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i got a hard drive from a old COMP and wanted to add it to my good one.how would i go about doing this?i have tried multiple times (just pluging it in as a slave) and it wont work.so how would i do this any help is NICE

ps.i CANT check this till sometime tommorrow...Does your pc recognize the drive at all? If not, try running the Add Hardware wizard from the control panel. Also try using the 'Cable select' option on the harddrive (as you did with the slave option). Just make sure that the harddrives are hooked up the way you want them to boot. Tell me how it goes.

Later,

User_X  

Edit: Make sure that both of the harddrives have 'Cable Select' selected.Edit: Make sure that both of the harddrives have 'Cable Select' selected


how do i do that?There are jumpers next to the POWER plug that determine whether it is a master, slave, etc...check the drives website for instructions.

patio.  What kind of machine, and what kind of hard drives?its a custom pc and its running xp
as to the hd idk (i bought this comp eventhough its a custom) but the 2nd one is from a old compaq..
i am getting a new video card l8ter today and i would like to install the hd at the same time.
also another SMALL question my friend said that u may be able to convert half of the hd memory to ram is this possible?and if it is will it make my comp faster? Quote

also another small question my friend said that u may be able to convert half of the hd memory to ram is this possible?and if it is will it make my comp faster?

Im putting together a

Pentium XE 3.4
DX995 motherboard
GFORCE 7800GXT
CD-ROM
120 gig Hardrive
And a 450 watt sup

Problem I got is the montior needs a mouse/KEYBOARD click but the keyboard only powers at startup and then is inresponsive and the mouse (which is USB) has nothing...not even power to it.  Everything is CONNECTED and is getting power as far as I know.

Any suggestions on TROUBLESHOOTING?Is the keyboard USB as well?I would try this with a PS2 mouse and keyboard til you can get all the SETTINGS correct.
The keyboard is PS2.

I have a laptop computer.  Whenever I use the keyboard and type a pop up menu appears.  The menu that appears is the same SUB-menu you receive when you hold down the right mouse button... the sub menu that reads, undo, cut, copy, paste, delete.

This problem HAPPENS whenever I use the keyboard, in word, or online.

It does not seem to be a virus because I have checked continuously.  Does anyone know anything about this?Are any of the keys on your keyboard stuck?

[glb]Flame[/glb]No, there are no keys stuck.Follow these steps and verify that all options are untagged:

1. Start
2. Settings
3. Control Panel
4. Disability settings (Translation may be WRONG)

I tried the accessibility/ disability OPTION in wheel chair some time ago.  That did not seem to be the problem.

i take it its winxp>>>.http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=315688Have you tested the Hard Disk Drive integrity with a diagnostic BOOT diskette that can be obtained from http://www.seagate.com?You did not answer my post. And keep caps-lock off or I will cease to commit myself to your problem.Diagnostic software. I suggest you take a look at their download section once more.http://www.hexff.com/w98_hd.php[glb][/glb] I hate to be the voice of reason, but of course u were RITE in the beginning. Go get that feather hold in left hand only while you jump on rite foot 3x's....then u will b getting somewhere.hahaA drowning man seldom bats any hand away - he grasps it firmly and willingly.


Check the date of your bios in your system - see your vendors website for system support compaq is not bad might not show much info for systems older than 2001.

Check the jumpering of the drive - if your putting it into a system with an existing drive and there is no secodary PORT to plug into you would need to do this.

Some drives also have compatiblity jumper settings.

Check seagates site about your drive vs your system probably lots of info there - maybe not a quick fix but its there somewhere Quote

you guys would be a lot more helpful if you did not assume people are idiots

you guys would be a lot more helpful if you did not assume people are idiots.  you have only told me the obvious, of which, I have already tried

I don't really know how to put this, but is this ASUS motherboard(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131517) compatible with this Raidmax case.(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811156174). The reason I ask is because the rear PANEL ports of the motherboard does not LOOK like it would match up with the cases back panel thing. (By the way, I'm relatively knew to building a computer and I would appreciate it if u kept the computer lingo to a minimum.)An ATX motherboard will fit in an ATX case.never MIND i just looked up the manual for the case. you were RIGHT. I didn't know the motherboard comes with a I/O panel.

I want to upgrade my gateway 2000 system type x86-base pc processer x86 FAMILY 6 model 1 stepping 9 genuine intel ~199mhz prosessor intel corp 1.00.08. cs1t 12-9596  with NEW memory and graphics...I want to use it for gaming only..whats the beat i can do for the money..First do some research into what exactly is in that machine...x86 base processor etc. is a generic term for quite a few CPU's sold in the last 25 years or so...
The most important COMPONENT to research i WOULD say is the MBoard.
This will let you know your upgrade options.

patio.  

my computer has 2 lan cards. windows 98 can detect all 2 cards but windows xp can only detect 1 that connecting to internet. i use sysprep -pnp and add hardware wizard but no use. i need to use windows xp to use internet connection sharing to another computer
i run ics in windows 98 but still no use. please give me a way to use ics in windows 98 or MAKE another lan card active in windows xpIam:

Connect the Windows XP computer to the modem and run the network setup wizard in Windows XP.  When the wizard completes, it asks i you want it to make a network setup FLOPPY disk--INDICATE that you do.  

Bring the floppy disk to the Windows 98 computer and open the network setup program on it.  It will automatically configure Windows 98 to REQUEST its IP address from the Windows XP system, which will act as a DHCP server and gateway.

Let us know how it works out,
Doc

I just built a new machine with the help of a friend, and I'm having a big problem with my video. The picture is completely messed up (it has a weird bright tint and all the colors are messed up). Only mov files seem to look alright. I've uninstalled and reinstalled my video card drivers (NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200) at least 5 times and it hasn't fixed anything. I'm out of ideas on how to fix this. Any thoughts?Well we know about your video card but nothing else about your system. How about a tidbit or two?Absolutely but I'm a beginner at this so I might need some help getting it for you. Can you point me to the best place to gather the hardware specs and other information you need?Have you tried setting your resolution?
Desktop>Right click>Properties>SettingsYep. My resolution is fine and there is no problem with how things appear on my screen except for when I am playing video.OK, so what files are messing up and what program are you using to play them with?All of my video files (I have tried mpegs, mpgs, and avis) are messing up and I am playing them in Windows Media Player. The only video files that seem to be working are .mov files which work in both Windows Media Player and quicktime.Windows & Windows Media Player uptodate?Yep, downloaded all the LATEST updates yesterday.Have you got a small (I'm on dialup), messed up file I can try on my WMP?I don't have any small files unfortunately but it's definitely not a problem with the files. It's any videos I try to play (I've tried at least a dozen). I've tested them on 2 other computers and they look fine.Here's some system info. I tried running a more comprehensive report but it told me the message was too long.


EVEREST Home EDITION © 2003-2005 Lavalys, Inc.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   
 Version   EVEREST v2.20.405  
 Homepage   http://www.lavalys.com/  
 Report Type   Report Wizard  
 Computer   BEN-443K0KHMD4J  
 Generator   Ben Maltz  
 Operating System   Microsoft Windows XP Professional 5.1.2600 (WinXP Retail)  
 Date   2005-11-18  
 Time   19:50  


Summary

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     
 Computer:  
  Operating System   Microsoft Windows XP Professional  
  OS Service Pack   Service Pack 2  
  DirectX   4.09.00.0904 (DirectX 9.0c)  
  Computer Name   BEN-443K0KHMD4J  
  User Name   Ben Maltz  
 
 Motherboard:  
  CPU Type   Intel Celeron D 335, 2800 MHz (21 x 133)  
  Motherboard Name   ASUS P4P800 SE (5 PCI, 1 AGP, 1 WiFi, 4 DDR DIMM, Audio, Gigabit LAN)  
  Motherboard Chipset   Intel Springdale i865PE  
  System Memory   512 MB (PC3200 DDR SDRAM)  
  BIOS Type   AMI (08/04/05)  
  Communication Port   Communications Port (COM1)  
  Communication Port   Communications Port (COM2)  
  Communication Port   Bluetooth Communications Port (COM3)  
  Communication Port   ECP Printer Port (LPT1)  
 
