General Computer Questions

Okay so for major or specific questions it may be better to contact your maker or guidebook, but this is place to ask simple questions and or computer matience questions.

I am sure that it is good to say here also that CoS wouldn't be responsible for any help given in this thread...

I'll start:

My computer screen on my laptop is super dirty, what is the best way to clean it?

Ideally you should use specialist solution, it's not advisable to use 'window' cleaner or other household products. Most stationary shops or computer shops will stock TFT screen cleaning spray or wipes. If you don't have any then a very slightly damp cloth using nothing more than warm water will suffice.

Ideally you should use specialist solution, it's not advisable to use 'window' cleaner or other household products. Most stationary shops or computer shops will stock TFT screen cleaning spray or wipes. If you don't have any then a very slightly damp cloth using nothing more than warm water will suffice.
Thanks! I will try that :)

get a microfiber or similarly soft cloth(like what you would use to clean glasses or a watch). wet it lightly, but only half of it. Gently rub the dirty areas on the screen, then rub with the dry side of the cloth BEFORE the water evaporates, if it evaporates it will streak the screen. Do this for small sections at a time, not the entire screen at once.

You can also go to a computer store and they have cleaning solutions for LCD screens(which are pretty much 1:1 rubbing alcohol to distilled water)

This question came up on another thread, but I will bring it up here in case there is more than the one solution :)

How do you clean your keyboard...is the air can the only way?

I hold mine upside down and shake it. If it's a keyboard I'm not friends with, I hold it upside down and bang it against the desk. Sometimes a can of compressed air just won't get things out.

hold mine upside down and shake it. If it's a keyboard I'm not friends with, I hold it upside down and bang it against the desk. Sometimes a can of compressed air just won't get things out.
:rotfl: Would you do the same with a laptop keyboard? :lol:

I wasn't sure whether to start a new thread or if this would fit here. I'm looking for a floppy keyboard. I saw it once and didn't get a chance to ask where I might get one. It is like a keyboard on a rubber pad. It's flexible and folds.

This question came up on another thread, but I will bring it up here in case there is more than the one solution :)

How do you clean your keyboard...is the air can the only way?

I pop the keys on mine and get in there with alcohol and a soft cloth type paper towel. Air is good only so far.

TTFN

Voila (http://www.gadgets.co.uk/item/USBRK/USB-Flexible-Portable-Rubber-Keyboard.html) <- One rubber keyboard, they're pretty weird to use but fun none the less!

Voila (http://www.gadgets.co.uk/item/USBRK/USB-Flexible-Portable-Rubber-Keyboard.html) <- One rubber keyboard, they're pretty weird to use but fun none the less!

Thanks. It's harder to find the dark colored ones in the US. Sheesh. And none of the major computer outlets have them.

TTFN

For US based people, a black Rubber Keyboard from Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Foldable-flexible-Spill-Resistant-Response/dp/B000BHB5YW/ref=pd_bbs_3/002-9117855-9384866?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1192615702&sr=8-3). :D

Or go the Virtual keyboard route:

http://www.virtual-laser-keyboard.com/

One of my colleagues uses one like this (not sure if the same manufacturer or not) and really likes it. Not sure if I could get used to no tactile response, though.

I have an old Gateway that runs the Windows 98 OS (the original, not SE) that I need to get some files from. The computer can't write to a CD, has no internet connection, and something has just recently gone wrong with the floppy drive so that any files I write to a floppy become corrupt. Does anyone know of a flash drive that will work with Windows 98, or of any other way that I can transfer the files from that computer to another one? I would greatly appreciate any help.

If it has a CD Rom drive, to read CDs, then you can purchase pretty much any flash drive and it'll have a Win 98/2000 driver disc with it, then just plug in and transfer. Ebay might be worth checking out for an 'older' flash drive, could be more compatible I guess but as far as I'm aware most decent makes/models will come with driver discs for 98/2000. Kingston are pretty good :)

If it has a CD Rom drive, to read CDs, then you can purchase pretty much any flash drive and it'll have a Win 98/2000 driver disc with it, then just plug in and transfer. Ebay might be worth checking out for an 'older' flash drive, could be more compatible I guess but as far as I'm aware most decent makes/models will come with driver discs for 98/2000. Kingston are pretty good :)
Thanks, I'll look into those. Also, I didn't think of it at first, but does anyone know of a place to get a cheap external floppy drive? I'm pretty sure that my floppy problem is in the hardware, so a new drive should help, but as I mentioned before it's an old Gateway, so of course it's been gradually malfunctioning since it was new, and I don't want to spend any more money on it than is absolutley necessary.

It might be worth looking on Ebay, especially if you're only going to use it for a short period.

Gah :argh:

My curser is eating my words and I also can highlight posts!! Help!!!!

Or go the Virtual keyboard route:

http://www.virtual-laser-keyboard.com/

One of my colleagues uses one like this (not sure if the same manufacturer or not) and really likes it. Not sure if I could get used to no tactile response, though.

surely that'd hurt your fingers after a short space of time too, tapping onto a hard surface :p

That keyboard looks really cool...but I also think that I would miss the key-clicking...

I know that the answer is probably "no", but does Apple offer GarageBand for PC? We just started using it for background music in my Animation class and it's pretty cool...

For US based people, a black Rubber Keyboard from Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Foldable-flexible-Spill-Resistant-Response/dp/B000BHB5YW/ref=pd_bbs_3/002-9117855-9384866?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1192615702&sr=8-3). :D

thanks. i don't know how you found that. i did a search on amazon also previously and didn't find them. i'm putting that on my wish list.

ttfn

That keyboard looks really cool...but I also think that I would miss the key-clicking...

I know that the answer is probably "no", but does Apple offer GarageBand for PC? We just started using it for background music in my Animation class and it's pretty cool...

At this time no. Only iTunes and Safari are available on PC, though knowing Apple if demand becomes popular enough they will do it.

Gah :argh:

My curser is eating my words and I also can highlight posts!! Help!!!!

Just click where you want to highlight and press Ctrl+A (that's Select All). You can also double-click to select a word, then press Shift and click where you want to highlight to. ;)

Can you just put the hard drive into another computer?

Circuit City still sells floppy drives. They're pretty cheap. That may be the way to go.

Alright, hopefully this will be my last question. I have purchased a Mitsumi external usb floppy drive, but there seemes to be a problem with the driver. When I put in the driver diskette the computer didn't even recognize that there was a disk in the drive, so I had to use another computer to move the files on the disk to a floppy and then bring them to the computer with the bad drive(it can still read floppys, it just can't write to them). There are two folders, named TEAC and MITSUMI. The "new hardware wizard" was unable to find the driver in these folders, even when I entered the location into the wizard. A picture in the user's guide shows the wizard after a succesful instalation, and shows the file that needs to be installed as "TEACUFDD.INF", which is in the TEAC folder. When I right click on the file and select "install" nothing happens. There is also an executable file named "TEACUFDD.exe" which also does nothing when I try to run it. Again, if anyone knows how I can install the driver, I would greatly appreciate it. As usual, what should have been a fairly easy fix is starting to become a nightmare.

With Windows 98 you are going to struggle to get a USB floppy device working on it. Also, depending on the age of the system the hardware (motherboard) may not support USB Floppy devices. Your best option to get files off using a USB Floppy (if the motherboard supports it) is to boot into DOS and copy the files using the command prompt. That way you won't have to worry about the drivers as the motherboard will emulate it as a standard floppy drive.

But a gateway PC with no internet or network? If thats the case I'm guessing it's now redundant and you're just after the files. The best option (as suggested above by YellowPoofBall) would be to place the hard drive into a new computer and do a disk to disk copy.

