Plastic Nev

Hi Iain, welcome to Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help. Indeed this doesn't sound good, however,can you please list everything you see on that BIOS type page. Do you see anything at all that says "Last known good configuration" or similar? if so use the up/down keys to get to that, then press the enter key.

Alternatively, find the icon in programs, right click on it and select create shortcut, then drag the new one to the desktop if it hasn't put it there already.

Well Match my philosophy with loaded guns, is unload them quickly by removing all the bullets, remove the screws and other bits that make it a gun, then it becomes something you can use to knock in nails if you don't have a hammer.:D the first part also covers reg cleaners, but a disabled reg cleaner is unfortunately useless for knocking in nails alas.

Just to add that if you do get the computer to recognize it and it shows in my computer, a right click, then "Open" you may then find a pdf or other file with the instructions for how to use it. However, at the moment getting that far is the problem. Even though it may not be being recognised at the moment, once you have plugged in both the mains power and the USB, do not unplug it while the computer is on, this may damage any files or the drive itself. Turn off the computer first. That will safely shut things down so you can disconnect everything before trying again.

Until you find the original disk or disks for that system, and can then tell us exactly what is written on the label, we are a bit stuck. However if the disk or disks are manufacturers restore disks, it is very likely you may only be able to do a full recovery to original factory settings and therefore loose all files and data on the system, so be warned. As for future backup of all data, an external hard drive could be the answer along with a suitable backup software such as Acronis true image. However there are many other ways of backing up files and other data, so watch this space for others to come along with their ideas.

Hi Woz, as Randy said, no problem, it is also relevant to all I said earlier. Which version of Norton is it though, and did it come free with the computer for a trial period, or have you paid for it? If it is 2009 there have been some reasonably good reviews of it. It seems Norton may finally have taken some notice of all the previous criticism of it and improved it.

All good advice so far. To recap on security software, you need a trusted firewall, and a trusted anti-virus. Some come together as a suite, the Eset Nod 32 paid for version is a good example of this, and also at least two anti-spy type programs, for example Malwarebyte, and Superantispyware, I also use SpywareBlaster, which is an always on and working tool. Remember to update all regularly, especially if update is not automatic, as it isn't on most (but not all) free ware types. Then, depending on your internet use, and websites visited, use the scanning tools of them all. I do so once a week. Also always allow the windows updates, especially those regarded as security updates. Next thing to do is have a look round our site, especially the rules, you will find we do not support any type of peer to peer sharing networks, they are notorious for being the source of some very nasty stuff that you certainly don't want on your computer. Next bit of advice is to be at least cautious regarding E Mail and any attachments, even if it seems to be from someone you know, the attachment may not be, and a big can of worms instead. Always check back to whoever sent it if you are not expecting any attachments. Never open an attachment until you are sure it is safe. Hope that is of some help. Nev.

If the game is on a brand new disk, if possible try it on another machine, if it still won't install, take it back to the shop as it could be a faulty disk. It does happen.

Well there is this one, but more like shareware than really free. The free bit doesn't do much after fifteen days. DivX Video Player - DivX Video Codec - DivX Converter | DivX.com Bob knows where I got this, you were lucky there Bob. (found it on another non computer forum) Naughty boy, asking in two places at once!! But I will let you off this once, as up untill now we didn't have an answer.

Hi again, glad you got it sorted. I had a feeling the Hard drive and the E Machines disk weren't compatible, That disk would only work on the original Machine any way. As far as the dodgy CD ROM stopping everything, it would most likely be some sort of electrical short in it, causing the power supply to drop out or at least reduce the voltage to be too low. Thanks for the feed back. Nev.

We all know someone like this. A friend of mine, poor soul, is not a man you could even call attractive, add to that he is a shy and retiring sort. Consequently he has never had a girl friend or even any sort of relationship with a lady. He confided in me the other day, that if there really was such a thing as reincarnation, he would like to come back as a hens egg. I asked why? His reply was, that at least, for once in his life he would get ****.

After doing a windows repair as above, you may have trouble downloading windows updates. Here- Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update, from Microsoft Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you perform a new Windows XP installation or you repair a Windows XP installation

Thanks for the update and glad we were of help.

Hi again, just to avoid confusion, at least mine :D The disk you have, came with the original E Machines computer yes? The hard drive you now have in, is that also from the E Machines? or from a different machine? I know you have said the mother board is E Machines originally, but the hard drive needs to be also for that disk to have even a chance. I will explain why-- The E Machines so called XP disk actually doesn't have much or any of the XP system on it, all it is there to do is to activate the original operating system that was pre installed in a hidden partition when the computer was built. Now if that partition isn't there, as it won't be if from a different machine, or if for some reason it has become damaged or deleted, the recovery disk becomes a table mat.

Hi Earthspirit, welcome to Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help. First off, I think AVG is picking up on a false positive, it is prone to that and other problems, which is why we do not recommend AVG here. Other than the warning messages, does the rest of the computer run OK, no slowness or other problems? Have a look at the security software we recommend here first- http://extremetechsupport.com/forum/malware-removal-av-firewalls-etc/3597-free-pc-help-recommended-security-products.html select which you would like, if a free one, download it, then uninstall AVG and install the new one. It is best to disconnect from the internet after the download while you do the uninstall and install the new one.

