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1751.

Solve : New Here; Rebuid'g Older PC; can't boot from CD; Hard Drive needs files??

Answer»

Hello,

I am new here. I took on installing a new MB and CPU on an older desktop. The technology of the MB and CPU are about 10 years old (could not afford higher priced components). The ATX MB and Intel 2.8 GHz CPU were "new old stock" and seem to be fine.

I have the 80GB Maxtor ATA Hard Drive which I formatted using another PC with XP Home on it and I did the partitioning and formatting of this drive using XP Disk Manager on the working PC.  (FYI the HD is NOT SATA, and no RAID will be installed at this time)

With the Hard Drive installed on the so-called "NEW" PC, I cannot load any Operating System on to the Hard Drive.

AND the CD drive does not run a bootable CD at start-up. The only thing I have been able to "read" is a Win 95 Start-up Disk in the A drive (3.5 floppy) "Yes I said, Old Technology system"!

In the OLD DAYS, I seem to recall that in order for a CD drive to be "usable" you had to load some drivers for it ??

The Win 95 floppy has 16 DOS files on it and in the list I see that the MSCDEX.exe is there as is the OAKCDROM.SYS file. If my memory serves me right, those were the files that DOS (Windows) needed to "make the CD ROM Drive work" Is that right?

With an "A" prompt on my monitor (A:\>) I can list the files from the floppy. But if I type a C: is GIVES the error message "Invalid drive specification" (This is true for any letter (with colon) that I try. EXCEPT for B: which if I do the DIR command, B:\> has the same 16 DOS files listed as the ones on A:\>DIR .... An exact copy on "B" what is that?

But again, no C: drive no D: etc.

They are set up and showing in the BIOS setup menu..... So why not on the system (because I have "NO SYSTEM" === right?)

How do I proceed? I am stuck and I cannot find an answer on the web!
Anybody understand what I am saying (I know it is OLD Technology- but I REALLY want to get the OS to be 32 bit XP Home Edition).

BY THE WAY... I have a Windows 98 Start-up Diskette (3.5 floppy) as well but the PC will not boot up on it....  I really need some help, my BRAIN is getting tired and I need it to get some rest! NLOL (not laughing out loud)

WHO IS BRAVE ENOUGH to Try and Help Me?

Thanks to all who read this and especially to those who answer this post!  Blessings!  Richard in Michiigan

Quote

AND the CD drive does not run a bootable CD at start-up.

I am assuming you checked the boot order in the BIOS. I have had the same problem before. I have a floppy disk, but I can't remember the name of it. There is a type of boot floppy you can download that allows you to boot a CD. Basically, the computer reads the floppy and the floppy passes the control to the CD drive. I tried to find it again, but can't. If someone knows the name of that particullar boot floppy, please post it.Found it: http://sourceforge.net/projects/btmgr/Linux711, Thanks for the help.

I will go to the site and download the file and copy it to a 3.5 floppy and see if that works.

Are you sure I do not need anything on the hard drive for it to allow files to be written to it?  Like I said it is a clean HD which I F-disk'ed (one large partition), and did a full format on using another PC under XP using the XP disk management tool.

Let me do the d'load and try that "SMART BOOTMANAGER" to see if that will allow the XP disc to be read at boot-up....

I will let you know, please keep with me here for a short while if you have the time?  THANKS!  Richard

OK... I went to the site.  I did a download  but it is the "USER GUIDE"  and it is in some file extension tgz which I never heard of?  What is this I thought it was some kind of boot disk file that will allow you to do what you SAY??Make sure you download the right file. For some reason the user guide is listed as the main download. You have to go to the files tab, then to the newest version, then to sbminst.exe

Quote
Are you sure I do not need anything on the hard drive for it to allow files to be written to it?  Like I said it is a clean HD which I F-disk'ed

No, you don't. The XP install CD should take care of it.can you just list the direct link for the d'load here for me that site is confusing to a novice like me! 

OK, is this what it is???  I Downloaded it to my desktop just now....  "Sbminst.exe" "Application" "64KB"  OK, is this the file for sure?http://sourceforge.net/projects/btmgr/files/btmgr/3.7-1/sbminst.exe/download

After the download, insert a blank floppy and open notepad.

Copy and paste the following code into notepad and save as .bat (put it in the same location as the sbminst). I don't mean to make this too hard for a novice, but it's how they designed it. Once you get the floppy written, it should be easy.

Code: [Select]echo off
sbmins~1.exe -t us -d 0
Yes, that is the file, but it is an installation program, so you can't just copy it to the floppy. You have to use the code I posted in previous post. Copy it into notepad and save it to your desktop as [whatever].bat

Gotta go. Quote from: richard in michigan on May 05, 2011, 10:20:10 AM
...AND the CD drive does not run a bootable CD at start-up...
This is what you want to concentrate on.  Set boot order in BIOS:
1.  FDD
2.  CDROM
3.  HDD
F10 to save & exit.
All XP CD's are bootable.  Try powering on with the CD already loaded in the drive.
BTW, you will have a lot more problems after the install, since the XP CD is not intended for this motherboard.
Where, exactly, did you get the WinXP-Home CD?  If it is from your other computer, then it is not licensed for this computer.Yeah I am a NOVICE alright!   

OK you are saying that to make this floppy "executable" when I go to use it on the PC I am trying to get working, I need to get a HD (high density) 3.5 floppy, make sure it is formatted, then create a (so-called) text file (actually a "batch bat file) using Notepad... and that I write the two lines of text in the Notepad from the two lines of text you list in your post.  Thus creating a "bat. file".

Then....  Here is what is confusing do I save the text ie bat file ie code (from notepad) onto the floppy?  And do I do this first then copy or move the downloaded files (from sbminst.exe) also onto the floppy ALONG with the bat.file

Eah gads! I am sure not a program savvy person am I?

Dose it matter which way the file lines show up on the floppy?? Quote from: Computer_Commando on May 05, 2011, 12:02:31 PM
This is what you want to concentrate on.  Set boot order in BIOS:
1.  FDD
2.  CDROM
3.  HDD
F10 to save & exit.
All XP CD's are bootable.  Try powering on with the CD already loaded in the drive.
BTW, you will have a lot more problems after the install, since the XP CD is not intended for this motherboard.
Where, exactly, did you get the WinXP-Home CD?  If it is from your other computer, then it is not licensed for this computer.

Commando....  1st thanks for the reply.  (yes I have the BIOS set up like that - but CD drive is not recognized),
Like I say, I try to do a start-up with the XP CD in the CD drive but the CD it will not execute (or run) it is as though the drive is dead?  But the light came on and the door opens and closes.

But what I end up with at the boot-up attempt is the error message "DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISC AND PRESS ENTER".  (Pressing enter does nothing as the CD still will not "run"). 

2nd the Win XP Home certificate was tied to this PC before the MB burned up so It is cool there.  3rd I am trying to follow along with what Linux711 is trying to tell me...  Yes the MB is older technology, so I may be asking for more issues than I want to deal with ?  Any concerns there?  Linux had to leave the thread.  Thanks again Richard Quote from: richard in michigan on May 05, 2011, 12:13:12 PM
...I have the BIOS set up like that - but CD drive is not recognized...
BIOS does not recognize CD drive? Quote from: Computer_Commando on May 05, 2011, 12:27:50 PM
BIOS does not recognize CD drive?

Commando....  Should the CD drive be listed in the BIOS menu on the first page (Std CMOS Features) as one of the IDE Channel (drives)??

What I have is:

IDE Channel 0 (zero) Master (equal to) Maxtor 6Y080L0  (the 80GB HD)

IDE Channel 0 Slave  = [None]

IDE Channel 1 Master = [None]

IDE Channel 1 Slave = [None]

IDE Channel 2 master = [None]

IDE Channel 2 Slave = [None}

Should I connect the CD drive up as "slave to the Maxtor off the HD Ribbon?  Will this help?


SOLVED!  YES I needed to connect the CD drive as slave to the hard drive to get the message "BOOT FROM CD"  at the start-up!  YEAH!  I am now loading XP onto the computer....  Please wish me luck on the rest of the installation!  THANKS to You all for putting up with my mess!Your problem is obvious, although root cause is not.
If BIOS doesn't recognize drive, computer is not going to boot from a drive it cannot see.

I see 3 IDE channels, 0,1,2
Most motherboards have only 1 or 2 channels.
I suspect a SATA port somewhere.

Quote from: richard in michigan on May 05, 2011, 12:42:07 PM
...I needed to connect the CD drive as slave to the hard drive to get the message "BOOT FROM CD"...
That's one way, read this:
Connecting IDE Hard Drives

Please provide make & model of motherboard.


EDIT:  You will still need the "chipset drivers" for the motherboard. Quote from: Computer_Commando on May 05, 2011, 12:54:01 PM
Your problem is obvious, although root cause is not.
If BIOS doesn't recognize drive, computer is not going to boot from a drive it cannot see.

I see 3 IDE channels, 0,1,2
Most motherboards have only 1 or 2 channels.
I suspect a SATA port somewhere.

