IT Queries: Computer problems answered

I cannot hear anything on my computer when looking at websites( youtube etc) I can hear things when using media player or itunes but nothing else. When I go to control panel and click on sounds and audio devices it says no audio device. It use to work normally but all of a sudden stopped. any ideas please??

We’ve covered missing sound devices in a previous post.

In your case, the situation’s slightly different. The sound device is obviously working but Windows isn’t recognising it as being the default setting.

To change this open the Control Panel by going into Start, Settings, Control Panel and clicking on Sound and Audio Devices.

In the Sound and Audio Devices properties click the Voice tab. In this tab you will the default devices, click the drop down box and change the device then click okay. If you have a number of devices you may have to experiment to find the correct one.

I have an problem that some of our PCs shut down while running a certain program. What is the reason behind this? I am working with window XP.

The problem is the program is crashing some of the computers and they are shutting down. Unlike earlier versions of Windows, Windows XP reboots rather than displays the dreaded Blue Screen of Death.

The clue to the problem is in the error message the Blue Screen gives you. Among other things, it will list the application and driver that triggered the problem. Microsoft have further information on deciphering BSOD messages.

In your case, given it happens on some machines and not others, it’s a safe guess that this problem is hardware related and is probably the graphics card. You may want to check the differences between the machines that don’t crash and those that do.

Troubleshooting these problems can be time consuming and complex. If you aren’t experienced in doing this then it’s best done by a

I have been given a Compaq Presario C 700 series with Vista preloaded. The PC is operated by XP professional – Compucon . My problem is that I want to transfer my Money 99 programme and MS Office, together with Family Tree Maker, Arcsoft, Personal Historian, and other bits and pieces. Which is the best way to go about this? I intend to take the laptop with us when we go touring and use it to keep track on expenses and also download photos from the camera.

Sadly there’s no easy way to transfer programs between computers. You have to reload the programs from their original disks. If you find the older programs, like Money 99 don’t work on the new Vista system then you’ll have to find replacement programs.

Transferring the data can also be problematic, the easiest way is to use the backup function on the old programs and put the backup on a USB drive then restore to the new system.

If you have had to get a replacement program then you may find the backup doesn’t work properly. This is part of the drama with computers and why you may have to call a computer tech to help you.

One important thing to remember when setting up a new machine is not to get rid of the old one until everything is across.

We’ll answer the second part of this question in the next post.

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.