Laptop won't turn on
in IT Support ·
Jason Taylor3 said:... It's clean, no dust....
🤔
You really think the screen and keyboard are clean?
What about the internals? The cooling system?
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Posts by Sandra Cook60
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You really think the screen and keyboard are clean?
What about the internals? The cooling system?
PC not detecting graphics card
in Desktops ·
It doesn't necessarily mean it's broken...
Maybe you need to wipe those old graphics drivers entirely.
Plug the new card into the slot, then I would suggest resetting the BIOS on the motherboard first (hold the jumper for about 3 seconds).
Connect the monitor to the new GPU, boot straight into the BIOS, and immediately set everything back to default settings.
Then, disable the integrated graphics, save, and restart. Shut the computer down immediately, switch the monitor to the new GPU, and then boot into macOS.
If that fails, plug the monitor into the integrated graphics and follow the steps I just described.
Provided the new card isn't defective, it should boot somehow. Once it does, you can install the new drivers within macOS.
Occasionally, certain BIOS versions require an update. It shouldn't be necessary, but sometimes it happens.
If none of that works, the new card might actually be a dud. Maybe try testing it elsewhere or just return it.
Are you certain your power supply is strong enough? How are your 12V rails looking?
Maybe you need to wipe those old graphics drivers entirely.
Plug the new card into the slot, then I would suggest resetting the BIOS on the motherboard first (hold the jumper for about 3 seconds).
Connect the monitor to the new GPU, boot straight into the BIOS, and immediately set everything back to default settings.
Then, disable the integrated graphics, save, and restart. Shut the computer down immediately, switch the monitor to the new GPU, and then boot into macOS.
If that fails, plug the monitor into the integrated graphics and follow the steps I just described.
Provided the new card isn't defective, it should boot somehow. Once it does, you can install the new drivers within macOS.
Occasionally, certain BIOS versions require an update. It shouldn't be necessary, but sometimes it happens.
If none of that works, the new card might actually be a dud. Maybe try testing it elsewhere or just return it.
Are you certain your power supply is strong enough? How are your 12V rails looking?
Windows won't boot after backup
in IT Support ·
Just restore the backup. I don't get it... I've restored backups a thousand times and they always work perfectly. Not just with Clonezilla or
Monster, but with
the backup software used by some hospitals—maybe even all of them—over in Germany.
Best,
Monster, but with
the backup software used by some hospitals—maybe even all of them—over in Germany.
Best,
PC voltage issues
in Hardware ·
The computer battery is junk. Swap out the CR2032 for the BIOS/CMOS and you'll likely have it working properly again...
If you know how to use a multimeter, check for 5 volts. Connect the red wire to the black one or the case.
It needs to be 5 volts. It absolutely cannot drop below 4.75v.
If you know how to use a multimeter, check for 5 volts. Connect the red wire to the black one or the case.
It needs to be 5 volts. It absolutely cannot drop below 4.75v.
Where to find older versions of Adobe Flash Player?
in IT Support ·
Turn that garbage off. Go into your settings and disable all Extensions; they’re more trouble than they're worth.
If you actually need Adobe Flash Player, hunt down version 11.2.202... It works perfectly if you set the browser to block updates.
Also, disable Hardware Acceleration. It can be incredibly glitchy. Try playing a video, right-click on it, select Adobe Flash Player, and find the "Hardware Acceleration" setting to turn it off—unless you're already having graphics issues, then just leave it.
Good luck.
If you actually need Adobe Flash Player, hunt down version 11.2.202... It works perfectly if you set the browser to block updates.
Also, disable Hardware Acceleration. It can be incredibly glitchy. Try playing a video, right-click on it, select Adobe Flash Player, and find the "Hardware Acceleration" setting to turn it off—unless you're already having graphics issues, then just leave it.
Good luck.
Hard Disk issues
in IT Support ·
What exactly are you looking for? I have no idea.
All I know is that you want this computer to work... but which disk? For what purpose? You haven't specified anything.
You should have reached out sooner. It seems you don't even know what you want. I waited for a clearer picture, but nothing came.
There are several ways to get this machine running...
I won't list them all now, since you ultimately only want one result.
If you want advice on the best approach, ask properly from the start.
I can tell you this much: using Windows alone, you won't be able to run two Hard Disks simultaneously.
One was already in use; is the second one new or used?
That matters. You will need a USB Drive with Tools, specifically a Partition Manager.
