Random Tech Questions

[StanUpshaw]

Can't you just drag the movie window onto one monitor and drag the browser window into the other?

That's how mine has always worked.

[Snacks]

Yes. A lot of programs have a Theater mode you can use. It will play your video fullscreen on the television for you, allowing you to work on your other monitor. On one of my systems, I hook the computer to a television using HDMI and make sure to use the HDMI audio feature so it passes sound (either plain stereo or digital surround) to the device.

I just figured out how to use it with the extend mode. Basically I open up the movie or whatever I want to play in my monitor and then drag it over to the plasma. It then plays on my plasma while leaving my monitor looking and functioning like a separate computer! Only problem is my sound is coming through my computer speakers. I want the sound to come through my plasma speakers. I have no problem turning off my computer speakers but I still cant figure out how to hook my tv up to my desktop for sound. The desktop is hdmi ready so Im using a dvi to hdmi which is giving me perfect picture quality but I cant get the speakers to pick up the sound! I tried to plug a 3.5 m audio into the tv and the desktop but that didnt work!

[Snacks]

Can't you just drag the movie window onto one monitor and drag the browser window into the other?

That's how mine has always worked.

Yes thats what I decided to do, you must have written this while i was explaining that I figured it out. Before I was dragging the file over then clicking to open it. I then opened it then dragged it over and thats how I figured it out!

[StanUpshaw]

Before I was dragging the file over then clicking to open it.

Awwwww. You remind me of my grandma. :wub:

[Snacks]

Awwwww. You remind me of my grandma. :wub:

lol at least I figured it out on my own within minutes!

I actually thought you could great 2 separate desktops but this works just as well.

[PapaBear]

I have a laptop I'm trying to install an operating system on. Neither Windows or Linux will install. I Googled the various error codes that Windows gave me, and most of the forums I found say it's a bad drive. If I remove the drive, and put it in a USB enclosure, it works for storage. I've tried formatting it as both Primary and Logical. Neither way helps. Is it possible for a drive to work for storage, but still be defective to the point that you can't install an OS on it?
I bought a new drive for the laptop. I'm still getting the same error message. Could it be that the DVD drive is bad? Other possible remedies said it could be a damaged install disc, but I've tried several different discs. Could the DVD drive be reading the discs wrong?

[StanUpshaw]

There are a lot of utilities now that allow you to take a system ISO and create a bootable thumb drive. I have no idea what the problem might be, but you could at least eliminate the DVD drive as a variable.

[PapaBear]

Good idea.

[zentraed]

I bought a new drive for the laptop. I'm still getting the same error message. Could it be that the DVD drive is bad? Other possible remedies said it could be a damaged install disc, but I've tried several different discs. Could the DVD drive be reading the discs wrong?

Can you post the error codes and your laptop model?

[zentraed]

I just figured out how to use it with the extend mode. Basically I open up the movie or whatever I want to play in my monitor and then drag it over to the plasma. It then plays on my plasma while leaving my monitor looking and functioning like a separate computer! Only problem is my sound is coming through my computer speakers. I want the sound to come through my plasma speakers. I have no problem turning off my computer speakers but I still cant figure out how to hook my tv up to my desktop for sound. The desktop is hdmi ready so Im using a dvi to hdmi which is giving me perfect picture quality but I cant get the speakers to pick up the sound! I tried to plug a 3.5 m audio into the tv and the desktop but that didnt work!

Windows 7/Vista? If so right-click on the speaker icon by your clock and choose playback devices. You can change your default device from there. Also, most media player software allows you to choose your playback device without having to change it for your whole system.

If you're hooking your plasma up to your computer with any sort of DVI adapter, then it's not going to transmit the sound anymore. Most of the time, if a television has a 3.5mm input, it's linked to the PC (VGA) input.

[Snacks]

Windows 7/Vista? If so right-click on the speaker icon by your clock and choose playback devices. You can change your default device from there. Also, most media player software allows you to choose your playback device without having to change it for your whole system.

If you're hooking your plasma up to your computer with any sort of DVI adapter, then it's not going to transmit the sound anymore. Most of the time, if a television has a 3.5mm input, it's linked to the PC (VGA) input.

Yeah I figured it out a couple of days ago. The reason I wasnt getting sound and the reason the 3.5 mm plug wasnt working was I had to use the hdmi1/ dvi source/input. I was using another input and that didnt allow the sound to work. But after playing around with it I got it and it now works perfectly.

Thanks anyway I appreciate it!

[Chigworthy]

Printer problems:

We bought an Epson Artisan 800 about 2 years ago or so. It cost about $250 bucks but it was going to be the printer we needed: able to print nice colorful glossies and the occasional document, also being able to copy, scan, fax. Well we fund that we barely used the thing. I think we may have printed something once, copied two documents, and fucked around with the scanner once. Wifi was of course a bitch and didn't ever work with my wife's laptop. After a month or so, we moved it and left it unplugged for about 6 months as we didn't need to use it for anything for that long.

Well the day came where we needed to print something. I fired it up and it took about 10 minutes for the parts to stop moving. Wi fi was busted completely, so I had to transfer the document with a thumbdrive to the printer. But the printer only reads image files off of the thumb drive, which makes complete sense (because document file types are so much more numerous and complex than images). So I had to USB the bitch to my computer. This caused 10 more minutes of anonymous machinic whirring. While printing finally, there was a jam. I cleared the jam, and then the next one that jammed as well. The second jammed paper had somehow had a strip of accordion paper flayed out of it, so I tracked that down in the works and removed it. The next attempt resulted in a big ink stain on the middle of the paper and smeared all over the inside of the printer. Repeated attempts resulted in simplistic Rorschach images. I called Epson help and spoke with "Barry" the friendly Hindi who said that he would send me a "new" replacement and that I was to return the broken printer in the same shipping box within 7 days of receiving it, which I did.

At this point, we were in another era where we did not use the printer. After about 6 more months passed, and we needed it again. It fired up fine, everything seemed ok. The replacement came with a bundle of new ink cartridges (this fucking thing takes 6 [!!!!] different cartridges). The printer refused to print a black text document because the fucking magenta cartridge was empty. So rather than lose my temper any more, I unplugged the asshole and we made do without printing our document.

Last week, about 6 months more time having passed, my wife needed to print a glossy color photo for a class. So we went to Best Buy to get all new ink cartridges. What a surprise to find out that the 5 color cartridges come bundled together for a pittance of 60$, and the black ones come in bundles of 2 for 20$. So for a paltry 80$ plus California-ass tax, we went home. I replaced all of the cartridges. The replacement printer did the 10 minutes of warming up calisthenics that we were so used to. Glossy paper jammed and was wasted. We finally got it to print and it was obvious that it had printed about 1 inch off center, which I can only imagine that there was 8.5" x 1" of ink slopped inside the fucking thing. After that one print, the printer stated that the ink cartridges were empty.