 Display:  
  Video Adapter   NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 (128 MB)  
  3D Accelerator   nVIDIA GeForce FX 5200  
  Monitor   Dell E771a [17" CRT] (8J8541CN814C)  
 
 Multimedia:  
  Audio Adapter   Intel 82801EB ICH5 - AC'97 Audio Controller [A-2/A-3]  
 
 Storage:  
  IDE Controller   Intel(R) 82801EB Ultra ATA Storage Controllers  
  IDE Controller   Intel(R) 82801EB Ultra ATA Storage Controllers  
  Floppy Drive   Floppy disk drive  
  Disk Drive   WDC WD2000JD-22HBC0 (127 GB, IDE)  
  Optical Drive   LITE-ON DVDRW SOHW-1693S (DVD+R9:4x, DVD-R9:4x, DVD+RW:16x/8x, DVD-RW:16x/6x, DVD-ROM:16x, CD:48x/24x/48x DVD+RW/DVD-RW)  
  SMART Hard Disks Status   OK  
 
 Partitions:  
  C: (NTFS)   131069 MB (116903 MB free)  
 
 Input:  
  Keyboard   Easy Internet Keyboard  
  Mouse   Logitech-compatible Mouse PS/2  
 
 Network:  
  Network Adapter   Bluetooth LAN Access Server Driver - Packet Scheduler Miniport  
  Network Adapter   Marvell Yukon 88E8001/8003/8010 PCI Gigabit Ethernet Controller (192.168.1.100)  
  Network Adapter   Microsoft TV/Video Connection (0.1.0.5)  
  Modem   Motorola SM56 Speakerphone Modem  
 
 Peripherals:  
  Printer   EPSON Stylus Photo 820 Series  
  Printer   Microsoft Office Document Image Writer  
  USB1 Controller   Intel 82801EB ICH5 - USB Controller [A-2/A-3]  
  USB1 Controller   Intel 82801EB ICH5 - USB Controller [A-2/A-3]  
  USB1 Controller   Intel 82801EB ICH5 - USB Controller [A-2/A-3]  
  USB2 Controller   Intel 82801EB ICH5 - Enhanced USB2 Controller [A-2/A-3]  
  USB Device   CanoScan LiDE 20/N670U/N676U  
  USB Device   CSR USB Bluetooth Device  
DUNCAN,

A few things to try:

1. Remove and reseat the video card and disconnect and reconnect the data cable from the video card to the monitor.  Make sure everything is firmly in place.

2. Check the device status in Device Manager--does it say the device is working properly, or does it indicate a driver problem or resource conflict?  Verify that you have installed a Windows XP driver from the web site of the manufacturer of the video card only.

3. Verify that the monitor works on another system or with a different video card (the monitor may be the problem).

4. Verify the refresh rate in Windows is not set too high.

5. Run DxDiag: (click Start | Run; in the Run dialog box, type DXDIAG and click OK; click OK to the message box that asks if you want to run the diagnostic tests).  The utility will indicate if there is a problem with the Direct X files of the operating system.  Click on each of the tabs to view the results.

6. Let us know how it goes  

Doc






Thanks Doc,

So here goes:
(1) Yep, removed and reconnected. Everything is in place.
(2) In Device Manager I've got two yellow exclamation points. One by "Modems>Motorola SM56 Speakerphone Modem". The other is by "Sound, video, and game controllers>nVidia WDM Video Capture (universal)". When I click on the nVidia one I see the following message: "This device cannot start. (Code 10)"
(3) Tried a different monitor. Same problem.
(4) What is refresh rate and what would be considered too high?
(5) Everything checks out fine.Found the solution by googling. Here it is for anyone curious or anyone with a similar problem:

There is a bug in the latest NVIDIA drivers (77.72) which causes problems when playing videos. The solution which works for most people is:

1) Go to the NVIDIA control panel
2) Go to the "Color Correction" page
3) Set "Apply color changes to:" to "All"
4) Set "Color Profile:" to "Advanced mode"
5) Click "Restore Defaults"
6) Click "Apply"

i have 2 extra computers that arent that good, and they are almost the exact same with the parts. so, i decided to take one apart and combine some of the parts (add a RAM card, a harddrive, ect.) but while i was in the process of puttin in the harddrive, i think something came loose because now the computer doesnt even make an attempt to turn on. I DONT see any loose wires, and i tried it with just the original harddrive in but it still doesnt work. What could have come loose?Try checking to make sure the power supply didn't come lose from the MOBO or check front panel to make sure power switch  or reset button etc. are connected!flamingpyroxxx...... perhaps , you could tell us in DETAIL exactly what you did ........
Were all the parts that you used in good working order ?

dl65   Quote

but while i was in the process of puttin in the harddrive, i think something came loose because now the computer doesnt even make an attempt to turn on.

When referring to a WORM DRIVE, do you PRONOUNCE it like the creepy-crawly earth_worm_ or SAY the individual letters w-o-r-m?
Thanks!First ONE

I added a extension cable to my monitor add now it's having a ghosting effect on everything. This is my second cable because I thought the first one was BAD. Does anyone know how to fix this? Where I need my CPU requires me to have a longer cable so I would really like to fix this. I have a 17" Proview LCD with a Radeon 9600 Video Card.What do you mean by ghosting? Do you leave your monitor on 24/7?It has an exact duplicate of everything slightly to the right and whitish looking. Like old TV's USED to look with "rabbit ear" antenna's. And no I don't leave my monitor at on at all.Wed,

Your cable combination is probably causing your problem.

-  high quality extensions can run as long as about 30 ft (total) for [email protected] resolution.  Higher resolution settings will reduce useable length.  Several companies sell amplifiers/repeaters for even longer lengths (expensive).  Try a lower resolution setting or a shorter cable.

-  bad shielding in the cable(s) or especially at the connector(s) are prone to interference PROBLEMS (ghosting, noise, etc.).  Try ANOTHER cable from another manufacturer.  Try a different length.

-  placement of the cable(s)/connectors can introduce noise.  Your monitor, PC, other cables and nearby electronics can generate a lot of 'noise that can be picked-up by your cables (including itself).  Move the cables away from other electronics/cables.

DellI lowered my resolution and it did help. I guess I need to shell out $60 for the good cable instead of the $10 I did on this one!! Thanks for all the help!I lowered my resolution and it did help. I guess I need to shell out $60 for the good cable instead of the $10 I did on this one!! Thanks for all the help!

I have lost the my orginal FONT size on my icons, wording
evetything.  Everything is so small you can hardly read it.
can SOMEONE please tell me what happened and how I can fix it.  This is a new computer, we have only had it for 4 months.Do you have virus portection? Have you made any changes to your system RECENTLY?

[glb]Flame[/glb]Judy E.....Are you refering to the font sizes in Internet explorer ? Have you tried clicking on view.....text size and then changing what its set at to a LARGER size ?

Which operating system are you using ?

Let us know,

dl65   Quote

I have lost the my orginal font size on my icons, wording
evetything.  Everything is so small you can hardly read it.
can someone please tell me what happened and how I can fix it.  This is a new computer, we have only had it for 4 months.

I turn my computer on, and it starts running but there is no power going to the keyboard, mouse or monitor. After about 10 minutes or so it would boot up like normal, then run completely normally with no problems at all. The PAST few days, it's not booting up at all. It has power, I can hear that it's on but the green light doesn't go on at all and it NEVER boots. The computer is about 5 years old HP that I've upgraded a bit and taken very good care of. I've had a few people SUGGEST to me that it's the motherboard. What do you guys think? Thank you SO much!!