Connecting IDE Hard Drives

Please provide make & model of motherboard.

Commando....  The MB is a FOXCONN 915P7AC (circa 2004-06) with a Phoenix Award BIOS (date/version unknown), the CPU is an Intel P4 511 2.8GB single core processor, I have 1GB or DDR400 RAM. 

I am now loading windows XP Home Edition (with license to this PC only).  It seems to be loading OK so far I need to watch it though for errors.
1752.

Solve : Data in Virtual Memory??

Answer»
I BORROWED from my colleague a notebook computer for 14 days during official trip in India (now the notebook is in India).

I just come back and pop up something in my mind.

I used this computer to process a "VERY VERY CONFIDENTIAL" document in the FIRST day of the trip (origin data stored in my external HARD drive). In the following 13 days, I utilized this notebook computer to watch 9 different DVD and browse internet (6 hours per day).

I am not sure if his computer would auto-delete the data in virtual memory after reboot.

IF NOT,

1.Will my document still exist in his computer (virtual memory)?

2. Has my usage of computer (i.e. watching DVD and browsing internet) already overwritten my confidential document in virtual memory?

3. Is "ALL" the data in virtual memory "first-in-first-out"? i.e. the existing information in virtual memory MUST be utimately overwritten by new-coming data when the computer keeps on being used ( That is a blessing for me).

Thank you for your help.
Your document is gone in theory.

A simple reboot will accomplish this next time.1. Virtual memory = page file. Unless you delete it at shutdown, data held in it is ***not*** guaranteed to vanish at next boot.
2. Maybe, maybe not.
3. No.

I'm thinking he does not know the difference between virtual memory and what's stored in RAM...there was where my answer was based. Quote from: patio on May 03, 2011, 03:26:46 PM
I'm thinking he does not know the difference between virtual memory and what's stored in RAM

A very good point.
1753.

Solve : Compiled VB6 utility works not on other machine ?!?!?

Answer»

Hi!

I have problem with my tool.

On machine where was PROJECT created and compiled works correctly.

When I try to run it on other machine with all dependencies, XP reports error shown in picture.

Know anybody what can to do this problem? (btw. I used RESOURCE Hacker to customize XP)

Many THANKS for every help, reply or comment.

Miro

[recovering DISK space - old attachment DELETED by admin]Are the vb runtime files installed on the other workstation? OCX files and such?All dependency files (e.g. OCX...) are inported to system32 directory...The probable cause of error message boxes showing "Unexpected error" or "Error 50003" is that an incorrect version of the common controls is registered.

1754.

Solve : 2 blue lights flashing - computer won't start?

Answer»

I have a Dell Vostro 1400 and two out of the 3 blue lights that look like 'locks' RIGHT next to the on button are flashing when I try to turn on.  THey flash for a moment and then the computer turns off.  I've checked battery LED lights and they are all on.  I've plugged it in and the same happens.  Can you help?Hope you have a backup.
Unplug power.
Remove battery.
Wait about 3 min.

Put in battery, plug in, hold power button in for five seconds and RELEASE. And wait. It should restart.

BTW, any USB devices you have should be unplugged for this to work right.
1. How long have you owned the machine and is it still under warranty?
2. Did it happen just suddenly or any previous events, changes before the problem?
3. Are you familiar in opening up laptop casing, just in case?Ok.  I have tried to take battery out but that didn't work.  But, I did not hold the button down 5 secs.  I'll try that. 

I have owned it for about 4 years, but it's been working great til now. 

For the past two weeks or so, I had to keep pushing the on button and eventually it would boot up, but not anymore.  Not under warranty.

Not familiar with opening laptop casing.....what to do?

Thanks guys!Have you ever replaced the battery?
In some cases a dead battery will stop the UNIT from working.
I think the Dell Vostro 1400 can OPERATE with no battery in place.
Not sure of that. Some say never do that. But the general consensus is that there is no harm.
Replace coin cell battery:  http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1420/en/SM/coinbatt.htm#wp1106292

1755.

Solve : i cant see main menu in blood 2 game?

Answer»

i CANT SEE main menu in blood 2 game plz HELP me ,main menu is COMPLETELY INVISIBLE

1756.

Solve : System dialog customization?

Answer»

Hi!

I used Resource Hacker to modify system info dialog.

Only one think can't to be modified: string "Service Pack 3" - look in attachment picture...

I have Windows XP SP3 CZ 32-bit Professional Edition.

Can anybody help me to remove or change this option?

Many thanks for every help, REPLY and comments.

Miro

[recovering disk space - old attachment deleted by admin]K, I thought that setting was loaded from the reg, but I changed it and it didn't change in the WINDOW.

Just remove the control from the dialog.

Open dialog 101, and remove the line that says: CONTROL "", 55, STATIC, SS_LEFT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 141, 55, 100, 8Thank you!

Really works!

Only one thing, but not so important:

Is possible to set custom text instead Service Pack 3?

Many many thanks!

Miro Quote

Is possible to set custom text instead Service Pack 3?

Yes. You need to add back in the line you deleted and change the first number to 73 because that is the next unused number (if it's not the same on your machine make sure to check). That makes it so the program can't reference it and can't replace it with "Service Pack whatever".

It should look like this: CONTROL "Your text here", 73, STATIC, SS_LEFT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 141, 55, 100, 8Many many thanks!

Works correctly!

Now I have WinXP customized complete, look: System Info, OEM info, Support, BIOS logo, Start BUTTON (I have also changed boot logo of WinXP)

[recovering disk space - old attachment deleted by admin]I like the "not fixed" line....Hi!

So, when I customized everything.... I'm watching System Dialog...

There are info about CPU & RAM... (highlightet by red on screenshot)...

IS POSSIBLE TO DO ALSO WITH THESE INFO OWN CHANGES, e.g.

MOS8502 CPU 8-bit
2 MHz, 128 kB RAM

or SOMETHING other and remove/change text "Rozsireni fyzicke adresy"?

Many thanks for every help, I'm using Resource hacker...

Miro

[recovering disk space - old attachment deleted by admin]K, open up resource hacker and go to dialog 101 again.

Remove these lines:

CONTROL "", 65, "Link Window", 0x50000000, 141, 159, 110, 8
CONTROL "", 66, "Link Window", 0x50000000, 141, 170, 110, 8
CONTROL "", 67, "Link Window", 0x50000000, 141, 181, 110, 8
CONTROL "", 68, "Link Window", 0x50000000, 141, 192, 110, 8
CONTROL "", 70, "Link Window", 0x50000000, 141, 203, 110, 8
CONTROL "", 71, "Link Window", 0x50000000, 141, 214, 110, 8
CONTROL "", 72, "Link Window", 0x50000000, 141, 225, 110, 8

Add these lines in same place:

CONTROL "MOS8502 CPU 8-bit", 74, STATIC, SS_LEFT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 141, 159, 110, 8
CONTROL "2 MHz, 128 kB RAM", 75, STATIC, SS_LEFT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 141, 170, 110, 8
CONTROL "text here", 76, STATIC, SS_LEFT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 141, 192, 110, 8

Mine does not have any text in place of "Rozsireni fyzicke adresy" so I might be wrong about that part.

Remember to compile script. You should be able to see the pattern now. Just a TIP: If you click on the text in the preview window, it will put a little red * next to the line that corresponds to it.Hi!

Many many thanks!

Now is all like I want it.

Also text "Rozsireni fyzicke adresy" is removed and changed.

Thank you very much.

Miro
1757.

Solve : cursor problem in Excel spread sheet?

Answer»
I just goofed and don’t KNOW how I did it.

I was working in Excel spread sheet moving up and down going from one cell to another using the up an down arrows 
All of a SUDDEN I can’t do that any more. When I USE the up or down arrow it will move the entire page up or down and not from cell to cell.


Can ANYONE help me ??

Thank you
Have you tried turning off scroll lock?
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel-help/scroll-through-a-worksheet-HP005201425.aspxLeft clik in any EMPTY cell of the document and the arrrow functions will return.Release the "Scroll Lock" button on key board.
1758.

Solve : Choose the program you want to use to open file cmd.exe?

Answer»

I ran a spy boot scan and then restarted. Screen came up with nothing but my PIC and box asking open with, choose the PROGRAM you want to USE to open file cmd.exe. Scared to click on anything to create more problems. What should I do? List internet explorer and malware as 1st two choicesCMD.EXE is a safe file.
Trying rescanning your pc with a different antivirus or malware with Windows Defender or Microsoft forefront.Can you run ANY .exe files? Please explain your problem in more detail.Will need more help on how to proceed from the screen showing. How do I get rid of this screen. Should I choose something to open with to get anything to show up on desktop. Sorry beginner hereCan you boot to safe mode? If so, run a full scan with both your Anti Virus app and with MalwareBytesWhen I turn on computer screen show message box open with choose the program you want to use to open this file file cmd.exe. Programs listed below recommended program Internet explorer malwarebytes, under there is other programs with several listed. Picture in background but nothing else. Should I unplug and restart or click on one of programs listed to open cmd.exeReboot. Begin tapping the F8 key as soon as the system boots. This will take you to the advanced boot option screen. Choose safe mode and then run the scans.If no exes work. Try this: http://www.raymond.cc/blog/archives/2008/01/06/fix-or-restore-broken-exe-lnk-com-association-caused-by-virus/ Quote from: Linux711 on May 04, 2011, 06:43:27 AM

If no exes work. Try this: http://www.raymond.cc/blog/archives/2008/01/06/fix-or-restore-broken-exe-lnk-com-association-caused-by-virus/
That would be fine if he could get into the OS.
1759.