So my random tech question is this: The next time we go to the ranch, should we just have general target practice with this thing or should I try and get some tannerite and really recoup the 350$ and priceless anguish that this thing has cost us?

Fuck you Epson, never again.

[StanUpshaw]

It took me about three months of owning an inkjet printer to decide I'll never own one again.

[zentraed]

It took me about three months of owning an inkjet printer to decide I'll never own one again.

In the last 13 years, I've used two laser printers for personal use. This 16 year old HP Laserjet 5P is still going strong, and I can't remember the last time I changed the toner cartridge. I hate inkjets. I rarely print anything and never need color.

[PapaBear]

Can you post the error codes and your laptop model?
It's an ancient Averatec that I want to use as an over sized netbook. It's a very handy and lightweight little laptop.

As it turns out, I found the problem. With newer laptops, I can usually pop in a new hard drive with no problem. With this one, I had to put the drive in an external enclosure, and format (using MiniTool Partiion Wizard) before I could get it to work.

StanUpshaw's idea of the bootable flash drive would have worked on new comps, but this one only supported USB FFD. But I did file that advice away in the back of my mind for future work.

[Snacks]

What email management software is best for desktop management and pop3 access of all accounts?

I know many use outlook, pegasis and thunderbolt, any others?

Which one allows you to use many different pop3 all at the same time or has the best features?

What is the best and user friendliest of them all?

[StanUpshaw]

THIS (http://ronfez.net/forums/showthread.php?t=90937) thread reminded me of something I've been wondering about. Is a solid state hard drive mostly beneficial for gamers? I don't do any gaming at all. But I do a lot of photo editing, and have started playing with video editing. Also... If you use one, do you mostly just put your operating system and programs on it, and use your secondary drive for storing files?

In other words, what are the best reasons for having one?

I finally got around to putting a system on the SSD I bought, and I have to say it's the best 85 bucks I've ever spent.

It's like I have a whole new computer. BUY ONE NOW.

[PapaBear]

I finally got around to putting a system on the SSD I bought, and I have to say it's the best 85 bucks I've ever spent.

It's like I have a whole new computer. BUY ONE NOW.
Someone recently told me there are hybrid drives now. Just enough SSD space to hold your operating system, and the rest is HHD. He said the benefit is that they are much cheaper. I am planning on getting an SSD, but I'm going to wait until after Christmas. I have a feeling they'll be cheaper then.

[StanUpshaw]

I guess if you only have room for one drive...otherwise I don't see the point.

[PapaBear]

I guess if you only have room for one drive...otherwise I don't see the point.
He said it was cheap. I didn't ask how much.

[StanUpshaw]

The only one I see on Newegg costs 150 and only has 4 GB of flash space:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148591

[PapaBear]

Well then... He's a douche.

[PapaBear]

I ordered an 80GB SDD. It arrives tomorrow. I have a problem, though. I need all of my music, photos, documents and video to default to my D drive, so they don't take up space on the SSD. I moved my music there months ago, but forgot how I did it. Looking around, I found that I need to go to the properties of those folders and click the "location" tab. This worked for "My Documents". But when I click properties for photos and videos, there is no "location" tab. Also, "My Documents" is still on the C drive in addition to the D drive.

I'd like to start over, and move the entire "Users" folder to the D drive. Can this be done?

Edit: After some messing around, I'm able to see the "location" tab on Music, Documents, Videos, Favorites, Downloads, and Virtual Machines (which I don't use anymore). But I still can't see it with Pics.

[StanUpshaw]

Congrats -- you won't regret it.

I don't know how to change the location of those folders, but I also don't use them for anything. The only stuff that goes in there is stuff like program files, "roaming data", saved games, etc. And since applications access those all the time, you'd probably want to keep those on the SSD.

Just store media in a different location. Is there a problem I'm not seeing?

[StanUpshaw]

I have a weird issue. For months my cable modem has been giving me fits. If I started pulling more than about 1 MB/sec, the fucker would disconnect. It would reconnect immediately afterward, but it was annoying as all fuck.

Today it started to disconnect at even lower speeds. I couldn't even play a game online without it disconnecting.

So I figured the fucking thing was toast, and that I'd have to schedule a tech to come out, which I try to avoid at all costs. Anyway, the fucker disconnects again, and I get pissed off, I pick up the modem and slam it on the desk a few times.

So far I've downloaded a couple of gigs at full speed and it's stayed connected the whole time. The only thing I can come up with is that perhaps it had been overheating, and maybe I knocked some dust off? Fucking bizarre.

[StanUpshaw]

I owe an apology to TripleSkeet. Spanking does work!

[PapaBear]

Congrats -- you won't regret it.
Yup. I'm still changing stuff and all, but so far, I fucking love it! I paid $160 and it has an $80 mail in rebate. Most of my programs are now on my D drive. I'm keeping my photo and video editing software, and security software on the SSD. I love how fast those programs are operating now.

EDIT: Oh... And an extra $10 off my next Newegg purchase, so it's essentially $70.

[Snacks]

Can one of you tell me what is so great about this drive and why get it? Im really interested because papa and stan are really excited by this and i love learning or finding new shit out about computers. if you guys have info or a link that is for dummies post it. Thanks

[JPMNICK]

I have a weird issue. For months my cable modem has been giving me fits. If I started pulling more than about 1 MB/sec, the fucker would disconnect. It would reconnect immediately afterward, but it was annoying as all fuck.

Today it started to disconnect at even lower speeds. I couldn't even play a game online without it disconnecting.

So I figured the fucking thing was toast, and that I'd have to schedule a tech to come out, which I try to avoid at all costs. Anyway, the fucker disconnects again, and I get pissed off, I pick up the modem and slam it on the desk a few times.

So far I've downloaded a couple of gigs at full speed and it's stayed connected the whole time. The only thing I can come up with is that perhaps it had been overheating, and maybe I knocked some dust off? Fucking bizarre.

Do you have comcast?

[PapaBear]

Can one of you tell me what is so great about this drive and why get it? Im really interested because papa and stan are really excited by this and i love learning or finding new shit out about computers. if you guys have info or a link that is for dummies post it. Thanks
When you run your OS and apps such as games and heavy duty things like editing on them, everything is much must faster. There are other benefits, but those are the ones that matter to me the most. I am also liking the lack of noise, and I'm pretty sure they use a lot less electricity too.

[Snacks]

When you run your OS and apps such as games and heavy duty things like editing on them, everything is much must faster. There are other benefits, but those are the ones that matter to me the most. I am also liking the lack of noise, and I'm pretty sure they use a lot less electricity too.

thanks!

