, that's what I do..) Especially from an old guy, when he surfed over the internet, he must have said yes to every pop-up and said "next" to everything he installed without checking what it said because he didn't understand anyway. So his computer must be filled with half-removed programs, spywares, as New_Leaf said and all kind of crap, maybe even viruses.

Try asking the guy, maybe he has no important stuff to save, and if he has, you can even back all his stuff with just a serial or parallel port and cable and transfer his stuff to another computer.

Hope this HELPS a bit
kop442000......Sounds like a no brainer .........pc has probably never been regularly maintained....So it's no surprise that it has finally cried out for help.......I would strongly suggest a format ........then a nice fresh CLEAN install of Win 98 .....along with any updates and patches available... An even better solution would be if .....you could get hold of Win Xp and load it on ....and perhaps an additional stick of 128 mg ram .... then a good anti VIRUS and some antispy ware apps like .......Ad-aware SE ( free ) and Antispyware BETA ( free ) ...... A good cleaning out of the accumulated dust in the case .....and the pc will probably last another 8 years ......


dl65  download aso from majorgeeks.com and maybe freeram...maybe the the command defrag in the run box to start-off will help..or use the disk cleanup program...or use the task manager....to sort these out..or re-format...the drive..alter the bios [del key on boot #~hold it  down]to change the bios to boot from cd-rom -install disk..Thanks for all your replies everyone!!

Kop442000.

I have an I/O Magic DVD Writer that I am returning to the COMPANY for replacement. It worked well for 6 MONTHS and then just ceased to function. My question is, If I've burned sensitive data with the DVD burner in the past, can the DVD TECHNICIAN find this data when he opens the unit to troublshoot it ? I know this may seem to be a silly question to some of you but I ask because I know that when you burn to a DISC, data is sent to the buffer memory. Is buffer memory a physical drive located in the DVD burner it self? Quote

...Is buffer memory a physical drive located in the DVD burner it self?

I have read the instruction.
CH000315: BLACK borders on side of screen.
However, I cannot solve the problem  

I use Monitor : Hanzol 730ED 17''
VGA: ASUS Raedon ATI 9200SE
I bought them on Aug 2004.

In usual, my monitor have a border 1 cm. on the left and the right side. However, yesterday the boder is larger (about 1 inch.). I have tried to adjust the size from CONTROL panel of my monitor to 100% but the big border  still have in the display. I also tried to change resolution to various ratios but it's not work.

This problem ever happened. However, sometimes after I reboot my computer, the problem disappear.

Thank you
Lek
Do you have antivirus protection? Also, have you been keeping up with your Windows Updates? Have you tried reinstalling your video card drivers using the latest ones from the internet?

[glb]Flame[/glb]I suggest to test you PC with some other monitor. It may be your friend's or neighbour monitor. If borders still exit then the problem is not with your current monitor. So boot your computer with windows98 bootable disk and type x:\edit
(where 'x' shows drive letter). You will see blue screen. If you can't see borders then reinstall your VGA drivers or Update them.
Another thing you must do before doing any of the above is that you can see several BUTTONS on your monitor INCLUDING buuton haveing symbol " <->". So increase this function. You can do this by either:
1- Press " <->" button and then press "+" or "^" button.
OR
2- REVOLVE the buuton on either left or right (that fit your problem).

Both of the above methods depend on the model and type of monitor.

I do hope that this will surely solve your problem. Take care of you and others and be happy and dont worry.
Bye...
Dur-E-Wahab

Hey - I installed a new network card into my Pentium 2 following instructions I found on the web. I put the case back on and EVERYTHING seemed fine, I connected the power and switched it on - the lights on the front flashed on for second  then WENT off. There was no sound either. I TRIED hitting the on button again in case Id turned it off accidently and nothing happened. So I unplugged the power and checked the cable and tried again, the same thing happened, lights on for two seconds and no sound. This is my first time installing hardware, so Im not sure what to do. If anyone has any ideas Id be grateful thanksMod35tBabe.........
"I installed a new network card into my Pentium 2"  Was there an existing ethernet card installed that you had to replace or is this a new install?  It's possible that you may have unseated another card or a connection when you were in there poking around .....
If all you did was plug in the new card , then remove it , and then power up again and see if things work ok ......
I suspect that something has been disturbed .
What operating system is installed?

Let us know

dl65  Amazingly - it now works... dont ask me how. My mum just turned it on and it worked, and I thought ok Ill try installing it again and see what happens and it worked. It installed the card and all so perhaps it was just being finicky. But now ive hit another brick wall - I cant network them together. I tried using network wizard and lost my ADSL, I rang my friendly ISP and got that back but am stuck on getting it to network. I also SETUP the network wizard on a disk like XP askes u to, but the other computer says it needs various drivers but I have NO idea where Im sposed to get them from. This could be because its missing a driver that I cant find on the cds or on the net. I'd love for it to just work like the computer did but I wont hold my breath.
The OS is a 98 on the one with a new card just installed, and the other (main) is on XP. I have a D-LInk 504 ADSL router and a single network card in each computer. My router has 4 ethernet ports so I assume im networking thru that but HOW is the question.