PS-- I'v already ran HIJACKTHIS and had about 5 people confirm that this isn't a malware problem.Are you able to reach the bios or run the computer in safe mode. Also remove side cover and look to see if all the fans in the computer are spinning Heatsink fan and the power supply unit fan. Did these problems happen after you upgraded what is your power supply wattage?I'm not able to reach safemode or the bios. It doesn't boot at all. I'll check the fans but it sounds like they're running fine. This happened out of the blue, I haven't updated or reformatted anything in over 2 months. I have no idea what wattage it has.Ok do you hear any beeps when you start the computer up. if you dont shutdown your computer and try removing the ram. and with the ram removed now start it up again and TELL me do you now hear any beeps. This could be psu but we will test a few things first as it could be the motherboard.Read above first, as i have done a double post and if this doesnt work do the following. With your computer switched of place Ram back in and disconnect these periphrals, Your hard drive any cd dvd rom drives and floppys drives your mouse and your keyboard now boot the computer and tell me do you hear any beeps or see any error messages on the monitor.

When I install a used MAXTOR 17 GB HD
(WIN98SE and boots in its own P-II 300 MHz system,
jumpered to CS) on the primary slave IDE cable connector
in my HP Pavilion 325C (WinXP on Samsung 60GB
SV0602H jumpered to CS; on the Primary Master connector),
the BIOS will auto-detect the 2nd drive, but does not
detect the ORIGINAL (master) drive.
Exiting BIOS, the computer freezes.
When I remove the 2nd drive from the slave connector,
the original drive boots to XP normally.
Any SIMILAR experiences or possible solutions?

Set the first HDD to Master, second to Slave.

my computer will frequently halt and my MONITOR turns blue with a message stating: hardware malfunction, PLEASE contact vendor. i'll also get occassional computer freezes.
what could be going on?When does this happen? When you run a certain program, or perform a certain action? Which operating system are you using?

[GLB]Flame[/glb]Have you added any new hard ware to this pc.......Do you mean stop error......Irq_ less_than_equal.....

msoft.......is begining to control.......not ....only the software side........but the hardware side......

OH look i have just but a microsoft pc.......but guess what is still crashes.......maybe it will burn also...end.

HOPEFULLY YOU WILL GET THIS
I NEED HELP!!!

ALL OF A SUDDEN YESTERDAY WHEN I TURNED ON MY COMPUTER I GOT THIS MESSAGE THAT SAID"
MICROF=SOFT WINDOWS DID NOT START PROPERLY??
THEN GEVE ME 2 OPTIONS TO START COMPUTER
EITHER START WINDOWS NORMALLY  OR USE LAST KNOW CONFIGURATION THAT WORKED??

I HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO THE COMPUTER RECENTLY  IT WAS FINE  THIS IS OUT OF THE BLUE

I KEPT TRYING TO RE START AND IT WOULD ONLY GET SO FAR AND FREEZE.  NOTHING  SO HAD TO RESTART AGAIN.
I DID PUT IN NEW NETWORK CARD AND NEW USB2 CARD ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO BUT IT WAS AFTER THAT

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
CAN YOU HELP ME  
HOPEFULLY ITS UP NOW BUT IF IT FREEZES AGAIN I WILL HAVE TO START OVER.
I HOPE YOU GET THIS MESSAGE
THANKS  PLEASE HELP
CRLY1264Choose Last known configuration that worked.hi raptor,
i tried that one and it still get so far coming up then freezes
if i hit the BUTTON on cpu for restarting( i know thats bad)  it restarts computer then it wil come up but freeze again later
i also checked my nortons log and saw some weird entries  one said "rule default block microsoft windows 2000 smb blocked 24.233.65  microsoft ds(445))

i have windows xp   is someone trying to hijack me ?? lol

there was another one that i didnt write down yet that said  SOMETHING about a trojan blocked.

i will try to run a scan with norton, but when i tried that
earlier, it froze in the middle of the scan

i have computer up now but after a while it freezes again and i have to restart.

Sorry for my ignorance, i am so computer stupid but dont
want to do more damage.

any suggestions??
crly1. Before Windows loads press F8
2. Choose safe mode
3. Scan for Viruses/Trojan Horses/SpywareOk i will let you know
thanks for the help
Crly1264Hello again,
Well i was not able to re start in safe mode or
any other for that matter
my computer has completely gone nuts,   it comes up so far then freezes

The message that keeps displaying says microsoft appologizes for the inconvience, but had to shut down??
also it says windows did not start properly .  

Someone told me to re load my windows XP (i have the cd's)
Cany someone please give me info how to do this
and remember I am computer stupid, so please be kind lol
Also wont the computer remember the previous installed XP that is there???

Im so confused

Thanks for the help in advance
Crly1264have you nav five?>if read more>>http://www.brickmeister.com/products/Norton_Antivirus_2005_-_Single_User.html

http://www.windowsxphome.windowsreinstall.com/

crly1264>
>firewall blocked it>>block microsoft windows 2000 smb blocked 24.233.65  microsoft ds(445))
 have we got winxp or w2k.......your safe mode screen should display more then two  options.......
Ok sorry for the delay in responding but I have to send you messages from work  home computer is still not working

Ok here is what I have  
Pentium III  750Mz
512 memory
19. GB hard drive
Windows XP Professionsal

Norton Anti V  2005
Counter spy
Spyware Doctor
Beta Microsoft
adaware SE Plus

I tried to re-install the XP Disc, but computer gets so far then freezes up again and I cant complete the process.

If I keep hitting the refresh button a bunch of times i am able to get the computer to start all the way to desktop and sometimes it will stay up for about an hour or so then poof gone again  

Last night I looked and saw that my hard drive space
available is now only  6.??  left free
It was almost half free before.  I only have about 20BG hard drive. Figured that would last me a bit not 6 months or so

That does not help me
Can anyone help me please.

When I do get the computer up it runs fine for about an hour or so.  then poof

Thans for reading this long question
CRLY1264




Have a read>http://www.brickmeister.com/products/Norton_Antivirus_2005_-_Single_User .html

you could do this .....type msconfig.....in the run box.....chose selective start up......and disable norton.....disconnect from the net.....and see what happens.....play a game foran hour......your disk space you have losing......have you cleaned out the old files......have you defraged the hard drive?norton will nick loads of diskspace........Hi again

I was able to do a disc clean up this morning,  and i tried todo a de frag but comp froze in the middle so
I could not complete the process

What do you mean Turn off nortons,???  I never turn off
Nortons,  Also what do you mean Nortons will take up lots of space
Its the regular Norton Antivirus 2005 disc, not the combo deals.  

Can you also helpme  I am looking at some files to see how big they are to see if they are taking up a lot of space
How can I know if a file is real large  

Example if a file is 440 KB (disc SIZE 450,560 byttes) is this a
large file??   I dont understand these terms.

does it take 1,000 MB to equal 1 GB or
is it 1,000 KB to equal 1 gb

how many MB to equal 1 KB

Sorry Im sooooo Confused, just need to understand
Thanks Again  (please dont laugh at me

Crly 1264


http://online.unitconverterpro.com/metric-conversion-tables/convert-alpha/data-storage.html

boot to safe mode and run defrag again.......norton and other back ground process will cease......therefore it will not stop defrag....... and download stinger......Well hello agin my invisible friends  lol
Well I called my computer person, and he took my CPU away ( waaaaaaaa)
He said it prob is having prob because if there is not enough space on the hard drive, then windows wont be able to open  and/or operate correctly.

He is going to check it out, wipe it clean completely, and install a new bigger hard drive for me ( 60 or 80 gb)
I only had 20 before, what was I thinking, with a hubby who loves music,  (smac me lol)

ANY Way I wanted to let you all know, and to thank everyone for the support and help .
I love this site it is soo great and you people here
are the BEST.  I even told my Computer guy.

So i gues this ends this problem.  
Until i come in again Everyone have a great day and stay safe and happy
CRLY1264

you should  have recieve any error message Low disk space!! or low on resouces///or even the bsod....stop error !!what was the make of the drive.......just curious......one should defrag and clean out the internet files/cookies etc......one problem you may encounter........get the person whois going to  install another hard drive......by ghosting>> the image of your drive to the new one........>get him/her to scan for virus etc........sometime this is overlooked........and good luck......Good afternoon
I never received low drive space message or anything like that ,  It went from being fine to  Sorry microsoft windows could not oen properly  bla bla bla  ..

