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The following are some of the questions I have recieved and answers that were given. Note that I often suggest checking the manual or other product documentation.
Ed tower wrote:
>
> Hi Mike:
>
> I am quite conversant with the basics with reference to operrating
> computers and computer applications. I have a pretty good academic
> background in Mech. Engineering. What I am looking for is to pursue a
> course that will sort of give me suffeicient training in computer
> assembly, computer service and set up work, etc.
>
> I would love to follow this course on internet. Do you think this is
> possible?
>
> I would be very grateful for your guidance in this matter.
>
> Ed Tower
Hi Ed,
Here is a link that could be what you're looking for:
http://www.freeacademy.london.on.ca/
The Free Academy of Career Training
Good luck and please contact me again some time to let me know how
things are going.
Computer Mike
Newberry II wrote:
>
> Dear Computer Mike,
> I would like to know, what exactly does a Computer technician do?
> I would also like to know what is the estimated income a Computer
> Technician has annualy with a two year and four year degrees.
> I would like to know what town or city this buisness is most successful.
>
> Thankyou,
> Newberry Highschool Student
To try to be of help to you I have located some links that have some of
the kind of information I think you are requesting. The links follow
below.
Part Time Position Available. Computer Technician.
http://janis.nashville.org/job_wfd_comp_tech.html
Being a computer technician:
http://robin-nvh.bvsd.k12.co.us/~michener/computer_tech.html
Barry Ballantine --Computer Technician, Repairman.
http://peponline.com/barry.htm
Income potential in the area of Computing Technology is virtually
unlimited. You could be the next Bill Gates of Microsoft or design the
next superchip that takes over where Intel left off. If you choose this
area for a career you will also find a lot of personal fulfillment.
Good luck to you.
Computer Mike
Sameer Kassam wrote:
>
> I need some help with RAM, I need to know if I can use 16 mb or RAM on a
> system with 72 pin of ram that at the moment only has 8 mb of Ram? Is
> it possible to put a 16 mb simm of ram and also keep a 8 mb simm or ram
> or will I have to get rid of the 8 mb's I already have and put a 16 mb
> simm or maybe a 32 mb simm? Or, since I have 8 mb or ram does that mean
> my motherboard will only take 8 mb's or ram? I have a 486 with a triton
> chip set and 256k of cache with a Intel DX2/66 chip. Thank You very
> much for you help!!!
>
What kind of configuration of ram memory that a system will accept is
different from system to system. However on a 486 system you can
sometimes mix the sizes of simms. You may be able to just add a 16 meg
module to what you have. I have also seen systems that will only allow
you to install matching sizes. Your manual should supply you with the
information that you need if it is available. Otherwise you contact a
memory supplier and he will probably let you bring your system in and
make sure what memory works before you buy.
Hope this iinformation helps. Good luck and please let me know how it
goes.
Computer Mike
John Rivers wrote:
>
> I have Microsoft Office 97 on both my home and office workstations. The
> office computer techie was able to add a new office assistant (a very
> funny, tempermental cat) onto my office workstation directly from the
> Microsoft web page, but I am trying to do the same thing at home and
> cannot seem to locate it. I put "free upgrades" into the web page
> search engine and seemed to get everything except what I was looking
> for. Can you help?
I suggest you request the neeeded info from the techie you mention I am
not aware of this "funny, tempermental cat" office assistant but it
sounds interesting. How about forwarding the information to me when you
finally get it? I would appreciate that and please feel free to contact
me in the future with any hardware or software configuration questions.
Computer Mike
Charlene Ryan wrote:
>
> Hi, I'm looking for some advice on training to run a business like you are
> doing. I'm being retained and really want to get into computers. I would
> be going to school in Bakersfield, Ca. I looked in to a Computer Sevice
> Technician at National Training Institute and they have a 15 week class.
> Now I'm trying to talk to as many people and I can for some advice. Thanks
> for your time..............Charlene Ryan
Hi Charlene,
I would like to encourage you and say that computers has been a very
interesting field in which to work. With so many different areas of
specialization you can choose to specialize in an area that you can find
the most personal satisfaction. I chose to enter a retraining program a
few years ago myself and decided to get into computers because I had
been learning a lot about them on my own and found that I had a knack
for it. It will be very helpful if you are already comfortable with a
screwdriver and a pair of pliers but desire, determination and self
application can give you the familiarity and confidence that will allow
You to succeed. It's possible to be successful in areas with minimal
hardware knowledge requirement but I find a lot of personal satisfaction
in being able to troubleshoot a system and pinpoint a problem wether it
be hardware or software related. Good luck to you and should you decide
on a career in computers I think you will be glad that you did. I know
I'm glad I did.
Computer Mike
Fruitcake wrote:
>
> Ok.. here's the deal.. I got an Acer pentium 60.. I went to a computer
> store and the guy said the only way I could upgrade it was to get a new
> motherboard, case, and processor.. and that the overdrive chip didnt
> work well at all..
>
> So.. all together he said it would cost $455.. is this a good deal??
>
> thanks
>
> -erik
Hi, I'm catching up slowly but surely with my backlog of computer
question email. Have you referred to your manual? It should tell you
what the upgrade possibilities are of the existing motherboard. The guy
at the store may be correct and then again he may not be. A case,
motherboard and pentium 100mhz processor can be bought for considerably
less than $455. You may be able to get a case, motherboard and pentium
166mhz for around that. All the rest of your componnents will need to
be compatible with the new setup as it will cost to replace anything
that is not. I hope that this information will be of some help.
Good luck and please contact me with any more questions and/or to let me
know how things turn out.
Computer Mike
nieske wrote:
>
> Hi Mike,
>
> I've got a problem with my CMOS memory. I was changing the batteries
> and one didn't get connected right and I now I've got CMOS failure when
> I boot up. Is this easy to fix myself or should I take it to the shop?
>
> Thanks,
> Phil
The report of "CMOS failure" simply indicates that information has been
lost as a result of baterry failure which is why you had to replace it
anyway. You should be able to manually replace the required information
yourself. When booting up a message appears on the screen which says
"Press DEL key for Setup". Pressing DEL during boot (you may have
to try several times to get it) will get you into the "CMOS
Configuration Utility" and allow you to enter the information required
(e.g. - floppy drive type, hard trive parameters, etc.) You will find a
menu item called "Auto-detect IDE hard drive" or something like it.
(Unless you have an older system that does not does not come with this
feature.) It may take you a while to figure it out and your manual will
be a big help but you should'nt have to pay anyone to do this for you.
(*Note: On some systems entering the "CMOS Setup" is done by another key
combination (such as: CTL + ALT). The manual will have this
information.)
I hope that this information is helpful. Please let me know how it
goes.
Computer Mike
Wells, Steve (INFE) wrote:
>
> Mike,
> I purchased my first system about a year ago and now have found that I
> bought a good starter but would like to upgrade to MMX technology,
> better video card, and more memory. I am thoroughly frustrated with the
> ever changing technology and price structure (feel that I paid too much
> to begin with - I'm not wealthy) and hoped that you could shed some
> light on my potential decision to perform an at home hands-on upgrade as
> econmically as possible (children want to go to college). I have decent
> technical skills and would like some advice.
>
> Thank you for your time !
Hi Steve,
I'm not clear on whether the info in your subject line, "NEC 9200 Ready
Upgrade (100Mhz Pentium system, 16 M RAM, 1.2G HD, & CDx4)," is what you
currently have of what you would like to have. If you already have a
pentium system your motherboard may support a faster cpu and maybe even
MMX. Check your manual. Providing that all of your components are
transferable swapping out your motherboard and cpu (if your motherboard
does not support the cpu upgrade you want) is really a pretty straight
forard proposition. Locating and removing the screws and plastic
stand-offs that hold the motherboard in place is a simple dismantling
job. Re-installing the replacement is not very complicated either.