Solve : Viruses found in my Registry?

Answer»

I've been battling the VirtuMonde VIRUS and possibly others for a while now and I think I'm winning, to put it optimistically. The adds and

random DOWNLOADS have ceased, but I'm losing memory in gigabytes fast, and only have less then 14 left in my C drive. I don't KNOW if it's me

or the viruses getting bigger. Anyway I've located the VirtuMonde virus in my registry under a key called "ACMru." I have two of these in two

locations. If I were to delete both ACMru keys from my registry, would that:

A) Eliminate the virus and all it's components

B) Mess SOMETHING up and cause the system to lose stability

Or am I better off just letting a third party program fix it for me. I haven't backed up my registry yet either, and all my restore points are

infected. Any suggestions/advice? Thank you for reading. Clik Here...

Doing it solo will result in nothing but grief. QUOTE from: patio on April 21, 2011, 06:47:54 PM

Clik Here...

Doing it solo will result in nothing but grief.

Alright then.Try to download "registry life" free third party software, it will you to fix the registry error.Ignore the above post and follow patio's suggestion
1760.

Solve : deleted or not???

Answer»

Once i've deletd files through the recycle bin is it deleted forever or is ther a way of getting them files back?? ??Data recovery programs can get them back if you haven't already copied over it. The way the recycle bin works is that when you empty it, Windows just deletes the refrence to the file, not the ACTUAL file.. The only problem is that when you copy something new onto the hard drive, the file might be overwritten, and you won't be able to get it back.Data recovery costs a great amount of money.PowerQuest sells a program that recovers data don't remember what it's called  Files deleted THRU' the recycle bin are renamed when the recycle bin is emptied - see here - http://geekgirls.com/windows_recycle_bin.htm
and here - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;136517 so you will probably have to have some details of the file(s) you want to RECOVER other than the name! (file type, extension, date of creation etc..)

I have used Restoration from http://www.snapfiles.com/download/dlrestoration.html
quite successfully and because I don't have high hard disk usage have been able to restore files up to 2-years old (just for the experience) although, as others have stated, once a file or part of a file is overwritten the file or overwritten part cannot be recovered except with vastly expensive forensic software.

Hope this helps..thanx a lot ppl i used the snapfiles website and it worked a treat so thanx a lot. You're WELCOME - pass it on to your friends

D...

1761.

Solve : Search42.com?

Answer» EVERY now and then a pop-up comes up from search42.com.  Does anybody KNOW why and how to get rid of it?J. West.....  It's is PROBABLY a downloader trojan.......I think this link will help you ........TRY the SUGGESTED removal tool .
http://www.symantec.co.jp/avcenter/venc/data/trojan.vundo.b.html
Let us know how you make out .......

dl65
1762.

Solve : Dual-boot?

Answer»

Can I do a dual-boot between Windows 95 and Windows 98? I SUPPOSE I'd have to use FAT16 then   ...
Is there any 3rd PARTY software that can do this?Dual booting information

1763.

Solve : Adobe Photoshop LANGUAGE?

Answer»

Does ANYONE know how to change the language on adobe photoshop 2.0? Somehow it is in ANOTHER language and of COURSE I can't read it to change it to English. Please help ASAP! THANKS!!!!!!!

1764.

Solve : Please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?

Answer»

I have a big 160GB drive full of folders full of contents from other drives MOVED to it.
for example one folder is Medion's E: drive
next folder is medions C: Drive.
My DAD was writing a cd-rw and there was stuff on it.
He went to erase things that were on it but unfortinatly deleted things off the back up drive.
He deleted 20GB. Canclled it after about 1 minute.
I used tuneup utilities UNDELETE to get back everything that had gone.
I STUPIDLY selected half the files with out remembering to catogrise them by their conditiopn and im pretty SURE most of them were in a bad condition.
Done the scan again and selected all the good conditidon ones and restored them.

Now im in a big mess.
Now for the questions:
When you delete something does it delete the whole contents of the first folder like medion's E: was the folder with loads of stuff missing.
Stuff in the medions E: folder didnt log in the MFT undelete scan but was corrupt when i went to open it.
For example a big game was 4 GB and it only said 64 KB.
I need a program or something to get back everything thats been deleted in a good condition.

Is there a bit of software that tells me what is corrupted and where it is what ffiles for example?
The drive is in a state now.
Im confused to *censored*.
I cant be arsed to go thru all the mp3s individually.
Please please please someone HELP!!

Cheers

1765.

Solve : creating program?

Answer»

how do I create a PROGRAM in folders OPTION on control panel?Do you MEAN that you wish to add an extension to the extension tab?

1766.

Solve : Unable to unlock workstation?

Answer»

I have a workstation that when locked, never DISPLAYS the Windows log-in. It's only showing the background. I've replaced the user's mygina.dll and verified it was being used in the registry. We are not USING smart keys.

Any IDEAS?What diagnostics did you run?
Safe mode?
CRETE a NEW user account with same privilege level. Se if he same issue is found in the new account.

1767.

Solve : BIOS Error After Flashing ??

Answer» Hello To All,

Well, I don't know what else to do.  Its 3am, I have been searching the web for several hours looking for a solution.  At this point, I am ready to USE my laptop for a frisbee.  My problem started at about 7pm.  I was downloading updates for my Lenovo N500 laptop using their toolbox feature.  I needed an updated driver for my wifi card as well as the ethernet LAN card.  It also stated my bios required updating to version 1.10  I read the "read me" notes that said the new bios WOULD fix several bugs and Lenovo had it listed as a high priority update.  I hesitated for a moment and wondered if I should really select the update.  Ahhh  If only I had hesitated a little longer.  The new driver updates downloaded and installed without a problem.  Then came the bios update.  I was watching the progress, it stated it was making a backup of the present bios (bios.bak)  and then began the flashing process.  Then the laptop restarted.  Now, I could have sworn the flashing process wasn't complete yet.  I basically stated  "OH!  [email protected]#[email protected]&*!!"   And sure enough, my wonderful evening came to an end.   XP would not load.  It is a normal start up sequence.  The lenovo splash screen appears and the XP logo and start up appears.  But then,  for a split second the blue screen of death appears and disappears instantly replaced by the "safe mode" screen.  The one that states "windows did not start successfully".  You have several options here.  Start windows normally, or in safe mode, safe mode with networking etc.  It doesn't matter what you select here.  The laptop will only display the XP logo and start up for a second and then the safe mode window will pop up again.    I can still enter the Phoenix SETUP utility.  The BIOS version listed is 6GET18WW(V1.09)  EC version is 6GEC19WW(V1.08)  Version 1.10 is listed no where which leads me to believe the flashing did not complete.  The Lenovo SUPPORT site has both versions available for download 1.09, 1.10.  But you have to install these with a working operating system.  I have read that you can re-flash the BIOS using a boot CD ISO image.  I cannot find an ISO file with the BIOS version I need.  ACCORDING to Lenovo phone support they don't have one for my laptop.  They told me to take it to an authorized Lenovo repair center.  Or, for 95 dollars an hour the support rep "might" be able to help me over the phone as my laptop is out of warranty.  Any help would be appreciated.  I am at a loss, and at this point I am so frustrated I wouldn't recognize the solution if it was right in front of me.  I need a drink............

My specs.    Lenovo 3000 N500 laptop  4233-52U
                   Windows XP SP3  1gig RAM
                   DVDRW drive

Kind Regards,
Rob   
When it comes to BIOS, if it works, don't fix it.

You mentioned that the laptop still starts up and attempts to load XP after you updated the BIOS. If the BIOS got currupted, the computer would probably not start at all.

Anyway, at this point, you should probably do a rapair install. If you have an extra hard drive, you can try a fresh copy of XP on that to see if the blue screen still apears after a fresh copy. If it does, then a hardware problem can be suspected.Hi Linux711,

Thanks for the reply.  I did attempt a repair install.  I can enter windows setup using the XP CD, but it will not complete.  The blue screen error appears.  This also leaves out the re-formatting of the HD.  I do have another HD I could install to see if it will boot up.

Rob   
1768.

Solve : Windows XP user and Document settings?

Answer»

I would LIKE to know if it is possible to do the following:

1. Set the Document and User setting folders to another partition of the HDD so that C: can be reserved entirely for important software such as the E-mail client, Windows XP, Anti-virus scanner, etc.
-- To prevent users from storing FILES there automatically.