I was just in the middle of a great game of doom 3  when all of a sudden EVERYTHING shutdown and nothing came back. After a few min. the fans started flickering. A few min. later, the fans came back on and stayed on along with the temp display but nothing else. Also I could smell burnt smell. Didn't see any burn marks inside. After unplugging it and replugging it in, the pc just  stayed on (fans and temp display). I get nothing else(no monitor,no keyboard or mouse lights. Nothing! Could this be a Power Supply issue or something else?I could really use everyone's input. My config is as follows: Amd atholon 64 3000,Gigabyte K8NS Ultra-939,420 Watt power, Corsair 512mb pro ram,Nvidia Geforce-FX 5700LE 256MB, 160 GB HARD DRIVES Quote

... could smell burnt smell. Didn't see any burn marks inside...

hi  this may SOUND kinda stupid but will a LAPTOP charge or at least turn on if it doesn't have a cpu in it??You might be able to charge the battery? but im not even SURE about that. No you wont be able to turn it on without a processor, you need that to RUN the computer.thanks yeah it doesn't turn on and i was just wondering about that  i am new at laptops  and had to change mbs in this one.I recommend POSTING in only one forum to prevent confusion.  As to your question, the battery should charge as the CPU has nothing to do with it other than monitoring.

Last night my computer just shut down and would not turn back on I checked the mother board it didn't look burned or no black marks and the green light was on.

So I am PRETTY sure the mother board is OK.

I did FIND a melted piece of plastic in the fan of the Power Supply, so I am thinking thats the problem, but if its the power supply why is there lights WORKING on the mother board?

I opened up the power supply and did not see any damage.

But on the other hand the Power Supply was really hot so I guess it burned out.

Anyways I just wanted a second opinion on the subject before I SPEND money on a power supply rather than SOMETHING else I need. Quote

...I did find a melted piece of plastic in the fan of the Power Supply, so I am thinking thats the problem, but if its the power supply why is there lights working on the mother board?  I opened up the power supply and did not see any damage.  But on the other hand the Power Supply was really hot so I guess it burned out...

my computer shuts off quiet a bit now and makes a siren sound. its a quieter
beep then a louder beep.. it just totally shuts off... i have i think it is a
inext COMPUTERS and my bios info is:



BIOS ID:  04/11/2003-nVidia-nForce-6A61BB02C

OEM Sign-On:  NCG0411 DI

BIOS Date:  04/11/03

BIOS Type:  Award

Chipset: Unknown

Super I/O:  Winbond 627F/HF rev 7 found at port 2Eh  

OS: WinXP SP2

BIOS ROM SOCKET: Yes

BIOS ROM Size: 256K

Memory Installed: 512 MB

Memory Max: 1536 MB

CPU: AMD Athlon(tm) XP 2000 Mhz





If that helps any? i read somwhere i should upgrade my bios but i dont know
which one to upgrade it with or anyhting..Hello..
Make sure that your CPU Fan is working properly. Secondly, does your monitor's light goes to orange when your computer give beeps and shuts off? If yes, then it may possible that your RAM is not working properly. So try this one...
Take out your RAM sticks and clean them with software brusha or cloth and also clean the RAM slots. After cleaning them, reconnect them as they was with care. Now turn your PC on, if still the problem persist. Take out your RAM and check them with some other computers. Another cause us that may be your Motherboards Capcitors were burn out. So give your board to a qualified PERSON who can repair motherboards.
Also try to clean your whole system with presured Air.
I hope this will solve your problem. Take care of you and others and don't worry, be happy.
Dur-E-Wahabi read somwhere it could be  a video problem or something.. is there anything i can do without taking my computer apart? i AINT like that into em??? could it be anything wrong with the bios or watever it is?

Hi,  I just bought a new harddrive for my COMPUTER.  I am GOING to remove the one in their now and replace it with the new one.
I was wondering how I can take all my files and info from my first harddrive and tranfer it over to the new harddrive.  I want this tranfer to include everything, even the OS.

Any help would be nice.  Thank youPartition Commander from vcom.  http://www.v-com.com/product/Partition_Commander_Home.html
will do a sector by sector *censored* copy and even expand the partition for you automagically.  You have to purchase it though.

I have also used a product called diskcopy from Partition Magic to do the same THING, costs more though, if it is still available.

Even though both of these cost money, they save me, many many times the costs in time and frustration.

Alternately you could reinstall your OS and programs on your new drive and copy the data files from your old to new drive.

GarySo using this will allow me to move everything from one harddrive to the other.  I plan on selling my old harddrive so thats why I need to know.  I don't want 2 harddrives.

ThanksThey do a sector by sector copy.  So your new drive will look like your old except maybe bigger.  You will still new to clean off your old drive after you have verified everything is working properly.

Wouldn't want to sell your data too................Norton Ghost is a good program to copy one hard drive to another.......very easy to use......you should also look into Part-Zap, which is a batch file you put on a floppy, and boot from enter one command from DOS command prompt and whole drive erased.....Norton (SYMANTEC) Ghost gets my vote.
http://www.symantec.com/sabu/ghost/ghost_personal/Ok, well I have Norton SystemWorks and it has Ghost on it.  One other quick question?  Do I need to have both drives HOOKED up in order to tranfer the data??
Or do I just make a couple of disk from one harddrive and when I put the other in, I just install the disk??Create image to 3rd hard drive or CD's.  You can't backup from or restore to the same drive.  Didn't your new hard drive come with utilities to do this?No, I bought it off Ebay.  I've never done anything with harddrives before so I basically have no clue as to what I am doing.