Figure out if you need to upgrade both your motherboard and cpu or if
you can just upgrade your cpu. Upgrading your video is even simpler of
course. Some basic things to remember is to make sure the power is
turned completely off on all components being worked on and to take
precautions against static discharge. Leaving the power plug plugged in
keeps the frame and case grounded. Touching a bare metal part of the
frame often prevents a static charge from building up. The information
I have given here is given along with the disclaimer that it is always
best to have a professional do any needed work on your computer and any
work you attempt to do on your own system you do at risk.
I hope I have given you some helpful information. Please let me know
how things go.
Computer.Mike@usa.net
H. J. Guidry wrote:
>
> Thanks for your service.
>
> I have just installed a motherboard. Everything appears to be in the
> right place(s); however, when I turn on the computer the only thing that
> happens is the CD, HD, FD just lights up. I am not getting the booting
> sequence. I have checked and double-checked to CPU setting. It is firm
> and the fan is operating properly. Also the monitor remains black.
> My CD is using the same IDE as the HD. Is this preferred or should I
> connect the CD to the secondary IDE instead?
>
> Thanks. Awaiting your response.
If you have determined that the motherboard or cpu is not defective then
you might have a memory parity/simulated parity/non-parity mis-match
situation. Some motherboards are designed to accept only one of the
above types of memory. I suggest you take your computer with the hew
motherboard to someone that sells memory and also takes your old memory
for trade in value. Ask them to help you determine exactly what type of
memory you have and ask then to test your memory and if it tests okay
have them give you some memory that will work for you. It should not be
hard to find a small shop that does this kind of thing regularly and
they might not charge you anything over the cost of the memory.
Good luck and please let me know how things go.
Computer Mike
Sky Miller wrote:
>
> I have received numorous requests to pull a hard drive out of a slow
> Pentium System and install the hard drive into a new system- consisting
> of a new Motherboard, CPU. The Operating system from the old system is
> Win95, (upgrade version from Windows 3.1).
>
> I am almost positive you can't "just make the transplant" and it will
> work....because part of the Windows 95 setup process is to "take a
> picture" of the motherboard, it's configuration and settings.
>
> What is the alternatives do I have for my customers? So far, I've always
> told them that they had to wipe the old HD clean and start fresh with
> the HD in the "new system"; then reload all the software. This solution
> always BURNS my clients up. Is there another way? Can I use the old HD
> in it's original state as a secondary HD? I don't think that'll work
> either. They just don't want to go through the trouble of reloading
> software and saving files. Need advice bad!
One thing Win95 can do is detect changes. Try it sometime, just go
ahead and transport a hard drive directly to a new motherboard. The
first time you try to boot up the operating system will note that things
have changed snd auggest that you run the "Add New Hardware" utility so
that it can auto-detect the new configuration. If it locks up as it
tries to boot you can turn it off and start it again. It will then go
into "Safe Mode" and you can go to "System" inside "Control Panel" and
remove the components you know are no longer present. After that you
should be able to get to the point where you can "Auto-detect the new
components. Of course things will not always go as smoothly as we might
want it to. I have been able to accomplish this kind of move many
times.
Hope this helps and please let me know how things go.
Computer Mike
GILBERT ERRO wrote:
>
> Mike I would like to know what classes I would need to take to become a
> computer technician? And how long does it take to become a qualified,
> technician.I an making a career change. I was a truck driver for 29
> years and now it's time to change. Can you please help me out. Sincerly,
> Gilbert Erro.
Hi Gilbert,
Depending on the school a program can take one or two years. Like a lot
of things you will also learn a lot when you actually begin working.
Some schools give very extensive training based on what is current and
some schools teach you the basics and then how and where to look up what
you need to know to do a particular job. I actually like the second way
because things are changing constantly and you can't be taught today
what you will need to know ten years from now.
Good luck. You've made an good choice for a new career.
Computer Mike
Aaron Alx Ortego wrote:
>
> Hello Mike,
>
> I need some help, from one Computer Tech. to another.
>
> I am upgrading my friends computer; his computer is a 386sx/20 packard
> Bell; well I had bought him a 486dx4/100 motherboard and SIMMs, mini
> case, and an EIDE controller. Now, the Monitor will not come on after
> hooking everything up. Do you have any advice??
>
> -- Aaron Ortego
Try swapping out the video card or the EIDE controller. I've seen this
kind of a conflict before between the memory address the video card and
hard drive controller requires.
Hope this information helps. Let me know how it goes.
Computer Mike
> Mike
>
> Right at this time I am a student learning on how to be a Computer Technician and
> I need to know if I am taking the right classes. The course that I am in right now
> will get me a degree in Computer Information Systems or (CSI). Is this the right
> course to take and if not what do you recommend. If I may ask what kind of
> schooling did you have to take in order to become a technician. Thank you
> for your time.
>
> Confused,
> Robert Reehl
Hi Robert,
The A+ Certification for Microcomputer Technician is what you will
probably want to get. Most computer training programs prepare you to
take a certification exam like this. Ask your instructors about it.
Other certifications to consider are CNE Novell and MCSE Microsoft both
or which deal with network engineering.
There are newer certifications that deal with the internet and
world-wide-web. Any one or more of these certifications will qualify
you for work although knowledge and experience can get you work even
without any certification.
Good luck!
Computer Mike
Chris wrote:
>
> Mike
> I just got my first job as a tech and boy do I know little about
> systems. Any way what iI have is system the all so far in the config
> file have the line dos=umb. but dos is loaded in con. mem. on all
> systems I've checked so far. Any time I try to load it high it just
> screws the system. The latest gives me the message "data error
> reading drive c". What is the proper way to reconfigure these systems
> load dos high. They are all 486 or 386 pentiums running win95 or 3.11
> on a network for a school div.
>
> Thanks for your help
> Chris Dondo
>
Recommend the purchase of QEMM97 the latest version of the most popular
extended memory manager. It should be able to solve any upper mamory
problems.
Computer Mike
Amzi Franco wrote:
>
> Senor Mike,
> Every now and then I get this Windows 95 message that tells me that theres
> is a problem with the windows registry. Can you PLEASE tell me what causes
> that.
>
> Very grateful
>
> Amzi & Beto
The Windows95 registry holds all the configuration information that
keeps windows running smoothly. The registry will update itself
automatically when needed. Installing a new program requires registry
updates usually done as part of the installation. Sometimes rior to an
update the need for an update can be reported as "a problem with the
registry." Turning off the computer before shutting down Windows95
completely can also result in the need for a registry update. As you
have seen the "problem" is usually reported just prior to an update
which then fixes the "problem" and is usually not anything to worry or
be concerned about.
Computer Mike
Paul Santa Cruz wrote:
>
> I own a PB Legend 3540 Pentium 100 that is equiped with a CELP socket
> that allows me to upgrade to 256k cache (I currently have 16 built in).
> I went and purchased an asynchronous COAST chip, the type specified in
> my on-line documentation. I went home, turned off the power, carefully
> plugged the chip into the socket correctly, and restored power to the
> computer. When I turned on the computer, nothing happened. No power,
> nothing. The power light doesn't even turn on. I shut off the power,
> removed the chip, and restored power. The computer worked fine. I
> repeated the procedure above, with the same results. Everytime I plug in
>
> the cache chip and try to start the computer, nothing happens. When I
> remove it and start the computer, it is fine. Do I need to change a
> jumper? Could the chip be bad? Help!
>
> Sincerely,
> Paul Santa Cruz
You probably need to change a jumper setting to correspond with the new
cach. Look your documentation over again carefully. The information
you need would very likely be in the same section that specified that
particular cache chip.
Good luck and please let me know how it goes.
Computer Mike
> Dear Mike,
> Hi, thanks for providing such a fine service. I am interested in upgrading
> my existing computer but I dont know what will work together and what wont.