2. Have multiple users use the same partition, yet only be able to see their own files by assigning a limited amount of Hard Disk Drive space to their accounts


Should this be possible, how do I go about doing so?

Raptor........ I'm thinking about question 1 ......
#2 ......If you CREATE a new user account for various users, they can be customized as the user wishes based on what the system administrator wishes them to be able to access .....For example ...they may have their own desktop wallpaper and screen saver, shortcut icons etc. They may have access to for example M/S word .........but would only be able to access their own word documents as opposed to any or all that were in use by other users ........
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;279783&sd=tech  
I'm not sure this is what you were inquiring about , but I think it is ....

Here's some info on the size of the users disk space .....
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windowsserver2003/library/ServerHelp/3ca0d5ca-3293-4f5c-b0f5-cb9fc85fe89a.mspx



dl65  Raptor.....Re the Email .....question ( #1) If the user account had its own unique E mail address associated with it , I would think that this Email would be accessable to only them after they entered their own user password to get them into that e mail account ......
However as it would be tied to the mail program .....ie Outlook express or whatever ....
Does this make sense to you ?

cheers

dl65  Question #1 was not related to E-mail alone, but to the entire My Document and Settings folder. It has to be moved from C:\ to D:\ and still function.

I do not think that simply pressing CTRL + X will do since it will not change the path where Windows will look when referring to My Documents and thus it would result in a malfunctioning My Documents and Settings folder..

As for Question #2, it is not difficult to create a new user account. It immediatly allows them to customize their desktop and yet use the same programs but with different settings. However, what if I wish for them only to see a limited amount of Hard Disk space that has been assigned to only the user that is currently LOGGED in?Raptor...... Doesnt this info spell that out ?

Here's some info on the size of the users disk space .....
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windowsserver2003/library/S erverHelp/3ca0d5ca-3293-4f5c-b0f5-cb9fc85fe89a.mspx


dl65  

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windowsserver2003/library/ServerHelp/3ca0d5ca-3293-4f5c-b0f5-cb9fc85fe89a.mspx

Does indeed more or less answer Question #2. However, the situation is different. I would not mind the amount of Hard Disk space they use, as I would only ASSIGN them a limited amount. Also, in regards to privacy, Enabling Disk quota's does not seem to fulfill my needs in that area.Raptor ......Duh.......the light just went on .......Documents and settings are a function of Win Xp and I think must reside on the same drive as the O/S ....
Perhaps Computer_Commando may be able to give you a better answer ....( you know how technically challenged I am ...LOL )


Cheers

dl65  

1769.

Solve : I'm after a bit of software..?

Answer»

I'm after a bit of software mainly for MP3's that checks every file on the PC to see if it has any corruption in it and where it is..

Anyone know of any?So you WANT a SCANNER to will search for corrupted MP3's?

[glb]FLAME[/glb]I've NEVER used it myself, but I just found this on the Internet for you.  http://www.mp3checker.com/.
If you need additional help, you can reach me at ResourcePC.

Davegood bit of kit there dave, checking them as we speak.
Well found mate!

Cheers everyone!!

1770.

Solve : Win32.Trojan.Agent.cs?

Answer»

I keep GETTING this trojan after scanning my computer with ad-aware, and it detects it and deletes it but then it shows back up when I scan again.  Can anyone TELL me how to delete this for good? J. WEST......make sure you have the latest definitions from Ad-aware ..... Turn off your system restore .......then reboot back into safe mode ........ delete your temporary internet files , cookies and history ...... then scan again with ad-aware ( with latest definitions) ....then reboot and see if its GONE ...if not D/l hijackthis from ...... http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3155.html  
then post the results here for us to look at ....

cheers
dl65  Adaware is not dedicated to removing Trojan HORSES. I suggest you install a virus scanner.

1771.

Solve : Complete Windows ME Reload?

Answer»

I am having alot of trouble with my computer i.e. aol not working, games messing up, constant errors, low memory messages (new memory installed)

Is there anyway that I can completely get rid of everything on the computer and start from nothing.  I have already reloaded windows but this doesn't seem to get rid of everything.  PLEASE HELP!! I WANT TO START FROM SCRATCH.  

Thank you for the help.
Well, if you're going to put ME back on that computer, then just leave it. ME is natually FULL of errors...

[glb]FLAME[/glb]Ok, scratch that then.

I'll delete it all and put a different version on then.  Is that just a matter of putting the new windows disk in and following instructions or is it more COMPLICATED than that?Eardleya.... Well if you format your hard drive ........everything is wiped off it ......so you start fresh . If THATS not happening then you are doing something WRONG .

dl65

1772.

Solve : Web page displays in gigantic fonts?

Answer»

My visually challenged hubby has Windows XP Pro and Microsoft Office 2003. When he goes to the on line help for any of these programs enen though view, text, smallest is selected the words SHOW up huge so as to make the site impossible to use. About four words fit on a screen. This doesn't happen at any other sites. If he goes to Micrsofts site through Internet explorer, it appears normally but as SOON as he goes from there to the Office site it still is huge. He may have caused this by doing something he shouldn't have by mistake. If anyone can suggest something I could try to remedy this situation and make the Office sights NORMAL, I WOULD appreciate it Thanks in advanceHave you scanned for viruses and Spyware?

[glb]Flame[/glb]Yes I haveWhat if you use the mouse to decrease font size?

Press CTRL + Scroll Wheel Down to decrease font size.Thanks. I TRIED that but it didn't help.

1773.

Solve : Internet broadband connection help?

Answer»

I have a broadband INTERNET ACCESS, but when I download something, it only transfers at 40 kbps or less.  I looked at my network settings and it says I am capable of running at 100 mbps.  I then noticed through the TASK manager that I am only using .4% of my available network sped.  How do I get my speed up?  Any ANSWERS would be greatly apprecciated.  Please see last post for INFORMATION...

[glb]Flame[/glb]Your Network card and Local Area Network are capable of 100Mbps. Your cable modem is not. There is nothing wrong with your connection.Good point... Nick... Contact your ISP for a better modem...  

[glb]Flame[/glb]

1774.

Solve : my computer not turnet on?

Answer»

My computer is not TURNED on by having swept AWAY deep freeze if something happens LIKE this, what do you recommend that because even in safe mode does not work! Don't understand the question, sorry.Do you know how DEEPFREEZE works albipasha ? ?i know little how deep freze work and teach from internet how remove it after this step my computer not work,redy to turnet on and still shotdown bifore this change my computer work normality!what can duit for return my computer work normality?You need to talk to someone familiar with Deepfreeze...or read the Help files on it...
How did it get on your system if you're UNFAMILIAR with it in the 1st place ? ?

1775.

Solve : Condensation IDE?

Answer»

Hi, i noticed that leaving an IDE drive in the cupboard in a PLASTIC CASE for 3 days a lot of condensation built up on the drive, i was just wondering if this would harm the drive in any WAY?I would LET it dry out THROUGHLY (sp?) before using it. if you plugged it in or allowed power through it it could cause damage. I would suggest a week minimum just to be safe. In a dry place but don't dry it. let it try au natural.

KablamI suggest you discard the Hard Disk Drive. Water and electronics do not mix.

1776.

Solve : int15.sys file error after driver verifier?

Answer»

I ran the driver verifier on Windows XP and since then i have been UNABLE to boot the machine properly. If i reach the desktop i get a BSOD error before i can do anything on the system.

The error message SAYS the int15.sys file is trying to free memory(or SOMETHING like that)

I can't boot into any of the safe modes as all i get is a list of drivers and then Windows doesn't start?

Can anyone help???

I'm using Windows XP MEDIA centre edition.No need to double Post.

Please see your other Topic for REPLIES....

Topic Closed.

1777.

Solve : Strange MP3 Problem.?

Answer»

I was playing an mp3 on Windows Media Player.
The song was playing and it suddenly skipped to another bit in the song.
When i played it back it didn't do it again.

Any ideas why it did this?
I'm worried in CASE THERES a weak part in the Hard Disk.. If that's possible!!A possible cause could be that the MP3 file is corrupted.

Did you download or rip the song?

If you downloaded the file through Bit Torrent, it could be that if you cancelled the download half way, the file was not properly reconstructed. Resulting in strange behaviour when it comes to music or movies.Downloaded from DC++.
Ru definatly sure it's nothing to do with hard drive weaknesses?

It didn't do it again though..thats the strange thing!!It is safe to assume that your Hard Disk Drive's integrity had nothing to do with an MP3 skipping. There are a lot of things that can go wrong inside a COMPUTER, but not all of them are devestating to the hardware.

If you wish, you can test your Hard Disk Drive by obtaining [free] diagnostic software from the Hard Disk Drive its manufacturer.excellent ill do that now.

I was also wondering why whatever drive i test with the ontracks partition tests how come it fails on every drive now but the full diagnostic tests go all the way through?

I also moved a load of SCRAMBLED mp3s with data corruption to the drive, it's not goiung to damage the drive isit? Quote


1. I was also wondering why whatever drive i test with the ontracks partition tests how come it fails on every drive now but the full diagnostic tests go all the way through?