If I can find the book too Norton Systemworks, will it tell me in their how to do it??

Well I have a small 10 MB hard drive(OLD) as a master and a 120GB hard drive(NEW) as the slave , all jumpers are correct and system has worked, after about 12-10 min the computer will just stop and RESTART, load windows XP and SAY it recovered from a serious error, I went into the BIOS to try to correct the problem but now XP won't load and i get a message "Disk read error, press cont, alt ,del to restart, this just keeps repeating WHATS the problem? I have restored the defaults in CMOS no change...Is WinXP installed on 10MB (Master) or 120MB (Slave)?XP is on Master (10MB), I did not load it, the guy i bought it from was a little crazyI'm sorry did you say 10 MB?  Sure that isn't 10 GB?then your probbaly gonna have to re-install XP on the 10GB HDD........are all your important files on the bigger HDD???

okay, i was trying to SEE if some of my OLD hdd still worked so i could get the data off them. During tryin to get the last one i had to work, the computer would start up but just wouldnt RECOGNIZE that it was there. (I'm have 2 dvd drive- secondary master\slave.  and originally 1 hdd-primary master). Windows would load fine and EVERYTHING. Then when i gave up on trying to get it to work, i took it out, and set the jumper settings back to normal on the original hd.  But now when i try to start the computer up. Neither the original harddrive or the dvdroms get any power. I checked all the connections and jumper settings, i even replaced 1 of the ide cables, with a new one i had laying around. The bios settings are set at auto detect and everything looks okay in there, except when i look at the hardware diagnostic part, the thing that says +5 Volts, is running at less than 5 volts, its at 4.something.
The computer is only a year old and this is really pissing me off. Please help.Sory friend, you are not clear in describing your problem. You must have to be simple and to the point.

Redescribe your problem clearly.....
Dur-E-WahabBasically, my harddrive and my dvd players ARENT getting any power, when it says detecting primary master, etc etc etc, All come up as None
whats going on  Well friend.
Make sure:
Your hard disk's jumper settings are set at Primary Master.
Your first DVD Drives's jumper settings are set at Secondary Maseter and other one as Secondary Slave.
Your system BIOS the hard disk you are trying to connect. Is it greater than max size specified by the system BIOS?
All connections are firmly connected and there is no dust in ur PC.

I hope that this will solve your problem.
Take care of you and others and be happy.
Bye...
Dur-E-Wahab

If you have a moment, will you please answer a question for me?  

If the answer to this question is already somewhere on your site, please forgive me for not finding it.

I have a boot problem with my WinXP machine:

From a POWERED off state, the machine will not find the MOUSE and keyboard. I must RESET the computer at any time after power on before the mouse and keyboard are found.

Additionally, after some soft reboots, the machine will not see my 2nd hard drive.

That puts me in a catch 22 of sorts. I can power off then power on and trust that my 2nd hard drive will be found but I will have no mouse/keyboard to use the drive(s). I can reset the machine during or after the power on boot to enable my mouse/keyboard but risk the possibility of losing sight of the 2nd hard drive. Or I can ignore the problem and leave the machine powered on constantly (not a preferred option).

Have you ever seen/heard of anything like this before? Any thoughts, suggestions?

*IMPORTANT* -- Also, do you know if there is anything similar to the good 'ole autoexec.bat file that allowed users to run commands before Windows loads? Or what are the boot files for Windows these days? There must be a way to control the boot process...?

I would like to add a small script to test the availability of the mouse/keyboard/D: drive prior to Windows XP loading.

I tried this in autoexec.bat (failed, obviously -- Win XP ignores autoexec.bat...)

echo off
echo Keyboard test...
pause

The goal is simply to test the functionality of the keyboard. If the keyboard is found, pressing any key will continue the boot process. If the keyboard is not found, I simply press the reset button on my computer to try again... Of course this does not work but is there any way to do something like this

This has been driving my crazy for a few months now. I hope I am not out of line ASKING you this question. If you don't have time or don't know the answer, do you know anywhere else that MAY help with this?

Thanks for making such a great site!You can put a shortcut to your script in your startup folder. Start-->All Programs-->right click on startup-->Open. As you have noticed, autoexec.bat has no meaning in XP.

As to the keyboard, mouse, 2nd hard drive problems, I would check all your connections. Also check the device manager to see if everything is recognized. If not, try updating your drivers.

Hope this helps.  Thanks so much for your time and effort!

I checked, double checked, and rechecked the BIOS.

Fumbled around with some other dead ends.

Then finally just tried a USB keyboard instead of the PS/2 keyboard. The USB works - Maybe I have a bad PS/2 port.

Now everything is A-Ok.

Thanks!

Hi guys,

To cut a long story short, my PC one day just started sometimes staying black on boot up / coming on with DOS error messages (maybe from me having to power down so much when the screen was just blank).

It always sounds like it is booting ok (except no bleeps), and it is not a monitor problem or anything.
I have since managed (with help from these forums :-) to put my hard disk into ANOTHER machine and retreive my data, so now I am just trying to FIGURE what went wrong with my machine.