> I currently have a Zeos 486 VESA local-bus W/Pentium 83MHz overdrive CPU,
> 200w pwr, one 426 IDE hard drive and one 1.6 gig Maxtor EIDE hard drive, I
> dont know about the controller, 48meg of parity 70ns of ram (not EDO), a
> Diamond Viper video card W/2meg (dont know if it is Vram or Dram or how to
> find out), a Sound Blaster 32 PNP model SB3600, Robotics 28.8 external
> fax/modem and a high speed serial card to bypass the old style uart. I
> purchased it in 1993. Ive also added a NEC 4FG monitor. This is a very good
> computer and I dont want it to go to waste though I would like to have
> higher speed and better graphics, what are my options? What CPU would you
> recommend? Intel, AMD, NextGen, Cyrix , could I get a dual board with only
> one cpu and add another later? Is there a mother board I could get that
> would use the higher speed, 166 to 200MGz cpu, yet let me use my existing
> Viper card and or my 48meg of ram? Will I need a new controller? What one? If
> I have to go to all new memory and boards is it worth the cost as opposed to
> buying a new computer? If I can upgrade what can be done with existing mother
> board? I hate to see it sit around and collect dust.
> Thanks again for your site, I respect your advise and look forward to hearing
> from you.
> Sincerely, Steve.
Hi Steve,
The newer faster Pentium/Pentium Class mother boards have abandoned the
VLB interface. You will want to get a pci video adapter. The Matrox
Millenium w/ 4megs is a good one. If the existing memory is 72pin
instead of the older 30pin you can use it in one of the new boards that
take 72pin simms. The 30pin to 72pin adapters would be a consideration
if applicable. There would be an advantage if they were EDO but EDO is
not required. Your sound card should transfer with no problem. The new
boards come with on board EIDE, floppy and high speed I/O which will
handle your external modem. I have never been one to split hairs when
it comes to upgrading. Which is fastest is usually arguable. If you
can afford it 166mhz or faster would be advisable. The Pentium S
(standard) chip has been discontiued and as a result the ones still
being sold are going cheap. The Pentium MMX and Pentium II will be the
new standard for a while but it's like EDO and non-EDO. Not really but
when you're comparing a difference measured in nanoseconds... ? A dual
Pentium board would be even more feasible with this current situation.
Some things to consider. Now for the old board and chip collecting
dust. I help to run a non-profit community computer center which is
open after school for the neighborhood kids. Donations of new and used
computer equipment as well as monetary donations are happily accepted
and a tax reciept provided. Volunteer staff are mostly parents of the
children using the computer center. Please let me know if you would be
interested in donating any equipment and I will give you more
information. A web page for the computer center is in the works and I
will have a link to it from the Computer Mike page.
Good luck with the upgrade and please let me know how it goes.
Computer Mike
PRC Techs wrote:
>
> Mike,
> I've got a Packard bell legend 610 486SX 25mhz computer with 6 MB ram
> and want to change out the mother board and am really not interested in
> purchasing anything from Packard bell. Can you direct me in the right
> direction for the type of board and what to look for on it. I already
> know that fitting is the biggest problem. Any information you could
> provide would be appreciated.
> Ken Pope
Hi Ken,
That system will support a cpu upgrade to a DX2/66mhz (maybe faster
check your manual). Increase your memory to 16 megs as well and you
would have the mminimum speed and processing power to access the
internet and www as well as run most of the current applications
tolerably. That would be the minimum recommended upgrade.
A better bet would be to purchase a new mini-tower case for about $30.
Used would be less but don't take a chance on a power supply that could
go out and take newer, more costly components along with it. The small
investment in the new case will allow you freedom of choice in the
motherboard you choose and you can concentrate on deciding how much
speed and processing power you can afford. The newer motherboards all
have EIDE hard disk/floppy disk controllers built on with high speed
serial and parallel ports (some include sound). Buy as much of a video
adapter as you can (2 megs video memory). Yes, you will be building a
whole new computer but I would have advised against the initial purchase
of a brand name computer of such proprietary design. Your memory (along
with more new memory for recommended 16 megs minimum), hard drive,
floppy drive, cd-rom, sound card, speakers (etc.) will most likely
transfer over with no problem but newer, bigger and faster is the basic
idea. Inexpensive adapters can solve the problem of using the PS/2
style keyboard and mouse you have but inexpensive mice and keyboards are
also available. You might want to keep the old system whole for the
kids or re-sell to help with the new purchases. You will want to
upgrade to Super VGA if the monitor is an older VGA and maybe a faster
modem.
So there you go. Good luck and let me know how it goes.
You asked... Computer Mike
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Aaron Ortego wrote:
>
> Mike Gomez wrote:
> >
> > Aaron Alx Ortego wrote:
> > >
> > > Hello Mike,
> > >
> > > I need some help, from one Computer Tech. to another.
> > >
> > > I am upgrading my friends computer; his computer is a 386sx/20 packard
> > > Bell; well I had bought him a 486dx4/100 motherboard and SIMMs, mini
> > > case, and an EIDE controller. Now, the Monitor will not come on after
> > > hooking everything up. Do you have any advice??
> > >
> > > -- Aaron Ortego
> >
> > Try swapping out the video card or the EIDE controller. I've seen this
> > kind of a conflict before between the memory address the video card and
> > hard drive controller requires.
> >
> > Hope this information helps. Let me know how it goes.
> >
> > Computer Mike
> But won't I need my eide card FOR my HDD to work????
> I need my HDD so my computer will upgrade.
Aaron,
Try a different eide card or if the one you have allows you to
reconfigure the hard drive controller memory address try that. This is
a way to resolve a conflict if that is indeed where the conflict lies.
The other thing to try I have already advised. Try a different video
card.
Computer Mike
> Mike,
>
> First of all I am a Novice.
>
> I am looking for the web address for COMPAQ. I have looked in the web
> browser on AOL, but have had no luck. I was also interested in getting an
> updated disc for my compaq computer. ( The disc that takes it back to the
> original setting) I think that wuld be the defination of that disc.
>
> Please help me. thanks a million
Here's the link:
http://www.compaq.com/
Good luck.
You asked... Computer Mike :)
> Mike I'm just starting in pc repair I have been working on freinds computers
> and I always take mine a part and put it back to gether, I'm also studying pc
> repair
> hopeing to get my A+ , But finding it hard to get a entry level job so I can
> get some
> hand on training I need. If you know of any connections It would be very
> helpful
> Thank You for your time
>
> Mark Aldred
Sounds like you're on track. That's exactly how I got started. Where
are you located? Word of mouth is a great way to get business and there
may be a couple of free classified listings you could use in your area.
As you find opportunities to show your ability and expand your contacts
something ought to pop up. Especially once you get your A+. Someone is
always looking for a good tech.
Good luck.
You asked... Computer Mike.
> I'm located in New England,Saugus MA 01906 ten min.out side of Boston
> Mike I just got a call give a price on installing a new hard drive in a
> packard bell
> computer, the other tech give a price of $800 dollars, does this seem a
> little high?
> And do you have any other tips on priceing jobs
>
> Thanks again
> Mark Aldred
Hi Mark,
Just for installing a new hard drive $800 seems extremely high. I'm
here in Orange County, California and because of all the computer
related companies located in the area prices are probably lower than
many parts of the country. But $800 for a job that should take no
longer than 3-5 hours at the outside actually seems quite absurd. With
no glitches a job like that could be done in less than an hour. Even
someone new who is just trying to get established should be able to get
$25-$35 an hour and once you're established $45-$65. If you've done
enough hard drive installations 5 hours at $125 or $175 should be a
reasonable bid. If there is no data transfer required even better.
To be competetive I have sometimes included data transfer in such a bid
but charging an additional 3-5 hours would not be out of the question.
This assumes, of course, that you can do the job competently and
confidently. There's nothing like a customer who has been told that his
data would remain intact in transfer subsequently being told that his
data has become unaccountably and irretrievably unavailable. Double and
triple backups are simply a safe and prudent practice. Another good
tactic if possible is to make the client responsible for backing up his
data before the hard drive installation and for restoring his own data
afterwards. Okay, I've gone on long enough. Any new venture involves
many considerations but you can sit and consider forever or you can take
what you know that you know and take your best shot.