Hi again, from what you have said, so far, there is nothing wrong at all with the monitor, it is the system shutting down and therefore not sending a signal to the monitor. The reason for this shutdown is down to the the disk you have, which being an E Machines is only a recovery disk and not a full XP OS disk. Considering your hard drive is now empty of everything, that disk cannot work. What you now need is a full or OEM version of XP. Sorry but you will have to buy one.

Hi Alan and welcome to Free PC help mate, you certainly live in a good part of the country. I second the idea of some mintcake too. I hope we can help with your hardware problems and do stick around if you see something you can help out with on graphics issues.

Hi Kingpin, first can you please keep to this one thread, all of your problems are related so starting new threads only serves to create confusion. Now then much earlier, you mention you have a windows XP disk, I just want to know is it a full XP operating system disk, or a OEM disk, or a system recovery disk and also where did it come from please.

Hi, and welcome to Free Pc Help friedman, nice to know there are still some diehards who like 98. I am sure we can help you out. But thank goodness you didn't say you were still running a Sinclair spectrum. :D

OK Cris, thanks for the update, no rush at my end till you get back to us. The beeps are the important thing at the moment, as the pattern could mean the graphics, or something else.

Hi Bowdy and welcome to Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help. Have a look here- Universal Audio Architecture (UAA) High Definition Audio class driver version 1.0a available for Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and Windows 2000 for that KB888111, it is the hotfix at the top of the page, and you will have to log in or sign up to get it. Also have a look at this Microsoft forum replies to help you through the install if you need it. Realtek HD Audio device : Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) : Windows XP IT Pro : Microsoft TechNet Forums

On the first day, she sadly packed her belongings into boxes, crates and suitcases. On the second day, she had the movers come and collect her things. On the third day, she sat down for the last time at their beautiful dining-room table, by candle-light; she put on some soft background music, and feasted on a pound of shrimp, a jar of caviar,and a bottle of spring-water. When she'd finished, she went into each and every room and deposited a few half-eaten shrimps dipped in caviar into the hollow center of the curtain rods. She then cleaned up the kitchen and left. On the fourth day, the husband came back with his new girlfriend, and at first all was bliss. Then, slowly, the house began to smell. They tried everything; cleaning, mopping, and airing-out the place. Vents were checked for dead rodents, and carpets were steam cleaned.Air=2 0 fresheners were hung everywhere. Exterminators were brought in to set off gas canisters, during which time the two had t o move out for a few days, and in the end th ey even paid to replace the expensive wool carpeting. Nothing worked! People stopped coming over to visit. Repairmen refused to work in the house. The maid quit. Finally, they couldn't take the stench any longer, and decided they had to move, but a month later - even though they'd cut their price in half - they couldn't find a buyer for such a stinky house. Word got out, and eventually even the local realtors refused to return their calls. Finally, unable to wait any longer for a purchaser, they had to borrow a huge sum of money from the bank to purchase a new place. Then the ex-wife called the man and asked how things were going. He told her the saga of the rotting house. She listened politely and said that she missed her old home terribly and would be willing to reduce her divorce settlement exchange for having the house. Knowing she could have no idea how bad the smell really was, he agreed on a price that was only 1/10 th of what the house had been worth ... but only if she would sign the papers that very day. She agreed, and within two hours his lawyers delivered the completed paperwork. A week later the man and his girl friend stood smiling as they watched the moving company pack everything to take to their new home, and, to spite the ex-wife they even took..... the CURTAIN RODS !

hi, can you tell us what size of monitor screen you have, and what the screen resolution is set to? To find out the setting, and then alter it if needed, right click on a plain area of the screen, then click properties, and the tab, "settings". You will then see a box on the lower left, Screen Resolution, a slider, and the size under that. For instance, mine is set at 1680 by 1050 as that is best for my 22 inch screen.

Hi and welcome to Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help Whitebird, and hope we can help solve any problem for you.

Here are some links to various photos of hardware, useful for explaining where they are or what they do. http://www.dansdata.com/images/ecsvsasus/asusram400.jpg A basic Ram strip. http://media.hardwareanalysis.com/articles/large/11270.jpg Where they go. http://www.nuggetlab.com/comptia_files/equipment/perif_Molex%20style%20power%20connector.jpg Standard Molex power connector. http://www.hothardware.com/reviews/images/tualatin/pci_slot.jpg PCI Slots. [url=http://www.hothardware.com/reviews/images/tualatin/pci_slot.jpg][/url]http://slo-tech.com/testi/plate01/agp_slot.jpg AGP slot ( the brown one) http://www.totalsem.com/images/discbattery.jpg The average CMOS battery and holder. http://www.microsoft.com/library/media/1033/windowsxp/images/using/mce/expert/sound_sound_card.jpg An average sound card output/input ports. http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/i/c/rv/e/bg/desktops/desktops_videoports_01.gif Video card ports. If you know of more, please post them here. Nev.