I think someone on a forum said that it sounded like the heatsync and now that I know what that is, it appears to have quite a bit of dust on the fan blades. (did I once hear this might indicate that it is indeed the broken part?)

Basically, I am trying to find out which part of my machine I need to replace. (If any?)

Many thanks for any replies posted!First... What kind of DOS messages are these? Second... Have you at least checked the heat sink to see if it is the problem?

[glb]Flame[/glb]I don't know what messages exactly, because the screen would USUALLY go black before I could properly read. But the general feeling was that errors had occured and I couldn't get any further.

How do I check the heat sink? Do I have to buy another to try in the machine?
kop442000
"I think someone on a forum said that it sounded like the heatsync and now that I know what that is, it appears to have quite a bit of dust on the fan blades. (did I once hear this might indicate that it is indeed the broken part?) "

For the record ......its a heat sink .........it is normal for dust to accumulate inside the case , particularly on the heat sink and the fan BLADE .  That's why it's necessary to clean out the dust from time to time .......Dust on the fan does not indicate that is broken ....

If you get messages appearing ...tell us exactly what they said.......

Let us know

DL65

Hello everyone,

My computer has recently died and I just have a black screen on boot up, however, I have temporarily borrowed another PC, to get on the net ETC..

My problem is, I really urgently need a file from the broken machine, so would I be able to put the old hard disk into the borrowed machine?

If so, how easy is this? and does anyone know a website or anything that could guide me throught it? I know I probably shouldn't mess, but I need this file by tomorrow, and I can't really afford to get the comp. fixed at the moment anyway.

Many thanks for any replies posted.
Kop442000.You can try this link.

http://www.pcmech.com/show/harddrive/43/

Good luck.  Hello friend. DONT worry. Connecting your hard drive to UR borrowed PC is very simple.
Just open your old PC and disconnet its hard disk's power and data cable from the board( DATA CABLE MUST BE DISCONNECTED DIRECTLY FROM THE BOARD).
Now open ur borrowed PC. Just diconnect hard disk of borrowed PC in the same manner and connect the old hard disk into it in the same way as it was connected in ur old PC. One thing to remember is that you must match the ends of DATA CABLE of your old PC with new borrowed. If they are perfectly matched then no problem, connect the cable with the connecter on the board and also connect the power supply cable with ur hard disk. Becase some cables have all the holes at their end, opened but some cables have the centeral hole closed so this is the difference you must match. If they are not matching then you can also use DATA CABLE of borrowed PC.
Second this is that if your borrowed PC's BIOS automatically DETECT the hard disk then okay other wise you must make the hard disk to be detected by the BIOS by going to System BIOS setup and chose "Auto detect hard disks". I think you will easily do that....
Once you have successfully boot ur PC, it may possible that the Operating system installed on ur old Hard disk, install some hardware compnents. So dont bother about that. After that, save the data to any CD or DVD and then replace ur old hard disk with ur borrowed PC's own hard disk and copy the data into that hard disk. That's all. I think it is very little bit lengthy but it is very easy.
I hope that this will solve your problem.
Take care of you and others and be happy and dont worry.
Bye...
Dur-E-WahabThanks guy!!

I don't know how but I managed to do it without wrecking anything!!

Thanks a milllion :-)

Ok heres the THING i have a 2.8ghz amd emachine with a integrated video card. I went out and bought a Pci radeon vid card and tried to put in... nothing. so i went into bios to disable the integrated..thats where i think something went wrong. Now it doesnt seem like the monitor is READING either the integrated or the pci.. I dont know what to do cause i cant see nothing. Sounds like the computer boots up fine but the green dot on the monitor just flashes..Help please
Thanks
Ericfirst thing i would tell you is too take your battery out for a couple minutes to reset your BIOS...let me know if that works....Hello friend. How are you?
Replace your new Video card with old ONE or if your old video card is built in then just remove the new card from ur PC. Now boot your PC and goto system bios and chose "Load BIOS default". Then just disable the built in video card and svae and exit. Now turn ur PC OFF and connect the new one. If it works then fine otherwise try to remove the new card and reput it in PCI slot if it is PCI one or in the AGP slot if you buy AGP card. Alo make sure that your PC's RAM are PROPERLY conncted to the BOARD and there is no dust right there.
I do hope that this will solve your problem.
Take care of you and others and be happy and dont worry.
Bye...
Dur-E-Wahab

Heres the deal: My cd-rom keeps disappering. It worked for a while, but now it just sits there. It says the drive is there in My Computer, and under my hardware desc, and it opens, but when a disk is in it it just sits there and says its not ready yet. Ive tried two diffrent cdroms, both work for a while and then just die. I am running a P2 celeron, win 98, with 256 meg ram and 7 meg hard drive. I know its not MUCH, but poor people gotta play games too.......any help would be apprecaited, and if you COULD, e-mail me the help, at [email protected]try replacing your IDE cable, as it might be going bad....if that dont work your IDE Controller might be going out... And in that CASE youll have to replace the Mobo..Hello James
There are some possibilities DUE to which your CD ROM is not working properly or stops working. Do try the following things:
Try to change the power supply of your CD Drive. This can be done by connecting the hard disk ower cable to your CD ROM and that of CD ROM to your hard disk.
Second do the same with DATA CABLE.
Third make sure that that ur Drive is working properly. This can be tested by using the same CD Drive on some other PC.