I dont know the make of the first hard drive, but my computer person does this for a living so he said he will check out everthing before he installs new one for me
He is perplexed to why this happened.  I have enough anti-virus and anti-spyware stuff on the PC to kill a trojan horse  lol...
Any way this is only a refurbished computer that I am using until I purchase a Dell.  For what I want it will cost a lot of money so Im using this one now.
He is putting in a 40 gb hard drive for me instead of the
18.9 I had before.  
Thank you so much for the help.

Until I have another problem....  Ev1 be safe and have a great day.

If im on the internet the page will just STOP loading and TURN white forcing me to CLOSE it . what is WRONG it does it on numerous WEB sites.

i recently bought a new dell e310, stupidly without first doing a little research about  the video card. Apparently you're stuck with what it comes with, integrated intel GMA 900, and it sucks. I thought i'd be able to CHANGE it but i can't think of a way to do it. There are 2 PCI slots and 1 PCI express x1 slot, but they're both worthless when it comes to decent video cards. there is no agp slot either. I'd like to be able to do some gaming. Does ANYONE have any IDEAS or information on  how i'd be able to change/upgrade the video card? anything at all. new motherboard is the only thing i can think of and i don't KNOW if that'll work. i don't know much about computers. Thanks.
-JoshNew non-Dell motherboard in a Dell won't work - too PROPRIETARY. Don't know about the PCIe option. How big is the power supply? Those are not upgradeable either.Here are your options...

http://www.google.com/search?q=dell+e310+specifications&start=0&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official


paTIO ..

Hey! When I PLUG in a USB into my monitor (it has side USB ports), my computer IMMEDIATELY restarts. Following the restart, I can OPEN up the USB drive, but the My Computer window then closes while I am viewing the contents. At first I thought it was a powersupply problem, so I bought a brand-new one with more wattage and still have the same problem. What do you guys think? Thanks!compguy,

Does this mysterious restart occur when you use a USB port on your PC (not the monitor)?  If not, then your monitor/USB circuit or control logic is bad.  How long is the USB cable?

If the problem happens with both PC or monitor USB ports, your drive could be the problem.  Again assuming your cable isn't too long.  The cable itself could be bad or intermittent.

Also, just out of curiosity, does your monitor provide power to your PC (control PC on/off function)?

Dell

I was using a gateway with a PIII and the PS 2 connection got fried. Tried to use a USB KEYBOARD but the system did not recognize it. So I had another gateway with a Celeron processor with Win98SE on it.

I tried to remove the hard drive out of the PIII machine which has XP HOME and put it on onto the Celeron which has Win 98SE.

The problem is that Windows XP cannot load because the Mobo was DESIGNED for Win98SE. I looked on the Gateway support site and there was no drivers for XP for the Celeron machine.

Is there a way that I can get to a DOS prompt so that I can reformat the drive and put Win98SE back on it?Go to www.bootdisk.com and DOWNLOAD a boot disk. Delete the partition with FDISK and make a NEW one. Then format the hard drive and you should be ready.

hye i was just wondering if i can link two cpu's TOGETHER somehow? i have to basic units for computer, one with modern COMPONENTS and one with not v modern components and i want to join them together so that they both run together ie i can use the cd drive in one with the other simultaneously, like they are one computer. is this possible if so how, and will this up my computers speed>?This is not really a solution. You could take some parts from one and put in the other, but....Indeed you can connect 2 machines together EITHER by wireless networking, hardwired LAN or a DIRECT cable connection.
When set up properly either machine will be ABLE to access/run all drives you have.
However the fast machine will still run the same way it always has.
The slow machine will still run the same way it always has.

patio.

Well as a birthday present for my BROTHER I bought him a new case and DVD RW. We pulled the MB from the old case and put it in the new one, connected all the plugs and tried to turn it on and all that happens is as soon as I plug the plug into the power supply the light for the fans comes on real fast then off, fans turn a little and then I try to power on and nothing. Its an old Sony PCV-J150 I believe is the model (800 mhz Duron, 80G hard drive) Everything worked fine this morning before the switch. The new case came with a 400w power supply, would that be a problem for the MB? Thanks for any help and sorry for the long post400W should be fine for most computers, even new ones....  It might be that your PSU is simply dead.  Did you try putting your old PSU in the new case and running it?  If it works, then you've found your problem.  If not...  Are you sure you cabled everything correctly?  Did you make sure the cable that comes out of the power button on your case is connected to the corresponding pins on your MB?  Did you plug the main power cord from the PSU into your MB (I sure hope you did   Pretty simple, lol)?  Make sure of these and tell us if anything works.   yeah I made sure that the main power was in and the pins for the power button im pretty sure there good to, I used the the old plug for reference. I even tried the the old power supply and old switch and nothingHmm...  Did you change anything else when switching the case?  New hardware?  Moved to a new room?  Anything?

Does anything happen when you press the power button?  Any sounds?  Any lights (Keyboard, mouse, power lamp, etc)?  Did you make sure you turned the PSU on ?

If none of those work, I'm stumped   Wait for help from the more informative members here bms1097,

in addition to the previous advice-

- make sure the power supply is set at the proper input voltage (110/220) if it is switchable (unplug power before you make changes)

- make sure power to the motherboard is correctly placed and securely plugged (unplug power before you put your fingers in the case)

- and, of course, follow proper electrical safety procedures for anything you do with the system

DellWell when I changed the case it came with a power supply, all the power plugs are plugged in all the way. I have tried both settings on the power supply and both have the same reaction, plug the power cord in and the fan spins a little and the led comes on for a second and thats it, nothing else. It doesn't beep or even spin the fans on the hard drive cooler. I have tried a different power supply and the same thing. I think the MB maybe shot because when we took it out of the old case we did it on the floor of the apt. Is there any way to test the MB, aside from what I have been doing? Thanks for the help and advice everyone.bms1079,

Any of three simple possibilities come to mind - assuming the voltage to the power suppy is correct

(1)  if the new case comes with a power switch (not the button, but the switch behind it), then it may be bad or miswired - you stated that neither the old nor new PS worked in the new case - you can check this by putting the MB back in the old case and using the old switch/power supply - if it works in the old case, then it is probably the new switch - if it doesn't work as before, you may not be connecting the power correctly to the MB or switch.

A technician would simply check the switch circuit with a continuity/ohmeter (no power connected) and check to see output voltages from the PS are correct on the output pins (power on)

(2)  you may not be connecting the MB or switch power connector(s) correctly.  Google the MB Model Number and look at the service or installation manual to verify correct power connections.  Check the wiring diagram that came with the new case too.

(3) the PS may be bad, HOWEVER you stated that neither the old or new PS worked.  It is not likely that both are bad.

As usual, use COMMON electrical and ESD (electro-static discharge) precautions when working around any sensitive electronics.

If this doesn't help, give us some details about the MB, case and PS (model #s, manufacturers.

Note:  when you plug in power to the power suppy it is hot momentarily causing the fans and lights on some systems to briefly turn or flash.  This is normal for most.  The PS/MB then goes into a ready/standby state waiting for a signal from the switch to turn on.

Let us know what you find!

Dell

[It is usually the simplist solution that works]You might be experiencing a MBoard short on the case itself.
Get a desktop rubber mat for this test.
Remove the MBoard from the case and place it on the mat. Disconnect all devices leaving only RAM, CPU and vid card.
Hook up the PSU and see if will POST.
If it does add one component at a time until you find the culprit.
As always make sure you are properly grounded for this operation.
If it boots properly then you might want to get some new MBoard standoffs for re-assembly.

patio.  Well after thinking about what everyone mentioned I happened to notice one thing, my brother put the board in and I didnt tell him about the little spacers that go in between the case and the board. Then I pulled the board and tried it out of the case and it worked, put the spacers in and the board and everything is fine. Thanks again for the help everyone and like you said Dell, its usually the simplest solution. Thanks patio, reading about a MB short caught my attention and made me look at the board better, thank you everyone.You're more than Welcome and thanx for the update...

patio.