[disneyspy]

i have a new mp4 player and i want to put digital movies that come with blurays,installed the diivice driver,but when i plug in the player it doesnt show up anywhere that i can see,pease help

[disneyspy]

wait i may need to restart,bbs

[disneyspy]

i got the first season of the sopranos on it right now,looks and sounds fuckin great

[cougarjake13]

My computer flashed the blue screen of death and now it only let's me get to a system recovery tool page but
Won't let me do anything to fix it

Anyone have any ideas ?

Thanks

[disneyspy]

My computer flashed the blue screen of death and now it only let's me get to a system recovery tool page but
Won't let me do anything to fix it

Anyone have any ideas ?

Thanks

is it a laptop?

[cougarjake13]

Yes

[disneyspy]

did you try unplugging it and taking the battery out for 15 minutes?

thats all i know how to do to fix shit

[cougarjake13]

No it said that I installed something recently that caused this and I need to do system recovery to set comp back to an
Earlier date where comp was fine but it won't let me do it

I recently updated adobe acrobat

[disneyspy]

No it said that I installed something recently that caused this and I need to do system recovery to set comp back to an
Earlier date where comp was fine but it won't let me do it

I recently updated adobe acrobat

can you uninstall that program then do a reboot?

[cougarjake13]

It won't even let me get that far

[cougarjake13]

I guess I gotta bring it to geek squad or something like that

[disneyspy]

this from yahoo answers


System restore is the first line of restoration.
The second line is last good configuration.
The third line is system restore in safe mode.
The fourth line is repair from your disk recovery console.
The fifth line is a format with clean install.

[cougarjake13]

Well when it first starts up it for a quick second goes to my input password page then goes black and says system recovery recommended or go to start up page
Going to start up page just brings me bac to the black screen and those two options clicking on system recovery it goes through an analysis and says startup system
Recovery not able to be completed

And that's where I'm stuck it won't let me go to safe mode or anything else

[disneyspy]

did you try taking the battery out for 15 minutes?

[cougarjake13]

I can but what would that do

[disneyspy]

just try it

[cougarjake13]

Ok will try

[cougarjake13]

I opened up the back of it and it doesn't look like it slides out easily it's all screwed in and I don't wanna fuck with it when I don't know what I'm doing

[disneyspy]

well i've done all i can

[StanUpshaw]

Have you tried slamming it on the desk? I'm having lots of success with that.

[cougarjake13]

No

[cougarjake13]

well i've done all i can



I appreciate the help budday

[cougarjake13]

Now I can't even get it to turn on and I plugged in charger and charger light doesn't even come on

WTF!!!!!

[PapaBear]

I think with the taking the battery out thing, you're actually supposed to take the battery out, then hold the power button for something like 30-60 seconds.

[PapaBear]

I opened up the back of it and it doesn't look like it slides out easily it's all screwed in and I don't wanna fuck with it when I don't know what I'm doing
I've never heard of having to open up the back and taking out screws to remove your battery. What the hell kind of laptop is this?

[cougarjake13]

I've never heard of having to open up the back and taking out screws to remove your battery. What the hell kind of laptop is this?



hp netbook


well after a few tries it finally let me reset it all back to when i first got it out of box


so its working now

[PapaBear]

OH, a NETBOOK! I've never worked on one, but I can see how those tiny things could have a battery that's hard to remove.

I'm glad you were able to restore it. Make sure you get your updates and install certain security programs before you start doing a bunch of web surfing with it. Besides antivirus, I think a good way to start (given the limited space on a netbook) would be Advanced System Care (free version). There are other good ones too, but that's an easy to use one that is pretty effective. Let me know if you want other (free) suggestions that I put on most computers.

[Snacks]

OH, a NETBOOK! I've never worked on one, but I can see how those tiny things could have a battery that's hard to remove.

I'm glad you were able to restore it. Make sure you get your updates and install certain security programs before you start doing a bunch of web surfing with it. Besides antivirus, I think a good way to start (given the limited space on a netbook) would be Advanced System Care (free version). There are other good ones too, but that's an easy to use one that is pretty effective. Let me know if you want other (free) suggestions that I put on most computers.

what else do you use?

[disneyspy]

i use malwarebytes and microsoft security essentials,both free and good

[PapaBear]

what else do you use?
spybot search and destroy, malwarebytes ccleaner and my antivirus is avast.

[Snacks]

spybot search and destroy, malwarebytes ccleaner and my antivirus is avast.

i use avast too, i like it best of all the free virus software.

[cougarjake13]

OH, a NETBOOK! I've never worked on one, but I can see how those tiny things could have a battery that's hard to remove.

I'm glad you were able to restore it. Make sure you get your updates and install certain security programs before you start doing a bunch of web surfing with it. Besides antivirus, I think a good way to start (given the limited space on a netbook) would be Advanced System Care (free version). There are other good ones too, but that's an easy to use one that is pretty effective. Let me know if you want other (free) suggestions that I put on most computers.

i got a free one from my cable provider by CA associates

[Snacks]

does anyone know how to make a program run via a thumb drive? I read somewhere a while a go and have even seen it done where people have programs installed onto a thumb drive and when they plug it in to a computer the program works and does what its supposed to without installing it onto the computer. I think its called a ready run or something like that? I have been using a program to analyze computers and I hate installing it and then running it and then uninstalling it. Im almost positive there is a way and that many computer repair guys do something like this so they dont have to install everything all the time they just put a couple of programs they use on a thumb drive and run them rather then install them?

[Snacks]

does anyone know how to make a program run via a thumb drive? I read somewhere a while a go and have even seen it done where people have programs installed onto a thumb drive and when they plug it in to a computer the program works and does what its supposed to without installing it onto the computer. I think its called a ready run or something like that? I have been using a program to analyze computers and I hate installing it and then running it and then uninstalling it. Im almost positive there is a way and that many computer repair guys do something like this so they dont have to install everything all the time they just put a couple of programs they use on a thumb drive and run them rather then install them?

I hate to quote myself but after trying to learn how to do this and months of searching I think I finally found something that could word. I figured if it does maybe some of you tech repair guys could give it a try to make your lives easier. Im going to try this out in the next few days but if anyone else does post your thoughts.

http://www.pendriveapps.com/software/build-your-own/

[hanso]

does anyone know how to make a program run via a thumb drive? I read somewhere a while a go and have even seen it done where people have programs installed onto a thumb drive and when they plug it in to a computer the program works and does what its supposed to without installing it onto the computer. I think its called a ready run or something like that? I have been using a program to analyze computers and I hate installing it and then running it and then uninstalling it. Im almost positive there is a way and that many computer repair guys do something like this so they dont have to install everything all the time they just put a couple of programs they use on a thumb drive and run them rather then install them?