Just click where you want to highlight and press Ctrl+A (that's Select All). You can also double-click to select a word, then press Shift and click where you want to highlight to.
Okay thanks that worked! It doesn't do that all the time, just every now and then with no warning the cursor starts eating my words and then my mouse won't highlight...any idea why this happens....:sigh: I need a new computer.

Okay thanks that worked! It doesn't do that all the time, just every now and then with no warning the cursor starts eating my words and then my mouse won't highlight...any idea why this happens....:sigh: I need a new computer.

Sounds like a delay between clicking and action taking place. How old is your PC?

This may not relate directly to computers, but for lack of a more pertainent option for posting. My interest is in wireless tech. E.G., bluetooth, infrared, and sync'g (i have cell phs/pdas in mind).

I want to find a way that I can link my puters to my cell phs and other wireless (BT) devices simultaneously while I'm at home, so I don't have but one common source.

Any ideas?

Regards

Sounds like a delay between clicking and action taking place. How old is your PC?
It is a Dell laptop and it is about 5 years old. I got it new in 2002...how long do laptops usually last?

It is a Dell laptop and it is about 5 years old. I got it new in 2002...how long do laptops usually last?

As in keep working, probably 10 years + unless something goes seriously wrong. Being a Dell I'm kinda baised, cause I hate Dell's (I have to fix them for a living). Could be a lose connection. Could be on the blink. Could be a lot of things. But 5 years old is getting on. In terms of technology alone its ancient.

As in keep working, probably 10 years + unless something goes seriously wrong. Being a Dell I'm kinda baised, cause I hate Dell's (I have to fix them for a living). Could be a lose connection. Could be on the blink. Could be a lot of things. But 5 years old is getting on. In terms of technology alone its ancient.
:lol: It is funny how technology gets old so fast. I am looking into getting a new computer,I think mine is out to get me. Thanks for the help though, I guess I will just have to bear with it until I can get a new one. :)

This may not relate directly to computers, but for lack of a more pertainent option for posting. My interest is in wireless tech. E.G., bluetooth, infrared, and sync'g (i have cell phs/pdas in mind).

I want to find a way that I can link my puters to my cell phs and other wireless (BT) devices simultaneously while I'm at home, so I don't have but one common source.

Any ideas?

Regards

What do you mean by linking them? It shouldn't really be a problem to sync all your devices to your laptop at the same time.

:lol: It is funny how technology gets old so fast. I am looking into getting a new computer,I think mine is out to get me. Thanks for the help though, I guess I will just have to bear with it until I can get a new one. :)

:lol: I think you should be fine, I don't really think 5 years is really old enough for you to be replacing it already if you're only using it casually, like for the internet or word processing. You could try updating the driver for your mouse, or getting a USB mouse if you're using the touchpad.

Thanks for all the help. I actually got the driver to install last night, and it works fine. As I thought, the floppy problem was in the hardware.

Okay, i'm making a walkthrough for a game, so i record from the Playstation 2 onto video, and then transfer the film from video to a rewritable DVD. Now, here's where i have the problem. When i put the DVD onto my laptop, so i can put it onto Windows Movie Maker, it's saying that there's nothing on the dish, when there clearly is.

Any help?

What format is the video file?

i have no idea.

It is quite possible that the video format is incompatible with a PC. If the PC can't read it then it will appear to be a blank disk.

Ahh, okay, i guess that would make sense. I was using a ReWritable disk, btw. What kind of disk would you recommend i use?

Ahh, okay, i guess that would make sense. I was using a ReWritable disk, btw. What kind of disk would you recommend i use?

Anything that's big enough. The actually disk in question is irrelevant.

right, okay then.Thanks for the advice.

Go to My Computer, find your DVD drive, right click and hit explore. Then find out what filetype the movie file is(hover over it), then google that to find out what program you need.

Go to My Computer, find your DVD drive, right click and hit explore. Then find out what filetype the movie file is(hover over it), then google that to find out what program you need.

Doesn't help when the file isn't visible in the first place.

Actually, the file should be there because it is possible to copy videos from your Playstation to another medium. You just won't be able to open it from anything except your Playstation unless you can get around the encryptions. Try accessing the file from your PS2. If it's not showing up on your disk, I think you probably copied it incorrectly.

Can anyone tell me about Windows Vista? It seems like all the new laptops have it, but don't include a word processing program. I've checked out Dell and Microsoft, but all they talk about is graphics and internet. I can't believe that Word Pad isn't included, but I can't find it listed anywhere.

Word Pad & Notepad are included, and Vista opinions depends really on who you speak to. Personally I've been a Vista user since February without any trouble at all, I really like it. But you do need a fairly new system to enjoy it fully.

Word Pad & Notepad are included, and Vista opinions depends really on who you speak to. Personally I've been a Vista user since February without any trouble at all, I really like it. But you do need a fairly new system to enjoy it fully.


Thanks. I've been out of the workforce for a few years and I haven't been able to keep up with all the changes.

Can anyone tell me about Windows Vista? It seems like all the new laptops have it, but don't include a word processing program. I've checked out Dell and Microsoft, but all they talk about is graphics and internet. I can't believe that Word Pad isn't included, but I can't find it listed anywhere.

Both of my computers that run Vista included Microsoft Works, which will allow you to open and save documents in Word and Excel formats.

You could try updating the driver for your mouse, or getting a USB mouse if you're using the touchpad.
Ooo it could be a mouse problem. I am actually using a USB mouse right now and a little while after that the curser started eating my words when I place it in front of a sentence. I will try updating the driver or just go back to using the touchpad.

Noooo it isn't. You need to press the 'insert' key, this will stop it from 'eating' away at your sentences :)

EDIT - Could be anyway lol, tends to be the simplest thing that solves the problem in the end.

Just out of interest is it possible (or even legal) to copy dvds you buy from shops onto a computer the same way you would with a CD?

Just out of interest is it possible (or even legal) to copy dvds you buy from shops onto a computer the same way you would with a CD?

No, nor is it legal to do it with CD's either. The only thing it is legal to do it with is games to create a working backup.

But yes, it is possible. I won't go into detail here though because the methods used are illegal.

No, nor is it legal to do it with CD's either. The only thing it is legal to do it with is games to create a working backup.

But yes, it is possible. I won't go into detail here though because the methods used are illegal.

Surely you can legally do it with CDs. otherwise how are you supposed to put them onto an ipod etc?

Gah! Sometimes when I click on a file (photo, word doc, etc.) A message comes up asking me if I want to send it to the Recycle Bin when I didn't even say that I want to delete it, I just wanted to open it. Then the message won't go away unless I close the program in Task Manager or choose to send the item to the recycle bin :grumble:

Any idea why it does this?

In the U.S., legality has not been clearly defined. It is legal for someone to rip things for back-up purposes. The gray area is that it seems okay, unless directly expressed by the copyright holder, for someone who bought a CD or DVD to rip it to his/her hard drive for personal use. It is, obviously, definitely illegal to share a copy.

What does "buffering" mean when you are watching a video and it stops to "buffer"?

Is there any way to make that process got faster or eliminate it all together?

What does "buffering" mean when you are watching a video and it stops to "buffer"?

Is there any way to make that process got faster or eliminate it all together?

Could be wrong but I'm quite sure it's just downloading enough of the video for you to begin watching it.

Could be wrong but I'm quite sure it's just downloading enough of the video for you to begin watching it.

Yep, spot on. To speed up buffering, watch smaller videos or get a faster internet connection. Otherwise you just have to live with it.