Hope this will solve your problem.
Take care of you and OTHERS and be happy and dont worry.
Bye..
Dur-E-WahabOk thanks. I think it might be the cable....and pray it isnt the controller. I like my motherboard....and I ant swiming in doagh right now, so....thanks. I am going to go try those tonight.

Hey guys! As most of you know, I will be buying a laptop soon... I will of course have wireless networking, and internet. Now, everyone has a different opinion so I have a quick question... Is this router (shown in link), any good? http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=299891&pfp=BROWSE ... I know that some PEOPLE have had bad luck with Linksys, but, what does everyone think? THIS IS A TIME TO VOICE YOUR OPINION!  

[glb]Flame[/glb]Flame,in my opinion,I really like this netgear router I just purchased about 1 month ago
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?ref=msn&product_code=302517&pfp=cat3

I havent had a problem with it at all.My wireless g linksys router would somehow quit renewing the i.p.address every week or so and I would have to POWER down the router and dsl modem and re -power up and reset.It was quit aggrivating!!!!Anyways,I really like this netgear,and the RANGE is for some reason alot further than the linksys.Also as a follow up on laptops,I have just received a ned dell inspiron 6000.Look in to it,15.4 widescreen,512 ram,60gb harddrive,dvd-rom/cd-rw,internal wirelessb/g,and I opted for the celeron m at 1.3 gb.total price around 950.00.Compare.Hi Flame I run 4 computers of my DLINK router and had not trouble whatsoever.  Hey, thinks for the information! I kind of like that one! http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?ref=msn&product_code=302517&pfp=cat3 ... Before I make any buys though.... What does everyone else think of Netgear? Are they any good?

[glb]Flame[/glb]Take a look at this
http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/linksysHello dear how are you? I think you must chose one the following company for ur router:
Nokia
Motorolla

Bye...
Dur-E-Wahab Quote

Hello dear how are you? I think you must chose one the following company for ur router:
Nokia
Motorolla

Bye...
Dur-E-Wahab

I'm so lost! I completely reboated my computer (pulled the jumper) because it wasn't working anymore, and now it won't read the CD to reload Windows XP. Then I went back to it, and now my MONITOR seems to not be working either. It will turn on, but no picture will show up. The contrast settings are normal, but I don't know what's wrong. Please help!!Caitlin.......   Tell us exactly what happened that forced you to...... "I completely reboated my computer (pulled the jumper)"  WHAT.....jumper are you refering to ......?
It's Monday and my crystal balls still fussy from the weekend ...lol

let us know

dl65  the only jumper that i know of ~ the one to completely reset the computer.kitkat1314.........Are you refering to the jumper which resets the CMOS ?  Are you the same poster as "Caitlin"

Let us know

dl65  CMOS reset jumper?  You removed the jumper completely and didn't reinstall it?yes I am caitlin, and no, i installed the jumper again, but the computer won't let me install windows back on it.yes ~ the jumper that resets the CMOS kitkat1314........Where you playing AROUND in the Bios and possibly changed something ..........Have you tried using the default settings in the bios ?

you never did say why all this occurred .... what led up to this situation .......Sometimes its relevant .


dl65  i don't really know what happened to it. It was fine one day, then I turned it off and when i turned it back on it said invaild system disc, even though there wasn't anything in there. The bios is still the same... all the DEFAULTS are set.ok two questions caitlin, did you pull the jumper out when the PC was running or turned off..... secondly when you pulled the jumper out were you ESD protected.I pulled the jumper when the computer was off, and i believe it was esd protected.did you have a ESD strap on, or did you ground yourself by touching the power supply, if not then static discharge might have messed up some of your components on the Mobo....





"Also Did You Try Taking Out Your Battery For A Couple MINUTES To Reset Your BIOS?"

I was watering one of plants and may got some water in the back of my monitor. It made a horrible noise, because it was still plugged in. Now the screen is flickering. Did I just murder my monitor? Is there anything I can do to dry it out?

 :-/Leave it a for a couple of days in a warm place without turning it on. Try it again and if you are lucky it is a temporary "short circuit" caused by the water on it and cured by drying out.

If it continues after drying out then it has been permanently damaged  
Nice idea... Try that... If it doesn't work, then you probably fried it...    We wish you the best!

[glb]Flame[/glb] Quote

Leave it a for a couple of days in a warm place without turning it on. Try it again and if you are lucky it is a temporary "short circuit" caused by the water on it and cured by drying out.

If it continues after drying out then it has been permanently damaged  

HELP!! Could I need a new video card??  I usually leave my desktop on. I had been having some random problems with the screen of my monitor flickering and some color issues. I have always assumed the monitor was about to die on me. Well I went to my computer and it SAID I lost power and wanted to run in SAFE mode. I said no…well then it shut down and when I turned it back on I could not get any picture on the monitor it was completely black. The light for the monitor would normally be green when on….this time it was orange and showing absolutely no picture. I took another monitor and connected it to my computer….same orange light. This monitor would normally read “NO SIGNAL” if the monitor was on and the CPU was not on. I get nada on the monitor not even a chance for safe mode or bios! Well should I try to buy a new video card to see if this will solve the problem? Thank you!  Have a check on your hink sinks.... One might have gone bad... Also, ame sure that your cideo card is not loose...