Most apps I use for desktop are portable they don't install but make temp files. I do have XP as OS however. I like it that way for what you have said and my stuff is old, seems to help it run.

[zentraed]

does anyone know how to make a program run via a thumb drive? I read somewhere a while a go and have even seen it done where people have programs installed onto a thumb drive and when they plug it in to a computer the program works and does what its supposed to without installing it onto the computer. I think its called a ready run or something like that? I have been using a program to analyze computers and I hate installing it and then running it and then uninstalling it. Im almost positive there is a way and that many computer repair guys do something like this so they dont have to install everything all the time they just put a couple of programs they use on a thumb drive and run them rather then install them?

The general term is "portable". Check out http://www.portableapps.com, and specifically this tool (http://portableapps.com/news/2010-06-30_-_portableapps.com_launcher_2.0) which might allow you to create a portable version of your app. Plenty of other links to explore if you google "make portable apps" too.

[Snacks]

The general term is "portable". Check out http://www.portableapps.com, and specifically this tool (http://portableapps.com/news/2010-06-30_-_portableapps.com_launcher_2.0) which might allow you to create a portable version of your app. Plenty of other links to explore if you google "make portable apps" too.

is there a huge difference between this site and the one i posted? i will be giving both a try myself as well.

[Snacks]

Most apps I use for desktop are portable they don't install but make temp files. I do have XP as OS however. I like it that way for what you have said and my stuff is old, seems to help it run.

The general term is "portable". Check out http://www.portableapps.com, and specifically this tool (http://portableapps.com/news/2010-06-30_-_portableapps.com_launcher_2.0) which might allow you to create a portable version of your app. Plenty of other links to explore if you google "make portable apps" too.

the site I found seems to be pretty much like all the portable sites.

thanks guys!

have any of you used data recovery software? i have tried many free versions but none seem to work as I hope they would. it seems they find stuff you arent looking for and nothing is labeled the way you had it labeled before deleting it. any good data recovery software any of you would recommend and any hints on how to actually use it and find things easier?

[hanso]

the site I found seems to be pretty much like all the portable sites.

thanks guys!

have any of you used data recovery software? i have tried many free versions but none seem to work as I hope they would. it seems they find stuff you arent looking for and nothing is labeled the way you had it labeled before deleting it. any good data recovery software any of you would recommend and any hints on how to actually use it and find things easier?

Someone asked the same thing on here some pages back if I remember right and there was some app/apps posted.

[Snacks]

Someone asked the same thing on here some pages back if I remember right and there was some app/apps posted.

so you are going to make me work for it? :thumbdown::help::dry:

[PigShitIrish]

Hey guys, I wanted to see if anyone here can help me with my laptop problem before I have to send it away to get fixed. I've tried online and phone help with no success.

One day about 3 weeks ago, I was not able to access the internet. I can not access any wireless networks and cannot connect even with a direct hook up to my modem. When I try to access a wireless network. I get a no connections available signal and when I try to trouble shoot it, the reply is "Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter"

I don't know how it happened. Maybe somebody was playing around with it and accidentally deleted a driver or something. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks buddays!

[JPMNICK]

Hey guys, I wanted to see if anyone here can help me with my laptop problem before I have to send it away to get fixed. I've tried online and phone help with no success.

One day about 3 weeks ago, I was not able to access the internet. I can not access any wireless networks and cannot connect even with a direct hook up to my modem. When I try to access a wireless network. I get a no connections available signal and when I try to trouble shoot it, the reply is "Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter"

I don't know how it happened. Maybe somebody was playing around with it and accidentally deleted a driver or something. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks buddays!

what type of laptop is it?

[cougarjake13]

Hey guys, I wanted to see if anyone here can help me with my laptop problem before I have to send it away to get fixed. I've tried online and phone help with no success.

One day about 3 weeks ago, I was not able to access the internet. I can not access any wireless networks and cannot connect even with a direct hook up to my modem. When I try to access a wireless network. I get a no connections available signal and when I try to trouble shoot it, the reply is "Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter"

I don't know how it happened. Maybe somebody was playing around with it and accidentally deleted a driver or something. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks buddays!


Did you happen by chance to hit off the Wi-Fi button I've done that a few times

[StanUpshaw]

Hey guys, I wanted to see if anyone here can help me with my laptop problem before I have to send it away to get fixed. I've tried online and phone help with no success.

One day about 3 weeks ago, I was not able to access the internet. I can not access any wireless networks and cannot connect even with a direct hook up to my modem. When I try to access a wireless network. I get a no connections available signal and when I try to trouble shoot it, the reply is "Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter"

I don't know how it happened. Maybe somebody was playing around with it and accidentally deleted a driver or something. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks buddays!

You can get a tiny USB wifi receiver for like 15 bucks. I'd try one of those before spending a bunch of cash to try fix the thing.

Something like this. (http://www.amazon.com/D-Link-DWA-131-Wireless-N-Adapter-802-11b/dp/B002VJL0OI/)

[Snacks]

Hey guys, I wanted to see if anyone here can help me with my laptop problem before I have to send it away to get fixed. I've tried online and phone help with no success.

One day about 3 weeks ago, I was not able to access the internet. I can not access any wireless networks and cannot connect even with a direct hook up to my modem. When I try to access a wireless network. I get a no connections available signal and when I try to trouble shoot it, the reply is "Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter"

I don't know how it happened. Maybe somebody was playing around with it and accidentally deleted a driver or something. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks buddays!

you could look for the driver on the site of whatever laptop you have. I doubt thats the problem this happened to a computer I was fixing and it was the actual built in wireless card. it was cheaper and easier to get a usb wireless card/thumbdrive. you can get 1 for under $20 maybe even as low as $10 on ebay.

[JPMNICK]

you could look for the driver on the site of whatever laptop you have. I doubt thats the problem this happened to a computer I was fixing and it was the actual built in wireless card. it was cheaper and easier to get a usb wireless card/thumbdrive. you can get 1 for under $20 maybe even as low as $10 on ebay.


that is why I was asking what model he had. most have a service tag where you can re-download the driver. it may be corrupted

[PapaBear]

You can get a tiny USB wifi receiver for like 15 bucks. I'd try one of those before spending a bunch of cash to try fix the thing.

Something like this. (http://www.amazon.com/D-Link-DWA-131-Wireless-N-Adapter-802-11b/dp/B002VJL0OI/)

This

that is why I was asking what model he had. most have a service tag where you can re-download the driver. it may be corrupted

or this.

[PapaBear]

I first posted this in another thread...

I've had late night Internet problems the past couple of nights. It's really difficult to tell if my Internet is slow, or if it's just rf.net being slow. GRRRR!!! Time to do a speed test.