Ok, the story up til now!!!  I needed more memory for Windows XP upgrade.  Hey, I can do that.    Anyway, I did all of the appropriate research and found what I needed for my system.  I ordered (256 to add to 256) it and waited PATIENTLY (well kinda).  HURRAY, I got it today!  Well, I installed it & had some initial slot problems but got that all WORKED out.  I went to system overview & it registered the new memory but everything is just as slow as before.  So, I went to Kingston's troubleshooting guide & it said that I needed to "reset systems CMOS."  What?!? So, I went to ASUSTEK (model K7M) and DOWNLOADED the manual for my mboard.  I'm not sure it was in English.  So, I came here & I didn't understand what to do here either - I'm kind of dense & I only know enough about computers to really screw one up!  So, I place my computer into your cyber doctor hands & hope that I'll find someone who can write instructions like the whole "See Spot Run" series.  Don't get me wrong though if this doesn't work out I will figure out how to make a fish bowl!   If you dont understand what to do here either, I would suggest you take it to a shop. You can try using it as a fish bowl but i wouldnt recommend it. Quote

I went to system overview & it registered the new memory but everything is just as slow as before.

ok, i am very new at this so please bare with mi ignorance

At boot up, myscreen misses characters, after is running it  displays 4 vertical lines across the monitor and are about an inch wide, they flick and CHANGE colors.
Some pixels on the left of the screen also change color.
the problem bleeds all the way to status bar and the tray.

I ran Mcafee, webroot & spysweeper and nothing.
I switched monitors and the problem persisted.

Is my VIDEO card out?
I have XP pro, all-in-one-wonder 9800 series ATI video card  , 1 gig ram, 160 g hard drive.

Thanks for the help.



Sounds like a video card problem to me. Try taking your video card out blow the dust off put it back in and see if the same thing happens.. Also use another card if you can to make sure.I KNOW this may sound stupid but it really helped when I used to repair video games. Tap the side of your monitor a couple of TIMES. If it fixes and goes back instantly you could have a cold solder joint or a loose capacitor. Just offering a suggestion if the card swap doesn't work.Does this happen while in the bios and safe mode.And are you overclocking anything in that system?I switched monitors and same thing happen.
Frankie, it does it even when reading the OS.
GX1, the system was FINE for almost 2 years with no significant changes.
I'm borrowing a video card from a friend to check it out.

Thank you ALL for your time and suggestions.

Hey, I've been having some problems with my comp being jumpy lately.
It all started when one of the fans started periodically making noises. The noises eventually stopped, then my computer started running slowly. Any movie or video I watch are jumpy. Games that used to run smooth as silk get really jittery as well.
I use lightstep. The theme I have set tells me how much memory is being used at one time, and it's never below 50%.
I've tried virus and spyware scans with multiple programs, and a system restore, none of which solved anything.
Is it time to get a new video card or some more ram?
I have:
System Manufacturer: Dell Computer Corporation
      System Model: Dimension 4550              
              BIOS: Default System BIOS
         Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.40GHz
            Memory: 768MB RAM

Card name: NVIDIA GeForce FX 5700 Ultra
    Manufacturer: NVIDIA
       Chip type: GeForce FX 5700 Ultra
        DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
  Display Memory: 128.0 MBMike:

The fan is used to cool either the CPU or the video card.  If either gets to hot it will become damaged.  REPLACE the fan before you use the computer again.

DocAgree with pcdoc...you also risk frying other components such as the MBoard and or CPU.

patio.  How do I know which fan is making the noises?I checked all the fans and they are working (Video card included).
If I were to invest in an extra cooling system, what would be a good idea? It's a dell case (plastic outer layer) so I can't drill a hole in the side and MOUNT a new fan.Open your Task Manager & check your CPU Usage.You will not be able to mount a case fan successfully in that. There are PCI slot fans available. Not as effective but it's something. How big a power supply on that thing and how many drives?I'm not sure what the power supply is. By drives I'm assuming you mean hard drives. I have 1 internal and 1 external.
All my extra PCI slots are taken up.
There's a wireless nic card, the video card, modem, 10/100 nic card, and a USB 2.0 (didn't come with it so I had to go out and buy one).
I've looked at CPU usage whenever the computer's being laggy, and system idle proccess is always 90+.Unplug the external drive and see if the situation improves or shows no change. you may be overtaxing the PSU. Just a thought. Do you have 2 CD drives?Yes, a DVD/RW and a reg cd drive.
I've had the external for some time now and never noticed any difference in performance. I'll give it a shot though.What does your Task Manager show your CPU usage as at idle?My CPU usage under processes, I assume. When it's idle system idle process is 90+, so it's not doing anything.
I unplugged the external hard drive, and it's running a LITTLE better but it's still nto running as well as it was a few days ago.Sorry Mike, I didn't notice your earlier post where you have already mentioned the 90%.
FYI, my system is similar to yours and my idle usage (from the bottom of the task manager screen) is always around 0%-1%.
I guess you're running a lot more background junk.

Quote

I've tried virus and spyware scans with multiple programs

THE part theat holds the RAM down is broken on my ports.
What can i do.It's POSSIBLE but not PROBABLE that a local PC repair shop can REPLACE the clips...
But i THINK you will be replacing that MBoard.

patio.  

While connecting a dvd drive to my machine I made the mistake of trying to connect the power cable to the drive the wrong way causing a spark. The machine shut down soon after. I pulled the power cord out and replaced it and rebooted which seemed to work but the machine gets as far as windows coming up then restarts back to BIOS again. this will continue on an on... any help will be appreciated....

 rico90210......when you say the power cable ...are you refering to the 4 pin PLUG ?  It is keyed so that it will only go in one way ...... Did you attempt this with the PC still running ? Where was this "SPARK" ?

let us know

dl65  Yes, The spark occurred at the 4 pin plug which was REVERSED. the machine was up and running..LIVE and learn... Can you start it with the dvd drive disconnected?The lesson here as PC Doc says is ALWAYS unplug the computer when WORKING inside the case!Yea learned the lesson...dvd disconnected has no effect.
cant rebuild OS cause doesn't come up far enough

I'm gonna try rebooting from the xp install cd..

Hi all.

I'm trying to record what's being shown on my monitor.  I searched around and found a cable that has a VGA connection on one end, and an S-video AND composite RCA cable on the other end.

http://store1.yimg.com/I/trianglecables-site_1866_8457785

When I route the cable out to a vcr and then a tv using the RCA cable, all I get is a blue screen.  I've also tried going straight to a tv (no vcr) with no luck.  I've tried two different computers as well.

Can anyone offer some insight as to why this isn't working for me?  Could the type of video card I'm using make a difference?  Do I need to turn my computer on with this configuration already in place, rather than switching it out while the computer is already on?

Thanks in advance for your help.aevolver,

I'll try to make this helpful, but keep in mind that this could easily be a very very long thread.  If I am overly simple or technical, it's because I don't KNOW your experience or knowledge on the subject.

My initial comments are:

- you can't do that - everything being equal, you can't use VGA signals out of your normal video card/on-board circuitry to a TV or VCR.  The signals are entirely different.  The frame/scan rates are different.  The resolutions are different.  The signal levels are different.  Etc.

- simply using a cable with VGA on one end and composite video/S-video on the other will not work and may damage your equipment.  Without a schematic of this cable (I searched their website) I can only surmise that it was created to be used with other HARDWARE such as a scan converter, video converter or other specialty circuits/cards.  Perhaps there is a specific electronic use for the cable.  Experimental/Hobbyist?
Do you have a driver, card or board that allows you to change the output of your VGA signals?