Since the old Hard Disk is almost certainly set to "master" and "Active," perhaps the second Hard Disk is also set to "Active"? If so, they will conflict, though a Partition Manager can fix that.
Only one partition can be "Active" for booting purposes.
...
Your old Hard Disk is likely fine; something within Windows simply failed.
Unless the Registry is corrupted beyond repair, it can be fixed.
It is possible the new Hard Disk is faster, making it a better choice for booting and general Windows performance.
But that isn't a guarantee. New doesn't always mean faster.
Questions upon questions...
Some people assume a Hard Disk just works automatically once plugged in. That isn't how it works, especially when you introduce multiple drives into the equation.
We can go through this step by step, provided the goal is clear. If you intend to use both hard drives now, you will need a Boot CD or USB Drive containing a Partition Manager.
Good luck.
All I know is that you want this computer to work... but which disk? For what purpose? You haven't specified anything.
You should have reached out sooner. It seems you don't even know what you want. I waited for a clearer picture, but nothing came.
There are several ways to get this machine running...
I won't list them all now, since you ultimately only want one result.
If you want advice on the best approach, ask properly from the start.
I can tell you this much: using Windows alone, you won't be able to run two Hard Disks simultaneously.
One was already in use; is the second one new or used?
That matters. You will need a USB Drive with Tools, specifically a Partition Manager.
Since the old Hard Disk is almost certainly set to "master" and "Active," perhaps the second Hard Disk is also set to "Active"? If so, they will conflict, though a Partition Manager can fix that.
Only one partition can be "Active" for booting purposes.
...
Your old Hard Disk is likely fine; something within Windows simply failed.
Unless the Registry is corrupted beyond repair, it can be fixed.
It is possible the new Hard Disk is faster, making it a better choice for booting and general Windows performance.
But that isn't a guarantee. New doesn't always mean faster.
Questions upon questions...
Some people assume a Hard Disk just works automatically once plugged in. That isn't how it works, especially when you introduce multiple drives into the equation.
We can go through this step by step, provided the goal is clear. If you intend to use both hard drives now, you will need a Boot CD or USB Drive containing a Partition Manager.
Good luck.
URGENT: PC won't boot! Help needed!
in IT Support ·
That sounds interesting... not the usual nonsense. That’s why I’m reaching out; I have zero interest in wasting my time on basic errors.
It could be one tiny, specific thing gone wrong... and since there are endless possibilities, I won't list them all here.
It is 100% a hardware issue, though there are many ways it could manifest.
Send me a DM.
It could be one tiny, specific thing gone wrong... and since there are endless possibilities, I won't list them all here.
It is 100% a hardware issue, though there are many ways it could manifest.
Send me a DM.
Mission: Impossible on Windows
in IT Support ·
It’s easier than you think, provided you actually have the expertise.
Knowledge is non-negotiable.
Since you seem worried about breaking something, find someone who knows what they're doing.
You need specific software for this.
There is always a risk of corrupting a partition, so a professional will perform a backup of the C drive/Boot Partition first—that's the most sensitive part.
That way, if things go south, there's a recovery path.
It is safer to hire a pro.
Maybe you can find a reliable technician in Washington, D.C.—assuming you're based there—to handle this for $23.
1: For safety, you must create a backup on an External HDD.
2: You need partitioning software to manage everything—merging, resizing, or splitting partitions.
3: Install Windows 7 on a new, additional partition. This allows the Windows 7 Boot Manager to organize the boot sequence. It is vital that Windows XP remains the primary Boot Partition and Windows 7 is the secondary. Once successful, you simply select which Windows to boot at startup.
Knowledge is non-negotiable.
Since you seem worried about breaking something, find someone who knows what they're doing.
You need specific software for this.
There is always a risk of corrupting a partition, so a professional will perform a backup of the C drive/Boot Partition first—that's the most sensitive part.
That way, if things go south, there's a recovery path.
It is safer to hire a pro.
Maybe you can find a reliable technician in Washington, D.C.—assuming you're based there—to handle this for $23.
1: For safety, you must create a backup on an External HDD.
2: You need partitioning software to manage everything—merging, resizing, or splitting partitions.
3: Install Windows 7 on a new, additional partition. This allows the Windows 7 Boot Manager to organize the boot sequence. It is vital that Windows XP remains the primary Boot Partition and Windows 7 is the secondary. Once successful, you simply select which Windows to boot at startup.