[glb]FLAME[/glb]Check your CPU fan. Is it working properly? If not then replace it with new one or repair it. If yes then take out your RAM sticks. Clean them and also clean your computer's RAM slots. Then put them back in ur computer as they was carefully. If this work then fine. If not then take out your VGA card and clean it and then place it back in DIFFERENT slot. If this work then fine otherwise, I think you have to TEST this card on some different computer to make sure that this problem is due to VGA card and then buy a new one.

Take CARE of you and others and be happy.
Bye..
Dur-E-Wahab

I want to up grade my the cpu of my computer. It is currently a Gateway with a MOTHER board #4000321 . How hard will it be to install a new CPU and will I have to do. Will any CPU fit in this style motherboard or is there only certain kind. Eric G.......have a read .....this is you MOBO I think .

http://support.gateway.com/s/MOTHERBD/INTEL/m00321/m00321nv.shtml


dl65   Quote

1.  Will any CPU fit in this style motherboard or
2.  is there only certain kind. ???

... Right now I have 400mhz PII. ...but the minimum for the game is a PIII 500 mhz...What would a fast hard drive add? What components makes the computer run faster?
I am pretty sure I maxed it out on ram.

It would appear to me that my computer's IDE performance has been steadily degrading... It takes forever to boot, even on a fresh installation of WINDOWS, and I get IDE recognition problems all the time in which I have to switch channels to make it boot. Installing new things also takes forever to do, the HD access light will just kinda idle for a while as windows freezes up for about a minute until it goes off. I've had this problem for a while, but it seems to be getting worse, and there was no problem to begin with. My mobo also turns off completely if you jiggle a USB port the wrong way. o.x Might my mobo be slowly breaking down? :\ Anybody familiar with this kind of issue?2 things come to mind:
Overheating - check mobo temps, hard drive temps, CPU fan rpm's
Power Supply - bad connection somewhereHmm.... think I figured it out. XD Compy decided it wanted to do a chkdsk scan of itself, and guess what it found? Hundreds of errors on the file data table. ^^ It seems to have fixed itself, though, and I'm not getting any more IDE lag, although I do think my Windows takes abnormally long to boot, usually at least 20 bars. [email protected] But if any other problems arise I'll be sure to whine about them. ^^Seems like I'm having the same problem. My computer hang and restart automatically while I was doing my work. After it restart, ONE of my drive (partition) has became "empty" - it only display the Recycle folder. Suspecting I LOST all my files, I notice that the free SPACE are remaining the same as before i.e. 1.78GB out of 12.40Gb, which means my files seems to be still there. I check with Norton's System Information and found out that there are a lot of scandisk files (File0000.chk - File3197.chk) which the total size is the same as my files i.e. 10.62GB. It seems like my files has turned into those scandisk files. What had happened? Any solution to recover my files? Thanks for answering! Quote

Seems like I'm having the same problem. My computer hang and restart automatically while I was doing my work. After it restart, one of my drive (partition) has became "empty" - it only display the Recycle folder. Suspecting I lost all my files, I notice that the free space are remaining the same as before i.e. 1.78GB out of 12.40Gb, which means my files seems to be still there. I check with Norton's System Information and found out that there are a lot of scandisk files (File0000.chk - File3197.chk) which the total size is the same as my files i.e. 10.62GB. It seems like my files has turned into those scandisk files. What had happened? Any solution to recover my files? Thanks for answering!

I've been having start-up problems with my HP. When I TURN it on I hear the hard drive start up but the screen says "no signal" and the keyboard doesn't work. After fooling with the motherboard I got the unit to start up FINE but noticed the fan on the heat sink was dead. So I removed it. The fan had a bad connection. Now when I start-up the unit I get a intermittent beeping and "no signal" on the monitor. Any ideas. Thanks alot!! :-/ How many beeps?

[glb]Flame[/glb]it beeps continuously on and offBy itself, or when you press a key?

[glb]Flame[/glb] Quote

...noticed the fan on the heat sink was dead. So I removed it...

Main battery isn't charging. What is the PROBLEM, and how to fix?

• Orange power light - always on, whether or not I am using battery power
  
• "AC Power" icon ALWAYS in system tray, "Battery Power" icon NEVER in system tray, even when on battery power
  
• "Power Options" in Control PANEL indicates battery "Not Present" EVEN WHEN ON BATTERY POWER
  
• Computer will not power on from battery, even when FULLY charged. Once power is on, computer WILL run on battery power.
  
• Dell emailed me a new BIOS update, but it will NOT install because it thinks I need to install a battery - even though my battery is indeed fully charged.

• It appears that the battery is not charging AT ALL.

 Remove battery and note status lights located on battery, when test button is depressed.

When I connect the keyboard, it flashes working, and the nums lock light is on. If I dont touch the keyoard all is well. The moment I use any keys the system locks. Mouse works ok, untill that point then freezes. Keyboard and mouse are ps2 (purple keyboard green mouse) I wondered if it is the socket, and the keyboard did work again on one occasion, but the socket looks a cow to replace, If anyone has any possible alternatives before I potentially wreck the thing getting the socket out it would be appreciated. Not sure who mainboard manufactured is, but chipset is VIA technologies VT8363. Mainboard ID using SARAH comes up as model 8363-686A. Regards. RobDid you have a keyboard before this one? You might have drivers left over from the last one that you had... Also, are there any drivers that you need to install for it before you use it?

