IT Queries: Computer problems answered

My computer is a Medion notebook running Windows XP Home, SP3. I suddenly have problems accessing the CD-ROM drive (Drive F:) from Windows to copy photo files to a blank CD. Error message: ” F:/is not accessible. Incorrect function.”

The D drive works OK with recorded CD and DVD and also works with burning CD and DVD with burning software (NERO and MS Media Player).

Microsoft helpline blames the manufacturer, which I contacted and they say it’s a software problem. I also researched the net where the same problem was discussed many times but no solution offered. Can you please help

It sounds like the problem is actually hardware; either the CD-ROM has failed or there is a loose cable inside your systems.

The first thing is clean the CD-player. Your local electronics or computer store will have CD or DVD cleaning kits available so buy one, use it and see if that resolves the problem.

If it doesn’t you’ll have to call in a computer tech or take the system to your local computer shop. It could be simply a loose data cable or you may need to replace the drive. Either way, it’s a fairly cheap repair.

I keep getting an “incorrect function” error whenever I try to burn a CD on my Windows XP computer.

It sounds like the CD burning function in Windows has been turned off. To fix this open My Computer, right click on the CD-R and select Properties.

In the Properties box select the Recording tab and tick the Enable CD recording on this drive.

Click okay, reboot and recording should work on the system.

I’ve broken the hinges on my trusty old laptop and while it works, the screen only holds on by the cables. Can I get it repaired?

Unfortunately not, even if the local computer shop could get hold of new hinges or a replacement case, the labour costs involved would still make the repair uneconomic.

If the computer is running well, then try plugging in an external monitor, mouse and keyboard and use it with the lid down so the display cables don’t get further damaged.

Alternatively, if the computer is due to be replaced, you may want to shop around for a new system. Although at the time of writing, it’s worthwhile waiting a few weeks before upgrading to Windows 7.

Occasionally my computer, Fred freezes – Is there a simple technique to sort it out?

One of the least simple things in maintaining computers is dealing with “occasional” problems as it’s usually time consuming to figure out exactly what is causing the freezing.

The most common and simplest cause of freezing is a full hard drive. If that’s the case, our speeding up a computer advice will help you. Although if you are seriously short of space then a visit to your local computer tech is in order.

Sometimes the freezing is due to data errors on the hard drive, we have instructions for fixing this at our checking for data errors post.

Finally, if the freezing continues you need to note exactly what you are doing just before the system freezes. It could be a website, a software package or something wrong with your system’s hardware and the repair could be something simple from reinstalling a program right through to replacing your computer.

Should it be something more serious, have a computer tech look at the system before you spend a lot of money on repairs as it could simply be an older computer that has reached the end of its days.

I have a Dodo mobile wireless broadband modem HUAWEI #E160E, and a Compaq presario C700 (C774TU) laptop.

The modem did work at first, but then I was doing Vista updates and the computer shutdown to re-start while the modem was still running along with a program that shows the processor and ram usage/speeds (displays on the right hand side of the screen).

The computer never restarted and I had to manually shut it down and re-start in safe mode. There is a partition to back up the necessary start up files, but I thought they would update automatically, apparently not. Now the modem won’t work and I don’t have a previous copy to revert back to and re-load.

The computer works fine when I uninstall the modem software, but if I try to re-install it, it will  ”hang” and won’t complete the installation. The processor goes wild at 100% and just stays there. I have to manually shut it down and start in safe mode to un-install the modem. I have tried to update drivers but that won’t work.

I notice that if I plug the modem in that it becomes listed a a “drive” or storage drive in devise manager, not as a modem (as im my desktop I now have it plugged into). What have I done?

The problem lies with your system not recognising the modem correctly and that’s probably messing up the installation routine.

Forcing the drivers to install is the first thing to try. Make sure the drivers are extracted or copied to a folder on your hard drive and then attempt the following.

Plug the modem in, let the system detect it as a “drive”, right click the drive in Device Manager and delete. Then run the modem installation program.

The second thing to try is to again delete the “drive” in Device Manager and then force a redetection by clicking Action and then Scan for hardware changes. When the system detects the device, choose the Install from a disk or specific location option and point the wizard to where you’ve saved the modem drivers.