Could be wrong but I'm quite sure it's just downloading enough of the video for you to begin watching it.
Yep, spot on. To speed up buffering, watch smaller videos or get a faster internet connection. Otherwise you just have to live with it.
Thanks for the answers! :) We have DSL so it is a pretty fast connection, we ended up just letting it load over night and now we can watch the whole thing without having to wait for it to buffer every couple minutes.

So what about movies to put onto something like an ipod, if you cant use your dvds do you have to download them of the internet?

Surely you can legally do it with CDs. otherwise how are you supposed to put them onto an ipod etc?

In the UK it is illegal (unless the Scotish Parlament changed this) to rip a CD. However, most people turn a blind eye if you don't share it. As for an iPod, iTunes. Legally, you have to buy and download the music on-line. You can't legally rip a CD. It's a rediculous law.

It's a rediculous law.

It does seem a bit pedantic, especially when you think that it can only harm the CD industry because instead of people buying CDs and putting them on their ipods they will just use itunes and put them onto a CD

I have a question about Macs...is there any particular reason why they are supposedly better for graphics editing?

Because of the programs available for them.

Gah! Sometimes when I click on a file (photo, word doc, etc.) A message comes up asking me if I want to send it to the Recycle Bin when I didn't even say that I want to delete it, I just wanted to open it. Then the message won't go away unless I close the program in Task Manager or choose to send the item to the recycle bin :grumble:

Any idea why it does this?
What did you mean before when you said the cursor was 'eating' the words? If it you meant that it was deleting any words in front of it than it might just mean your Delete key is jammed. That might also be why it thinks you want to delete files as soon as you click on them.

If it you meant that it was deleting any words in front of it than it might just mean your Delete key is jammed.
Yes this is exactly what is happening. But it doesn't happen all the time. It comes and goes. Maybe my computer just doesn't like what I wrote? :shrug:

That might also be why it thinks you want to delete files as soon as you click on them.
This comes a goes too, but thank for suggesting to check the delete key because I hadn't thought of that. It looks and seems fine, but I will have my father in law check it out anyways.

A stupid question and probably in the wrong place but anyway: How can i get the japanese katakanas to show properly and not as question marks... It has something to do with the Unicode thingies and all that but i'm getting tired of wrestling with the problem and am afraid if i continue any longer i will end up wrestling with my computer... So i'm asking for help
(Oh and i use Xp and Firefox... if it has anything to do with solving the "problem")

Corvus, you will need to download and install the Language files for Japanese. Where did you get the specific characters from? If you got them from a website then you should have had a box pop-up telling you to install the language pack.

Does anyone know anything about registry cleaners? There are a lot of brands out there that will clean up your computer's registry so that it will run faster. Are they necessary, dangerous, safe or a good way to really mess up your computer?

Does anyone know anything about registry cleaners? There are a lot of brands out there that will clean up your computer's registry so that it will run faster. Are they necessary, dangerous, safe or a good way to really mess up your computer?

Personally I've never found one that makes much difference. A lot of the free ones out there are useless. Some are malicious as well. Be careful when you get them and always virus scan them.

Thanks for the info. :tu:

If you download trial software or shareware/freeware from www.download.com, it will be clean and safe. CNET has been sponsoring clean downloads for over 10 years now. Some of the software, not just registry cleaners, that you can get there will not be as effective as you want. But none of it will be malware (malicious). But there are dual ratings for the software (CNET and the users). A lot of established software publishers also place their trial software at download.com.

I'd recommend using something that comes with a trial, so you don't have to put your money down first. Some come with real trials, and some have crippled trials that don't really give a hint of how good or bad the software is.

Registry cleaners can work, but you have to be careful what you let it remove. In other words, you need to look at the proposed changes and see if it has anything to do with software you actually need. And the registry cleaner should have a way to reverse what it has done. Just to be safe, you can set a restore point before you run the cleaner. Backing up would be a good idea, too.

This is silly, Is there a place where you can buy computer keys? My daughter ripped off the shift key on my keyboard and it has gone missing :rolleyes:. It isn't that big of a deal, but dust and junk is getting in there now...

This is silly, Is there a place where you can buy computer keys? My daughter ripped off the shift key on my keyboard and it has gone missing :rolleyes:. It isn't that big of a deal, but dust and junk is getting in there now...

I had to replace my entire keyboard because a few keys were coming loose and couldn't be snapped back on...I don't know if they sell individual keys or not, but if you can't get it to snap back in, then the manufacturer of your computer probably sells them. If your computer is still under warranty, they might replace the entire keyboard for free, not completely sure on that one though. :)

Edit: Oops, missed the part about it going missing...I'm not sure that they would sell one key, but I'd say that it's worth asking the customer service or whoever of the company that made your computer. If not, they definitely sell whole keyboards.

Keyboards are relatively cheap. If it is a desktop computer, you can go into a computer store and get a new keyboard (any brand will work). Or you can go to eBay. Laptop keyboards have to be made the manufacturer and have to be specfic to the model you own. You can also get them on eBay or from the manufacturer (if it's a brand name computer).

You will have to open up the computer to replace it, but typically it isn't hard. The manufacturer will usually have instructions on how to do it on their website. However, in your case, you can also choose to buy a keyboard on eBay and only replace the missing shift key, so you won't have to open up the computer. I paid about $10 to get a used Dell laptop keyboard on eBay. Just be sure to get one for your model computer.

hi ,dont know if this is the right place,if not,forgive me..
Im making a calendar for my hubby with photogrpahs of the girls as a christmas gifts,but the calendar templates i try to download dont appear the size i need them
what could i do...
and if you know of a site where i could down load free calendar templates i would mind
the ones i dound are not so nice ,it would be nice to have options...

thankyou

I have a question about PCs and Macs...I understand that the new Leopard OSX will allow you to run Windows programs...do you have to install windows on the Mac to use that function, or do you only have to do that if you want to run a Microsoft program? (For example, I got a CS3 suite for Windows, but to run it on a Mac, would I have to install Windows on the Mac? Or would I only have to do that if I wanted to use a program like Word or MS Paint or something? I don't have a Mac, I'm just wondering.)

Can anyone recommend a good (and free) software program I can download to make DVDs with? I have tons of home videos (just my kids, nothing creepy) sitting on my laptop and I would like to share them with family and friends. I am region2 if that makes a difference and I would like to be able to view them on any DVD player.

Thanks!

hi ,dont know if this is the right place,if not,forgive me..
Im making a calendar for my hubby with photogrpahs of the girls as a christmas gifts,but the calendar templates i try to download dont appear the size i need them
what could i do...
and if you know of a site where i could down load free calendar templates i would mind
the ones i dound are not so nice ,it would be nice to have options...

thankyou

What program are you using, and what size are you looking for? Adobe InDesign comes with its own customizable calendar template. If you're using a Microsoft program (Word or Excel), you can go to Microsoft Online for some templates. You could also just download a .jpg template and use MSPaint or whatever image editing program you have to customize it.

I have a question about PCs and Macs...I understand that the new Leopard OSX will allow you to run Windows programs...do you have to install windows on the Mac to use that function, or do you only have to do that if you want to run a Microsoft program? (For example, I got a CS3 suite for Windows, but to run it on a Mac, would I have to install Windows on the Mac? Or would I only have to do that if I wanted to use a program like Word or MS Paint or something? I don't have a Mac, I'm just wondering.)

You would need to install Windows Vista or XP as a dual boot if you want to run a Windows program on your Mac. Your CS3 for Windows is a Windows program, so you would need to install Windows to run it.

Can anyone recommend a good (and free) software program I can download to make DVDs with? I have tons of home videos (just my kids, nothing creepy) sitting on my laptop and I would like to share them with family and friends. I am region2 if that makes a difference and I would like to be able to view them on any DVD player.