You asked... Computer Mike
Todd Ryding wrote:
>
> Hi Mike,
> I'm cruising the internet and just happen to come across your info.
> site. Very nice.
>
> Here's a question for you. I'm looking a book or website that has
> information about jumper settings on motherboards, eide controller
> cards, or just about anything with jump points. Can you help me?
> Todd
Hi Todd,
Micro House International has the definitive resource book and online
(cd-rom) technical reference on hard drives, controllers, network
interfaces and motherboards.
Visit their site at: http://www.microhouse.com/
You asked... Computer Mike
> A simple request: do you have the setup.com software to update the CMOS
> Bios settings? I need to update the first HDD to a 256 MB. I know there's
> occasions when DM/M has worked, but I don't recall that it works on
> the Compaq CMOS
>
> Thanks...
>
When you wrote "there's occasions when DM/M has worked" I assume you
understand that you are refferring to OnTrack Disk Manager software as
that is the command to run it in manual mode. Yes, OnTrack Disk Manager
will do the job. Even an older version will do the job. The latest
releases in clude a fairly complete on-line reference of hard drive
configuration information as well as jumper settings.
You might find something at: http://www.compaq.com but a generic setup
utility will probably do the job also. A search of bbs file lists and
shareware utilities on the web should turn something up... okay. Try
this utility called CMOSSER (attached) it should do the job. It's
fairly simple as the READ.ME explains.
I hope you recieve this in time to help. Let me know how it goes.
You asked... Computer Mike.
Zero wrote:
>
> Hello computer mike. I want to know about this problem:
> I have an old texas intriments 486-40 (it fits in a 386 socket but
> needs a weitek coprossesor which i have) with AMI bios. i just moved it
> to a new case and added 16mb of ram to it. But now when i boot up it
> pauses for a loot of things way to long. I have a little background in
> computers and i need to know if it can be fixed. I think it may be a
> timing error. I dont know. I can open it up and get more info if you
> need it. If you cant help please email me back and tell me that cause im
> depending on you!
>
> thank you
> Joe Taylor
Remember, it's still really a 386! Okay, it's more than a 386 but not
too much more. It will actually clock better than a 486sx. Go into the
setup, change the wait states to zero where you can, be sure that the
coprocessor is enabled, enable whatever shadowing you can. All this
will speed things up. Make changes one at a time so you know exactly
which change does not work and you can go back in and undo only that
one.
>
> Ps I also want to overclock my pentium 166 to 200 , how do i do that and
> can i do that?
I don't recommend it. The slight improvement you will see is not worth
taking a chance on frying your cpu. If you still want to do it. Just
look at the motherboard manual and change to the jumper settings for a
200. Do it at your own risk.
You asked... Computer Mike
> Dear Mike,
> Thanks for your help on the ISH, I hope you will be able to help me. I am
> having trouble with my 1.44 floppy disk drive. When I try to put a disk into
> the drive it only goes in 3/4 of the way, it seems to be blocked from going
> in all the way. When I try to open my floppy drive A from Win95's My Computer
> I get a message box with a white X on a red circle in the upper left corner
> saying,
>
> A:\ is not accessable.
>
> Device not ready.
>
> Then there are two options, Retry and Cancel. When I hit Retry the same
> message keeps coming up. What do you think is the matter and what should I do
> to get my floppy disk drive working again?
>
> Thanks for any help,
>
> Tom Rose
You can purchase a new floppy drive for around $20. Installing it
yourself is not difficult. There are only two cables to disconnect from
the old floppy drive and reconnect to the new one. They are different
enough so that they cannot be confused. Note that pin #1 on the flat
data cable is marked as is pin #1 on the power cable and must be
re-connected so that they match up with the corresponding pin on the new
floppy drive. (Disclaimer Warning! All repairs should be done by a
qualified technician. Any do-it-yourself repairs are done at your own
risk.)
You asked... Computer Mike
Dash wrote:
>
> Mike,
>
> I have a packard bell computer with a 14.4 modem. On the
> same card as the modem is the sound card. I have a 33.6 modem
> and was wondering how I disable the modem part of the card(original)
> and keep the sound. The model # is pack-mate 3500cd. I would
> appreciate any help
The only suggestion I can make is that you locate the
manual/documentation for the combination modem/sound card. Contacting
Packard Bell may be helpful.
You asked... Computer Mike
pch wrote:
>
> Mike,
>
> I have a cyrix 166+ cpu and 16 megs of ram. If I make an upgrade
> to 64 megs of EDO ram, will I notice much of an improvement in my system
> performance. If so, what improvements should I expect. Also, I have
> Windows 95.
>
> Thanks in advance for the info!
> Paul...
You will see a marked performance improvement in respect to speed (less
time waiting for things to happen as required disk access (virtual
memory) is greatly reduced.
You asked... Computer Mike
Mathew Varghese wrote:
>
> Dear Mike,
>
> I have an Intel Pentium 100Mhz Processor bought, with motherboard and
> 16Mb, 2 years ago.
>
> I am looking to upgrade. I am considering the following options:
> -Getting a 150Mhz CPU and an extra 16Mb
> or
> -Getting 32Mb alone
>
> What do you think? I think I am right in that 150Mhz is the highest
> speed compatible with my mother board. Are there any alternative
> upgrades eg overdrive chips?
>
> Thanks.
You might need to refer to the manual to determine the highest speed
allowable on your motherboard. Some manufacturers place configuration
information on the motherboard itself. I recommend a combined upgrade
to the fastest processor that is supported and as much memory as is
affordable.
You asked... Computer Mike
STUDENT wrote:
>
> I have a IBM-type personal computer with 386 33DX congifiguration, 4Mb
> RAM, 210Mb hard drive, and a 24 pin dot matrix printer. I don't have a
> soundcard or cd-rom or a modem. I am currently using Windows 3.11 and I
> wish to upgrade to Windows 95 when I upgrade my system. I want to know
> whether to upgrade my computer with a larger hard drive, sound card,
> graphics card, fax-modem, and a CD-ROM or should I just buy a new
> computer with all of that.
>
> What are the main disadvantages and advantages of each way (briefly)?
To upgrade what you have sounds like virtually building a brand new
computer. You might save a little money that way but with the low
prices on the latest fully loaded systems you could save time and bother
without spending too much more.
> Sorry to bother!
No bother at all.
> from Heather
You asked... Computer Mike
QUALITY PETROLEUM CORP wrote:
>
> I have a 486 25 mhz packard bell computer that I would like to upgrade to
> a 586 133 mhz. I was told that I would need to put a voltage converter
> on but otherwise I could use any motherboard and CPU I wanted. Is this
> true? Could you give me some tips or some things I need to be aware of
> before I attempt to do this?
>
> Thanks so much
> Caroline
The information you have been given is partly true. A voltage
converter is required if the motherboard does not already support
the correct volatage needed by the 586 133 mhz cpu. "...otherwise
I could use any motherboard and CPU I wanted." This is not true
due to the proprietary nature of Packard Bell design which requires
upgrades utilize only products which they have manufactured.
That system will support a cpu upgrade to a DX2/66mhz (maybe faster
check your manual). Increase your memory to 16 megs as well and you
would have the minimum speed and processing power (actually quite
adequate) to access the
internet and www as well as run most of the current applications
tolerably. That would be the minimum recommended upgrade.
A better bet would be to purchase a new mini-tower case for about $30.
Used would be less but don't take a chance on a power supply that could
go out and take newer, more costly components along with it. The small
investment in the new case will allow you freedom of choice in the
motherboard you choose and you can concentrate on deciding how much
speed and processing power you can afford. The newer motherboards all
have EIDE hard disk/floppy disk controllers built on with high speed
serial and parallel ports (some include sound). Buy as much of a video
adapter as you can (2 megs video memory).