2. I also moved a load of scrambled mp3s with data corruption to the drive, it's not goiung to damage the drive isit?


1. What would an Ontracks partition test be?
-- If such an option is avaible on the diagnostic diskette you have downloaded/ordered I suggest you contact technical support and relay to them the error code often provided by the diagnostic software.

2. This should be of no physical danger to your Hard Disk Drive.
-- if you download files from Bit Torrent, your data is also scrambled (Until it is reconstructed) and this causes no harm either.

Its wird because seagate said the drive was ok.

Done the partition test 1 week back and it was fine.
Now ill do the partition test andv it says fails even when it reaches the end of the test.

All diagnostic tests run all the way through though..Very strange..Contact Seagate technical support and ask them for possible causes.windows media.......player. try palying the mp3 while disconnected from the net wmp like reporting stuff back to msoft..........try another player like >quicktime>>apple>...file coruption maybe .......was it download via bluster or  a p2p program..... Quote
windows media.......player. try palying the mp3 while disconnected from the net wmp like reporting stuff back to msoft..........try another player like >quicktime>>apple>...file coruption maybe .......was it download via bluster or  a p2p program.....



I wasn't running the internet on the machine it was on.
The tune was downloaded with DC++ (p2P)

Thanks for the help mate.
Tried Winamp and didnt get the issue.ne1??Is your issue not resolved, Jason69uk? What questions do you have?sorry lol.

What do you thinmk may be wrong with the song then.
I personally dont think ANYTHING because it plays ok now.
You??Computers make mistakes as well, there is most likely nothing wrong with your MP3 file.
1778.

Solve : resource conflict when booting XP Pro?

Answer»

I get "resource conflict  "setup or BOOT" message when booting XP Pro running on a Toshiba laptop.
Choosing Setup brings me to the BIOS setup and all looks OK, choosing BOOT brings me to "safe Mode, Normal, etc.. No matter what I select it loops BACK to the same message as above.
I'm thinking bad RAM, virus, ...anyone have any other thoughts?
ThanksHow much RAM do you have? Did this JUST start happening?

[glb]Flame[/glb]512 MB  Just started.What is the full error message?Just as I stated above,

          Resource Conflict
                 Select
              setup or bootTry safe mode again>>By default when WinXP encounters a system failure, it reboots without warning. The setting that controls this can be changed:

Control Panel/System/Advanced/Settings (Startup & Recovery)/System Failure/Uncheck-Automatically RestartCan't get it to boot up to access anything. The owner wants to retrieve some data before I reimage the laptop but I can't even get to a DOS prompt.buy an ide adapter and hook it up to a pc as a slave drive....then retrive the data from it.....has it been NETWORKED....did it have an anti-virus.....program on it??


Did you try hold downling the f8 key on boot??......disconnect from the net......Have you attempted to reset the BIOS to its default settings?RESETTING the bios was one of the first things I did, but it did not work. Its under warranty so I advised the user to return it to Toshiba for repair. It REALLY looks to be a hardware ISSUE. The laptop is only a few months old and the A/V software was up to date, and since the error message comes up  before XP loads my educated guess its HW.

1779.

Solve : can anyone help me through this PLEASE??

Answer»

hi guys,
i've previously posted here, but my semester ended recently and i've finally gotten my pc hooked up to try starting it in Safe Mode.  here's the situation, and how it all started out (copy n paste from old post):

first time i turned my computer on since i got back, it was doing something with a light blue background, i noted it had to do something with 'CHKDSK', maybe it said something about restoring some files or something.  it might have mentioned the C drive, not sure though.
    then, it went to the loading screen and after that, nothing comes up on the screen.  tried restarting it, and it keeps asking me if to choose from Safe Mode, Start Windows Normally, a couple other choices with Safe Mode, and something about Starting with the last configuration that worked.  I tried all 3 of 'em, but after the loading screen where there's a bar underneathe 'Microsoft Windows XP' NOTHING happens.  

Computer specs from old post too:

at startup, my pc would display the Gateway logo.  It was slightly over 800 mhz i think (cpu) with 384 mb RAM, maybe slightly over.  Harddrive was slightly over 120GB and another one that was 20 GB (2 harddrives, the 120 GB was on sale...).  

sorry i can't be too specific.  i don't notice such things and with so many upgrades etc., i lost track.  hope it helps.

Ok, here's the Update:

I've finally hooked the pc up and just started it, chose Safe Mode strictly.  As soon as I did that, it started listing these kinds of things (last 5 lines that appear on bottom of screen):

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS\System32\
Drivers\KSecDD.sys

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS\System32\
Drivers\Ntfs.sys

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS\System32\
Drivers\NDIS.sys

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS\System32\
Drivers\Mup.sys

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS\System32\
DRIVERS\agp440.sys

and on that last listing, that's where it's been stuck for, i'd say, at least 15 min's.

I'm not a computer techie, so PLEASE be as simplistic as you can.  Reason I can attempt to do anything now is that I got a copy of the win xp from a friend.  (go ahead n laugh, but what is the diff. between the OS disk and the boot disk?  plus, it's gotta be an OS disk if it has these letters and #s on it (some sort of key i'm guessin'??)  

Sorry if i've left anything out.  i'll leave the pc on and let me know what i can try...
last time pcdoc4christ posted this in reply to my earlier post:

Another option is to borrow a Windows XP installation CD from a friend and do a repair installation.  If it works, you will be able to boot to your current XP OS.  The only hitch is that the OS will then ask you for the product key.  If you do not enter a valid key for the installation, you will be locked out of the OS.  You will, however, be able to boot to Safe Mode and then copy small files onto floppy disks.
[/over]

Ok, well if i'm locked out (granted i punch in the wrong key...), i don't get a chance to retry??  isn't that a bit harsh, in case someone accidentally types in the wrong letter/#?  hopeless_tech......What's the differance ....??

A boot disk is disk intended to start up a pc that hasn't any OPERATING system installed ......... ( It contains several generic drivers to allow the cd -rom to function ) as well as a Format and Fdisk function ....

An Operating system ...is just that ....ie  Win 95, Win 98 , Win 98SE , Win 2K , Win ME , Win XP Home or XP Pro .....   These cd's will be supplied with a product serial code ...... which is a combination of  25  letters and numbers .

Hope this helps you

dl65  so uh since it had xp on it, and now it's stuck, won't take me to desktop, do i just stick this xp cd (w/ key) in it, turn pc off, turn it back on, and let it do its thing?

what should i expect?

thanks for clarifying, dl65.hopeless_tech...... LOL .....if you enter the wrong serial ,
you will be told that the number is invalid and please enter the correct one .........

"Ok, well if i'm locked out (granted i punch in the wrong key...), i don't get a chance to retry??  isn't that a bit harsh, in case someone accidentally types in the wrong letter/#?   "

......And most important , draw all the drapes, shut the blinds and dont answer the door or the phone.

dl65  
hopeless_tech ....... Win Xp is bootable ...so if you put the cd in the drive ....then reboot it will begin to load and offer you several option .........  you want to install ...so choose that and then let it go .. you will be prompted for the serial code in the course of installation .........MAKE sure you select the NTFS  option .
or if you just want to repair ...choose that option .
cheers
***CHANGE the boot sequence in the bios ....to 1st boot from the cd rom ***
dl65   Quote

hopeless_tech ....... Win Xp is bootable ...so if you put the cd in the drive ....then reboot it will begin to load and offer you several option .........  you want to install ...so choose that and then let it go .. you will be prompted for the serial code in the course of installation .........Make sure you select the NTFS  option .
or if you just want to repair ...choose that option .
cheers

dl65



my main thing was to save stuff i had on my D drive (the smaller 20 gig one).  will this wipe out all the stuff i had on my c and d drives?  if it gives me repair option, of course i'll choose that, as it seems my drives might be ok then.  

any way i can salvage stuff on my 2 drives?  plus... since i have two drives, i'm not familiar with master/slave drives or whatever, and partitioning.  will repairing or re-installing ask me about partition or master/slave drives?  if so, what should i choose?  (c drive: about 120 gig, d drive: 20 gigs).

dl65, thanks so much for help.  your replies are making sense to me and this seems doable.  any way i can put you on my aim buddy list for when i tackle this? (it's ok if you say no).  please keep replying and tackling my messy ?s  hopeless_tech....  If you have two separate hard drives.......The  first is C and will contain the operating system and programs ....... ( should be set as the master ) ........ the other drive is D and is set as the slave ........ you shouldnt have to change anything as they are already set .   If you do a new install ....all data on drive C will be lost .     I use msn messeger .........

cheers

dl65  so, if just repairing, i shouldn't have to deal with master/slave thingy.  

if new install, d drive will stay ok, but c will be wiped clean.  do i have to tell it that c is master and d is slave?  or you said it's already been set?

sorry if ?s are repetitive, just trying to learn.  and i really appreciate your detailed responses.    hopeless_tech......Once the hard drives are installed ( with the jumpers set to master and slave. ) thats it..... it isnt necessary to reset them when or if you reformat ........
The slave drive ( D) will not be effected when you reinstall or repair ........ the operating system on Drive C


dl65  hey dl65,
i got advice from another person as well (doesn't hurt right?) and he said the last command that i typed out that the comp. is getting stuck on something that has to do with the video card.  then he asked if i had a video card in the agp slot on the motherboard (i'm clueless as to what this is).

and i replied saying if i reinstalled/repaired the C drive, would this video card problem keep popping up?  

anyone have any suggestions here?