- PC video drivers and cards use conversion circuits to output standard video/S-video via RCA and S-video connectors.  These signals are usually not output via the VGA connector.

- I/we can help you with the circuitry necessary to convert your standard VGA output to TV if you are interested, however, it would require more than a cable and a very good understanding of electronic theory.

Quote

I'm trying to record what's being shown on my monitor.

I am trying to INSTALL a new HP4215xi Officejet All-in-One PRINTER and I can't seem to capture the USB PORT so it will print.  It will only RECOGNIZE the parallel ports.  Any suggestions?more info on SYSTEM........if it winxp it will detect it.......load the software first.......then attach the usb printer.......this assumes that you have the plug and play program enabled in the bios setup....

I have a Hewlett Packard LASERJET 5M (c3917A) and she's about 9 years old now. Never had a problem SINCE I got her, until 3 weeks ago. EVERY time I start to PRINT- It starts to Process the Job, and 2seconds LATER... I have an error that either says "[glb]Remove Paper Jam[/glb]"  (No paper jam visible) or it shuts down telling me it's "[glb]Offline". [/glb]  I am so frustrated! Is there anyone out there that can help me

Can I install an AGP video CARD with onboard DDR in a computer that is using SDRAM for SYSTEM memory?  The answer if you have the AGP slot to do it then be my guess but make sure your motherboard is compatible with the AGP card. there are diffrent KINDS. See Motherboard manual for further instructions. By the WAY RAM only preforms computer PROCESSING video should not affect it unless it is ultra super powerful

First off...  Hello!

Ok...  I'm having a problem with my mouse pointer on-screen...  When I'm RUNNING a full screen application (i.e. Half-Life, Everquest, Doom, etc. etc.) the mouse is invisible unless you are moving it and then it BLINKS and has a SORT of box-looking thingie...

In CASE this helps here are my computer stats:
Windows XP Home Edition
200 Gig HDD
nVidia GeForce4 6800 Ultra 256 MB
nVidia nForce2 Chipset
Microsoft 3-Button (w/Wheel) Optical Mouse

If anymore info is need please let me know...

Thanks ahead of time   ^^Is the mouse not supposed to be hidden when you are running a full-screen application?

Nonetheless, have you attempted to update or REINSTALL mouse drivers?Yes, I've tried reinstalling the driversHave you tagged any settings in the Mouse menu that are not set by default?Check games set up......some have  options.....to adjust sound/screen/and control settings/keyboard mouse/joystick etc......have a look at the read me or see on screen instructions from the disk........

Hi, I just put in a stick of 512mb into my computer to make the total memory 1gb. After putting the memory in and closing the case, I tried to turn on the computer. It powered on, but all I'm getting is a black screen. The disc drives are making wooshing noise every few seconds.

I made sure there wasnt any discs in either of the drives (CD or DVDROM) and I reopened the case and made sure everything was firmly seated.

So does anyone know what the problem might be and how I can fix it? Any help is appreciated.Also I should add that I removed the new memory in an attempt to remedy the problem, but the computer does the same thing with or without.This might sound funny, but are you sure you connected the monitor to your computer after putting everything back?  If so, do you hear any beeps when the machine boots up?  If you need additional assistance, you can contact me at ResourcePC.

DaveHave you taken electro-static discharge into account when installing the memory modules?

If you have, I suggest that you attempt to install the memory modules on Bank #2. ASSUMING there is more than one bank.

1. What are your mainboard specifications?

2. Is the memory you are attempting to install supported by your mainboard?http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q155053/Still having trouble, the memory I installed is supported by my computer I know for a fact though. I DOUBLE checked through a couple of places (computer co. website, crucial, retailer).

And yes the monitor is hooked up properly (the pins are in perfect condition, nothing is BENT out of place). I don't hear any beeping sounds, only the occasional whir of the disc drives.

I don't think Electrostatic Discharge would be a factor, but I'm not 100% sure. I did take some precautions and was careful when installing memory. But who knows.

If it is something like that, is the computer just plain broke? Or is it just the memory or slot that could be damaged?Also is there anywhere I can read up on the effects of electrostatic discharge? Maybe I can find a relationship between sample symptoms and the ones im experiencing.try swapping the ram sticks around.......are they the same make .........does your mobo support 1gig...what power supply unit have you got?This is a Compaq Presario S6000NX model computer, it supports 1GB of total memory and has 2 slots. The first one has 512, and the second would have 512.

The original stick of memory obviously CAME pre packaged, and the new memory stick is made by Kingston.

Any more info about the computer is probably here:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/prodinfoCategory?dlc=en&tool=solveCategory&lc=en&product=388433&dest_page=solveCategory&cc=us&do you get any beeping on boot....None. No beeping whatsoever.take out the video.....card......and reseat it....check the port pins aree not damaged.........this maybe a GRAPHICS card problem......not ram........

hello,
First time on here and I hope you can save my audio.

Now I recently purchased a Dynex PC Camera. It came with a video software. I also have a microphone, a General Electric desktop PC microphone H097880.

My sound card is a Sound blaster Audigy2 ZS. I've got all the cables PLUGGED in right, but now when I talk into the microphone, I hear it out the speakers! It wasn't like this before, I have a feeling the Video Impression 1.6 did something to my settings when I was messing around.

I also have Intervideo WinDVD  Creator 2 and that will not work. The audio on both pieces of software does not work. The video is fine but the sound is nada.

I know its all linked to the microphone going through to the speakers. If I turn up the speaker volume, I hear the screeching sound of an open mike. And actually, testing now, the voice/sound on the video programs works to a degree, yet is very soft.

But now my main problem is that the mike is going through the speakers.

Help appreciated as Im very confused and irritated after spending 3-4 hours on this.

thanksHello... Let me get this straight... You are talking into your mic, but the sound is coming out of the speakers, when you want it comoing through the headset, right?

[glb]Flame[/glb]Yes, sorta.

I want the microphone to not GO through the speakers. Now I've found that my music on my COMP won't play...

But, no I don't want sound through the headphones/set. I want to stop my microphone from coming out of the speakers.

When I first put it together, you speak into the mike and that's all. Having recorded it, you HIT play and hear what you said. Now the sound COMES out of the speakers. Its weird. And I'm still frustrated as this was working great two days ago. goto the control panel.....click the sound/media icon click audio  now click advanced......now chose headphones..... from the list....

I recently went to play one of my computer games, and it came back with an ERROR saying it couldn't find the CD/DVD drive.  I THOUGHT it could be the game that wasnt functioning, however, when I went into windows explorer, my CD and DVD hard drivers weren't listed!!  
Does anyone know how I can get the computer to... remember it has them?  

Thanks for your help, as you can SEE I'm not the best with computer problems...  maybe you need a reg patchhttp://aumha.org/regfiles.htm

• Scan for Viruses
  
• Scan for Spyware
  
• Scan for Trojan Horses
  

}{'lo all!

I am trying to set up a computer (windows 98SE PII 350 Mghz) on my network. all the previouse times I have set up a computer for the network things have gone smooth as glass (as networking can go that is ).
This time however after going through all the proper procedures of installing the card, the drivers etc. when I click on the "Network Neiborhood" icon and then "entire network" it gives me the error

"Unable to browse the network, the network is not accessable. For more information look in the help index bla bla bla..."

I have already tried 2 differant NICS and three seperate PCI slots and have had no joy. Under the system properties/devise manager/ network adaptors it says there are no device conflicts. And I have double checked the driver (first time it was wrong but has since been corrected). I cannot access either the LAN or the internet through the network. I can ping myself from the msdos box from in windows by using the DOS command "ping localhost" but I cannot ping another machine. I have tried two seperate cables and the port on my router was working last time I used it (maybe two days ago). The light on the NIC that says "LINK" is solid green so im guessing the connection is good. and all the computers are on the same workgroup.
whats wrong?Nevermind, after going through THREE NIC's I swapped out with a known good one and after a pair of botched installs IT'S FINALY WORKING! WOOHOO! Apperantly EVEN though Windows said that nothing was wrong with the NIC's and even though it had green lights on the second and third cards, something was wrong with them.