I did the test. 1.05/4.93. That sucks! It has been starting right around midnight for three nights in a row. The first night, it was super slow, then it was completely gone for several hours. They said there was no problem in my area and I should take the modem back. But when it came back, the speed was fine.

Last night, I didn't completely lose my connection, but it was still slow for a couple of hours. Then it was fine.

Now it's slow again starting at midnight. What the FUCK is going on?

[disneyspy]

sounds like someones stealing bandwidth from you

i bet its that damn goldilocks

[PapaBear]

sounds like someones stealing bandwidth from you

i bet its that damn goldilocks
I don't think there's anyone around me with the smarts to do that. Plus, pretty much every house around me already has their own connection. There's only three house within a 100 food radius, and all three have their own connection.

Oh... And they are all "normal". They sleep at night.

EDIT: And now it's up to 2.37/5.70. What the fuck?

[JPMNICK]

I don't think there's anyone around me with the smarts to do that. Plus, pretty much every house around me already has their own connection. There's only three house within a 100 food radius, and all three have their own connection.

Oh... And they are all "normal". They sleep at night.

EDIT: And now it's up to 2.37/5.70. What the fuck?

what type of provider is it? if it is cable it can just be normal congestion

[PapaBear]

what type of provider is it? if it is cable it can just be normal congestion
It's Comcast. But I don't see how it could be normal congestion, three nights in row, after midnight. I think they are fucking with stuff and not telling anyone. They are notorious for that. There have been many times when the connection has been down at night. When I call, I get a recording that says "We are performing scheduled maintenance to improve your performance". That's all fine and good, but if it's "scheduled" it would be nice if they could inform their customers of this schedule ahead of time.

[sailor]

It's Comcast. But I don't see how it could be normal congestion, three nights in row, after midnight. I think they are fucking with stuff and not telling anyone. They are notorious for that. There have been many times when the connection has been down at night. When I call, I get a recording that says "We are performing scheduled maintenance to improve your performance". That's all fine and good, but if it's "scheduled" it would be nice if they could inform their customers of this schedule ahead of time.

maybe they're turning shit off when they close shop for the night.

[Snacks]

I don't think there's anyone around me with the smarts to do that. Plus, pretty much every house around me already has their own connection. There's only three house within a 100 food radius, and all three have their own connection.

Oh... And they are all "normal". They sleep at night.

EDIT: And now it's up to 2.37/5.70. What the fuck?

i noticed this before at night. maybe they lower the amount of bandwidth at night when they are updating their equipment or doing work at night on the fiber-optics?:

[PapaBear]

maybe they're turning shit off when they close shop for the night.
I think it's more like, they just haven't found the "make the customer happy" switch.

[zentraed]

the site I found seems to be pretty much like all the portable sites.

thanks guys!

have any of you used data recovery software? i have tried many free versions but none seem to work as I hope they would. it seems they find stuff you arent looking for and nothing is labeled the way you had it labeled before deleting it. any good data recovery software any of you would recommend and any hints on how to actually use it and find things easier?

I used to have a paid app that was really good at undeleting files, but I can't remember what it's called right now. The most important thing is to stop writing new data to the drive as soon as you realize your error, and then run your recovery and try to restore to a different disk.

For hard drive recovery, I use a program called TestDisk, and for most of my undeletes today, I just use the Previous Versions feature in Windows. Right-click on a folder, select Properties, then click on the Previous Versions tab.

[Snacks]

I used to have a paid app that was really good at undeleting files, but I can't remember what it's called right now. The most important thing is to stop writing new data to the drive as soon as you realize your error, and then run your recovery and try to restore to a different disk.

For hard drive recovery, I use a program called TestDisk, and for most of my undeletes today, I just use the Previous Versions feature in Windows. Right-click on a folder, select Properties, then click on the Previous Versions tab.


I found testdisk in a portable version. it had different downloads for different os and 1 for every os except win 7 64 bit. thats odd.

[PigShitIrish]

that is why I was asking what model he had. most have a service tag where you can re-download the driver. it may be corrupted

I appreciate everybody's suggestions. It's a HP ProBook 4525s. I couldn't figure out what exact driver to download from the website and the online support specialist couldn't give me an answer either.

[PapaBear]

Turns out the modem WAS bad. Exchanged it today. All is well again.

[sailor]

Turns out the modem WAS bad. Exchanged it today. All is well again.

but only at night?

[PapaBear]

but only at night?
All good all the time. Actually, I've been doing some research. Over the next few months, Comcast is phasing out there
DOCSIS 2.0 modems for DOCSIS 3.0 modems. I'd never heard of this. In any case, the old one was 2.0. The new one is 3.0. Things are running faster than before I had the problem in the first place.

Believe it or not... RF.net actually runs fast.

[sailor]

All good all the time. Actually, I've been doing some research. Over the next few months, Comcast is phasing out there
DOCSIS 2.0 modems for DOCSIS 3.0 modems. I'd never heard of this. In any case, the old one was 2.0. The new one is 3.0. Things are running faster than before I had the problem in the first place.

Believe it or not... RF.net actually runs fast.

i just meant the problems with the old modem were only at night.

[PapaBear]

i just meant the problems with the old modem were only at night.
It's hard to tell. I mostly use it at night. There have been some problems during the day the past week, but I haven't used it enough to be sure. I generally start using the it heavily after 10PM. It would start out fine, and get progressively worse.

When the first major problem happened, it went out completely at night, but came back several hours later. When it went out completely last night, it stayed completely out until mid morning. That's when I did the modem change. Today was the first time the Internet was completely gone during the day.

[StanUpshaw]

It's hard to tell. I mostly use it at night.

Mostly.

[PapaBear]

Yes. That's what I said.

[PapaBear]

.

[PapaBear]

When using my Comcast DVR to pause live programing, it sometimes suddenly skips ahead to the current live spot, and won't let me rewind to see what I just missed. For instance... I'm watching a movie that's being shown on a network or cable channel. I've built up ten minutes or so of paused time. Then all of the sudden, it skips ten minutes ahead.

Is this just a problem with this particular unit? My dad says this never happens to him on his DVR. Think swapping the box for a new one will do the trick?

[Chigworthy]

When using my Comcast DVR to pause live programing, it sometimes suddenly skips ahead to the current live spot, and won't let me rewind to see what I just missed. For instance... I'm watching a movie that's being shown on a network or cable channel. I've built up ten minutes or so of paused time. Then all of the sudden, it skips ten minutes ahead.

Is this just a problem with this particular unit? My dad says this never happens to him on his DVR. Think swapping the box for a new one will do the trick?

Comcast is the poor man's Skeet Ulrich of cable companies.