(to make matters worse, i can't remember what video card is in it!)  God, i k now, my ?s never stop, but COULD it be that the drivers of the video card got erased/deleted?  since the last thing to appear on the screen was:

mult(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS\System32\
DRIVERS\agp440.sys

but if that was the case and the video card's drivers were deleted somehow, would that prevent you from getting to the desktop?    

man... i dunno what the first step here should be  :-/
1780.

Solve : ACER Display?

Answer»

I've got an ACER Win95 computer.  I have a monitor that isn't original to the desktop PC.  Whenever I run a GAME (that requires that the .EXE enter MS DOS first) or whenever my computer is starting up (which really isn't a problem for me but may help you to understand it better) the whole screen shifts to the right, the part of the screen that is cut off is then repeated on the left, so the majority of the screen can be seen but the left part on the right, a strip in the middle and the right part on the left.  I can't fix this with the DISPLAY in the control panel.  I don't know what the matter is.  Thanks for any help you can provide.  The monitor's type is "Digital" fyi.

MiguelThe most likely cause is that the videocard has been set to a resolution that the monitor cannot work with.

To solve the problem follow these steps:

1. Before loading Windows 95 press F8
2. Select Safe Mode
3. Right click on your desktop
4. Select properties
5. Go to the Settings panel
6. Choose a resolution that is very COMMON for older monitors. 640x480 for example.Your diagnosis sounds good, but I tried that and it didn't work.  This is the situation as it stands.  When I boot into safe mode, the whole thing is off kilter (as described earlier), even the desktop.  That might tell you a lot about the problem.  The desktop in normal boot is fine, but EVERY time I run an msdos program, the whole thing shifts (or at least an .exe that goes through msdos first, I don't really understand that whole thing).  I don't know how fixing it in safemode will fix the whole thing.  Hmm...I'm at a standstill.  I really appreciate all the help anyone can provide.Have you attempted to manually configure your monitor by using the controls?

If yes I suggest you reinstall [updated] videocard drivers.
-- Uninstall the old drivers first.I've tried the controls.  I wouldn't know which drivers to use -- how do I know which videocard I have?  I've played around with that a little.I've tried the controls.  I wouldn't know which drivers to use -- how do I know which videocard I have?  I've played around with that a little.You have at least 3 choices when it comes to finding out the type of videocard you have:

First option:

1. Physically remove the cover of your PC. This will reveal the hardware
2. Find the card where the VGA connector leading from the monitor to the PC is connected to. Search the videocard for a name or any other relevant number/word.
-- Do not attempt to remove the videocard without taking precautionary measures first!

Second Option:

1. Go to Start
2. Run
3. Type dxdiag
4. Go to the monitor tab.

Third Option:

1. Right click on My Computer
2. Click on properties
3. Go to the Hardware Tab
4. Look for 'Device Manager'
5. Look for 'monitor adaptors' once inside the device manager.

-- The third option may not be properly described, this is due to the fact that I haven't got access to Windows 95 at the time of this writing.

Additional:

Also refer to this article for more information on videocards.When I go into device manager, I find that I have some ATI adapter, but this is changeable, who do I know that is the right one.  That is the one listed, but for all I know I've changed it before?  By the way, the dxdiag doesn't work on Win95, I tried it and it didn't come up...hmm...I still appreciate the help.I've installed all of the latest drivers and I thought the problem might be a conflict with direct draw and so I installed the latest DirectX version for Win95, still, the problem persists.  I mean the issue must be more basic I'm thinking because when I restart it does the shift thing on the starting up screen, so mightn't it be more than the video adapter?  I don't know, any more suggestions?If you believe the issue to be hardware wise, take the following steps:

1. Test the monitor on another computer
2. Test the monitor on another videocard.
-- Always exercise caution when working within an electro-static sensitive environment.

For more information on ESD, see this article.check monitor settings..........adjust montior buttons.on the front of it.....>>>.....windows will enertain any monitor.....with a vga generic driver...........the display options are 2/16 colours...type either msifo32 in the run box or hwinfo......this should tell you  graphic card......or goto the device manager//right click on the my computer icon/click properties>>>scroll down the list>.........video adapter.....click the + sign next to it..I just wanted to bump this to see if anyone has any further suggestions before I throw the monitor out the second story window.  Thanks for all your help.You did not reply to either Merlin's or my response. Quote

check monitor settings..........adjust montior buttons.on the front of it.....>>>.....windows will enertain any monitor.....with a vga generic driver...........the display options are 2/16 colours...type either msifo32 in the run box or hwinfo......this should tell you  graphic card......or goto the device manager//right click on the my computer icon/click properties>>>scroll down the list>.........video adapter.....click the + sign next to it..


I checked all of the monitor settings.  It entertains the monitor normally, it only screws up on the occasions mentioned.  I found my video adapter and updated it as far as I could, and still the problem persists.  Sigh.  Thanks though. Quote
If you believe the issue to be hardware wise, take the following steps:

1. Test the monitor on another computer
2. Test the monitor on another videocard.
-- Always exercise caution when working within an electro-static sensitive environment.

For more information on ESD, see this article.



I wish I had another monitor or videocard to work with.  I'm not sure if it's a hardware issue because I mean it works most of the time.  It could be a hardware issue...but I can't really know.
1781.

Solve : xp not booting lsass error?

Answer»

getting message - invalid parameter was passed to a service
or function. can not get to c drive to see the directory either.
tried boot disk NOTHING worked to see the drive. some say it is a virus but cannot get to RUN the program to scan the drive
because it required SYS 32 windows to run.
I APOLOGIZE if this is what you meant by not being able to USE the boot disk, but can you get into the XP recovery console?

Can you enter BIOS?

1782.

Solve : desktop help needed?

Answer»

i dont know how to explain it. the DESKTOP is too big for my monitor, but i know its not because it worked fine friday and i turned it on this morning and its messed up. i have to scroll across my screen to find stuff... does anyone know what i'm talkin about? or help me with it? i have tried to change the screen resolution but that doesnt do anything. only 800x600 will fit on the screen and the icons are just huge. the resolution has always been 1280x1024 so i dont know why its acting up now. thanks.Have you made any CHANGES to your system recently? Do you have virus protection? Have you tried updating your video card drivers?

[glb]Flame[/glb]i havent changed a single thing. Quote

Do you have virus protection? Have you tried updating your video card drivers?

[glb]Flame[/glb]

I don't know what kind of monitor you are using, but you might be able to use the adjustments to have the monitor auto-select.  You would access this the same way you would to re-align the display if it were too far off to the right or LEFT or whatever.  Unless the monitor is really old, there should be an auto ADJUST selection.

Hope this Helps.
1783.

Solve : mp3 problem?

Answer»

I had to format all my mp3 because my brotherjust pulled it out of the COMPUTER when a song didn't copy, but i had all the music storedon my computer so it was ok(or so i fort), i have tunespark which is a compressing file and all the music was stored on the output folder and all my music was ALSO stored on my music folder but all the music on my music folder somehow got deleted so i draged all the music from the output folder onto the my music folder and then WENT onto windows media player and tried copying the SONGS onto my mp3 and it said that the music files wern't in the folder .
Can anyone help me ???Please

1784.

Solve : Aah *censored* This Computer!! Help!!!?

Answer»

I THOUGHT i had fixed my Pc cause it was running so slow due to build up of dust so i decided (BAD decision) to use a vacuum to suck up all the dust. Now its slower than ever. I open windows media which takes about 30 seconds and even when i close a program it closes from top to bottom ie. you see the program close slowly from the top of the screen to the bottom. Is there anything at all i can do to fix this problem or have i stuffed it up?Which OS are you using? What are the system specifications like? Sounds like you are short on RAM.Its def a dodgy Pc, im using XP with 256MB ram and a P3 500 processor, i just cant afford a new Pc at the moment. The thing that confuses me is it was working great then all of a sudden it started going really slow and ive RUN every check imaginable. My next step was going to be a full format and start again. I have unlimited broadband so i do download a *censored* of a lot. Any suggestions?run a virus scan......disable system restore.....delete internet history/cookies files............sosftware program adaware may help you......How did you format? Did you use the XP CD and format directly to NTFS?