Thanks!

You can go to http://www.download.com for freeware and shareware. Most of the downloads there have user reviews and ratings. To make them playable from any region, burn them as region 0. You may want to check the programs on your computer already, because if your computer came with a DVD burner, it likely also came with a decent program.

Thanks!!!!

I have another question..
when my printer is printing ,it is now showing this message that the absorption pad is overload,what does that mean ,what should i do...

can anyone give me a helping hand as to how to work my Creative V plus mp3 player??? I know how to do everything but I'm not sure I'm doing things correctly

What exactly do you need help with? Loading songs onto the device, etc.

I have one Micro SD of 1 Gb, those micro cards to expand memories of your MP4, digital cameras, cell phones and so...

When the Micro card is empty it works, I can copy, delete and add files from the PC.

The problem is that when I have files in that Micro SD, is doesnt work any more with my PCs...
Using this Micro SD on *** cell phone: it doesnt connect, it says there´s no card or somethinig
When I use it on the MP4 I can see the files, I can copy files from it to my PCs, but I can delete or add anything else becoz it says "The card is protected" (???)

I think it´s the card that doesnt work well
Please if someone knows

Thanks!!!!

I have another question..
when my printer is printing ,it is now showing this message that the absorption pad is overload,what does that mean ,what should i do...

The absorption pad is what catches excess ink so the printer doesn't clog. If it says yours is full, you'll need to empty it or replace it.

I have one Micro SD of 1 Gb, those micro cards to expand memories of your MP4, digital cameras, cell phones and so...

When the Micro card is empty it works, I can copy, delete and add files from the PC.

The problem is that when I have files in that Micro SD, is doesnt work any more with my PCs...
Using this Micro SD on *** cell phone: it doesnt connect, it says there´s no card or somethinig
When I use it on the MP4 I can see the files, I can copy files from it to my PCs, but I can delete or add anything else becoz it says "The card is protected" (???)

I think it´s the card that doesnt work well
Please if someone knows

Does sound like a problem with your card. Is it by Kingston?

The absorption pad is what catches excess ink so the printer doesn't clog. If it says yours is full, you'll need to empty it or replace it.



Does sound like a problem with your card. Is it by Kingston?

Yes, it is Kingston... :upset::upset:

And it has an adapter, the adapter piece do has a lock and Un-lock switch.

I would understand if the micro SD has sucha thing but it hasn´t, it shouldn´t be locked...
:upset:
I definitely lost my money.

I have a problem with my laptop, when I shut if off, i get the "blue screen" can someone help?

I have a problem with my laptop, when I shut if off, i get the "blue screen" can someone help?

What's the error that comes up? Can't help unless you give us more details.

The sound in iTunes isn't working on my computer. I know my speakers are working because my sound works with YouTube, last.fm, realplayer, etc. just not in iTunes. I restarted my comp several times and even reinstalled iTunes and it still isn't working. Any ideas?

EDIT: Problem solved...I'm just a moron :lol: which sadly can't be solved as easily :sigh:

I was wondering; does anyone know if I can upgrade my microsoft word processer? I have a 2001 version, I'd like to upgrade it.

I was wondering; does anyone know if I can upgrade my microsoft word processer? I have a 2001 version, I'd like to upgrade it.

Get a copy of Windows Office 2004 or 2007 and install it.

Microsoft is very strict on it's licensing. You may not be able to upgrade to Office 2004 or 2007 without buying it. I have upgraded 2002 to 2007 and it worked fine.

You have to buy the upgrade, but it is much less costly than buying the original (about half price). I always hang on to the older version of a piece of software, so I can use it to buy an upgrade to the newer version. You also need the older version if you have to reinstall the newer one later on. It will check for the older version before it permits you to install an upgrade version, even if you already had it installed for quite some time.

Also, you can sometimes buy competitive upgrades with your old version. A competitive upgrade is just means the software company would rather you bought their software, so they give you a decent discount if you own an alternative product.

I just upgraded from Office 2002 (Office XP) to Office 2007. Amazon had a good price. Watch out for resellers offering unboxed or OEM versions of the software. Sometimes it is pirated, and with the strict controls Microsoft has, they will eventually detect it and cut you off, along with the others who mistakenly bought the same key. They validate licenses quite frequently. And even if it wasn't your version they caught up with, they might detect others using the same software (since pirates reuse license keys).

I got a great deal at Amazon prior to xmas, and got a $75 coupon to use at Amazon, beyond a decent sales price.

Hi all, I am running a large scale business and some time I have to transfer large and very important data files to my business partner. I fear about my data because there are many of my business competitors who will definitely try to steal my important data. So there is huge amount of risk involved in sharing my important data on Internet. I recently heard about secure file transfer technique from my friend who is working in well established software company. Does anyone have any idea about what is Secure File Transfer (SFT) service and how does it work?

Hi all, I am running a large scale business and some time I have to transfer large and very important data files to my business partner. I fear about my data because there are many of my business competitors who will definitely try to steal my important data. So there is huge amount of risk involved in sharing my important data on Internet. I recently heard about secure file transfer technique from my friend who is working in well established software company. Does anyone have any idea about what is Secure File Transfer (SFT) service and how does it work?

I would imagine its something like SFTP which stands for Secure File Transfer Protocol which allows you to transfer files over a secure connection via DOS using commands

My dad has the newest version of WMP, and when he miniaturize it, it goes to the Windows Tool Bar with an option to press play, pause, ects', without resizing it, and it can show you which song is playing right now if you have a song list. Now, I have the same version of WMP, but I can't get the same option that is on my dad's computer.

Can antbody tell me should I change to get that option?

Does anyone have experience with Trend Micro protection software and Norton. Norton has expired and I'm thinking of trying Trend Micro, but I hate to sacrifice something that's doing the job well for something that doesn't make the grade. My problems with Norton is that it's too helpful. It seems to be a bit of a busy body and does more than I need it to do. Actually it can be rather annoying actually.

Regards

Is Disk Defragmenting really that important? And how often should it be done?

Is Disk Defragmenting really that important? And how often should it be done?

I do it when ever I think of it. You can set your computer to do it as frequently or infrequently as you like. In fact, it's time for me to do mine.

TTFN

Is Disk Defragmenting really that important? And how often should it be done?

Disk defragmenting organises all your files together. Especially large files. If they are spread out it takes longer for them to be read off the harddrive. Defragmenting helps speed up your computer.

Thanks guys! I usually defragment about once every two weeks. :)

Does anyone have experience with Trend Micro protection software and Norton. Norton has expired and I'm thinking of trying Trend Micro, but I hate to sacrifice something that's doing the job well for something that doesn't make the grade. My problems with Norton is that it's too helpful. It seems to be a bit of a busy body and does more than I need it to do. Actually it can be rather annoying actually.

Regards

2 completely free programs which will do the job just as well as Norton, and won't use anywhere near as many resources:
Avast! Anti-virus
Sygate Personal Firewall

With those two, you wont need to buy anything.

2 completely free programs which will do the job just as well as Norton, and won't use anywhere near as many resources:
Avast! Anti-virus
Sygate Personal Firewall

With those two, you wont need to buy anything.

Thanks. Got a link? Or, will they be easy to find via google search? How are they for anti phishing, and internet protection?

Regards

Thanks. Got a link? Or, will they be easy to find via google search? How are they for anti phishing, and internet protection?

Regards

Anti-fishing they don't do. IE7 and Firefox both do that themselves. Sygate Personal Firewall offers protection against hackers and unwanted connections. For internet security though you can't beat Firefox.