As the SAYING goes: the best computer technician is nothing without prayer!Did you first check to see if none of the ASSIGNED IP adresses were duplicates? It may have assigned your NIC a different IP adress.

Hi guys,

Am going to start my first self-build.

I have a few components I can TAKE from ANOTHER machine; soundcard, Harddrive etc... and I already have monitor and printer.

My main CONCERN it what kind of CPU and Motherboard to buy. I am not going to be anything special with the PC. No games or anything. Primarily surfing, but put quite a bit of music on there too.

I guess I want a computer that is "pretty good" but not too expansive, and want to decide a CPU / Motherboard for my starting point.

Someone suggested AMD Athlon 64Bit 3000 - what do you guys think?

Many thanks in advance,
Kop442000When I said expansive, I MEANT expensive sorry!You should make your CHOICE depending on what other hardware you have and on how much you are willing to spend.  

The hardware you allready have should not become a bottleneck to the processing power both mainboard and CPU are capable of.

I have a problem I have not been able to find an answer to on the web, thru forums or thru Samsung of NVidia.  Surely someone has an answer.  I recently had a new Nvidia GeForce 4 MX 4000 card placed in my machine.  I then followed up by having to replace my monitor, which I bought a Samsung 790DF.  My problem is the monitor will periodically go black, the green lite on monitor goes off and then within a few seconds it comes back on.  This causes no real problem except when my HUSBAND is playing DreamQuest's championship spades or hearts - then it can and does sometimes lock up.  I have checked the card to be sure it is in tight.  The fans are all working ok.  I have plugged the monitor straight into the outlet, instead of a surge strip, I have all the most current drivers, bios, etc for my card.  What does a person do?  I have tried other monitors, same problem.  I have not tried another video card though.  Should I pick up a new one and install it to see if the problem is with the card?  I am at a loss.Is your monitor set to save energy?

1. Right click on your Desktop
2. Properties
3. Screensaver
4. Energy button

See if altering the energy saving schematics will cause a positive effect.I played with the energy SETTINGS some and I cannot tell any difference.   Any other ideas.  I see this item posted on other forums and no one, as I can see, has found the true answer.  Of course, I realize everyone's problem may be something different.  What about BIOS settings?  I usually steer clear of there, but what the hey!BRENDA are you barneyjo or is this a new question?Sorry, one in the same person.  I didn't realize I posted the last info without logging in until it was too late.  Pretty bad when you type your name in and still don't realize you are not logged in.  Same thread, same problem, still cannot seem to resolve it.Test both monitor and VIDEOCARD on another system.

Hi, I just bought a new Gateway FPD2185W monitor. I had it working on the DVI output from my ATI 9000 PRO video card for a while. EVEN had my old VGA RUNNING as dual monitors. Then I plugged in the USP hub that the monitor has built in. Windows popped up a message saying "found new hardware" and (I guess) installed something to make it work. I was also playing around with the primary/secondary monitor buttons. Anyway, after re-booting, the DVI monitor is no longer recognised by my video card.
I have seen this question asked on other hardware forums but no solution is ever proposed.
I have tried a different cable, updated my drivers, turned off USB support (that was one possible conflict) and MADE sure my MB BIOS is up to date.
Anyone have a solution or a suggestion where to look. I've tried ATI & Gateway sites - no luck.
Thanks for any help! Quote

... Anyway, after re-booting, the DVI monitor is no longer recognised by my video card... I have tried a different cable, updated my drivers, turned off USB support (that was one possible conflict) and made sure my MB BIOS is up to date.
Anyone have a solution or a suggestion where to look. I've tried ATI & Gateway sites - no luck.
Thanks for any help!

I have a gateway notebook running WindowsXP that's over a year old. Somehow the driver has been uninstalled.  I've searched the internet for a driver, but to no avail.  I've even opted to reinstall the OS but the cdrom won't even work.  I've tried boot to cdrom and that STILL won't work.  There's POWER running to the hardware.  The device manager is SHOWING that the cdrom driver is not installed properly or corrupted.  The cdrw/dvd-rom is ujda720 Matshita.  What do I do next?What makes you think the driver is uninstalled vs. the CDRom has died.? Does it show up in device manager?

(not as boot drives)
Ive been having a problem lately, i have 2 pata/ide drives, and 2 sata drives, the ide drives house the windows partition, PAGE file, etc. sata just has meaningless junk on it.  They were working FINE together for months, both would boot, would be detected, etc., but one day the computer just started refusing to boot, after several HOURS, i figured out that it only wont boot when the sata drives are plugged in... either of them.  Ive tried replacing the interface card, replacing the cables, but still, as long as the sata drives are plugged in, the pc just wont boot, not even in safe mode.  The pc just freezes at "IDE Bus Master Enabled" (right before it starts actually booting windows).  The sata drives themselves will still work on other PCS... but, that doesnt help me much, im just not sure whats going wrong here...

Specs:
Asus A7n8X-E Mobo, AMD Athlon XP 3200+ cpu, 1536mb of pc2700 ddram, Nvidia GeforceFX 5600 256mb Video Card.
Is the power supply good enough to run all of those ITEMS? Can you test with another?

I had to move my pc yesterday and when I set it up and booted up, I had no sound coming from my speakers. I have CD PLAYER sound, but none on anything else.

Checked my sound card to see if it had COME unseated. Its OK.

Any ideas?

Have checked cords, device manager, and reinstalled sound card.Check to make sure that in sound PROPERTIES that the right device is selected. Also check volume CONTROL. If that doesn' work try reinstalling the drivers for the sound card. You can test it by running Dxdiag and testing the sound from Direct X.Dx for sounds failed.  Uninstalled and reinstalled twice.

Hi,
At first the computer needes three o four tries to start. I pressed the start button and it goes a LITTLE and then become DEAD. It used to do that two o three times until it actually start. Then one day instead of starting it stay running but is unable to load anything at all. Black screen and three "bips" every few seconds. The fan is working. Any help?I didn't install anything on it. It started to do the problem without WARNING. I have cheked the fan and works fine, also the posible loosen component. EVERYTHING seems fine. The motherboard was replaced one about 16 months ago and was working fine for at least a year.What computer make and model? Do you have a GOOD power supply to test with?

Hello,
This type of question has probably been asked a thousand times, but anyway.
I would like to buy a new computer and would be interested in peoples’ opinion. My budget would be up to about 800 pounds for a keyboard, hard drive and flat screen monitor and my intention is to use the computer for internet, word processing and perhaps also video editing.
What would you consider to be your ‘Top Tips’ for things to look out for, things to avoid and best/worst manufacturers.
Your opinion is appreciated.

Thanks,
John.
John:

That depends on how you are going to use the computer (e.g., to play games, create HIGH-end graphics, or just to run office software).  

Also, if you know little about computers, it helps to go with a manufacturer that offers good phone support in your area.

Three manufacturers come to mind: HP, Gateway and Dell.  The three are in heated competition to provide the best computers at the lowest prices.  HP owns Compaq and Gateway owns eMachines.  So a good system from any of those five manufacturers would likely meet your needs.  

Of course, there are other computers that others may recommend that are just as good, and i'd prefer to spend a little more and make my own.

Hope that helps,
Doc   Quote

i'd prefer to spend a little more and make my own.

Hello,
This type of question has probably been asked a thousand times, but anyway.

I would like to buy a new computer and would be interested in peoples’ opinion. My budget would be up to about GB£ 800 for a keyboard, hard drive and flat screen monitor and my intention is to use the computer for internet, word processing and perhaps also video editing.

What would you consider to be your ‘Top Tips’ for things to look out for, things to avoid and best/worst manufacturers.
Your opinion is appreciated.

Thanks,
John.

This is another link you should add to your signature, Mac.

In general (but not all)

PC hardware tends to have a short lifespan due to both hardware and software developer's attempts to remain cutting edge at the least cost (maximize profits).