You will be building a whole new computer but I would have advised
against a brand name computer of such proprietary design. Existing
memory (along with more new memory for recommended 16 megs
minimum), hard drive, floppy drive, cd-rom, sound card, speakers
(etc.) will most likely transfer over with no problem but newer, bigger
and faster is the basic idea. Inexpensive adapters can solve the
problem of using the PS/2 style keyboard and mouse you have but
inexpensive mice and keyboards are also available. You might
want to keep the old system whole for the purpose of re-sale to
help with the new purchases. You will want to upgrade to Super
VGA if your monitor is an older VGA and maybe a faster modem.
So there you go. Good luck and let me know how it goes.
You asked... Computer Mike
"Ask Computer Mike - Free Upgrade Advice" is provided free
of charge. If you feel that it has been of value to you and you are so inclined
please send a donation to:
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Request minimum donation of $20 but please send any amount. A
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John Burian wrote:
>
> Hi Mike,
> I have a COMPAQ Presario 7170 with intergrated video on the
> motherboard. I would like to install a 3D PCI card. Do you know how I
> can disable the on board system?
> Thanks,
> John
Look through the setup utility (hit f-10 after the memmory count when
you see a blinking rectangle in top right of screen) and see if there is
an option to disable the onboard video.
You asked... Computer Mike
> Hello Mike;
> My problem is that the PC using has a "Tandy" motherboard but is not
> Tandy PC. The name on the case is "Sabre." I have contacted tandy regarding
> upgrading the cpu from 25 mhz to 66mhz or whatever. Tandy cannot give me any
> upgrade info unless I give them the Tandy PC model number the motherboard
> should normally belong to (which I do not have.) The motherboard part number
> is "87091380." It has an empty "cpu upgrade socket." Any information would be
> a great help.
>
> Your internet privacy info is very interesting!
Your 25 mhz could probably be replaced with a doubled 50 mhz cpu. You
could put a 66 mhz cpu in but it would run at 50 mhz. Either one can
likely be done without changing any settings. Wether you have an SX or
a DX chip in there now will determine what kind of chip you need to use.
You asked Computer Mike
Jeff wrote:
>
> Hi Mike,
> Here is my problem:
>
> I would like to buy a new 4MB Video Accelerator Card that will work in my
> AST Advantage Adventure 6060p (Pentium 60) computer. My motherboard has
> 32-bit PCI slots & also 16-bit ISA slots. I have a 32-bit local-bus
> on-board Cirrus Logic CL-G-5340 chip set(1meg). AST says that my
> motherboard is 2.01 compliant. My AST BIOS release is 2.02/dated 1995,
> which AST says is the most recent both on their website & on their Support
> line.
>
> The minimum requirements on some of the NEW video cards state that the
> motherboard must be PCI 2.1 compliant. Also, I have been told that all new
> video cards require this of the motherboard, whether or not this
> requirement is mentioned on the side of the box or in the specifications
> for the product.
>
> I am going nuts with this because I received a Diamond Stealth 3D2400XL PCI
> v2.1(It has a Virge GX chipset on it). Here is what happens with the NEW
> Diamond Stealth 3D2400XL 4MB PCI 2.1 card that I received:
> I disabled my on-board video(by removing a jumper from the motherboard) and
> install the card in the PCI slot(Tried both PCI slots, by the way), Turn on
> the computer & Diamond Stealth 3D blue-colored banner flickers very quickly
> at the top of the screen(On other computers I have seen the banner sit on
> the top of the screen for several seconds, so I know something is not
> right) Next, the BIOS release for my computer is displayed. Then the RAM is
> checked & OK is displayed. At this point the cursor drops one line down and
> nothing else happens. It stops. No "Starting Windows 95" is displayed or
> anything. I have to either turn it off or CTRL/ALT/DEL to reboot. If I go
> into my CMOS, it is one of those very basic CMOS's & there is not much
> there as far as ways to change the video options. I tried it at work and
> it works fine. Of course those are both newer PC's (a Gateway2000 P5-75 & a
> NSpire P-133, both with no on-board video). So, I took some cards from
> work and tried them in my PC at home & they worked. They were a Diamond
> Stealth VIDEO 2500 2MB PCI(this one says PCI 1+) on the back of it next to
> the part #, hmmm, interesting, eh? And it has an Alliance chip set on it.)
> & a STB S3 Powergraph/32 1.3 1MB (It has a S3 TRIO 32/64 chip set on it).
> Those 2 both worked fine. Called Diamond and they went round & round with
> me and finally said that maybe Diamond Video cards are not compliant with
> my motherboard, but I proved that wrong when I successfully made the
> Stealth VIDEO 2500 2MB PCI card (from work) work just fine. Diamond said
> that I should call AST & find out what PCI compliancy my motherboard was. I
> called AST about 6 times & 5 outta 6 techs said they did not have that data
> & the remaining tech told me that my motherboard was PCI 2.01 compliant. I
> called STB & they said that their card might work on my motherboard, but
> that they could not make any promises. They also said that all NEW Video
> Accelerators on the market these days are gonna require that the
> motherboard be PCI 2.1 compliant, whether it states so on the Video Card
> box or not. I am not feeling so confident about the support calls to
> Diamond, AST, or STB, since I get different answers each time I call. Thru
> research I have determined that PCI Bus Version 2.1 standards came into
> affect in June of 1995. Numerous people have suggested upgrading my
> motherboard, but I am not ready to spend that kind of money and also, I am
> not a firm believer that upgrading your motherboard every time there is a
> problem is the solution to anything. Tonite a Diamond tech told me that he
> recommended that I get a Stealth64 Video 3400XL 4Meg PCI card. I then
> talked to another Diamond tech that said he could not promise/recommend any
> Diamond cards or any other companies cards for a motherboard with on-board
> video. (I disabled it! And it worked on the cards from work! I dont get it.)
>
> I just want to upgrade to a 4MB Video Accelerator and at this point I am
> not too worried about what company makes it, whether it is PCI or ISA, or
> even if it is NEW or used. By the way, if I have a choice between a card
> for PCI or a card for VLB, what is VLB & would that possibly be better for
> me?? Both are the same price.
>
> What do you think?
It sounds like you're just having loads of fun!
> Need certain PCI version (maybe an older card)?
>
> Or only boards with a certain ChipSet?
>
> Or need ISA card? (Is ISA the same as VLB?)
Can't say about the need for a certain PCI version or video chipset but
from what you describe you cannot use a VLB adapter and to use an
ISA(16-bit) card on a PCI(64-bit) system certainly defeats the whole
purpose.
> Would you just keep ordering different cards & trying
> them/sending them back?
This doesn't sound like the worst way to go. Have you tried a Millenium
or a Number 9 video adapter? Both makers have cards in a range of
memory/speed/price.
> Oh, One more thing. Do you agree with me on this statement: "This AST
> motherboard has been around for 7 years, Someone should know what video
> cards work the best on them, and that someone should be AST!"?
I'm glad you said it because I couldn't but then again... I can say is
that time and time again I caution people about purchasing from makers
who insist on designing systems of such a proprietary nature limiting
upgrade options to peripherals mostly made only by themselves.
> Thanks for your time Mike.
> Jeff Engel
You asked... Computer Mike
Antonio Garcia wrote:
>
> I have a 486 DX/2 66MHz, 8 sockets for 30 pin SIMMs, and
> an AMI 486 ISA BIOS #AB1940150.
> Currently I have 8 1MB SIMMs for a total of 8MB.
>
> QUESTION: Can I put 4 4MB SIMMs for a total of 16MB???
>
> Please help ASAP. THANKS.
The answer to your question is yes. I have actually seen 4MB 30 pin
simms on special recently for less than $15. If you're lucky your
motherboard will accept the less expensive non-parity or simulated
parity simms modules. Otherwise you will neet to get full-parity simms
modules which are a little more expensive.