New GPU, lower FPS
in Desktops ·
The thermal paste on my CPU is seven years old and still performs flawlessly. Why bother stressing the processor, the cooler, or the motherboard? In my experience, the best paste is always one containing high-quality silver.
I have already stated on this forum multiple times: when you install new hardware like RAM or a GPU, you should reset the CMOS. Yet, some people refuse to believe it, and others simply refuse to read. If they want to waste their mental energy and fry their nerves, let them.
Furthermore, always check the power supply first. I have mentioned how to verify its stability several times already.
The PSU is the only component that isn't guaranteed to last. Unless you overspec it by about 30%, it won't hold up. With that kind of headroom, it can easily run for five or even ten years.
There is more to say, but I am done. I have no desire to continue when incompetent people keep arguing against me.
They can all go to hell.
I have already stated on this forum multiple times: when you install new hardware like RAM or a GPU, you should reset the CMOS. Yet, some people refuse to believe it, and others simply refuse to read. If they want to waste their mental energy and fry their nerves, let them.
Furthermore, always check the power supply first. I have mentioned how to verify its stability several times already.
The PSU is the only component that isn't guaranteed to last. Unless you overspec it by about 30%, it won't hold up. With that kind of headroom, it can easily run for five or even ten years.
There is more to say, but I am done. I have no desire to continue when incompetent people keep arguing against me.
They can all go to hell.
GPU Buying Guide - (Read first post)
in Desktops ·
You can run Grand Theft Auto V on minimum settings; the card's performance is comparable to an HD 4870.
PSU won't boot the motherboard!!!?
in Desktops ·
Try running a single stick of RAM to see if it boots up.
Or test a different module altogether... perhaps there is an issue with the memory.
Or test a different module altogether... perhaps there is an issue with the memory.
USB Wi-Fi Adapter and GPU issues
in IT Support ·
First off, stay away from ASrock; they are nothing but trouble. Who even thinks a dance with a CD-ROM is a solution?
The USB Wi-Fi Adapter should work. Did you previously have a different USB stick with Wi-Fi? Maybe one using Ralink? If so, you better uninstall those old drivers first.
ond reboot the machine and install the new driver/software. If it prompts you to plug in the USB Wi-Fi Adapter, then you do it—not before.
The software needs to be installed first.
It could be dead, though I doubt it.
That isn't the case with graphics cards. You can install those earlier because Windows will always default to a standard driver until the proper one is found. The standard driver always works; it's just incredibly slow.
The USB Wi-Fi Adapter should work. Did you previously have a different USB stick with Wi-Fi? Maybe one using Ralink? If so, you better uninstall those old drivers first.
ond reboot the machine and install the new driver/software. If it prompts you to plug in the USB Wi-Fi Adapter, then you do it—not before.
The software needs to be installed first.
It could be dead, though I doubt it.
That isn't the case with graphics cards. You can install those earlier because Windows will always default to a standard driver until the proper one is found. The standard driver always works; it's just incredibly slow.
New GPU, lower FPS
in Desktops ·
Price for this CPU:
AMD Phenom II 965 black
Max operating temp stays between 55°C - 62°C
AMD Phenom II 965 black
Max operating temp stays between 55°C - 62°C
My laptop keeps dropping the Wi-Fi connection
in IT Support ·
Welcome to Windows 7
Is there a Java update?
An Adobe Flash Player update?
I also need help setting up static IP addresses for my connection.
...
Is there a Java update?
An Adobe Flash Player update?
I also need help setting up static IP addresses for my connection.
...
Issues with DDR3 memory on ASUS motherboard
in Desktops ·
It could be an issue with whether the SD card is single-sided or double-sided.
However, if I were you, I'd start by testing just one new stick of DDR3 memory.
You won't have dual-channel mode active, but that doesn't matter for troubleshooting. If it works, then you can go into the BIOS and load the setup defaults.
If that fails, perform a proper Reset Button procedure. Don't just pull the battery for two minutes and call it a day; use the jumper.
However, if I were you, I'd start by testing just one new stick of DDR3 memory.
You won't have dual-channel mode active, but that doesn't matter for troubleshooting. If it works, then you can go into the BIOS and load the setup defaults.
If that fails, perform a proper Reset Button procedure. Don't just pull the battery for two minutes and call it a day; use the jumper.