[glb]Flame[/glb]Yes it just happened, but it was after doubled over the cable accidentally, I then put a new identical keyboard on in case I had broken a wire. The socket does not look broken, I have looked at the soldered side also. I get the impression that I would have to be crossing a live or earth to the clock or data line, but see no sign, this is part why I wondered if there is component damage, however the mouse works ok...?! do you think it could lock it if I had an intermittent connection to clock or data? maybee I have mucked up the actual socket pin holes to the point that it is intermittent... dont really want to mess with it and will be tempted to look for a USB solution if there is such a thing as a USB keyboard.It sounds like a driver issue to me, did you check the keyboard manufacturers website for common troubleshooting tips?
On the other HAND...
There are alot of new USB devices coming out! The USB keyboard is already available, check your local computer store.

CeeThanks folks, looks like I better check drivers. I am kinda relieved really. Still if all else fails looks like an excuse for a cordless USB jobbie!... he he. Again thanks for your replies. RobNow its getting weird. I looked up the driver stuff, shows no keyboard in device manager. Keyboard shows in control panel, but when i go to it shows no driver details. WONT let me use the properties or troubleshoot, nothing happens.... Tried to install or remove hardware... no such thing as a keyboard on my system. So I tried deleting all the keyboard drivers in the HOPE of creating a fault I could handle. nuffin!... However, now it wont crash when I hit a key, but numlock light or caps lock light not working. Lights flash when keyboard plugged in, but thats all, no sequential lights, just 1 flash, so its getting power, if only momentarily. WOnt recognise keys in setup so cant get to bios..I give up I think. gonna get a USB keyboard. But if anyone knows what it could be.. Its a challenge. I did wonder if it was a sneaky virus?  Regards. RobWell, you shouldn't have to worry about viruses if you have protection... You do have protection, right? Also, try downloading and installing the drivers for the keyboard, so that the keyboard will display in the device manager...

[glb]Flame[/glb]erm, stand alone machine. Have not got any protection. However anything that goes on from internet goes through a mcafee system. Yes I should load the drivers again. I will get them this session and post reasults. Now I see why they call em "drainers" ! I bet you techies have some laughs about the sort of messes us amateurs get ourselves in.. :-/Oh yeah... You have no idea!   lol  (Just kidding)   ... Let us know what happens...

[glb]Flame[/glb]

i have two pcs both using win xp and networked with a linksys wireless setup. never had any trouble. well i put a geforce 6600gt video card in my no. 1 pc, took the fx 5200 out of it and put it in the  secondary pc. my mobo specs  seemed to support the 5200. iits a pentium3 815 eea board. it has an agp slot that will HANDLE up to 4x. well when i powered up both systems i couldn't get the second pc back on line. it wouldn't hook up. stupid me never even  thought of the fx 5200 card, i tiried EVERYTHING else until i finally, in DESPERATION pulled out the 5200 and the pc hooked right up. my question after all of this is why doe that happen. how does a graghics card keep a networked pc from connecting to the host pc.. i thought the card  would work fine, but live and learnDid you uninstall your old card drivers BEFORE inserting the new one? Also, have you INSTALLED the drivers for the NEW card? Besides hardware compatibility, drivers are everything...

[glb]Flame[/glb]

I have IBM ThinkPad 380ED
Loaded with Win98.
I want to USE my software in DOS by F8 at start up to be ABLE to dual boot without ERASING data already in WIN98 files.
Problem is I cannot access the COMM Port 1 even THOUGH disgnostics programs say it is there. Using all default SETTINGS for comm 1.

Is there a way to create a Boot Disk to helpi it see comm 1..thanks..SteveSorry for posting on this topic so late...

Have you tried mapping it?
You may be able to "trick" your computer into using the port.
use the MAP command to map the drive as any drive letter after D, like a virtual drive...

this should solve your problem.

Cee

I cant get my SCREEN resoultion to change and EVERY time I try my computer turns offBased off of the (little) INFORMATION that you have given me, it sounds like your drivers need to be reinstalled... Or REPLACED with more updated ONES...

[glb]Flame[/glb]

I need help.  
The metal sleeve that the motherboard lays on has been taken out of the computer.
The motherboard is disconnected from the sleeve.
I can FIND no ways to get it back on.
Are there any web sites with pictorial guides or useful FORUM users that could help.
Any help would be appreciated! Have you contacted your computer MANUFACTURER? Also, what about the user's manual that SHOULD have come with your computer?

[glb]Flame[/glb]Do you mean the side of the case?in which the mobo is attached to..what is the problem be more informative if you can.I got my mother BOARD back on. But thanks anyways. Now my problem is either:

1) The power plugs for the on switch aren't in the right place ( very probable since my newbie SELF didn't lable the wires { kicks self } ) In which case could anyone help at all.

or

2)I've hosed my motherboard with static electricity. ( less likely since I kept my hand grounded on the case at all times ) In which case I'll give it to my computer class.