[Snacks]

When using my Comcast DVR to pause live programing, it sometimes suddenly skips ahead to the current live spot, and won't let me rewind to see what I just missed. For instance... I'm watching a movie that's being shown on a network or cable channel. I've built up ten minutes or so of paused time. Then all of the sudden, it skips ten minutes ahead.

Is this just a problem with this particular unit? My dad says this never happens to him on his DVR. Think swapping the box for a new one will do the trick?

i have had this happen to me the only thing that has fixed it at times was going up 1 channel and then going right back what im watching. as long as your dvr auto records every channel you watch and record multi channel you wont lose the previous channel.

[PapaBear]

i have had this happen to me the only thing that has fixed it at times was going up 1 channel and then going right back what im watching. as long as your dvr auto records every channel you watch and record multi channel you wont lose the previous channel.
Mine doesn't do that. Unless you've set it up to record something, once you leave a channel, you start fresh when you go back to the previous channel.

[Manning, Esq.]

I put old RFs onto my BBerry, using it as an .mp3 player: Save Target As>E:music. I dooz it via USB from my laptop. My phone's for phone only. No data. Till a couple months ago, never took more than ten minutes, often much faster at ~300kb/sec. I use entry-level AT&T DSL. Nothing's changed.

Recently, it's taking 90+ minutes at 7-8kb/sec. Swapped USB cables. Checked D/L speed via speakeasy.com. Tried just D/L to laptop rather than to phone. No malware or similar issues detected (I clean, daily).

Any troubleshooting tips?

[disneyspy]

i follow fringeonfox got this tweet

FRINGEonFOX FRINGE
Watch a preview of the next all-new episode of #fringe “Making Angels” - FRI @ 9/8c. Presented by Nissan LEAF: bit.ly/Fringe_LEAF

shokewaveflash crashed- WTF does that even mean? i want to watch this preview!

[Snacks]

what email retrievers do people use? Outlook, modzilla, pegasus etc ? Which one is the best and which one is the easiest to set up and allows multiple accounts/email addresses?

[KnoxHarrington]

what email retrievers do people use? Outlook, modzilla, pegasus etc ? Which one is the best and which one is the easiest to set up and allows multiple accounts/email addresses?

Personally, I use the built in mail app for Mac, which is pretty good. At this point, however, I almost don't see the need for an external client, since web mail sites (especially gmail) are getting so good. I guess bringing multiple emails into the same place is the last real reason for it.

[underdog]

Personally, I use the built in mail app for Mac, which is pretty good. At this point, however, I almost don't see the need for an external client, since web mail sites (especially gmail) are getting so good. I guess bringing multiple emails into the same place is the last real reason for it.

But you can even do that with gmail.

[PapaBear]

Short of having an extra cpu to swap out, is there any way to determine if a laptop mobo is bad, the cpu is bad, or both? I know it's one or the other, or possibly both. When I try to boot, the fan runs, but there are no system beeps and no video. It will also attempt to run the optical drive and or hard drive.

I got to this point when trying a crazy intentional overheating procedure that is talked about all over the web, when dealing with a GPU issue on certain HP laptops. It's a very common problem with the DV6000 and DV9000 models. There was a class action lawsuit and shit.

The first few times, I tried overheating it, the problem would be fixed. But the next time I would try to restart, the problem would be back. I think doing the overheating method so many times must have eventually fried the mobo... or the CPU... or both.

I can get a new mobo pretty cheap. I can get a CPU pretty cheap. But I'd like to avoid buying both.

[ozzie]

I debated on putting this in the "curse you audible" thread, but thought I'd try here first.

I have an Inno XM receiver. I also download the RnF shows to it via Audible in their audio format. (Forgive my ignorance, but I have no idea what format that is)

I had the car kit installed in my vehicle years ago, and it's worked great. The "dock" is hard wired in, so I just tune to a FM station and use the controls on the Inno. I can listen to live XM, "my music", as well as my "Audible Books".

Question is...

I was in a vehicle with an "AUX Jack" and a USB port. When I ran my Inno through the USB port, it only saw two old RnF shows that I'd downloaded, I'm guessing in MP3 format. But while plugged in through the USB, I lost any functionality on the Inno itself. I couldn't change "mode", or get to my Audible stuff to even see if it would read / play.

The Inno didn't come with any "AUX" cord that I've found in the old boxes, or that I remember. But I was wondering if I could run a cord from my headphone jack to the "AUX jack" in the vehicle, and still have the controls on the Inno?

Yes, I'm really this ignorant when it comes to this crap. I'm 8 years behind cell phone technology, and have never even owned an iPod. I know how my Inno has worked as a portable device, and through my car with the car kit. That's about it. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[ozzie]

...I was wondering if I could run a cord from my headphone jack to the "AUX jack" in the vehicle, and still have the controls on the Inno?

That worked. Thanks tho.

I have to run the volume all the way up on my Inno, and remember to turn it down before I put my headphones back in (yikes), but other than that, it plays fine through the car stereo.

This way I can pause the buddays when I get in and out of the car from the device controls. I wouldn't have been able to do that just playing the shows in mp3 format through the USB device.

The only thing is keeping the Inno charged. This is the first I've ever seen in a vehicle, but there's a 120v outlet in the back, so I'm able to run my home/office Inno charger cord and dock in the car when I need it.

[seabiscuit10]

On a separate INNO question, my new laptop is running Windows 7, 64 bit. I use to have XM2GO manager on my PC to delete files on the INNO.
I record R&F daily, and then delete the any file that was less than 2 minutes, basically deleting any commercials.

I cannot find a program that will perform the same function on a Windows 7.
I did try Rhapsody, but it does not give me access to the recordings of Ron and Fez.

The XM2GO software does not install in Windows 7.

Any thoughts?
Sea

[KnoxHarrington]

On a separate INNO question, my new laptop is running Windows 7, 64 bit. I use to have XM2GO manager on my PC to delete files on the INNO.
I record R&F daily, and then delete the any file that was less than 2 minutes, basically deleting any commercials.

I cannot find a program that will perform the same function on a Windows 7.
I did try Rhapsody, but it does not give me access to the recordings of Ron and Fez.

The XM2GO software does not install in Windows 7.

Any thoughts?
Sea

Does the XM2GO software install at all? If so, try this; right click on its icon, and choose "Properties." Once in there, click on the "Compatibility" tab and check "Run this program in compatibility mode for..." I'd probably select Windows XP (Service Pack 3) if it worked fin win XP. If that doesn't work, try some of the other settings.

[seabiscuit10]

Does the XM2GO software install at all? If so, try this; right click on its icon, and choose "Properties." Once in there, click on the "Compatibility" tab and check "Run this program in compatibility mode for..." I'd probably select Windows XP (Service Pack 3) if it worked fin win XP. If that doesn't work, try some of the other settings.