Dell

I am currently rebuilding my PC and i have a question regarding the HD i currently have and the one I want to use on my NEW PC.

currently i have a relatively old HP (works well but is outdated) which came with a 40GB IDE harddrive. For my new COMPUTER i am going to use this mobo:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813157081   and an 80GB SATA western digital HD.

My question is: Can i use the old IDE HD to run windows and the new SATA HD to run my games and anything else? or is that impossible? The basis is i dont want to go out and buy a copy of windows XP if i dont have to

Any help would be much appreciated, thanks I kinda have the same question.  Im looking to get a new motherboard and i was wondering if i can use my current hard drive, which already has data on it, on a new motherboardUnless it is the same Motherboard the chances are no it will not work. Its a CASE of just hooking up the hard drive and seeing if it does. To the first post i would say no it WONT. To second post you have a slight chance but its always best to reinstall windows.

I have a bit of a mystery with a brand new factory-installed Seagate Barracuda SATA hard drive installed in a relative's new HP Pavilion desktop.  

The hard drive is a Seagate OEM Barracuda 7200.7 SATA, 200 GB, 7200 rpm, with an 8MB buffer.
It is slower in seek time (15.5 ms) than the much older IDE drive listed at the bottom of this message.  According to Seagate, this drive should have an average seek of 8.5 ms.  The drive passes all health tests on both HD Tach and HD Tune.  Both programs consistently report the ~15.5 ms seek time.

It pulls an average of 50 MB/s and 76.1 Burst consistently.  CPU usage seems a bit high at ~9.0%.

Using Everest I can confirm that everything seems to be in order.  It's using a driver 5.1.2535.0  dated 01-Jul-01 which I believe are the standard legacy drivers.  The only thing I see which might be out of order is that both the maximum and active UDMA Transfer Mode is UDMA 5 (ATA-100).  This drive supports up to ATA-150 and I THOUGHT there is existent a mode UDMA 6, but perhaps I am mistaken.

The much older drive which seeks faster is WD1200, IDE, 2MB buffer, 5400 rpm with an average seek of ...  ---> 13.3 ms <--- .   It averages a transfer rate of 40 MB/s and 62 Burst, with 3% CPU usage.

Any ideas why this brand new SATA drive would have such a slow, long average seek?  All ideas appreciated.  And thank you!Since it is relatively new drive i would requst an RMA from the manuf.
My guess is a bad connector and or cable, or the drive itself.

patio.  I am guessing that this is XP. Which service pack are you using? (I noticed that there is a filter available (VIA) to be able to attain UDMA 6 for 2000 / ME / '98 which is not required for XP with SP2, I seem to remember.)

See if any motherboard drivers need to be updated.

Try Driver Detective. It helped me to find 75% of my drivers, but I would have to pay to get the other 25%Another idea is to use Diskeeper 9 Professional which will give you an idea of the improvement obtained after defragmentation and will also say if the MFTs need padding.

How was the drive partitioned and formatted? Was it partitioned with diskpart and formatted directly to HPFS/NTFS?

If you run - chkdsk - with no switch from a command window what do you see as to there being 4096 bytes in each allocation unit and are any bad sectors being reported.

E.G.



Quote

How was the drive partitioned and formatted?

It's using a driver 5.1.2535.0  dated 01-Jul-01 which I believe are the standard legacy drivers.

Mac --
Here is the chkdsk report on one of the NTFS partitions.  It's the partition containing the XP SP2 install.  See anything of note?

Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]

(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.

E:\WINDOWS>chkdsk

The type of the file system is NTFS.
Volume label is WindowsXP.
WARNING! F parameter not specified.
Running CHKDSK in read-only mode.
CHKDSK is verifying files (stage 1 of 3)...
File verification completed.
CHKDSK is verifying indexes (stage 2 of 3)...
Index verification completed.
CHKDSK is verifying security descriptors (stage 3 of 3)...
Security descriptor verification completed.

31455238 KB total disk space.
4416188 KB in 24797 files.
7888 KB in 1922 indexes.
0 KB in bad sectors.
93814 KB in use by the system.
65536 KB occupied by the log file.
26937348 KB available on disk.

4096 bytes in each allocation unit.

7863809 total allocation units on disk.

6734337 allocation units available on disk.

I just switched my entire SYSTEM (which was working fine) over into a new case, and now when I boot it stalls right after checking the RAM.  The only things that were changed that I am aware of is the addition of a floppy drive and the removal of one CD drive.  I was able to get it to boot if I removed my mouse, but now even that does not work.

Update:

I have 2 SATA hard drives, one 80gb and one 200gb, set up in dual boot both with windows xp home edition.


1) I removed all unecessary components from the system (sound card, CD drive, floppy drive, and both hard drives), and the boot did not stall, but continued until it said "no hard drive detected."  

2) I then reinserted both hard drives, leaving everything else out.  The result was the boot stalling once again.

3) I then removed the 80gb hard drive and left the 200gb hard drive in.  Boot stalled.

4) I reinserted the 80gb and removed the 200gb.  BOOTED SUCCESSFULLY

So I think its safe to say that theres a problem with the second hard drive?  I don't know why, seeing as the configuration is the exact same as before I switched cases.


UPDATE:

After removing each part one by one and trying booting each time, ive found that removing things seems to get it to boot more often than not, but I have not found any logical pattern to what should be removed.  I booted once with everything hooked up and it worked fine, then booted again later on and GOT a stall, with no changes to the system.  I'm wondering if maybe my PSU has some faulty cables maybe? Or perhaps my 400W PSU isn't enough for my system?

This series of events just occured:

1) Booted up computer after it was off for several hours, got a stall
2) Rebooted, checked BIOS settings, both hard drives recognized
3) Rebooted, got MESSAGE "reboot or insert boot media", hard drives were not recognized (I did not touch anything inside the computer)
4) Rebooted again, booted to windows successfully

So sometimes it recognizes the hard drives and other times not...And I know both hard drives work fine because ive booted successfully to both numerous times...I'm totally lost.Is it just the case that you swapped? No other hardware at all?

Try resetting the bios defaults and make sure that USB support is enabled.
Also check to make sure the usb ports aren't damaged.I also added a floppy drive which I did not have before, and I removed one of the two CD drives.bumpReinsert all hardware, make certain the MOTHERBOARD is not grounded because of cheap case design./bump, updated first postBootzy updates should just be  another post as some who are following and or helping out they might not re-read the first post and miss the additional info...
Back to the problem what make of PSU is this and how old is it ? ?

patio. PSU is Antec SmartPower 400W, about a year old.Not a bad PSU so for the time being let's assume it's OK...
How did you originally go about your dual-boot setup.
Are you using a boot manager or letting Windows manage it ?
Are you using a BIOS switch to boot the 2nd HDD ?
Did you do a full install to the 200 or did you use a disk imaging program ?

Copy and post your current boot.ini FILE found in Start/Run msconfig

patio.  I wonder why Raptor's excellent replies are ignored or at the very least unanswered

I have an older Dell Dimension 8100 that I have not used in a YEAR.  When I powered it up and plugged in the Mcrosoft WirelessIntellimouse (it is UsB compatible and I have always used the USB port install) that had been used with the system, the mouse cursor froze and can not MOVE.  A screen came up about whether or not I wanted to change form the Intelllimmouse.  I could not get to the screen without a cursor.  I couldn't even get to change the OPERATION of the mouse over to the keyboard keys.

I would appreciate anyone'sa advise and assistance. Thank you!  Quicknick:

Nearly everything you can do in Windows with a mouse you can do with the keyboard.

For example, pressing Alt Tab will toggle between windows; pressing the tab key and arrow keys in a window will move from item to item in the window; pressing the ENTER key and space bar is the same as clicking with a mouse; you get the idea.

Docquicknick,

- check the batteries in the mouse.  Whether you use the mouse or not, they will discharge.

- also check the placement of the receiver and mouse.  Not too far apart.

DellAnd move that cordless phone to another location.

patio.