FYI- The computer was given to me by an uncle, which put the computer together, so no information on the system board or computer wiring was given. And if it breaks or whatever it doesn't really matter, I'm just trying to learn about computers and stuff. So I wont be buying any more computer stuff just yet.  *phew*

I am curious how this works. Can I GET TV from my BROADBAND connection or will my PC simply work as a TV device when I plug in the cable?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
StanFirst, you need the proper input port for the cable... Second, you need to have the proper software installed...

[GLB]Flame[/glb]You'll find that the TV tuner card has various inputs at the back, which should allow you to connect up your aerial/cable/satellite dish or however you recieve your TV SIGNAL. It has nothing to do with the NET.

Hello,
DVD Rom, DVD Burner, 2 HARD DRIVES. Would like to add an internal zip to this pile.
How is it possible to add another IDE to a mother board which already has all 4 occupied?The most direct solution to that would be an PCI IDE ADAPTER. It's just a cheap PCI card that you can use to hook up extra IDE devices. But, I'd just SUGGEST getting a zip drive with a different interface. Do they make SATA zip drives nowadays? XDhttp://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=15-124-001&depa=0
Here we go, cheap as in $17.50 cheap. ^^ By the way, Newegg has wonderful customer SERVICE and they ship insanely fast, I'd suggest just buying it from them.Thanks for the help Sesshy.

Really will appreciate assist from experienced user, or even REFERRAL to website wherein one can get specific DETAILED instructions on use.
Bought on eBay auction and received without one word of instructions. Used mini CD disk to enter Win98SE driver, despite bewildering array of 70-odd folders, one more unintelligible than another. Now what? As the device has only 24k used, I assume Formatting unnecessary. Bur just how do I use it? For ex, after you've helped me get started, is it necessary to use Copy/Paste, or can file be Save As directly to E DRIVE?
Two other problems:
If device in USB port at StartUp, only PARTIAL boot; no AOL or MSN icons. Cursor moves but unusable. Ctrl/Alt/Delete: Frequent Non-Response, and End Rask doesn't.   Look foward to a response! Cordially, RO Quote

...referral to website wherein one can get specific detailed instructions on use....

Hi,

My PC has developed unique way of starting up. As soon as I plug in the PC it fires up...I don't need to press the on/off switch. When I shut down I can here a sound like a motor or fan TRYING to run so I just pull out the plug from the socket. As soon as I plug it back in it fires up again.

The machine runs with no probs when booted up. I have checked all connectors from the on/ off switch are correct on the MOTHERBOARD...all seems Ok.

Any ideas ?All I can say is... that's really, really ODD. XD LOOKING beyond a physical/hardware cause of the problem, I'd play around with the power settings in your BIOS and see where that gets you. o.oSounds like it wants use... LOL  Now, let's try this... How do you shut it down? Do you shut it down properly? or, do you unplug it from the wall to turn it off?

[glb]Flame[/glb]I always let Window 98 shut it down properly. However when the machine switches off it maked a noise like a motor or fan trying to run. Then I have to pull the plug.It sounds like the power switch is not poping out all the way, and is pushing in, which is why it wants to turn itself on...

[glb]Flame[/glb]

which one of these is a BETTER one and what would be a good CPU to go with it for under 100.00


ASUS "A7V600-X" KT600 Motherboard for AMD Socket A CPU or  PENTIUM 4 S478 MOTHERBOARD LAN SOUND FIREWIRE ATA/133The BOTTOM one!

I've been having problems with this burner since I took it out of the box. Using it on a fresh Windows XP Pro installation, putting any type of disc in it would cause Windows to LOCK up until I would eject the disc. I downgraded the firmware from 1.3 (the factory default firmware) to 1.2 and GOT it to work by re-installing Windows after changing the firmware, but later ran into the same issue. I then tried to upgrade it from the 1.2 firmware to the newly released 1.4 firmware, but the upgrade would not work, and the same problem persisted. I thought there might have been a mobo compatibility issue, so I tried the drive on another computer with the exact same results. I'm considering sending it back to Plextor for an exchange or refund. Anybody got any other thoughts? o.o Quote

...I'm considering sending it back to Plextor for an exchange or refund. Anybody got any other thoughts?

I had to take the pc in and get the hd formated (hate XP) and reinstall XP the repairman suggested I upgrade to 256 (original 128) he says XP should have 256 he says I need DDR mem I went to pricewatch and LOOKED at mem but I noticed some of the listing had 2100 and such in front of the DDR 256 listing what does the 2100 stand for and which do I need? :-/I'm not sure about the 2100,  but I just purchased more memory from  ArchMemory.com     you can enter your computer info an they show you exactly which memory card you need. 128 and running XP? It's possible but a memory upgrade is good advice....

The 2100/2700/3200 etc is simply speed based, higher number is BETTER......

another thing..... although he said 256 is what you need to have.... it is always better to get more.... I recommend 512....

You say you are wanting to upgrade to 256? all you need is another 128 stick

I've ran 128 on XPpro and it does work, even 64 works....
i reccomend at least 256MB of RAM to RUN Xp Pro...more is always better but at 256....make EVERYTHING run smoother than at 128MBThe kind of RAM you want depends on what your MOTHERBOARD supports. Tell me that and I can find you some really easily. ^^