Software does not install at all, the error message is;
xm2go music manager cannot be installed on a Windows XP/Vista x64.

[cougarjake13]

i follow fringeonfox got this tweet

FRINGEonFOX FRINGE
Watch a preview of the next all-new episode of #fringe “Making Angels” - FRI @ 9/8c. Presented by Nissan LEAF: bit.ly/Fringe_LEAF

shokewaveflash crashed- WTF does that even mean? i want to watch this preview!

Don't know but go to fringes Facebook page it plays fine there

[sailor]

the flash crashes a lot for me (other sites) just refresh and start over.

[OGC]

does anyone have a recommendation for a GOOD micro-sd card to usb adapter ? I have a few different ones and they are spotty at best.

[PapaBear]

I got THIS ONE (http://www.amazon.com/TOPRAM-SDHC-Flash-Reader-Writer/dp/B003CMUR6U/ref=sr_1_27?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1331955955&sr=1-27) when I bought a card around Christmas. I haven't used it much, but it's done fine every time. At five bucks with free shipping, it's not much of a risk.

[StanUpshaw]

I think the power supply on my good computer shit the bed. I disconnected everything down because I was going to relocate my desk, but when I hooked if back up, the computer wouldn't start. The fans spin for a half a second and quit.

Does that sound like power supply, or something else? Why would it just quit all of a sudden?

[PapaBear]

Mobo may be bad, too. It's highly unlikely, but it could also be the cmos battery. But those things usually last about ten years.

[StanUpshaw]

Power supply!

I didn't think this one would fit, but it did. It's an older one though, and it only has 2 of the SATA power connectors. I'm sacrificing my DVD drive until I get some adapters.

[PapaBear]

How did my spell check get turned off? Maybe it has something to do with the latest Firefox update.

Edit: Never Mind. It was the new Firefox. I had to add the plug-in.

[StanUpshaw]

Tips for boosting WiFi reception

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LY8Wi7XRXCA?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[weekapaugjz]

mark erickson is a fucking dweeb.

[Snacks]

Is there a way to order recovery disks without a serial #? Im trying to fix a desktop nothing is working and when I try to get to system recovery there was no partition created. The easiest fix at this point would be to order or download the restore disks. I went to HP and I need the serial #, I cant really read it so how can I get restore disks?

[PapaBear]

Is there a way to order recovery disks without a serial #? Im trying to fix a desktop nothing is working and when I try to get to system recovery there was no partition created. The easiest fix at this point would be to order or download the restore disks. I went to HP and I need the serial #, I cant really read it so how can I get restore disks?
Try ebay. I've had some luck, but not always. If you trust torrents, you can also try that route.

[Snacks]

Try ebay. I've had some luck, but not always. If you trust torrents, you can also try that route.

I tried ebay but none available.

I found this company selling them for $20! Implitech ever heard of them or order from them?

[StanUpshaw]

Is there a way to order recovery disks without a serial #? Im trying to fix a desktop nothing is working and when I try to get to system recovery there was no partition created. The easiest fix at this point would be to order or download the restore disks. I went to HP and I need the serial #, I cant really read it so how can I get restore disks?

You you just want a Windows system, or do you have a particular need for all the preinstalled HP junk?

[Snacks]

I was able to f11 but the factory recovery cant be clicked but a restore point can. I dont want to restore to a previous point I want to factory recover. I tried to make recovery disks just now but it says there is no factory partition yet if you go to my computer there are 2 drives and the 2nd drive says recovery and is 8 gb large. When you click on recovery in that drive it says

"Recovery Partition Warning this file is used to perform a system recovery no changes can be made"

Is there a way to get that to open or work?

[Snacks]

You you just want a Windows system, or do you have a particular need for all the preinstalled HP junk?

I guess I would be happy with a windows 7 re-install and then download the drivers for everything else if possible but I dont have a windows 7 disk either.

[hanso]

beyond the network america inc stinks when it blocks in peerblock.
Very pesky, shows up random and screws up things when loading some sites or stops it all together.

Had a nice run w/o seeing this, hate it though from way back.

Not a question just a topic.

[Snacks]

I want to upgrade my desktop and add usb 3.0. I have never added or removed a pci slot or usb slot before. Anyone have any easy step by step directions? Is is difficult or is there an easier way to do this like a plug in adapter or something else?

[KnoxHarrington]

I want to upgrade my desktop and add usb 3.0. I have never added or removed a pci slot or usb slot before. Anyone have any easy step by step directions? Is is difficult or is there an easier way to do this like a plug in adapter or something else?


You'll probably just end up getting a USB 3 card and plugging it into a free PCI slot. The USB ports you have now are probably hard wired into the motherboard itself, so you probably won't be replacing them.

There's no adapter you can plug in externally to get USB3. It's just too fast

[Snacks]

You'll probably just end up getting a USB 3 card and plugging it into a free PCI slot. The USB ports you have now are probably hard wired into the motherboard itself, so you probably won't be replacing them.

There's no adapter you can plug in externally to get USB3. It's just too fast

Thanks, right after I posted this I looked it up and that's exactly what I found. Seems easy enough!

[PapaBear]

Just be sure to electrically discharge your hand before handling any of it. Just touch an unpainted surface of your case.

[KnoxHarrington]

Thanks, right after I posted this I looked it up and that's exactly what I found. Seems easy enough!

One other thing I'd point out about USB 3 is that you don't want to waste those new USB3 ports by plugging stuff that can't use that speed into it, like a printer, keyboard and mouse, even a USB2 external hard drive. Save those for things that can really use it. If I plug a USB2 device into a USB3 port, it will not be any faster at all.

[Snacks]

So this is the one I bought.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/170783215936?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_1905wt_1396

I installed it with n problems and installed the drivers as well. It didn't transfer at 5gbps more like 50mbps. The only thing I can think of why its not fast is the hard drive I used to test it. I took an old 2.5" had and put it in a new 2.5" usb 3.0 enclosure. Maybe the hard drive doesn't have the capabilities to transfer that fast?

Also, look at the pictures. The power connector is weird imo. there are 3 connectors on 1 side and 1 on the other. 1 of the 3 hooks directly to the pci slot being installed and then then the 1 on the other end hooks up to the power. In my desktop there were 2 power connectors unused one was called p3 the other p4. I hooked the power to the p3 leaving 1 left. Why is there 2 more connectors that are exactly the same as the one that goes into the pci slot/hub yet there is no where to connect those? I would think they if those other 2 aren't needed why have them, why not just make 1 connector on 1 side for the pci slot and 1 for the power.