Leave 4 - 1MB simms in bank0. Then put 4 - 4MB simms in bank1 for a
total of 20MB. If you only put in 4 - 4MB simms for a total of 16MB you
must put it in bank0. The memory configuration of 4 - 1MB simms in
bank0 and 4 - 4MB simms in bank1 for a total of 20MB, described above,
is the only way to mix 1MB and 4MB simms. If bank0 and bank1 are
switched the 4 - 1MB simms in bank1 will not be recognized.
I hope what I've explained here helps you and does not serve to confuse
you. Please let me know how it goes and don't hesitate to let me know
if I can explain anything else you would like to know.
You asked... Computer Mike
Mike Perushek wrote:
>
>
> Two questions
>
> 1. My computer seems to be writing a lot of "ghost files" to my hard
> drive (Note this is not a virus because it happens even after a hard
> format) Also when I uninstall software, the hard drive space
> previously used by the program is not freed.
> What gives?
>
What are you viewing these "ghost files" with? I've seen some "ghost
files"
when viewing hard drives running Win95 through the Dos version of
XTGold. I'm really not sure what those are all about but they sure make
copying large directories or entire hard drives very difficult when
using XTGold. I imagine they have something to do with some hidden
Win95 registry or compression stuff. Not really a great answer but I
hope to come across some information on this before long.
Space not freed up after an uninstall can happen because often the most
space is taken up by the '.dll' files that get loaded into the WINDOWS
and SYSTEM directories. During an uninstall some of these are reported
as "possibly needed by other programs." So you say, 'no, don't delete'.
These are sometimes called "orphaned" files and a utility like
CleanSweep for 95 can help to locate and remove those files. Also,
empty out your Recycle Bin regularly. That might help a little, too.
> 2. This problem is not life threatening I just want to know what is
> causing it. My computer seems to be eating up a lot of my memory,
> everything above 1Mb except !MB and the end. (It uses 1MB-39MB) I
> have 40) This only happens in Windows 3.1 and 95 and did not happen
> when I added 32MB. Could this have something do to with the Virtual
> Memory Windows uses?
I'm not real clear on your question. What utility is reporting this
memory situation? Is this something that is no longer happening? What
is this "!MB" that you refer to? A typo? Virtual memory, of course, is
when the hard drive is used to simulate RAM memory that is not
physically present. Not being clear on the situation you are trying to
describe, I cannot say that could have any bearing on it.
Please feel free to try to describe your situation more clearly as I
would be happy to help if I can.
> Thanks,
> Mike Perushek
Computer Mike
Mustafa Foukru wrote:
>
> Thank you so much.
>
> I am trying to get my Commodore 64 hooked up to the internet. I keep
> calling the customer support number, but there is no answer. I would
> like to hook the 64 up via an ISDN line.
>
> What do I do?
>
> Thanks in advance..
> Mustafa
The Commodore 64 is a very old computer. It is possible to hook it up
to the internet but it is quite slow. Definitely too slow to do what the
high speed data transfer of an ISDN line is designed for. It is
probably still possible to do a few useful things on the internet with
the Commodore 64. You might be able to do Telnet, FTP and E-mail. A
14.4 modem can be purchased for less that $30 new and less than $20
used. A couple of the internet service providers still offer a Dos
(non-Windows/Macintosh) account. I don't know if the Commodore 64 has
any other specific requirements. You might consider upgrading to a
Windows based computer or a Macintosh if you really want to go ISDN.
You asked... Computer Mike
Pocket Hercules wrote:
>
> Hey Mike,
> I am writing mainly about upgrading my old 386 dx's RAM memory.
> I am wondering what kind of memory to upgrade with. I have seen 72 pin and
> 30 pin, and also 60ns, and 70ns. I think that i need 30 pin, but i have
> no idea. I currently have 4mb of RAM right now. I am also inquiring
> about adding either a 256k or 512k pipeline burst cache base memory to my
> current motherboard. How hard would either of these operations be if they
> are possible that is??
> Asa Kelly
Most 386's used 30 pin simms memory. If you take off the case and look
inside you will probably see that you have 4 memory slots open. Adding
4 - 1 meg 70ns or even 80ns would probably be fine for your 386. You
could also consider either replacing or adding 4 - 4 meg modules to get
16 or 20 megs total. Pipeline burst cache will not be supported by your
386. Do you have a manual? If you do it will tell you how to tell if
there is any cache on board and how to install or add to the cache.
You asked... Computer Mike
DEADLEOUS wrote:
>
> Hey waz up? Well I have a fairly outdated 2d video card. I was
> wondering what a good 3d accelerater that would run demanding games
> and be affordable would be. Please keep in mind im only 14 and have a
> limited budget and your advice would be gretly appreciated
>
On 3d take a look at this:
http://www.3dinfo.com/3dg/games/pod/html/cpus.html
and this:
http://www.nine.com/products/revolution3d/bench.html
You asked... Computer Mike
Kevin Kolivoski wrote:
>
> Dear Mike,
>
> First of all, I would like to commend your work and site. This is a
> great idea to help to many people. I am attending a college for
> computer programming next spring. I am very familar with software yet
> I am not as knowledgable with computer hardware. I am planning to buy
> a new computer within a month. I have been looking at dell and
> gateway 2000. I am not sure which to purchase yet. I am waiting for
> the price to drop a little so I can get the best value. My question
> for you is; would more RAM be more of a help and faster than a faster
> processor. I am looking at either a 233mhz pentium II with 64 MB RAM,
> or a 266mhz pentium II with 32 MB RAM. I do not use scanners or any
> other graphic input devices, but I use the internet often. I want
> performance for the buck. And the best value and speed. Now I am
> leaning towards the RAM for new and more powerful programming and CAD
> software. I appreciate any help and advice you can give me.
>
> Thank You for your time,
>
> Kevin Kolivoski
Hi Kevin,
Thank you for the kind acknowledgement. You are leaning in the right
direction. Although there is a little over ten percent speed difference
between the two processors the hundred percent increase of ram has the
advantage hands down.
Although the makers you mention are among the highest rated for quality
and service I get many requests from frustrated users who find that some
of the more recognized brannd names tend to design very proprietary
systems. So much so, that they're impossible to upgrade unless you deal
with their own price inflated upgrade components. Often the only
suggestion I can make to them is to sell what they have and build from
scratch or buy a complete new computer that is a little more universally
compatible.
In a months time you could visit a couple of user groups in your area
and hear what others have to say on these matters. The college you will
be attending will probably have at least on more likely several. Look
in the back sections of one of your local free computer magazines.
You asked... Computer Mike
cowboy wrote:
>
> Mike, I've quite a bit of experience on IBM compatables and
> especially 586, with straight windows 95 install from cd.
> Howe ever once again I'm duped by a REAL IBM with a software
> package that is similar to Packard Bells Floppy and
> CD rom disk combination Win95 installation software, YUK !!
> As usuall everything was fine untill My boss had me install
> America on Line in the computer then BANG !!
> Ileagle page function General protection "Shut-Down"
> pesky Re-boot of windows system from scratch.
> I've seen this before on Packard bells and found
> out later from real pro's that aol's new browser is not
> working well with some windows software !!
> The 32 bit windows and some of AOL's applications in there
> browser are 16 bit causeing a run-time discrepency.
> I'm not sure about this one. The error reads "Ileagle Function"
> not "run-time error" .
>
> QUESTION:
> Is there a fix for AOL's browser shutting down windows 95
> with a GPF and Ileagle page function messege?
> I've tried aol's tech support, YUK, forget it. :-(
>
> My next raise is on the line!! [kidding].
> THANX in advance.
Interesting technical term "YUK" with your permission I will incorporate
it into my "Lexicon of Helpful Technical Terms for the Average Computer
User." Soon to be a feature on my freehelp page.
Most of these error messages are memory access problems. If there are
any memory hogs loading at boot try disabling one or more of them to see
if it helps. This can be a problem on a network as network drivers are
among them.
