IT Queries: Computer problems answered

Why does it take a very long time to run check disk utility in windows vista?. It starts running at startup and runs for more than half an hour displaying an information that it is fixing errors? I have Windows Vista Home Premium in my HP laptop. I forced shutdown after 35 minutes. any harm in that

While Vista can be slow for many tasks, in this case it’s probably not the villain. The CHKDSK program can take a lot of time to scan a large hard drive. It’s not unknown for it to take several hours.

We certainly don’t recommend shutting a computer off while running the disk checker. You might damage critical system files or lose data.

One thing to watch out for though is that a slow disk scan can be an indicator of a defective or damaged hard drive. It’s best to check the Application section of the Event Logs after running the disk checker to see what errors, if any, were found.

I have no sound. If I put a cd in these are the messages I get: “There are no active devices available. To install mixer devices, go to control panel, click printers and other hardware, then add hardware.”

Colleen

The problem is with the sound card settings. The first thing to do is open the Control Panel, click on Sounds and Audio Devices and click on the Audio tab.

In that tab, click the drop down box under Sound Devices and choose your soundcard, click Apply and Okay and restart your computer.

If no soundcard is shown, then there is a problem with the system drivers. If you have the installation disk that came with the computer or sound card, then you should run the setup. A call to the manufacturer might assist you with doing this.

If you can’t run the installation routing, you can check the drivers are running properly. In the Control Panel open the System applet, click on the hardware tab and then the Device Manager button.

The Device Manager will list all the hardware installed on your system. On that list, you should check that nothing has a black exclamation mark or a red diagonal through it.

If the sound device has red diagonal then it has been disabled, right click it and choose Enable.

Should it have a black exclamation mark then Windows is having a problem with the drivers. Right click the driver, choose Update and follow the Hardware Update Wizard.

It may be that the card has failed or has come loose on the motherboard. If that’s the case, you’ll need to see a tech. We may have a technician near to you that can help.

My PC keeps shutting down. What might the problem be?

This is one of those problems that could be a number of things. It could be hardware or software related.

The key to finding out is by noting when it shuts down. If it regularly shuts down due after several minutes work, then it is probably hardware related. Shutting down when a certain program or document is opened, usually indicates a software problem.

You’ll have to note when the shutdowns actually happen before it’s possible to say what the problem probably is.

It’s worthwhile running a check for malware. Sometimes spyware and viruses cause these shutdowns.

If it’s a hardware problem, it’s probably a failed fan or defective power supply. Sometimes an inadequate power supply is trying to power too many devices. Unplugging all USB and Firewire equipment will indicate if this is a problem.

Diagnosing these sort of problems takes experience and patience. You might find calling a computer technician is a quicker and more cost effective solution.

If it’s a hardware

Hi ,

I have a very minor, though very strange and frustrating, problem with my Dell laptop.

The cursor keeps moving automatically to either top-right or bottom-left corner of the screen. The mouse doesn’t work and it’s impossible to do anything. Then, all of a sudden it will be ok.

What do you think could be causing this? I’ve tried other mice, so it’s either a socket or other hard/software quirk.

Regards,
Andrew

Hi Andrew,

It sounds like hardware. First, is this happening only with external mice and is the laptop’s built in glidepad working fine?

If this is happening with both the Glidepad and external mice, then it’s a Windows problem. The first thing we’d suggest is to uninstall any mouse software you currently have on the system. It is possible an older program is interfering with the rest of your system.

If this fails, visit the mouse settings in the Control Panel and check the Scrolling features are not set too fast.

You might also want to check for spyware. This is the sort of problem we’ve often encountered with silly spyware infections.

If the problem is only affecting external mice, then it could be a hardware problem, try plugging the mouse into a different USB port, or test it through an external USB powered hub.

It’s also possible the desk or surface you are using is tilting, sometimes leaning or shifting position causes the mouse to roll one direction or another. Try changing the surface.

If the problem continues there might be a problem with your computer and we’d recommend getting a tech out to check it.

Best of luck.

 I have a new computer running Vista Home with 512 ram. The slowness of the system is really getting to me, is upgrading RAM going to make things better, and if so, how much RAM should I go for?

Simply put, you can never have enough RAM, of course there are limitations on how much you can afford and exactly what will fit into the motherboard.

For Vista, we like to see a minimum of 1Gb and ideally 4. Given you already have 512Mb, we’d suggest putting in another 1 or 2Gb depending on how much your motherboard and budget can fit.

With memory upgrades there’s a billion different combinations of memory and motherboards out there, it’s one of the reasons our PC Rescue techs stopped carrying memory to jobs. The wrong memory can cause all manner of strange problems.

We’d recommend you go to the supplier of your computer or the local computer shop and get them to install the correct memory for your system.

 faulty power on a dell dim4100. power conn to motherboard different to modern ps????   processor p3 i think.
extra conn to mb is 6 pin straight not 4 pin sq as on new ps.  ps or adaptor cable req,  availible or not??

regards
Brian

Hi Brian,

There’s a number of different power connector arrangements for recent motherboards. This is a pain for suppliers and technicians. What we have found is the brand name power supplies tend to include adapters for the different types.

We’ve found the Thermaltake brand power supplies tend include the required cables.  There’s a number of other good brands and we’d suggest asking the local computer store if their power supplies will have the right adapters. Some of the cheapies don’t.

On the power supply topic, we’re constantly upset at the underpowered  power supplies most computers are sold with. We’d recommend you get a supply rated at a minimum of 400W. That way, you’ll be able to handle power hungry accessories.

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. IT vendors often sell their software and hardware cheaply attached to a new computer system or part. OEM bundles are sometimes as much 75% off the retail price.

These deals are often great value for money and you should check about the availability of OEM goods when you are shopping for a new computer. You might get big savings on your Office software or keyboard.

Naturally it comes with a catch. Usually the vendor will refuse to help you if you have problems and will refer you to where you bought your computer.

Another trick with OEM goods is they are usually tied to the one computer. If you replace that computer, you have to buy a new version of the product.

For most people this isn’t a problem, but if you are the type who likes to buy a new computer every year, it can be expensive.

In general, OEM software and hardware is a good deal for the canny computer shopper. We recommend it for most home and small business users.