Sygate Personal Firewall (http://www.tucows.com/preview/213160)
Avast! Anti-virus (http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html)

Both programs are 100% free for personal use only.

Anti-fishing they don't do. IE7 and Firefox both do that themselves. Sygate Personal Firewall offers protection against hackers and unwanted connections. For internet security though you can't beat Firefox.

Sygate Personal Firewall (http://www.tucows.com/preview/213160)
Avast! Anti-virus (http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html)

Both programs are 100% free for personal use only.

Thanks for letting me know. I'll kip over there at some point today and take a look at it.

TTFN

Edit: Installed both and they are doing great so far. In fact avast found 6 trojans that had been lurking there for god knows how long and Norton didn't find them though I did a virus check daily.

My dad has the newest version of WMP, and when he miniaturize it, it goes to the Windows Tool Bar with an option to press play, pause, ects', without resizing it, and it can show you which song is playing right now if you have a song list. Now, I have the same version of WMP, but I can't get the same option that is on my dad's computer.

Can anybody tell me should I change to get that option?

May I be answerd already?!:grumble:

My laptop won't charge its battery anymore. When I plug it in the battery doesn't go down, but it doesn't go up either. Is it possible that there is an easy fix to this?

My laptop won't charge its battery anymore. When I plug it in the battery doesn't go down, but it doesn't go up either. Is it possible that there is an easy fix to this?

How old is the laptop?

My laptop won't charge its battery anymore. When I plug it in the battery doesn't go down, but it doesn't go up either. Is it possible that there is an easy fix to this?Laptop batteries do die. You can get one from the computer manufacturer, or you can go to eBay and lookup your exact model to get another one.

How old is the laptop?

It's about a year and a half old.

Laptop batteries do die. You can get one from the computer manufacturer, or you can go to eBay and lookup you exact model to get another one.

Hmmm...didn't really think about that. I want to try to make sure that is it before I get it though. Thanks.

You do get electricity when you plug in, right? Because sometimes it is the AC adapter, itself. Or it can be the port in the laptop that AC adapter plugs into. But if it was anything but the battery, you wouldn't get power to the computer.

BTW, a year and a half sounds too soon for a battery to go.

Now that I have avast and sygate installed, I keep getting the following message:

An application named NT Kernel & System (file name ntoskrnl.exe) has been blocked from accessing the network.

I don't know what to do to fix this. Anyone know?

Regards

Now that I have avast and sygate installed, I keep getting the following message:

An application named NT Kernel & System (file name ntoskrnl.exe) has been blocked from accessing the network.

I don't know what to do to fix this. Anyone know?

Regards
Google the file name and there are loads of suggestions (a lot of which seem to involve paying money of course!)

Google the file name and there are loads of suggestions (a lot of which seem to involve paying money of course!)

Yeh, I did. What impresses me is that on the first system scan avast found a virus lurking in my puter that hadn't been found by norton. I may get their pay version. I've emailed the supp team in hopes they have an answer as most of the virus software companies had a repair for their software.

Thanks and TTFN

Now that I have avast and sygate installed, I keep getting the following message:

An application named NT Kernel & System (file name ntoskrnl.exe) has been blocked from accessing the network.

I don't know what to do to fix this. Anyone know?

Regards

If it's been blocked then it doesn't need access. That's the only thing about SPF that's annoying. To give it access open up SPF and give NTKernal & System access to the network (right click the icon and select Allow). Or, do what I do and just turn the messages off. Go to Tools -> Options -> Hide Notification Messages. It doesn't actually need access to the network.

It's about a year and a half old.
Make and model name please (i can do some digging via google, i have a hunch as to what might be wrong given the laptops age, it might not be what i'm thinking i.e. dodgy Sony laptop battery).

Hmmm...didn't really think about that. I want to try to make sure that is it before I get it though. Thanks.

If you can run the laptop via the AC power supply, then it's likely to be the battery that's the problem. Though tbh i would'nt buy a laptop battery off Ebay, better to source one from the laptop maker or decent online stores that sell laptop batteries. I have nothing against Ebay, however when it comes to something like a laptop battery i sway on the side of caution. That's just the chemistry geek in me though. Though if it's not the battery, then you will probably have to get a professional to take a look at it, as i did with my old laptop, which had to have it's motherboard replaced.

Make and model name please (i can do some digging via google, i have a hunch as to what might be wrong given the laptops age, it might not be what i'm thinking i.e. dodgy Sony laptop battery).

My laptop is a Lenovo. There is a T60 at the bottom right hand corner of the screen. Is that the model? I'm really not sure. If there is a model name somewhere else , then I don't know where it is.

[edited by staff]
Me and my dad have the same Windows Media Player, but when he miniturize his, it shrinks to an option from where you can access all the buttons without having it in full size, and it goes on the desk tool bar; and if there is a list on your Player, it has a popout that says what song is it.

How can I make my WMP like my dad's?

My laptop is a Lenovo. There is a T60 at the bottom right hand corner of the screen. Is that the model? I'm really not sure. If there is a model name somewhere else , then I don't know where it is.

Thinkpads are great. It probably is just a dead battery. Did you get the 4 cell? I think they did have a battery recall on some batteries from the T60 model that were made by Sony. This is the URL on the Lenovo website (http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=BATT-LENOVO#determine).

Thinkpads are great. It probably is just a dead battery. Did you get the 4 cell? I think they did have a battery recall on some batteries from the T60 model that were made by Sony. This is the URL on the Lenovo website (http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=BATT-LENOVO#determine).

Thanks for all of that! :D My battery was not one that was recalled. But I think that I shall just try getting a new battery. It makes sense that that woudl be the issue. Thanks for all of your help!

I am trying to arrange my desktop icons so that they run along the bottom of my screen, right now they are running on the left side of my screen and it is covering up a face on my desktop picture. I have Windows XP if that helps....

I wonder whose face they're covering up... :lol:

If you right-click your desktop, you can go to Arrange Icons By > and then click Auto Arrange so that it's unchecked, you should be able to drag your icons wherever you please and have them stay there.

I wonder whose face they're covering up...
:whistle:

If you right-click your desktop, you can go to Arrange Icons By > and then click Auto Arrange so that it's unchecked, you should be able to drag your icons wherever you please and have them stay there.
Thanks dear, I can see the lovely face now :love:

I am trying to arrange my desktop icons so that they run along the bottom of my screen, right now they are running on the left side of my screen and it is covering up a face on my desktop picture. I have Windows XP if that helps....

Also if you right click and select "Arrange Icons By -> Align To Grid" then they will still stay neat and tidy.

Although it is recommended that you have a minimal number of icons on your desktop as each icon uses up RAM.

I deleted some software earlier and now I hear nothing in the speakers. Could it be that I deleted a wrong software and when yes what could it be?

I have XP professional btw.

I deleted some software earlier and now I hear nothing in the speakers. Could it be that I deleted a wrong software and when yes what could it be?

I have XP professional btw.

Probably. Depends on who makes your sound card. Go to Start -> Run and type "dxdiag" (without the "") and push enter. When it loads click on sound. Then post here the Name on the left under device, and then on the right under drivers post the Name and the Provider.

Probably. Depends on who makes your sound card. Go to Start -> Run and type "dxdiag" (without the "") and push enter. When it loads click on sound. Then post here the Name on the left under device, and then on the right under drivers post the Name and the Provider.
There is nothing.

I deleted some software earlier and now I hear nothing in the speakers. Could it be that I deleted a wrong software and when yes what could it be?

I have XP professional btw.

I had the same result once before after deleting software, but it was that I'd deleted a shared file that shouldn't have. Windows usually asks if you want to delete shared files. I think I had win 3.1 at that time.