A quick search on your problem turned up zilch. If you want to give it
a shot try these sites:
http://www.bugnet.com/
http://www.zdnet.com/zdhelp/
You asked... Computer Mike
> Mike,
>
> I need your help, I am upgrading my "old" 386sx from a 4MB to a 16MB.
> But, I do not have the user manual for the CPU. I have in place for
> the moment 4 1MB simm. My Internet browser is very slow and according
> to my fdisk, I have used up all my hard drive memory (41MB). Help !!
> how can I upgrade without spending a million bucks ? You can e-mail me
> back at . Thank you again.
Most 386's used 30 pin simms memory. You say you have 4-1 meg simms
modules. You may have 4 memory slots open. Adding 4 - 1 meg 70ns or
even 80ns would probably be fine for your 386. You could also consider
either replacing or adding 4 - 4 meg modules to get 16 or 20 megs
total. You should replace your hard drive with a larger one. I you
want to save some money buying used could be the way to go. People
offering components like memory and hard drives are often sell because
they have upgraded and might be willing to help you install if you make
it part of the deal.
You asked... Computer Mike
The Caughran Family wrote:
>
> Dear Computer Mike,
>
> I have a Pentium-75 chip and I would like to upgrade to a 166 MHz. Do I
> need a special upgrade chip, like the Pentium OverDrive chip, or can I just
> purchase the 166 MHz chip?
Your manual will tell you what you can do. It depends on the
motherboard. If you don't have a manual the upgrade options may be
printed on the motherboard.
> Also, I want to upgrade my ram. Currently I have 16megs in 2 sockets. I
> want to upgrade to 32megs by adding two 8meg chips in the remaining 2
> sockets. Will this work? I only seem to see people selling the 8meg chips
> in sets of four...
Yes you can just add two 8meg modules. There is sometimes a problem
with a mismatched set which is why you see sets of four in a package.
If you can, buy two somewhere, find out if they will run with your
present memory buy installing them. Go back for two more of the same if
they don't. Another option is to just buy two 16meg modules.
> Thanks:)
You asked... Computer Mike
> What would be the Dip settings if I upgraded to 4 simm of 4mb?
That should not require any change of jumper or dip switch settings.
Doug Trotter wrote:
>
> Hi Mike,
> I have read through a lot of the responses to questions asked on your
> website and fail to find any reference to upgrading a laptop.
> Specifically; I have an Epson Actionnote 660C which operates utilizing a
> 486DX2-66 Mhz processor with 8 Megs of RAM. I need more speed! Can I
> upgrade the processor? What is the fastest 486 that I can go to? Is going
> to pentium like dropping a ford engine into a Toyota car? How about the
> Ram? What kind of a performance change will I get by upgrading it? Trust
> me, Epson is not helpful in this matter although I don't blame them, they
> just want me to purchase another $3000 laptop! Any help or do I need to
> shell out the coin? Thanks.... Doug
Hi Doug,
Laptops are not nearly as flexible as a tower or a desktop. A
motherboard which can be upraded to a faster cpu is more desireable
therefore upgradability has been designed into many of them. Laptops on
the other hand often have memory and hard drive upgradability but I am
not aware that any have any upgrade options for the processor.
Your unit has resale value and the laptops with 75-133mhz pentium
processors are dropping in price. Sorry if this is not the kind or
advice you might have wanted to hear.
You asked... Computer Mike
Ron Riley wrote:
>
> I have a Compaq Presario CDS 924; Compaq Presario 140.
> Should I buy new or upgrade? Which would be cheaper?
> But I want better net speed and some games.
> Thanks,
>
> Ron
Buy new and sell the old one. That would be easier as the Compaq's are
very proprietary, meaning they have designed them to only use their
upgrade components.
You asked... Computer Mike
tommy w. thomas wrote:
>
> Mike,
> I have two question, my computer is a desktop Epson 486 D66 with 12
> megs.
>
> At the D prompt when trying to use my cd rom error message says
> CDR101 Not reading drive D, is my cd rom bad and needed to be
> replaced or something else?
Probably bad.
> Also my next question, can I upgrade to windows 95 ok I have windows
> 3.11? Will it be slow? Will it affect my internet.
Windows 95 should run okay for you.
> Thanks Mike
>
> Tommy Thomas
You asked... Computer Mike
Albert wrote:
>
> Dear Sir,
> I have a Packard Bell Platinum X with a 150mhz Pentium.My computer has
> 3 hard drives and a cdrom drive.I also have a capture board.My problem
> is this,I have a ls120 disk drive,a Hp540 Printer,a connectix Quick Cam
> and a Ditto 2gb tape backup that I want to run from my Parallel Port.
> At this time I can run 3 devices.Is there some hardware that would let
> me run all four.I am using an A/B Switch in the hookup.
> Thanks ahead of time
The A/B switch is an excellent solution. You might install a second
parallel port.
Your email request for help got overlooked somehow and as some time has
passed since it was sent I cannot know what might still be pertinent.
My apologies. Please feel free to email me again with any questions
that you wish.
You asked... Computer Mike
jerry vickers wrote:
>
> I have just installed a new motherboard and I get. "floppie disk failure
> error 40" when I set it back up.
> --
> MZ
You need to run the CMOS Setup utility.
You asked... Computer Mike
Mark Moore wrote:
>
> Computer Mike I have question about memory. I have 3 hard drives in my
> computer with 3.1gig memory. Most of my programs are on one drive
> w/windows. I only have a few files on each of the other drives. Drive
> C, windows, is almost full. The computer suggests compressing it.
>
> 1. If I compress drive C do I need an empty drive to do that?
> 2. Will windows and all my programs on C run off the compressed drive the
> same
> as they do now?
> Any comments on compression would also be appreciated.
I personally do not care to run disk compression because of the
potential problems which I won't go into here.
Reinstall some of your applications to the either of the other drives to
see which ones will run okay this way.
You asked... Computer Mike
cowboy wrote:
>
> Hi Mike, I'm getting a reputation in this little town as a handy man.
> But most of these old computer owners throw out the manuals that
> go to their computers, then UPGRADE FEVER sets in.
> Where can I get Technicians manuals for upgrades and installations
> for all makes and models of ibm compatable clones? OLDER MODELS,
> 286, 386, 486, 586, etc...
> Severall hundred dollars woldn't scare me a bit. This
> "Winging it" with out a manuall is a pain. Small example:
> ibm 286: installed 4; 30 pin simms, the board didn't regognize the
> extended memory, "fooled" with the j-1, j-2, j-3 jumpers, no luck.
> The ambios megatrend cmos chip was pathedic as to it would not let me
> at the "Extended Memory Settings" so I could type them in.
> Tech info for these situations would help, even a reasonable
> corrispondence school, Books, Books, and more Books are preferred.
> Any suggestions on where to find those secret installation manualls
> of the trade will be a god-send.
I may have already replied to this. Micro House Technical Reference
Manual (also on CD) has a very complete listing of adapters, hard drives
and mother boards. http://www.microhouse.com
You asked... Computer Mike
carada wrote:
>
> I bought an IBM ps2 model 30 for my 10 yr old (for ten bucks). Got it home
> and plugged it in. A screen pops up with the IBM logo, and then it
> disappears. The screen is then blank. We tried typing in some basic
> commands, such as dir., but nothing happens. Also, it doesn't read drive A.
> By the way, I am definitely a computer novice. The only thing I know to do
> with computers is how to buy them hahaha.
> Does this computer need to have an operating system installed? I wouldn't
> mind spending a few bucks to upgrade it, but I don't know how and I don't
> want to get ripped off. Any help you could give us would be greatly
> appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Dana Carada
> P.S.-I love your web page ( especially the smiling envelope )!
Thanks, I get many comments about the 'smiling envelope'
You may have already spent more than you should have. *smile* These
things (old IBM) need a setup disk.