[Chigworthy]

Why does windows 7 disc cleanup show that I have 45g of temp files? Is this even possible for a fairly new computer?

[PapaBear]

Well, fuck. "I've been using my Garmin Nuvi GPS to listen to R&F on Audible for over a year. To get the shows on it, I simply plug the powered down unit into my USB, wait for the computer to recognize it and show it as a removable drive, then open the Audible manager.

For some reason, I just tried it and... Nothing. My comp does the initial beep that you hear when you connect a drive, but then it never opens. My comp apparently isn't seeing the device. Any ideas as to what's wrong?

[PigShitIrish]

Just broke my Ipod touch. While shopping for a new one, I notice the Galaxy media player does about the same thing, but is $20 cheaper. The two I'm looking at have just about the same specs. Does anyone know if there are any major disadvantages that the galaxy has compared to the ipod touch.

[jennysmurf]

There have been a lot of people in my town this weekend bumming money for "gas" this weekend. They are professional panhandlers. I just encountered one. But unlike most of them, she was a hot chick in her twenties. She asked if I had five or ten dollars so she get enough gas to get home. Before she approached me, I had been checking out her very nice ass. So I figured, even though she didn't really need gas, I owed her two bucks for looking at her ass. Is that technically prostitution?

This isn't a tech question.

[PapaBear]

I've been checking the ads, and it appears that it's pretty much impossible to find any more laptops with Windows 7. My youngest son's laptop got stolen, and I want to replace it for Christmas. Unfortunately, I can only buy him a low end one, and Windows 8 is supposedly a pain in the ass for anything that isn't a touch screen. Anyone know of any deals out there for a Windows 7 model?

[styckx]

I've been checking the ads, and it appears that it's pretty much impossible to find any more laptops with Windows 7. My youngest son's laptop got stolen, and I want to replace it for Christmas. Unfortunately, I can only buy him a low end one, and Windows 8 is supposedly a pain in the ass for anything that isn't a touch screen. Anyone know of any deals out there for a Windows 7 model?

Windows 8 is fine, I've been using it for over a month now.. It's Windows 7 with some new features and a front end you can optionally use (by never using it). Boot up time is also insanely fast. It's a great OS.. Don't believe the hype.. Pay for, or use one of the free programs that put the start menu back in place and you never have to look at the start screen again. The start screen really isn't even all that bad either. Windows 8 got a bad wrap and more and more people who use it are changing their attitude towards it.

This is my Windows 8 desktop.. It's all I ever see and all I ever use..

http://i.imgur.com/pEfKx.jpg

[PapaBear]

Very helpful. Thanks!:thumbup:

[disneyspy]

on my laptop my battery icon is always at 83% available (not charging)

should i unplug it and let it get down to 0% and then plug it back in? i heard thats what you should do for phones when the battery doesnt last long

or is it just because its like 4 years old that battery is at that level?

[hanso]

on my laptop my battery icon is always at 83% available (not charging)

should i unplug it and let it get down to 0% and then plug it back in? i heard thats what you should do for phones when the battery doesnt last long

or is it just because its like 4 years old that battery is at that level?

My sansa clip does this, if I unplug it then plug/charge more it gets more %

[PapaBear]

on my laptop my battery icon is always at 83% available (not charging)

should i unplug it and let it get down to 0% and then plug it back in? i heard thats what you should do for phones when the battery doesnt last long

or is it just because its like 4 years old that battery is at that level?
Your battery probably built a memory. You aren't supposed to leave the battery in if the laptop is plugged in all the time. Unplug it and drain and recharge. You probably won't get a full charge, but do that and stop leaving it plugged in with the battery in. You'll at least prolong the life of it as best you can.

[Chigworthy]

Your battery probably built a memory. You aren't supposed to leave the battery in if the laptop is plugged in all the time. Unplug it and drain and recharge. You probably won't get a full charge, but do that and stop leaving it plugged in with the battery in. You'll at least prolong the life of it as best you can.

I used to believe this; now I'm not so sure. My shitty laptop battery is internal and can't easily be removed. I haven't gave a shit about that shitty thing for 3 years and the shitty battery life is still just as shitty as when it was brand new. Then take my shitty blackberry torch. The only thing worth a shit on that shitty phone is the battery. I have turned the shitty thing off maybe ten times, and my 2 years is up on the 24th. Other than that, I leave it on until it turns red, then plug it in, leaving it on. I charge it once every 3-5 days, and it's "staying power" has not reduced at all.

[jennysmurf]

I used to believe this; now I'm not so sure. My shitty laptop battery is internal and can't easily be removed. I haven't gave a shit about that shitty thing for 3 years and the shitty battery life is still just as shitty as when it was brand new. Then take my shitty blackberry torch. The only thing worth a shit on that shitty phone is the battery. I have turned the shitty thing off maybe ten times, and my 2 years is up on the 24th. Other than that, I leave it on until it turns red, then plug it in, leaving it on. I charge it once every 3-5 days, and it's "staying power" has not reduced at all.

What a shitty post.

[PapaBear]

My brother does apartment maintenance for a local company, and found this Alienware Area 51 gaming computer left behind in one of the units.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y229/snowmaninva66/alienwarearea51a_zps77be8b75.jpg

I don't do any gaming, but I still want to get it back to working order. I found that the only problem with it was, the connector for the SATA cable was broken. I dropped the hard drive in my USB enclosure, and the operating system was still there and in good shape. Here's my problem. I cloned the drive onto another drive, and installed it. When I look in the bios, it shows the drive. I set the drive to be the boot device. But when I try to boot, it still says there's no boot device.

I reformatted it, and tried to install a fresh copy of XP. Same problem. I can see it in the bios, but when I try to install XP, it says there's no destination drive for it to install on. The bios for this comp is a lot different than what I'm used to. Does anyone have any experience with these machines?

BTW... The positioning of the drive in the case is very awkward. I've already broken the SATA connector on the replacement drive, and have to come up with ANOTHER one! That problem aside, it's still a very cool case.

[Crossweird]

Maybe the master/slave jumper on the drive?

[PapaBear]

Maybe the master/slave jumper on the drive?
It's SATA. The drives don't have jumpers.

[Crossweird]

It's SATA. The drives don't have jumpers.

Gremlins, then. Don't get them wet.

[PapaBear]

Turns out, the problem was just a dead CMOS battery. So... Did some idiot leave behind a decent computer because they were too inept to try to find out why it didn't work, or were they just some spoiled rich kid who just got a new one with Daddy's money?

[styckx]

What kind of hardware is sitting in that thing?

[PapaBear]

What kind of hardware is sitting in that thing?
It's got a 1GB graphics card. I don't know much about it other than it's huge. The power supply is 650W. No liquid cooler.

Edit: Geforce 7900 GTX Duo