TTFN

There is nothing.

Looks like you've deleted all your sound drivers. What make and model is your sound card? If you don't have a sound card (i.e. on-board sound) then what is the make and model of your motherboard?

My laptop is a Lenovo. There is a T60 at the bottom right hand corner of the screen. Is that the model? I'm really not sure. If there is a model name somewhere else , then I don't know where it is.

As i expected it might be a dodgy battery problem -
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=BATT-LENOVO

[edited by staff]
Me and my dad have the same Windows Media Player, but when he miniturize his, it shrinks to an option from where you can access all the buttons without having it in full size, and it goes on the desk tool bar; and if there is a list on your Player, it has a popout that says what song is it.

How can I make my WMP like my dad's?

Try this: right click on the task bar at the bottom of the screen, go to toolbars, then click on Windows Media Player. Try minimizing it after that, I think it should work.

Looks like you've deleted all your sound drivers. What make and model is your sound card? If you don't have a sound card (i.e. on-board sound) then what is the make and model of your motherboard?Problem is solved now. Bought a new soundcard...
Thanks anyway for trying to help. :)

Problem is solved now. Bought a new soundcard...
Thanks anyway for trying to help. :)

Hehe, no problems.

I have a question about selling a laptop.
I have an IBM Thinkpad X22. Several years old but it works fine and is in perfect condition. There are a few on ebay for around $100 to $200, but I was just wondering if the programs installed on the computer effect its value. The ones I saw on ebay pretty much have Microsoft Office and a few throwaway programs and thats it. My laptop has Photoshop CS on it and a statistics program called SPSS. How much (if at all) would that effect the starting price if I were to sell it on ebay?

Sorry, not an ebay expert here. My best guess for figuring that out would be search for the individual software (second hand copies) and add the average price to the price of your laptop.

I have a question about selling a laptop.
I have an IBM Thinkpad X22. Several years old but it works fine and is in perfect condition. There are a few on ebay for around $100 to $200, but I was just wondering if the programs installed on the computer effect its value. The ones I saw on ebay pretty much have Microsoft Office and a few throwaway programs and thats it. My laptop has Photoshop CS on it and a statistics program called SPSS. How much (if at all) would that effect the starting price if I were to sell it on ebay?

I would try selling it on the Recycler or Pennysaver first, with emphasis on the programs. I don't imagine it will make much of a difference on eBay. The biggest problem with trying to start it out at a higher price because of the programs is that you'd be looking at a much, much smaller pool of buyers. Plus, most people will want to reinitialize a used laptop anyway, because of the danger of pre-installed phishing programs that could send private information back to the original owner.

I have Norton Anti-Virus that I got with my computer, and a few months ago it ran out of free trial time; I have a free AVG Anti-Virus that I downloaded, but the Norton Anti-Virus won't let it Update, so now I don't have any Anti-Virus unless I stop the Norton untill the next reset.

To the point: Where do I Uninstall the Norton Anti-Virus? (and no, it doesn't have an Uninstall button)

You should be able to remove it from add/remove programs in the control pannel.

Thanks, that helped.

P.S: How do I now what region DVDs my DVD-Rom can read?

If you have windows go into device manager, find the dvd drive on the list, double click the entry, then there should be a tab that says DVD region.
If memory serves me correctly you can only change your dvd drives region so many times before it locks onto one region (probably 3 changes, depends on manufacturer).

To the point: Where do I Uninstall the Norton Anti-Virus? (and no, it doesn't have an Uninstall button)

Norton is notoriously hard to remove (according to the local computer guy) and while it remains, other anti-virus programs won't work.

Here is a Norton tool for removal: http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2007080716240739?Open&src=hot&docid=2005033108162039&nsf=tsgeninfo.nsf&view=docid&seg=hho&lg=en&ct=us

I'm not sure about the difference but there is a slightly different tool if the software was gotten from an ISP (Internet provider). Here is that tool: http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2007080716174339?Open&src=hot&docid=2005033108162039&nsf=tsgeninfo.nsf&view=docid&seg=hho&lg=en&ct=us

Here I have another question, if someone can help it would be very appreciated!!!

I have files of 669 MB and I want to compress them. I used Win Zip, and similar softwares, but the final compressed file is 658 MB anyways XD That doesnt work for me....
Why should I compress them if the final size is the same?

My question is: I wonder if I can compress those files in order to have them in a normal CD (700 MB) Which software should I use

Here I have another question, if someone can help it would be very appreciated!!!

I have files of 669 MB and I want to compress them. I used Win Zip, and similar softwares, but the final compressed file is 658 MB anyways XD That doesnt work for me....
Why should I compress them if the final size is the same?

My question is: I wonder if I can compress those files in order to have them in a normal CD (700 MB) Which software should I use

Normally there are options to specify how you want to compress (quickly, most compressed etc) so look at the different options you have.

Also, why are you trying to compress 669MB of data to fit on a 700MB CD? It'll already fit.

You may also be trying to compress files that are already highly compressed, like audio or video files.

Normally there are options to specify how you want to compress (quickly, most compressed etc) so look at the different options you have.

Also, why are you trying to compress 669MB of data to fit on a 700MB CD? It'll already fit.


Only one file in one CD, I prefer to keep more than one file in one CD... thats what I was looking for.
:cool:

With the low cost of storage it's best to avoid file compression (unless it's absolutely necessary) to avoid the risk of corruption that goes with compression.

If you have windows go into device manager, find the dvd drive on the list, double click the entry, then there should be a tab that says DVD region.
If memory serves me correctly you can only change your dvd drives region so many times before it locks onto one region (probably 3 changes, depends on manufacturer).

Where's the device manager?

Where's the device manager?
go to start
right click on "My Computer"
go to "manage"
- Systems Tools
- Device manager

Great! My DVD is a region 2 DVD.

Yikes! My curser is eating my words again!! The there is no button stuck on my computer, but if the cursor is in front of a line of words it just starts eating them. If I go to click on a favorite link it asks me if I want to delete it instead of opening it :shrug:.

Did you accidently press the insert key by mistake? My computer does something like that when I do.

If so, just press the insert key again and it should work ok.

No, it just does it at random. It is really weird. I just did a virus scan and clean too and it still didn't help. :sigh:. I think it is time for a new computer, I just don't want to part with this one :(.

No, it just does it at random. It is really weird. I just did a virus scan and clean too and it still didn't help. :sigh:. I think it is time for a new computer, I just don't want to part with this one :(.

Wow, that is weird. Did you run a spyware/malware scan? It sounds like it could be spyware or something.

Could be that too. Don't blame ya.

No, it just does it at random. It is really weird. I just did a virus scan and clean too and it still didn't help. :sigh:. I think it is time for a new computer, I just don't want to part with this one :(.

Get a new keyboard and mouse, or just find an old set and try those out, theres no reason to get a new computer for something like that.

Also check your mouse and keyboard settings in the Control Panel, it sounds like your mouse is configured wrong.

I'm gonna be changing my computer case here shortly. I was wondering what the best way will be to make the xfr of all the stuff in my current computer so as to not have problems w/the reassemply. I won't be replacing any parts this go around.

Regards

I'm gonna be changing my computer case here shortly. I was wondering what the best way will be to make the xfr of all the stuff in my current computer so as to not have problems w/the reassemply. I won't be replacing any parts this go around.

Regards

just take it apart and put it back together exactly like you found it draw a diagram if it helps you. Other than that find a friend who has built a few comps and get him/her to help you.