PC suddenly shuts down, then restarts normally
in IT Support ·
Tell me, does it shut down so cleanly, as if you actually pressed the power button on the case?
You can tell by how Windows boots up. Does it start up normally?
If it boots up perfectly fine, I'd say the contact on the button itself is faulty, causing it to trigger on its own. If that's the case, it should also be turning itself back on randomly.
Check all the cables inside the case to ensure nothing is causing a short circuit. Also, check the power connector from the PSU to the motherboard. Is there a solid connection? Unplug it and plug it back in; it might just be some oxidation...
You can tell by how Windows boots up. Does it start up normally?
If it boots up perfectly fine, I'd say the contact on the button itself is faulty, causing it to trigger on its own. If that's the case, it should also be turning itself back on randomly.
Check all the cables inside the case to ensure nothing is causing a short circuit. Also, check the power connector from the PSU to the motherboard. Is there a solid connection? Unplug it and plug it back in; it might just be some oxidation...
PC suddenly shuts down, then restarts normally
in IT Support ·
You found it!
What else is there... I guess you aren't exactly pushing this PC to its limits. :-)
Voltages look fine.
Good luck. Hopefully, the issue is actually fixed.
What else is there... I guess you aren't exactly pushing this PC to its limits. :-)
Voltages look fine.
Good luck. Hopefully, the issue is actually fixed.
PC suddenly shuts down, then restarts normally
in IT Support ·
Lawrence Barnes64 said:...
It isn't 14W for seven fans
If we assume a single fan is 12V and 0.3A—which is standard—that equals 12*0.3=3.6W
So 3.6*7=25.2W. That is the math for seven fans, not 14W...
It doesn't have to be my specific number; I am just suggesting that 25W might be the issue. I am not trying to rush into conclusions. We are here to solve the problem, not point fingers at who is wrong. Your post didn't help the guy, it just annoyed me...
What kind of fans are you running? What are their RPMs? Faster means more power draw... but then there's the noise. Most people opt for 800, 1000, or 1200 RPM to keep things quiet.
Alternatively, swap out a 4W fan spinning at 2800 RPM for one at 1000 RPM; you'll cut the power draw by three.
Standard fans today usually pull between 0.35W and 1.2W (for 80-120mm models), depending on how quietly they spin.
PC suddenly shuts down, then restarts normally
in IT Support ·
Anything is possible. However, having too many fans shouldn't be the issue since they draw minimal power—seven fans would only pull about 14 watts.
Can your Silicon Valley settings display the power supply voltages?
Check those numbers and report back. For instance, the 12V rail shouldn't drop below 11.40V.
It’s possible the 3V CMOS battery is dead or right on the edge; it might keep the time and date accurate while still corrupting other BIOS settings. It's hard to say where that threshold lies.
One system might run fine at 3.05V, while another starts failing at 3.20V.
Nova's battery sits between 3.3V and 3.4V. Normally, Silicon Valley chips should see around 5V.
Some motherboards can actually measure the battery voltage; check if yours can.
If you decide to swap the battery, perform a BIOS reset and select "Load Default Setup."
That ensures the BIOS and all hidden parameters are returned to their factory positions.
Personally, this smells like CPU overheating. Clean out the heatsink and make sure the Fan is actually spinning.
So, what was the final verdict?
Can your Silicon Valley settings display the power supply voltages?
Check those numbers and report back. For instance, the 12V rail shouldn't drop below 11.40V.
It’s possible the 3V CMOS battery is dead or right on the edge; it might keep the time and date accurate while still corrupting other BIOS settings. It's hard to say where that threshold lies.
One system might run fine at 3.05V, while another starts failing at 3.20V.
Nova's battery sits between 3.3V and 3.4V. Normally, Silicon Valley chips should see around 5V.
Some motherboards can actually measure the battery voltage; check if yours can.
If you decide to swap the battery, perform a BIOS reset and select "Load Default Setup."
That ensures the BIOS and all hidden parameters are returned to their factory positions.
Personally, this smells like CPU overheating. Clean out the heatsink and make sure the Fan is actually spinning.
So, what was the final verdict?
Strange PC restart/freeze issues
in IT Support ·
Well, did you even bother installing the chipset drivers for the motherboard?
Try setting the BIOS to "compatibility mode / IDE mode" if that option is available.
Try setting the BIOS to "compatibility mode / IDE mode" if that option is available.