If you run chkdsk in a command WINDOW do you see a line which reads:

4096 bytes in each allocation unit

Or does it read 512 ?It doesnt say, it just says Warning F Paramater not specified running in read only mode. Do having a lot of programs effect how your computer runs even if im not using them?Go to download dot com, get ad-aware, spybot S&D and run them if you can.  Also, go into msconfig, go to the startup tab, and uncheck the processes that you KNOW are not crucial.  Like MSN Messenger, Office, etc.  Also, there is a little app called cleancache that you can get at download as well that will clean up a lot of garbage.  CCleaner will also do that and, and I would run CCleaner first.  Let me know what happens after you do all of this.  Make sure you run updates for Spybot and Ad-Aware first.

Cheers.

1785.

Solve : Primaster HDD error?

Answer»

When I turn on my COMPUTER it leads me to a page saying there is a primaster HDD error , run setup and press F1 RESUME. Tries loading boot record from floppy not found, loading boot record from CDROM- not found. Whar can i do to fix this. Its windows 95 and there are no SERVICES available for w95 nemore. PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!hold down the F5 key on boot........make sure there are no f/disks in the drive.....

1786.

Solve : win xp sp2?

Answer»

i am TRYING to install win xp sp2 i have updated all my DRIVERS even my bios, and i get into a boot loop when i reboot ater install.  i have gone into safe mode and disabled all my drivers and still same problem. even ran a paralell install and still same problem. i can't help thinking that it has to do with my processor.
i am using an AMD athlon 64 3200+ processor.
nvidia Geforce fx5200 128mb 8x agp video card
i remember i asked for help with this problem last year some time but can't remember exactly when, somebody came back with a possible solution which had to do with a batch file having to do with the motherboard and how it responds on boot up. anybody out there know about this. any help will be appreciated. thanks
stan p
[email protected]I would go the the AMD website and see if they have any ALERTS about using SP2 with it.  ALSO do the same for your motherboard, and other hardware.  You might also check the MS website for incompatability warnings with anything you might have.

Hope this Helps. stanp.....Which version of Win XP are you using ?  Is it a OEM or Retail version ...... Are you trying to D/L SP2 from M/S or or you using a SP2 cd ?

let us know

dl65

1787.

Solve : PC So slow?

Answer»

My Pc is running so slow all of a sudden and i dont know why. Granted its not the fastest Pc by any means but it was running fine yesterday and now its so slow to react to even opening a song in media player or opening a file. Ive run some spyware and error fixing programs and restarted my Pc but its still really slow. Any suggestions?

  • Scan for Viruses, Spyware and Trojan Horses
  • Defragment Hard Disk Drives
  • Scan registry for faultry entries
  • Remove redundant files
  • Empty Internet Explorer cache, cookies and downloaded files.


If you have questions related to the list written above, do not hesitate to post your INQUIRIES.Thanks for the advise. I did all those things but for some REASON its still so slow. The only thing i can think of is my hard drive space or lack THEREOF. I only have a 40 gig hard drive and i download a *censored* of a lot and the last few days it was down to like 400mb but i deleted files and its now bout 6 gig. I thought that hard drive space didint have anything to do with computer speed though, am i mistaken?? Quote
I thought that hard drive space didint have anything to do with computer speed though, am i mistaken?


It depends on how you use that Hard Disk Drive space.

Question:

1. What scanners have you used?

I have used Avast, Pc Bug doctor, tuneup uttilities and microsoft antispyware.May I advise the following scanners:

AVG Free
-- Excellent [free] anti-virus scanner.
Registry First Aid
-- A very good registry scanner. The website may look very amateurish, the SOFTWARE is quite dependable. Trial version available.
Trend Micro
-- Free online virus scanner.

Optional:

Zone Alarm Free
-- Optional, but highly recommended if you have no firewall installed.

Suggestions:

1. Run the scanners described above.
2. [Optional] Install firewall
3. Clean the inside of the system case.
-- For more information on cleaning the computer hardware see this  article. Do not forget to read through this article as well.
--- Excessive dust build-up may cause fans and heatsinks to become blocked and obstruct airflow resulting in lower system performance.
I think i may have fixed the error, i didnt even think to clean inside the computer, im using my OLD one for all mhy internet and downloads and it has a huge hole in the back so i think that may have been the error because of all the dust. Thanks alot for all your help!! much appreciated.

Regards

EdenCome back when if you have more inquiries.
1788.

Solve : Computer randomly shuts down HELP 2?

Answer» LET me go into more detail:
Whenever i go into a full screen game such as grand theft auto, after 5 or 10 minutes my laptop shuts
down, despite being plugged into the mains!!!
This is getting really annoying...
could it be virus?
some try and help me!!!!
STOP POSTING SO MANY TIMES ON THE SAME BOARD!!!!!

[glb]Flame[/glb]Annoyed:

As Flame advised, please stick with message forum etiquette and keep it to just one discussion thread per topic (that makes it easier for US to help you out).

Now, we need more info. to determine what to suggest you do to fix the prob.  

  • Is this an on-line game or a game not connected to the Internet?

  • Does this happen only when you are playing this game or does it happen when you are playing other games, too?

  • What changed on your computer just prior to these symptoms? (did you install a new program? add a new CD drive? notice that your anti-virus program detected a threat?)

  • What version of Windows are you using? (98? 98 SE? XP Home?)

  • What version of DirectX is installed? (to find out, click START > Run > type dxdiag and click OK).

  • Do you receive any error message?  If so, exactly what does the message say?


Let us know,
Doc
1789.

Solve : Please read this second?

Answer»

i am getting so frustrated with my computer...
read question "unsolvable problem?"
for more detailsBy the WAY... I'm not so SURE that the ADMINISTRATION would APPRECIATE you pretending to be them... Watch yourself...

[glb]Flame[/glb]

1790.

Solve : Registry and Taskmgr inaccessible?

Answer»

Help! One of our users opened a virus laden email and now that machine can't open either the registry or the taskmanager! I'm running Ad Aware and CWShredder but am otherwise in the dark. Also, Symantec Antivirus Corporate has been disabled and I can't visit the Symantec web site.

How do I get out of this?

Any help appreciated!

tim nugentWhoops, forgot to mention my system type. It's Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2 installed.

Tim NugentQuestions:

1. Have you been able to remove what Adaware and CWShredder have found?
2. Have you removed the virus?
3. What is the name of the virus that has infected your system?

Suggestion:

1. Use the Trend Micro - Free online virus scanner to scan for viruses.
-- Disable system restore whilst scanning.
No my virus software doesn't detect anything and the TrendMicro link didn't work. I get this error message:

"Trend ActiveUpdate did not update successfully. It may result from busy server or bad network traffic.
Error Code: 7
Error String: ActiveUpdate did not receive a return code from the patch process. The update process may have terminated abnormally. The product NEEDS to retry the patch update.

Do you want to retry?"

But when I retry, it just does the exact same message above again.

SpyBot and Ad aware and CW Shredder seemed to find problems and I quarantined or erased the identified files, but it doesn't change my inability to ACCESS regedit or task manager.

Could this simply be a new as-yet-unidentified virus?

I'm stuck.

Thanks,

TNtimnugent ......Try this ....go to   http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/   ........ using another pc .....D/L stinger to a floppy disk and then run it on the infected pc .........
P.S. .........boot the infected pc into safe mode and shutdown system restore before running stinger ........
Then when its finished try to enable Norton again and do a full system scan

let us know

dl65  re-boot pc into safe mode< holdd down the f8 key on boot>.......disable net connections and scan for bugs........The only real sure way to get rid of it is to reformat. Send all of your documents and images to an online email account with lots of storage (gmail's a good one) and let their virus scan weed out bad files. Whatever you do, DO NOT back up all of your documents to disk or CD, reformat, and put them back on your hard drive, as some of those files might be infected.Nugent:

Try booting to Safe Mode and logging on as the default administrator, search for the HOSTS file, and rename it something like OLDHOSTS, but don't delete it. (The virus may have made changes to this file to prevent your system from connecting to the most popular anti-virus support Web sites.)  Then reboot to Safe Mode with networking and see if you are able to reach one of the Web sites that offer free on-line scanning:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=free+on-line+virus+scan&btnG=Google+Search

If that doesn't work, use the Avert Stinger tool that was mentioned while your system is in Safe Mode.  

If that doesn't work, see if you are able to access the Registry Editor while logged on as the default administrator in Safe Mode.  If you are, let us know.  One of us will tell you the location of the most popular keys in the registry where viruses are often located.  If you find the name of one of the files the virus uses in one of the registry keys, that will help us determine what virus has infected your system and how to eradicate it.

If you are still unable to access the registry editor, then Bliss' idea seems the best course of action, although you may be able to save some of your data and access the registry once more by doing a repair installation instead:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341

The virus may still be infecting your system after such a repair and you will have to take further action to remove it.

Regards,
Doc
Try opening regedit with the full command
regedit.exe
If it works you have probably GOT the ALCAN worm.Nugent:

And i trust you have already isolated the computer by disconnecting it from your LAN/WAN? You don't want the virus/worm to spread throughout your network, of course.

1791.

Solve : why doesn't anyone ever reply to my questions?

