KenB

Let's know how you get on with the replacement :)

Hi Joe, Let me be the first to welcome you to FPCH :)

Hi, Did you do a Repair Install or a complete format and install ? Did you use your own product key or your friend's?

Hi albulara, Let me be the first to welcome you to fpch :)

Hi Kerry, It could be overheating causing your system to shut down - if it is the vents then I would expect the machine to boot up normally then after a period of time ( as the heat builds up ) shut down. This, from your description, seems to be the case. It doesn't, however, explain why it takes 4-5 days before you can boot up again. Move the case so that the vents are clear of the wall. You could, ( to make absolutely sure it is or isn't overheating ) remove the side panel and run the system with the panel off. Still remove the RAM and Video card and make sure that the contacts are clean and the cards seated correctly.

Can you tell us a bit more about how you did this please? Also when you tap f8 after switching on - do you get to the options screen or not ?

Hi Nev / emy emy, Which operating system are you using? In your profile it states XP. You have a Win98 installation CD. You have a recovery CD - is this for XP ? Does it mention XP on it? Nev - If emy has Win98..... If the Win98 CD is a genuine HP disk it will probably be no use on any other machine other than a HP. (It would be illegal to attempt to install it anyway :) ) They are able to recognise HP machines - at least the XP ones that I have come across do.

I tend to agree with Tootech. Whilst mixing water and electrical components is usually a definite "NO" if the drink left a residue that is shorting the connections on the motherboard say - there is little option but to wash it off. The water will eventually evaporate or can be assisted using compressed air or a hair dryer. It is important to ensure that the individual parts are completely dry before switching on again. The damage is probably done if the machine was not switched off immediately the drink was spilled.

Let's know how you get on.

Hi, When you switch on do you get any POST beeps ? If so - how many and in what sequence ? ( one is normal ) You seem happy to go inside the case so ...... Switch off at the wall - leave the plug in to maintain the earth connection. Locate the video card ( if there is one ) The monitor cable connects directly to it. (if there is no removable card - you have onboard graphics) Take it out and clean the contacts with a pencil eraser. (there is usually one screw to take out) Replace the card. Take the RAM modules out. ( there are usually locking levers that need releasing ) Clean the contacts in the same manner. Put just one back. (the locking levers will click into place) Try the system. If you get the same problems - try the other module by itself.

Hi, If you switch on and immediately tap f8 ( about once per second ) does this take you to the Advanced Startup Options? If so - can you boot up using "Safe Mode"? You say that you have Compaq disks. Is this machine a HP Compaq ? Does one of the disks have "Operating System" or "Recovery" written on it / them ?

Hi, Did you use thermal paste ( Arctic Silver or similar ) between the CPU and the heat sink? Not sure what you have done here ?? It does sound as if the PSU has died but in so doing it may well have taken the motherboard with it. I would be inclined to take everything off the m/board ( all cards and major connections ). Disconnect the data and power cable from the hard drive and the DVD drive. Disconnect all external connections ( Printer etc ) Put back ONLY the 20 (4) pin connector from the PSU. When you switch on you should get POST beeps. If none - this confirms a problem with the PSU and/or Motherboard.

Hi, I have to agree with J-B 256MB is hardly enough - your machine must be running extremely slow. I suspect that it is freezing at times too ?? If you want to upgrade your RAM ( which will make a big difference) try scanning your system from here: RAM Memory Upgrade: Dell, Mac, Apple, HP, Compaq. USB drives, flash cards, SSD at Crucial.com Crucial Scan will tell you the maximum RAM that the motherboard can support. It will also tell you what is compatible and give you an idea of price.

Hi, This doesn't solve your problems with the beta version of MSOffice but it will allow you to "write again". OpenOffice.org - The Free and Open Productivity Suite OpenOffice is free and it is compatible with MSWord etc.

Hi KittenSize Welcome to FPCH. Glad to see that you got your problem sorted.

Nice one Randy - most of us would have missed that one :)

Hi, Start > Run ...type in ....devmgmt.msc .....ENTER Click the + next to Network Adapters. Are there any yellow exclamation marks or red Xs ? Is there an entry with "wireless" named ? I think this should be ....Marvell Wireless Client.... from what I can find ......your 7096 is basically an ECS 331 The wireless ( and other drivers ) are here: ECS Web Site I am assuming that you have XP ? EDIT I didn't register the forum .....do you suspect malware Nev ?

Agreed :)

Hi, At the command prompt type ......ipconfig /renew ( there is a space after config ). Also bottom right of screen should be an icon ( 2 monitors ) Right click on this and there should be an option to repair.

Hi and welcome to FPCH If you format the drive it is still possible to retreive data. I must stress that whoever tried to get at the data would need to be very determined - but it is possible. You could use a piece of software like Kill-Disk ( there is a free version ) This effectively wipes the drive completely clean. Kill Disk. Erase Hard Drive Completely. Eraser Cleaner. IDE SATA SCSI There is other free software available to do the same thing.

Not as late as me - Hi Starbuck :)

I know Nev isn't as quick as he was - but he can still blow his own trumpet :) (in joke !! )

Hi, I have an older version of Autoroute but I tend to use my SATNAV these days. I found this review of Autoroute 2010 Review: Microsoft AutoRoute Towards the end there are a few links that you may find of use: Tips and Tricks Forum Blog There is also a free trial that you may wish to take a look at. I can't find any information on 2010 license. I did find somebody who confirmed that 2007 version allowed you to install on a desktop and a laptop. (There was some discussion how this arrangement could be confirmed).

If you are using illegal copies of Windows I doubt that you will get any help here :)

I think that you will find that this is illegal if you managed to install an OS from either of these disks.