You asked... Computer Mike
> Please help me Computer Mike,
>
> I recently installed a new 4.0 G hard drive as a master drive to complement
> my insufficient C Drive. Unfortuantely, the new drive took over drive
> letters D & E and bumped my CD ROM out of service (it used to be the "D"
> drive). During boot-up the system tells me it has a CD ROM drive connected,
> but then says that there are "not enough drive letters" available. My
>
> Greg.
Add this line to your config.sys file.
LASTDRIVE=Z
You asked... Computer Mike
Ron Seydlitz wrote:
>
> I want to upgrade to a faster CPU.
> Can I use an AMD K5 or K6 CPU on
> the Endeavor MB ? If yes, then do
> you sell the K5 & K6 CPUs and what
> are the prices ?
Try this search on Yahoo or any search engine:
endeavor AND "upgrade cpu"
or this:
endeavor AND "jumpersettings"
> Also, the Endeavor MB has 256k of
> cache now. Would I notice much of
> a speed increase by upgrading the
> cache to 512k and, if so, do you
> know where I can get the extra
> 256k cache ?
Yes, noticeable. Any computer store.
> I have read that there is a flash
> BIOS upgrade for the Endeavor MB.
> Do you know anything about this
> BIOS upgrade and what it does OR
> could you tell me how to find out
> myself ?
Try this search on Yahoo or any search engine:
endeavor AND "flash bios"
You asked... Computer Mike
cowboy wrote:
>
> I've run across files in the "FTP:" world that are taged:
> example.ps, example2.pps, example3.pdf
> I'm sure the pdf requires the dreded acrobat to read.
> But what about the "*.ps" files? what is required to read
> "*.ps" does that stand for post script?
> If so are there any easy programs to use in a windows
> enviorment that will read them with out searching the web
> for .dll files and drivers to get the reader working?
> I found one program that claims to read Post Script, but it works
> with another program that requires weird hard to find "*.dll's".
> ARRRRG! Whant something simple to install under 2 meg would be nice.
> No driver and dll searches a must.
> thanx in advance.
An ascii viewer like the one in XTGold can work well for this kind of
thing and as an all purpose viewer. It has a couple of filters like
'mask' and 'hex' that can eliminate formatting 'high ascii' characters.
You asked... Computer Mike
Mike Perushek wrote:
>
> This is about the second problem. When I do a mem command at the dos
> prompt, it reports 38781k of Extended(xms) memory being used. However when
> a mem /c /p command is used, nothing is being reported as using this memory.
> This happens in both Windows 3.1 and 95, not in DOS. Could the Virtual
> Memory driver or manager be doing this. I would like to know since for a
> while, I couldn't print(even with programs that couldn't, like solitare),
> If you have any further questions, please email me. The technicians at IBM
> are worthless, they have no idea about either problem, they say "reformat
> and it will be fixed."
I say, "if it ain't broke don't fix it". It sounds like your computer
is okay now. Is it?
You asked... Computer Mike
Steven Lee wrote:
>
> INTEL 486SX2 processor at 50MHZ
This should be upgradeable to a DX2 50mhz or DX2 66mhz (see manual) with
a voltage comverter, possibly DX3 100mhz
> 420MB Hard Drive
Upgrade to at least 2 gig (costs are down)
> 16 MB RAM
Double it (costs are insanely low)
> CARDINAL 33.6 Fax/Modem
Cable modems look like the coming thing
> 2X CD-ROM
24x is down to about $100
16x about $80
> I use my computer for Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Internet access, home
> finance, school research, project for work, etc. I do very little gaming. I
> compress my hard drive to keep from running out of space, but my system
> seems to run slow (I use Pentium 200MHZ machines or better at work, so the
> slowness could be relative to them).
I stay away from compression for this (slows things down) and other
reasons (relating to stability and possible data loss)
> I would like to be able to upgrade my system so that I can use Microsoft
> Office 97 - Professional Edition (I want to use ACCESS & EXCEL like I do at
> work).
> Do you think I can upgrade my present system at a reasonably lower cost
> than I can buy a new one capable of handling what I want to do? If so, what
> levels should I upgrade to (that my system is capable of handling)?
The suggestions above will cover you. I commend you for the tech type
suff you are doing at work.
You asked... Computer Mike
J. DAVID HARBST wrote:
>
> First of all, it's been very helpful just reading the Q&A's that you
> have posted. For your generosity you deserve to be blessed with good
> fortune.
Thank you. I am not rich but I do consider myself blessed.
> My inquiry is regarding internet performance. I have a 1995 Gateway 2000
> Model P5 120(Pentium 120Mz, 16M RAM,28.8 modem). I am satisfied with
> internet performance. I also think I have a good internet provider. My
> daughter owns a 1994 Gateway 486dx2, 66Mz, 8M RAM, 14.4 modem. She lives
> in a different area and is using a reputable provider but the
> performance is, compared to mine, very sloooooooow! She doesn't run
> many other programs, just basic word processing(MS Word) and personal
> finace(MS Money). She would like to improve internet speed and
> performance. We are considering an upgrade if it would make a
> significant improvement.
> Questions:
> 1. Do you think an upgrade would really make a difference?
Yes
> 2. What level of upgrade would be possible and what do you think the
> ballpark cost might be?
Upgrade to as much memory as you can afford (costs are now insanely low
- 16 MEGS IS LESS THAN FIFTY BUCKS! You would also see a justifiable
improvement on your own system with, say, 32 megs total. "Scotty, I
need warp speed and I need it now.") 33.6 modems are down below $75 and
cable modems look like the coming thing. The newer and larger hard
drives are very fast, inexpensive (2.5 gig for about $180, 1.6 gig for
about $140) and can improve performance a lot.
> I don't have other specification information about her system at my
> fingertips right now but I could get it if you would need it.
> Your reply would be greatly appreciated.
> Thank you.
You asked... Computer Mike
> a friend bumped her cdrom tray while open and it stuck. She forced it
> shut and tried to make it work-it didn't and never opened again. She
> called to say that she had nothing but squiggly lines on her screen. I
> had her shut it down until I could get over there. I removed the cdrom
> and fixed her video settings. Everything seemed to be working fine. When
> I replaced the cdrom, it was a nightmare. Here's what's going on with
> it...
> 1) cdrom works fine in Dos
Perfectly fine? Hmmm, interesting.
> 2) When win95 boots up, freezes completely
Curiouser and curiouser. Seems that whatever damage was done only
affects the win95 driver for this cd=rom drive.
> 3) yellow exclamation mark on 2nd ide in device manager
> This is acting very strange. When I remove cdrom, it works fine again. I
> have even tried piggy backing the cdrom to the hard drive and not using
> the 2nd ide with same results. Is it possible that the mobo is damaged?
Motherboard is probably just fine. The win95 driver is having trouble
accessing the disk and so locks up. When there is no disk in it simply
accepts tnat there is no disk there. Try putting it on the same cable
as the hard drive once more and then removing the 2nd ide. Actually
disabling the second ide both physically with jumper settings and in
CMOS setup then remove in SYSTEM (in CONTROL PANEL under SETTINGS under
START). If that doesn't fix it try manually inserting the config.sys
line that loads the DOS drivers remembering to insert the MSCDEX.EXE
line into the autoexec.bat from a DOS prompt outside of win95.
> HELP! I have tried everything I can think of to fix this problem.
> She is running Intel P166-MMX/32mg/20x/2gigWDC/Number9 videocard. The
> cdrom is a USDrives 20x. I'd appreciate any info.
Hey how does she like the Number9 video card? If none of what I've
suggested works consider trying to get a warranty replacement. Other
than that I don't know what else to suggest besides replacing it.
You asked... Computer Mike
cowboy wrote:
>
> Another genius answer, It works!!, an ascii viewer did the trick
> to read *.ps files, ftpWolf found one place for me to download XTGold,
> You win again ! :-)
> THANX!
Hey Cowboy,
Thanks for the 'genius' comment. Another friend likes to say, "Mike,
you are definitely a certifiable borderline computer genius."
You asked... Computer Mike