Answer»

Everyone replys to EVERYONES questions but mine....
read "unsolvable problem?" PLZ
I NEED HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!that was hilarious... (Sarcastic)
I'm not annoying i'm just annoyedYou know, posting a MILLION times on the same board will GET you NOWHERE... It's a MATTER is people are online... Actually, the more you try to annoy us, the more we are tempted to just leave you...

[glb]Flame[/glb]

1792.

Solve : Computer randomly shuts down HELP?

Answer»

my laptop RANDOMLY turns off during a full SCREEN game
somebody PLZ tell me what the f**k i'm meant to do!!!
I use windows xp

Email me Plz
Cheers Joe.tWho cares is RIGHT... If you KEEP on posting a million times, we won't take you seriously...

[glb]Flame[/glb]

1793.

Solve : This letter is to Raptor?

Answer»

Hey raptor, ultimate knower of all computer stuff...
you've MANAGED to answer everyones question...
exept mine...
Are you not clever enough?
are you trying to annoy me?
do you think it's funny?
I think you just don't know!
you ain't so big now o' game hope God...
You are defeaten by ONE small question...
what a shame...Noob guest guy... The noob in you is showing... Did it ever OCCUR to you that Maybe Raptor does not know the answer yet? Maybe he is researching your PROBLEM? I don't know what he's doing, but neither do you!    All I do know is that if you keep on messin with everyone, we aren't going to help you. If you insult one of us, then you insult us all.    Raptor probably knows more than anyone on this forum.. If you're saying that he's an idiot, then you're also calling the rest of us idiots, becuase he is the one who knows more. I understand that you INTENDED Raptor to reply here... However, if I see something that really pisses me off, you'll know right quick. Now it's time for you to get the *censored* out.   What a shame...

[glb]Flame[/glb]

1794.

Solve : Unsolvable proble??

Answer»

Who ever solves my problem is the most amazing person in the world, lol.
Whenever i go into a full SCREEN game such as grand theft auto, after 5 or 10 minutes my LAPTOP shuts
down, despite being plugged into the mains!!!
This is getting really annoying...  
could it be virus?
some try and help me!!!!your computer completly sucks is the only answer i can give you at the momentIt's not to do with how good my computer is... i don't think... This laptop is only 1 year old, PENTIUM 4 it is actually quite good!!!Perhaps it has to do with you being a PUTZ. Stop spamming.there is a really good comedian out there who GOES by the name of raptor...
i'm not joking....He's hilariousNot so happy with you... But... Check you heatsink, and your fans. Also scan for viruses and such. That's all I'm telling you.

[glb]Flame[/glb]

1795.

Solve : A Question on Digital Files (DivX & MP3)?

Answer»

They say theres no degradation in digitaal files like 'MP3', 'DivX'
How come PRESSED CD's, Commmercial DVD's are much better QUALITY?

Isit because the formats are compressed smaller which makes the quality worse?
Which means quality cant degrade UNLESS you reencode?

So i could listen to an MP3 and watch a movie on the pc as much as i wanted without anything happening to it? The picture would stay its same quality until i reencode?For some mind numbing descriptions of MP3 and DivX check out:

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/may00/articles/mp3.htm

http://www.answers.com/divx

Hope this helps.  Yeah thanks it did help.

Didn't have time to read all of it.
I was just wondering though, doesl istening to them more and more CAUSE the quality to go worse on DivX and MP3 or will it always stay the same?

UNLESS It's converted to mp3 being ripped from CD or if its divx being compressed from 4.7 GB to 700 MB and reencoding.

If i just have loads of divx videos on the pc though and dont reencode any of them just leave them like they are, they will not degrade in any way, right??
Unless of course they got corrupted but that would be noticable.

So they wouldnt degrade if i just watched them over and over then? Quote

I was just wondering though, doesl istening to them more and more cause the quality to go worse on DivX and MP3 or will it always stay the same?
 


Digital quality does not degrade unless the files become corrupted, altered or the medium where UPON they are stored damaged.
1796.

Solve : A DivX Movie.?

Answer»

I shouldnt really say this.
But i downloaded a film (Secret Window)
After burning it on a Taiyo Yuden DVD-R i noticed it playing really oddly on the standalone DivX DVD Player (Pioneer DV-575A)
After playing for about 10 minutes it was out of synch, 10 mins later was totally out.
FFwded it and then it was FINE until 10 minutes and so on..

Done a scan on the DISC on Nero's CD/DVD Speed and there were no jittery lines in the graph results.

Isit the DVD Player not capable of handling those particular frames properly?
I suppose i could see if thats true by watching the other films on the DVD.

Just my worry is in CASE it was a weak burn, obviously the results WOULD come up well on the Pioneer 107-D writer because it can read the media fine, but MAYBE the DVD Player can't which must mean it has a weaker laser and means it cant read the DVD properly which might have meant it was a weak burn.

Please someone tell me im wrong and tell me what it really is!!

Cheers guys.Pirate:  maybe the files are encypted?? to prevent copying?/

1797.

Solve : winxp sp2 boot-loop?

Answer»

i am RUNNING winxp pro and have updated all my drivers and bios. when i try to load sp2 i get into a boot loop.
i am running a AMD athlon 64 3200+ processor.
geforce fx 5200-8x 128meg video card.
help help if you can or have more questions.Which came first.......i have added newhardware.......or sp2 update?why have you updated the bios........did winxp fail to load?/
micro soft told me when i got in contact with them that my bios and some of my drivers were out of DATE. when i tried to load win xp sp2 again the same boot loop happened again. now they are telling me to go into safe mode without some of my drivers loaded and see if it will load again. i guess this is a process of ELIMINATION. it has been very time consuming to do this. and when i went thru this process, and eliminated. all the drivers and restarted by allowing each driver to load the last one that got me into the boot loop was the video driver. got back in contact with gforce again they ASSURED me that the driver i had was current and up to date, and should allow sp2 to load. i said it didn't and they got MAD at me. so here i sit with the same problem. searching for help. i hope this answers some questions.
waiting for your responce.
and thank for your help.
staan peltzman Quote

i said it didn't and they got mad at me


Normally I would say impossible, but hey that's Nvidia for you.

Suggestion:

1. Uninstall current Nvidia drivers
-- Use a tool such as Driver Cleaner
2. Use a registry scanner to remove any faultry entries related to the videocard drivers
3. If performance is of no importance to you, I suggest you download WDM drivers (If available)

Or

4. If performance is of importance for you, I suggest you download official Nvidia drivers.http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q322205
1798.

Solve : Why is it saving pictures as *bitmap when it's JPG?

Answer»

Whenever I want to right-Click and save a picture off of the internet, My COMPUTER only gives me the option
of either an *ART file or *bitmap.

I check the properties of the image i'm SAVING and it'll clearly say JPG or GIF, so why is my computer only GIVING me the option or ART or Bitmap? I try clicking down on the *ART option, once i'm saving the image to see if the GIF or JPG option is there, and it's not.

What gives?Have you tried saving the image, and then changing the file type? Have you tried opening the image with DIFFERENT image viewing programs?http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;810978

1799.

Solve : con not open device manager?

Answer»

i try to open DEVICE manager to update a driver and i get the error may not have permission or path does not exist,

Additional information:

i have SQL server INSTALLED i THINK that is the problem

Diagnose/troubleshooting:

i have tried EVERY thing even booting to safe mode administative still nothing there

1800.

Solve : XPpro not recognising flash disk?

Answer»

My 2 year and three months old desktop computer system started to play up. It wouldn't recognise USB printer and other devices. I TOLD the system was in need of a reformat.
I formatted the HARD drive and Reinstalled xp pro,it went without a hitch.
I installed a new pci card with 5 USB 2.0 ports, as i only had usb 1.0 ports previously.
Now the system will not recognise my thumb drive (flash disk). It installs it as a unknown device. Everything else works perfectly. INCLUDING usb printer. Usb adsl modem > usb digital camera.
I have tried all i could think of to make this thumb drive work but it will not.
Previously the thumb drive WORKED 100% on this system, and currently works 100% on any other computer running xp.
I cannot run any drivers for the thumb drive as the only ones supplied are for win 98 and xp will not read them. I updated the driver for the pci card and it made no difference.

Additional information:

Thumb drive > ASTONE 256Mb
Leadtec mother board
AMD Athlon 2000XP processor
512 RAM

Diagnose/troubleshooting:

=Updated driver for pci card
=Attempted to find a driver for ASTONE thumb drive
=Uninstalled and reinstalled all of the usb host controllers and root hubs
- tried the thumb drive in all 4 new 2.0 ports and the old 1.0 ports
-followed all WINDOWS trouble shooting advice
-did you try add new hardware.......??more info on system......make model used......Yes i tried to install new hardware but it says it cannot locate a
better driver match then the one currently available.
My computer was built by a local IT shop ad i brought it brand new a
bit over 2 years ago.
it has a Leadtek (winfast K7n415DA) motherboard, AMD Athlon 2000XP
processor, 512 RAM, 40 gig Western digital IDE hard drive, Win XP pro.
I have 2 x USB 1.0 ports from the mother board and 5 x USB 2.0 using
PCI card.
What other information should i supply?
Thanks