Get a new keyboard and mouse, or just find an old set and try those out, theres no reason to get a new computer for something like that.
It is a laptop :(

Also check your mouse and keyboard settings in the Control Panel, it sounds like your mouse is configured wrong.
You know this may be the problem. I will check it out, because I am using a USB mouse, because I can't stand laptop mouses. It was my husband's and I just plugged it in and starting using it, I never configured it our anything so I will check it out, thanks! :D

just take it apart and put it back together exactly like you found it draw a diagram if it helps you. Other than that find a friend who has built a few comps and get him/her to help you.

Thanks. You've just confirmed it shd be a rather easy process. Between your suggestion and another from somewhere else to tag wires, I should be okay.

TTFN

Is there a way to save the changes you make to how a folder appears?
For example, say I open my C drive window, can I make it so every time I open it it's set to "Details" rather than "Thumbnails" and to show the date and not the file type, etc.? It's annoying to have to format it every time so that I can see what I want, but I can't find anything like that in the Folder options..."Remember each Folders view settings" is already clicked...but it doesn't do it! :grumble:

Is there a way to save the changes you make to how a folder appears?
For example, say I open my C drive window, can I make it so every time I open it it's set to "Details" rather than "Thumbnails" and to show the date and not the file type, etc.? It's annoying to have to format it every time so that I can see what I want, but I can't find anything like that in the Folder options..."Remember each Folders view settings" is already clicked...but it doesn't do it! :grumble:

Go into folder settings and under one of the tabs is set all folders like this. That'll save them.

I am ordering a new laptop right now and I was just wondering if you get a transfer cable and your old computer has viruses does it transfer those as well to your new computer? Is there a way to transfer data w/o getting a cable?

Oh and is 1GB memory good or should I purchase another one? It will be running Vista...

So I have this flash drive (very cheap, free from school) that has started wigging out on me. I'm not sure of everything that is on there, but I know that there are at least a few things that I would really like back. Whenever I try to open recent files in Word, it says it cannot read the file. At first it was saying something about floppy disks and Macintosh (I don't have a mac). When I try to open the drive under My Computer, it says the disk in the drive has not been formatted and asks if I would like to format it, which I really would not like to do. Does anyone have any ideas as to what I can do to get my files back?

I want to make a dvd and I've done all the video editing in Movie Maker (yeah it's pretty awful but I can't afford a posh one) and then I opened Windows Dvd Maker and it says "a dvd burner was not found. Make sure a dvd burner is connected and installed and try again" - i assumed (wrongly?) Windows came with dvd burning software?

I've tried downloading free burners but they don't want to work so I uninstalled them.

I think you might need to know that I've got Vista although I have got a laptop with XP and I've got a pack of 5 DVD-R discs.

Do you know what I need to do next?

Thanks in advance.

*update: i downloaded some software called Aimersoft DVD Creator but it now says it can't find the disc drive when i get to the burn stage - despite the fact that I've put a disc in the drive.

What is the make and model of your disk drive?

Vista does come with DVD burning software. When it says the DVD burner cannot be found, it's referring to hardware. Because it seems Windows can't find the drive, it may be a problem with the controller. You can try updating the driver.

I have an AVI video clip that I took with my digital camera and I'd like to either by able to:

a) cut just the audio so I can have it as an mp3,

or

b) cover up the video part with pictures but keep the audio.

I played around with Windows Movie Maker, but it doesn't seem as though you can do either of those things. I also tried saving the file as an audio file in Windows Media Player, and a few other programs, but nothing works. Does anyone know how I could do either of these things?

Thanks!

You should be able to do both in Windows Movie Maker. Try opening it, then using the timeline view. Drag the video to the Music/Audio track. Make sure you drag it all the way over to 0:00 so the beginning time won't be silence. Then you'll be able to Save to... as a wma, which you would then have to convert to mp3. Or, to do b), you would drag it to the Music/Audio track, then drag your new video with the photo collage to the Video timeline.

Thank you! Do you know any good (and free) programs to convert files? I've used a few before but they were only trials.

I think I've used the Zune software and some regular media player to convert before. But I think any software you find will do an adequate job. I don't remember which program I've got on my home computer, but if you go to download.com, I think any of the freeware on there will work fine. I'm pretty sure the one I used was downloaded from there so I could convert files to play on my iPod.

Thanks! I'll see what I can find. :)

Rather URGENT problem... I posted it in the Windows XP thread as well, but I'm posting it here too, just to see where I can get help the fastest. :)

I've been trying to install some new fonts and my dang Windows program is being stubborn and not letting me install them in the fonts folder ... I've been trying to install them the correct way.


This is what it says --

The ______________ file is currently being used and cannot be replaced.

Wait until Windows is finished using the file, and then try again.

Edit: I just tried again, and the dang thing still wouldn't do it...

Anyone else had this issue happen to them? Is there anything that I can do, that will let me download the font files into my fonts folder?

You'll be trying to replace a default windows font. What is the name of the font you are trying to replace?

Yes, that has happened to me before :shrug: I'm not too sure what I did to fix it though. I think I saved the font file to my desktop and just restarted, and only opened the Fonts folder on restart and dragged it in. I have a program that searches for new font files though, so it might be a different issue that I had.
Hope you can get it to work!

Yes, that has happened to me before :shrug: I'm not too sure what I did to fix it though. I think I saved the font file to my desktop and just restarted, and only opened the Fonts folder on restart and dragged it in. I have a program that searches for new font files though, so it might be a different issue that I had.
Hope you can get it to work!
Yea, that's kind of what I did... turned out that I had to be on my other account to do it. Since the one I'm on won't let me do much...

Have a question about setting up a new port.

I need to set this up so my computer will let one of my games work properly. I set it up, gave it a name, typed in the correct port number, and then clicked the type of port I wanted.

Problem: Don't know how to make it an "In" port or an "Out" port.

Anyone know how?

Have a question about setting up a new port.

I need to set this up so my computer will let one of my games work properly. I set it up, gave it a name, typed in the correct port number, and then clicked the type of port I wanted.

Problem: Don't know how to make it an "In" port or an "Out" port.

Anyone know how?

You don't. All ports transmit and receive.

You don't. All ports transmit and receive.
Separate ports can indeed be configured to handle solely incoming or solely outgoing traffic. That's commonly used in business for security purposes. However it's probably too complicated to instruct someone in how to configure a port here in the forum. I'd suggest googling for the information on how to configure the port.

Alright. Will try that. Thanks!

Ive got a Vista laptop, and recently purchased a USB video capturing device. I've got the correct software to run it, but wasn't provided with the correct disc when purchased.

My problem now is that I still lack the USB 2.0 Video Capture Controller driver (or thats what windows claims).

Is there anywhere I could get this driver? Online perhaps?

Thanks in advance

The driver needs to be provided by the device manufacturer. A lot of them haven't gotten their USB drivers up to date. Sometimes that also includes the type of USB capture cable. I'd suggest checking the website of the manufacturer.

I've had a similar problem with my cell phone (which is a new model). There is support for Windows XP, but not Vista.

Thanks
Ive now got the driver downloaded in RAR format, but how am i suposed to install it into the system?

Ok. First do you have a way to uncompress RAR? Typically after you uncompress it, it will have a setup.exe file to install it. If the manufacturer has their act together, just clicking on setup should do it.

ive no way to uncompress it. I could on my old computer, but don't have anything on this new one. (the old ones now broke)

any programs you'd advise

No, i havent any way of uncompressing it, any free programs youd advise?

Well you can download WipZip, it's free for 30 days and then it expires. There's also Winrar, which has a free and pay version (more features). You can get winzip from winzip.com. You can get winrar from download.com. Download.com run by CNET has been around forever (over 10 years), and is the most reliable software download site on the web. Everything is virus and spyware free. Not everything works as well as you'd like, but the users and CNET do rate everything, so there is usually warning about duds.

