IT Queries: Computer problems answered

My PC has been turning itself off a lot recently. It used to run fine but over the last couple of years has become very ‘buggy’. One of the more recent problems is this turning itself off, as if there’s been a power cut. When ive been using the PC for a while it will switch off, or if im watching a DVD it will usually switch off at a similar point in time on the DVD.

Computers shutting down of their own accord is almost always due to an overheating component, usually the power supply but sometimes the CPU or chipset due to a faulty fan.

This is easily fixed by swapping out the power supply or fan. You can ask a computer tech to do this for you.

It can also be something defective is connected to your computer, you can eliminate this problem by disconnecting everything; printers, Internet, modems and USB devices.

If you do get a new power supply, make sure you get one rated at least 400W as these tend to be more reliable and many systems are chronically underpowered.

The other day my PC turned itself off, like it does, but this time there was a sort of crackling sound followed by a strong smell of burning plastic!

I’m really worried about this as i have a lot of important data on my hard drive which i need to get to! Im hoping this problem has not effected the hard drive!? What can i do? Please Help!!

The problem is your computer’s power supply has blown. This is quite common and it will have to be replaced.

One of the functions of a computer’s power supply is to protect your computer insides from power surges and brownouts so we usually find that when a power supply fails, the hard drive and motherboard are fine.

You’ll need to contact your local computer tech to replace the power supply and test your system, but you’ll probably find your data is unaffected.

My new mobile phone has “bluetooth”. I’ve searched my computer but it doesn’t seem to have the necessary chip, although its only 6 months old. Can something be put into my computer to make it talk to the mobile using bluetooth? I believe that’s the way to download photos from the phone to the computer.
Thanks,
Margaret

Bluetooth is a way of communicating wirelessly between electronic devices. It’s a common alternative to using a USB cable.

It’s unlikely Bluetooth is the only way to communicate between your computer and phone, most phones have a USB cable option. It will be worth checking with your manufacturer or local phone shop to see if you can buy a USB kit, which will also include a CD.

If Bluetooth is the only way to connect then you can purchase a USB Bluetooth adapter. This plugs into a USB port and costs under a $100.

Sometimes it can be a bit tricky setting these up, if you do find yourself with problems, give your local computer tech a call.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays from IT Queries.

If you are struggling with setting up a new computer, visit our sister website PC Rescue for a quick check list on what to do if you’re being challenged by a Christmas gift.

The computer just closed to a blank screen with the message no signal detected. We are running XP. I updated Norton Antivirus and then tried to scan in case of a virus and the computer just goes to the blank screen with no signal detected

The “No Signal Detected” message means exactly that; the computer monitor isn’t getting a signal from the computer. Basically it means the computer is off or the cable to the monitor is disconnected.

Sometimes it means the computer’s graphic card has failed.

In your case, it means the computer is shutting down when you run Norton. This is serious.

Either Windows is crashing due to a memory problem or, more likely, you have an extremely serious spyware infection.

We’d strongly suggest you call out a service technician to have a look at your system.

I am moving into a very small aged care independent living unit. My current computer hardware and television are too bulky.

Is there hardware & software available to do all these options using only the one LCD screen? Thankyou for ypur assistance.

There certainly is, you can add a TV tuner card to your computer that will receive the TV or cable signal and show it on your LCD screen. In fact, the computer this is being written on has one. You can buy them for between $50 and $400.

There are two types of tuner card; digital and analogue. Analogue is the older type and it will pick up the standard TV stations while digital will receive the newer digital signals.

You can use a tuner card to watch cable and the card plugs into the cable receiver just as a TV would.

The problem with cable is that the type of signal will depend upon the location, the cable operators are moving over to digital but some places like retirement homes and apartment blocks may transmit the signal in analogue. You’ll have to speak to the management to find out which type you need.

Having decided whether to get analogue or digital, you’ll now have to decide what type of connection. There are three ways to connect a tuner card to your computer; Firewire, USB and internally.

The internal way is the less cluttered and is the cheapest but will have installation costs. The card plugs inside the computer. You will need space inside the computer as well.

USB plugs into the one of the USB connections and sits outside the computer. It’s simpler to install than an internal card but adds to clutter and takes up one of your USB ports.

Firewire is similar to USB and is standard on Apple Macs and common on better laptops.

Given the complexities, we’d suggest you get a computer tech to have a look at your system and get the part that will suit you.

I run XP Home Edition and after a recent upgrade to RAM, mother board and HD I am getting intermittent problems with Local Area Connection Status: “Limited or no connectivity”.

Thank you Diane

Generally the procedure for fixing this error is to troubleshoot the connection by eliminating the possibilities. While I’m sure you’ve gone through this with the support techs, it’s worthwhile recapping the procedure.

Given you’ve just replaced the motherboard, and you’ve probably followed this procedure a number of times with the techs it sounds like the LAN port is damaged.

We recommend you take it back to the shop to replace the network card or motherboard.

I keep in touch with a friend in the U.K through Windows Live Messenger. For some reason, when connected, he can see me but I cannot see him although we can both hear each other.

It does not appear to be a fault with the Webcam as I also have Skype and have no problem with Video or Audio with that.

The fact it is working in Skype, says the problem is with Windows Live Messenger. It may well be your firewall or router is stopping some Windows Live Messenger traffic as Messenger uses different ports to Skype.

Microsoft have a knowledge base article about this on their website. It appears you need to setup a rule allowing incoming UDP traffic on all ports between 5004 through 65535.

You may have to consult your router or firewall instructions for setting up port forwarding or call a computer tech to do this for you.

I have a Dell OptiPlex GX620 running Windows XP Professional and have been using a 200GB Maxtor 3200 external USB drive for backup for over a year. At least four times in recent months, with increasing frequency, apparently at random, and without any error message (on one occasion I think it may have been associated with a \”blue screen\” error), the system stops recognising the Maxtor — it stops appearing in My Computer as drive E:\\.

Rebooting does nothing. Disk Management shows the Maxtor as Not Initialized and Unallocated. In order to get it back I have had to disconnect/re-connect the Maxtor from the power then re-initialize and re-format via Disk Management, which of course means I lose my backup data.

It sounds like the hard drive or your computer’s USB port has a problem. It might be be best to unplug the unit when it’s not in use and only plugging it in when you need it. You may also want to experiment with using different ports or plugging it into a powered USB hub.

If it is the hard drive, then it’s on the way out. Check whether the unit is still under warranty and, if not, start considering a replacement.

When my computer opens it makes about 12-15 beep noises and takes a while. Any help please.

Those beeps are BIOS codes. The Basic Input and Output System controls the very basic operations of the computer.

When a computer starts, the BIOS checks everything is working properly the gives an okay signal, usually a single short beep, and hands the computer over to Windows or whatever operating system is on the machine.

In your case, the computer is not okay. There’s a problem and those beeps are the BIOS’ attempt to tell you what’s wrong. Every BIOS has it’s own unique codes.

Generally continually beeping like that indicates something is loose, usually the video card, network adapter or a RAM module.

We have seen USB devices cause this, particularly when there’s too many trying to draw too much power from the system.

We’d recommend disconnecting all external devices and seeing if the problem goes away. If not, you’ll have to call in a tech to have a look at the problem.