Finally, if the system insists on detecting the modem as a “drive” then in Device Manager, right-click on the drive, choose Update driver and select the Install from a disk or specific location once again. Follow the wizard and that should resolve the problem.

Once you’ve done these, you may have to run the installation program again for the other associated wireless Internet software to work.

I have big trouble and don’t know what to do. I have a 160 GB Seagate Barracuda drive that is not recognized by my computers. When installed in my computer, I can feel it spinning, but the system does not see it.

I have a ton of stuff on it that I cant use now. I had been using it as a storage drive (Windows is not on it). It worked well for a couple of years then all of a sudden it stopped being recognized.

I use XP home on my units but no matter what I do, I can’t get this drive to be seen. I don’t have the money to send the drive to one of those services that will take the drive appart and recover the data. Basically I’m broke. Can you help me? Is there a program that forces the computer to recognize the drives that are connected to it?

It sounds like the hardware controller for the hard drive has failed and usually this is an expensive fix.  One possible solution could be the Spin Rite program, but from your description it’s unlikely.

Generally it isn’t good idea to attempt data recovery unless you are experienced at this sort of work as you can do more damage to a distressed system.

You may want to give Spin Rite a go but our advice is to talk to your local computer tech to see if they are prepared to have a quick and an inexpensive examination of your drive to see if it can be recovered.

My problem is  with Windows XP sp3 and the Firefox web browser. The problem has become worse over last few days.

When I download attachments from Yahoo emails & software programmes the file extensions are not there. Can’t open them on my pc even when try the “Open with…” tab. Files show as “_auto_file”.  All of them show up under the Windows Media Player symbol which is wrong so file type is unrecognised and unable to open.

Tried using Internet Explorer as web browser, but it wouldn’t even let me download.  Yesterday, was able to download one of the Mozilla files (opened using Adobe Reader) from the Mozilla help chat line.  Why could I receive that one file ok when none of the others will?

It sounds like something has messed up your file associations so the computer doesn’t know what to do with the files once you have downloaded them.

It’s an irritating problem we’ve covered before in our Cannot Open Programs post.

Another problem that can affect downloads is not having enough space on your hard drive. This will stop programs downloading and installing properly.

We detail how to free up space on your hard drive at our speeding up a computer post. Follow those instructions to make sure you have space on your system.

When turning my computer on it loads in stages and feezes, ie i turn it on it freezes i turn it off/on it goes to the next stage windows xp page,  it freezes turn off/on windows start up page, feezes turn off/on blank desktop, freezes turn off/on desktop with icons, turn off/on loads ok and then works fine

What’s causing it to freeze and means i have to turn it on then off all the time before it will load fully?

It sounds like your computer is extremely sick and you need to back up your important data before taking it to a competent computer mechanic.

The most likely cause for this is bad blocks on your hard drive although it may be a driver or another software related problem.

Either way, this is serious and you need to get it to a technician as soon as possible.

When we store some data on the desktop from where that memory is allocated?

Generally, memory isn’t allocated when you store a file on the desktop. The actual storage in on the hard drive which is different to your RAM memory and won’t affect your system unless the disk is full.

There can be problems if a desktop file  is corrupt, virus infected or the icon has some sort of glitch but these situations are fairly unusual.

It is good practice though to keep your computer desktop tidy and keep files organised in files. Also keep in mind some Windows based backup programs won’t save desktop files as they only choose My Documents to save.

I recently installed my new graphics card which is nVidia Geforce 9500 GT 1GB DVI HDMI PCI-E went ok first time i ran up the PC but after turning off everytime i turn it on and load into windows it now blue screens me and restarts computer could this be happening because the Power supply i have cant supply this card with enough juice?

That sounds right. It’s likely the first time you booted the system after the upgrade you didn’t have all your peripherals plugged in, with all your printers, phones and cameras connected the system simply can’t supply enough power.

A quick read of the GeForce specifications shows the minimum power requirement is 350W which is a problem as most systems come with 200-250W power supplies.

A 400W power supply is reasonably cheap for most systems however it’s worthwhile reviewing what you have connected to your system as it may be you need more than that to run your accessories and the new card.