I like winzip better, but eventually you have pay around $25. I think that winrar charges by the year, so it is a subscription instead of ownership. In the end it will cost you more.

This site (http://www.brothersoft.com/pdf_files/file_compression/) has some free programs for opening RAR, ZIP etc.

7zip (http://www.7-zip.org/) is my favorite. Completely free and easy--done within the right click menus.

I may have pointed this out before but I don't really get computers. I will not rant (promise). RealPlayer is on the computer. Videos have been downloaded whoch we can watch using RealPlayer. My brother has one of those iPod Touch yokeamagiggers. Internet says to go to tools>Add a New Device so that the iPod will be supported or something along those lines. Except Add a New Device is nowhere to be found. Help?

i'd be interested in feedback on the maxthon browser. someone recommended it to me over firefox.

ttfn

I may have pointed this out before but I don't really get computers. I will not rant (promise). RealPlayer is on the computer. Videos have been downloaded whoch we can watch using RealPlayer. My brother has one of those iPod Touch yokeamagiggers. Internet says to go to tools>Add a New Device so that the iPod will be supported or something along those lines. Except Add a New Device is nowhere to be found. Help?

Make sure you're using the latest version of Real Player, though I'm not sure it will recognize the Touch yet. Why don't you just use iTunes?

Make sure you're using the latest version of Real Player, though I'm not sure it will recognize the Touch yet. Why don't you just use iTunes?

I must second this and urge you to come towards the light and use iTunes! I'd been using iTunes for a number of years before I actually purchased an iPod as I simply love the way it sorts my music, being able to purchase music so easily, and recently being able to purchase TV shows & movies. When I did purchase my iPod though iTunes took on a whole new meaning, it transformed itself from being brilliant at storing my music on my PC into a HUB for me to do what I want with my iPod.

iTunes will recognise & install the iPod quickly and easily, allow you to configure it and perform any necessary updates and of course add your music/videos!

Make sure you're using the latest version of Real Player, though I'm not sure it will recognize the Touch yet. Why don't you just use iTunes?:blush: em... well because when I came home from university he already had the videos put onto RealPlayer. Well seeing as iTunes is on the computer I will try to use that instead. Thanks rich_505 and yellowpoofball.

Ok, two questions:
1. I've got a circa 1999 desktop computer using Windows XP, on which I've stored about 1.1 GB of music files and am approaching 1 GB in graphic files. I have a cranky dad who says even that much will slow the machine down and cause it to crash, but I want to know- is that true? How much is it safe to store on an old (ish) PC- we got it only last year? I'm really quite reluctant to erase all my data just cause someone else who doesn't have much technical knowledge of computers says so.

2. I've got a laptop (IBM R51, 40 GB hard drive). How many GB of data (music, picture files etc) is it safe to store on it? I need an honest opinion, since every computer technician I meet behaves like it's sacrilege to keep music and pictures (why do they call them personal computers, then, I ask?).

The real question is how much free space and RAM you have left on either machine. You need a certain amount of swap space (hard disk alternative for RAM functions) for the programs to function properly. Although you should actually be worried about back up. Since the drives could crash and you would lose everything. You could defragment those drives to speed up performance, but if you've never done it before, it isn't as wise on older drives, since they can get fussy and crash.

Most of my storage is audiobooks, and I have a friend who has most of his storage on photos and music.

And I was a computer professional for 30 years. There are newbie techs who like to act like they actually know something, when they don't. Most home computers are filled with pictures and music.

I'd suggest shopping around for an external USB hard disk. You can get 100GBs very cheap now. In fact, it's hard to find anything smaller. You can attach the external drive to either your laptop or desktop and back up those files.

Ok, two questions:
1. I've got a circa 1999 desktop computer using Windows XP, on which I've stored about 1.1 GB of music files and am approaching 1 GB in graphic files. I have a cranky dad who says even that much will slow the machine down and cause it to crash, but I want to know- is that true? How much is it safe to store on an old (ish) PC- we got it only last year? I'm really quite reluctant to erase all my data just cause someone else who doesn't have much technical knowledge of computers says so.

2. I've got a laptop (IBM R51, 40 GB hard drive). How many GB of data (music, picture files etc) is it safe to store on it? I need an honest opinion, since every computer technician I meet behaves like it's sacrilege to keep music and pictures (why do they call them personal computers, then, I ask?).

Depends on how big the HDD is. You're supposed to keep 10-15% of the HDD free for moving files around and defragging + 1.5x your RAM for swap files. Anyone who says it's sacrilege to keep music and images on the computer doesn't know what they are talking about. Same rules apply for your laptop as PC.

Thanks for the input, ComicBookWorm and styphon! I wouldn't lose much if this crashed, but I'm looking into saving as much as I can onto external drives. You've really been a great help :). And thank you for confirming that it's ok to keep music and pics..

Hi everyone...

I'm sure this hasn't been asked on here. Also, I'm not sure where this is supposed to be. If it doesn't belong here, please move it to the appropriate forum. Anyway, here's my dilemma:

Before I upgraded my computer to Windows XP SP2, I had all the HP fonts and they all worked great. Now that I have upgraded, though, I have been able to install all but 1. I can't seem to get the font that resembles Hagrid's handwriting to install. I have downloaded this font from a number of sites but each time I go to install it, it says that it couldn't be installed because it was corrupted. Every...single...time... So this is my question. Does anyone with Windows XP SP2 have this font (that works) and are willing to share it with me? I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.

Hedwig0183

Perhaps you should check and see if a corrupted version of the file is in your fonts folder (in your windows folder). First try to uninstall it if, Windows thinks it is installed. Then either move it out of that directory or delete it if you have a clean copy somewhere else. Then try to download it and install it again.

Otherwise, there may be something about the formation of that font that is not compatible with XP SP2, but I'm having a hard time visualizing what that might be.

ComicBookWorm...

Thanks for the advice. I checked, but there isn't a corrupted "Hagrid font" in my fonts folder. I was mistaken about the error message my system keeps giving me. Here is the actual message:

Unable to install the Hagrid2 (truetype) font. The font file may be damaged. Check with your font vendor about obtaining a new file.

I downloaded this from mugglenet.com. Do you know who I would have to contact about getting a new font file? Thanks.

Hedwig0183

I'd suggest contacting Mugglenet at mugglenet.com (http://mugglenet.com) for that font.

CoS is the official forum for Mugglenet but Mugglenet and CoS are separate websites, each with a separate staff.

A question from a novice who has taught herself almost everything she knows about computers.

My current computer has floppy disc capability and I would like to preserve some of the stuff on my documents page. I have noticed that no one makes computers with Floppy Disc ports anymore. Can new computers (with floppys) be ordered special or can I use a USB Flash Drive (I do have USB ports) without installing some recording hardware (I never bought and installed the DVD/CD recording hardware - never realized it wasn't on there [there were two bays - I assumed there was something in the other one - not just an empty hole]). :argh:

Those USB drives are expensive (even though they have plenty of memory) but I don't want to buy anything I can't use. My computer pretty old and I don't really want to install anything else to it, and I can't really change computers because I can't move the stuff from this one to another (without floppy disc access); I really don't know what works and what doesn't.

Any help anyone could give me would be appreciated. Thanks - :D

You can buy a USB floppy disk drive (they cost around £20 here) so anything you have on disc can be put onto a new machine

Thanks, Mundungus Fletc.

That's sounds like a plug-in even I can use. :argh: :D The price sounds very reasonable also - even recalculating it to US dollars. :hmm: