| Topic Review |
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
 |  Posted: 2007-08-01 19:51
I saved a job resume, references, etc. on a floppy disk on my old pc using Lotus SmartSuite for Windows 98.
I tried opening the resume, etc. on my new pc with Vista and it wouldn't open.
Can I retrieve my info or do I have to start over by typing a new resume?
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
 |  Posted: 2007-08-01 22:19
dragon53,
The reason that Vista does not recognize the resume that you created in Lotus is because the Lotus Smart Suite is not installed on your new computer.
Now here is the rub. From what I have read people have had mixed results when trying to load Lotus into Vista. The majority of the people say it just error's out but a few have said they have got it to work.
If you read the specifications for Lotus Smart Suite it was never meant for even WinXP but apparently it did work with some playing around.
While doing a search I did find THIS thread that offers some solutions including installing Microsoft Virtual PC and running Lotus through that. I also did read that the Lotus files will open up in Excel but that was in reference to spread sheets.
Another choice would be to find someone you know still running Win98 (although I think you were the last person,  ) and asking them if you could temporarily install the Smart Suite onto their machine so that you could read and then print out your resume.
Do you know what the file extension is on that file? For example,
dragon53resume.XXX If you can give me what letters the XXX represents I could try to find something that would read or convert the file.
Joe (aka BeastMaster)
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2007-08-01 22:53
JTTAR:
I knew my resume wouldn't open because I had not installed Lotus because it's for Windows 98, not Vista.
I was hoping there was a way to open it via Vista.
I have to update my resume since it's 2 years old--which I could do on my floppy when I had Lotus on my old pc/W98.
It appears I have to start all over again. I printed out some copies 2 years ago. I can use these for reference, but it's a pain starting all over.
Thanks for the info.
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2007-08-01 23:16
dragon53,
I agree that it is a royal PITA to start over from scratch. You need a secretary!
Did your new computer come with a word processor or the MicroSoft Office Suite? If you need software let me know.
Joe (aka BeastMaster)
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2007-08-02 00:08
JTTAR:
It comes with Microsoft Works which has a couple of resume templates. I'll check those out this weekend. It's going to be fun-filled weekend....
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2007-09-27 10:26
Another PC question (mentioned briefly elsewhere)
I was looking at some of my old floppy disks. I saw on floppy #1, Files 1-10.
When I looked at floppy #2, I saw Files 1-10 from floppy #1.
However, I had the same "ghost file" problem on yet another floppy---it showed the files of the floppy I had been looking at just before it.
When I try to open the ghost files, obviously I get "file not found".
Is the problem with the floppy disks or my new pc?
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2007-09-27 21:28
dragon53,
Any time a floppy disk is removed or changed the floppy drive should send a "changed line" signal to indicate that the floppy disk has been changed. If this is not occurring there could be a problem with the drive itself, the cable connecting it to the motherboard or a problem with the driver that is installed.
I would suggest putting in a floppy disk and then change it to another disk, if the old floppy files are still being shown try hitting F5 to refresh the drive. If that works great. If it doesn't I would check the cable to be fully seated on both ends between the drive and the motherboard.
If still no-go, go into device manager and re-install the FDD driver. If that doesn't work I would be suspicious of the drive itself being faulty.
All the above is assuming that the floppy disk's are good and not corrupt. Make sure that the disk's work in another computer first.
Joe (aka BeastMaster)
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2007-09-28 00:58
JTTAR:
I checked via Device Manager---the Floppy Disk Drive and Standard Floppy Disk Controller were listed as "This Device is Working Properly".
However, I tested a lot more floppies and got this:
on Floppy #10, File D, I opened File "D" (a dog).
On Floppy #25, File D, I opened File "D" (a cat) and got the dog from Floppy #10.
Any comments on why I'm getting the same file from 2 different floppies that have the same file name?
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2007-09-28 01:01
PS:
I went back to floppy #25 and renamed File D to File D-1. After renaming it, I opened D-1 and this time I got the cat.
The "F5" had no effect on the floppy problem.
[ This message was edited by: dragon53 on 2007-09-28 01:10 ]
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2007-09-28 23:32
dragon53,
Who knows what evil lurks in Window's Vista. 
I am not sure why you are running into this problem with the floppy disks. It may have something to do with the file allocation table used. I assume that the floppy disk's you have were made when you were running Win98 and that was a FAT32 format. Window's Vista is a NTFS file system and perhaps there is an anomaly with the file system.
Have you tried those floppy disks on another computer to see if the same problem exists?
Joe (aka BeastMaster)
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2007-09-29 00:54
JTTAR:
The library has pc's with floppy drives, but you have to wait in line for them. Maybe next week.
The Vista/Windows 98 sounds like a good explanation--I never had the problem until I got my new pc/Vista.
Thanks for the help.
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2007-09-29 20:51
dragon53,
If you are in the mood to experiment, try taking a couple of floppy's and format them on your new Vista machine (naturally all files will be lost).
Then copy some files unto one of them and copy different files to the other. Try reading them again and see if they read "cat" and "dog" or if you end up with the same problem.
Joe (aka BeastMaster)
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2007-10-02 10:22
JTTAR:
I tested floppy #2 on a library pc with Windows XP. It showed the ghost files from floppy #1, but no files from #2 itself---just like on my pc.
It's like floppy #2 has been imprinted with images of files from floppy #1.
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2007-10-02 20:46
dragon53,
Well at least it is good to know that there isn't a problem with your new Dell or the Vista operating system.
The only thing that leaves is the floppy disk's themselves. I still would be suspicious of the file system of those old floppy's. If you have a couple that you don't need the information on, try using your computer to format them and trying my suggestion in my last post to this thread.
Hopefully, we will both learn something.
Joe
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2007-10-06 20:07
JTTAR:
I reformatted 2 floppies and they work fine as blanks. The other 2 wouldn't reformat so they're kaput.
Also, I got DSL last week--it works great and makes life a lot easier.
Thanks for the info.
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2007-10-06 22:30
dragon53,
Thanks for the update. I too have had old floppy's just refuse to work anymore. I would tell you that they are a dinosaur as a media format but I'm talking to a man refuses to give up on Beta Max.
Congratulations on getting DSL!! I know that you will quickly become addicted to the speed and wonder how you tolerated dial up for so long. I know that I am a "speed junkie" and continue to pay an outrageous fee for my high speed connection. Need speed ---faster--faster---faster-----
Joe (aka BeastMaster)
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2007-10-08 23:11
JTTAR:
What's the easiest way to download Youtube onto Windows Media Player?
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2007-10-08 23:29
dragon53,
You need to use a third party to save a "YouTube" video. I have had good success using THIS site in the past. You will need to go to YouTube and copy and paste the video files address into the box at the provided site and click "Go". This will save the video to your hard drive and then you can use Window's Media Player to replay the video anytime you want. If you do a Google on "save YouTube video's" you will find other sites as well.
Joe (aka BeastMaster)
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2007-10-09 23:32
JTTAR:
Thanks again.
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2007-10-09 23:50
dragon53,
Always happy to be of help.
Joe (aka BeastMaster)
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2007-10-18 10:04
JTTAR:
Another question:
I uninstalled my old dial-up ISP about 7 months ago. It's no longer on my Programs list.
Last week my pc started getting pop-ups from my old ISP (containing the ISP connection phone number). When the pop-up appears, I click it off and it reappears minutes later---very annoying.
How do I permanently remove it?
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2007-10-18 21:32
dragon53,
It sounds like when you un-installed the software from your old dial up ISP that some files were left in the Windows registry. A registry cleaning program that looks for orphan files and removes them should take care of the problem.
I used System Mechanic for many years but I have found that C-Cleaner (formerly known as Crap Cleaner) does a much better job at cleansing the registry. It is a very small program that works well without any bloatware. One of the nice features is that every time you use it it will ask you if you want to save a backup of the current registry and if so where to save it to. I recommend saying yes and just save it to the desktop. If you should accidentally remove any necessary files you can always go back and restore the previous registry. I always delete everything that C-Cleaner finds and have never had a problem using it on a regular basis to clean out all temp files, cookies and history files.
The program is freeware and can be downloaded HERE.
Joe (aka BeastMaster)
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2007-10-19 01:06
JTTAR:
Thanks....I'll try it this weekend.
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2007-10-21 18:27
JTTAR:
Another question.
I've printed stuff I've composed on Microsoft Works a month ago. However, I tried to print the same stuff today and everything on Microsoft Works comes out as a blank print.
I downloaded everything on Microsoft Works as email attachments to myself and viewed them so that proves they're there, but they will not print.
Any suggestionss to why the stuff would print before but not now?
[ This message was edited by: dragon53 on 2007-10-21 18:30 ]
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2007-10-21 23:18
dragon53,
Not being real familiar with Microsoft Works I don't have a quick fix for you. I assume that other documents print without a problem. It could be a setting in Microsoft Works but let me do some research and see if I can find a reason for the documents not printing.
Joe (aka BeastMaster)
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2007-10-23 21:07
dragon53,
Sorry but I'm striking out here. I have not found a situation that is the same as yours.
One suggestion I did find online was to open the document in Word or Excel and at the top go to "File" --> Print Area--> Clear Print Area and then try printing the document again. I am not sure what that does but it did help one person who was running into the problem of some of their documents printing as a blank page.
Any chance that you have the font color set to White?
I will post back if I can find a better solution.
Joe (aka BeastMaster)
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2007-10-24 10:00
JTTAR:
Thanks. I'll try it this weekend.
Also, I ran the registry cleaner you linked to and the ISP dial-up pop-up continues--it causes everything to stall for a second and keeps popping up several times. One thing I forgot to mention is that the problem started appearing when I installed DSL. It also appears when I use the article-email feature on the www.editorandpublisher.com website. Any suggestions?
[ This message was edited by: dragon53 on 2007-10-24 10:12 ]
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2007-10-25 22:04
dragon53,
If you still have the install disk from your dial up ISP you could try putting in the CD/DVD drive and see if it has an uninstall feature on it. If it does, you may have to re-install the software and then try using the uninstall feature. Evidentially when you uninstalled the software through Add/Remove programs in left remnant files that are popping up and haunting you.
If there is no uninstall feature on the disk it would be worth a phone call to your old dial up ISP and see what they recommend for complete file removal.
Joe (aka BeastMaster)
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-03-29 23:22
dragon53,
I am at a loss at the moment. If the button works to close the tray it should, in theory, work to close the tray. The fact that you can click on eject and have it work only confuses the issue even more. It is very doubtful that there is any correlation with the Firefox pop up.
Let me give it some more thought and I will post back if the light bulb goes on.
Joe
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-03-29 23:58
JTTAR:
Another question: Is there a way to transfer multiple images from a floppy onto a dvd in one step---as opposed to transferring them one by one?
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-03-29 23:51
JTTAR:
Thanks for the info.
I just tried the tray button again after shutting my pc off for several hours, and now it works. Earlier today, I restarted my pc, logged off---and tried the tray button about 20 times, but it wouldn't work. I don't have a clue why it works now, but not before. I'm just glad it's working again---for now.
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-03-29 19:42
JTTAR:
My Dell C521 has a problem (my warranty expired several days ago)---the cd/dvd eject button won't work so I can't use it to open the cd/dvd tray. The only way I can open the tray is to click on COMPUTER, click on DVD and click on EJECT. However, the button works fine to close the tray.
I very rarely used the tray so I'm not sure if it's a mechanical problem with the tray button or if it's a software problem---several days ago I got a Mozilla Firefox pop-up for a new download extension, so I clicked on it without paying any attention to it.
Any suggestions on solving the tray problem?
Thanks
[ This message was edited by: dragon53 on 2008-03-29 19:43 ]
[ This message was edited by: dragon53 on 2008-03-29 19:57 ]
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-03-30 22:37
On 2008-03-29 23:58, dragon53 wrote:
JTTAR:
Another question: Is there a way to transfer multiple images from a floppy onto a dvd in one step---as opposed to transferring them one by one?
***************************************************************
dragon53,
I am not sure that I am following you, are you talking about wanting to take multiple jpg's that are on a floppy disk and burning them onto a DVD?
Joe
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Toli
Sony Master
Joined: Oct 20, 2003
Posts: 8509
From: Winthrop Harbor, IL USA
 | Posted: 2008-03-31 08:02
dragon53,
In the programs that I have used, you would press "Ctrl A".
Toli
-----------------
KDL-52XBR6 w/Salamander Archetype TV65,STR-DA7100ES,BDP-S1,DVP-NS9100ES,DIRECTV HR21,Panamax 5510-PRO ACRegenerator & M1500-UPS;Klipsch:KSF-10.5(2),KSF-C5,KSF-S5(4-2),KSW-15; glass toslinks,Pure Silver i-Link & HDMI,PS3,Harmony 880 Pro
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-03-31 10:21
JTTAR:
Yes, I'd to know how to transfer multiple images on a floppy or my hard drive to a dvd in one step--assuming it's possible.
Example: if I have 25 images on a floppy or hard drive, how do I transfer all 25 images to a dvd in just one step?
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Toli
Sony Master
Joined: Oct 20, 2003
Posts: 8509
From: Winthrop Harbor, IL USA
| Posted: 2008-03-31 11:17
dragon53,
Do you mean that you won't need many steps to complete the process of creating the disc? If so, I can recommend a program that does that in only one step. All you have to do is open the program, select all the files and then click burn. Is this what you mean?
Toli
-----------------
KDL-52XBR6 w/Salamander Archetype TV65,STR-DA7100ES,BDP-S1,DVP-NS9100ES,DIRECTV HR21,Panamax 5510-PRO ACRegenerator & M1500-UPS;Klipsch:KSF-10.5(2),KSF-C5,KSF-S5(4-2),KSW-15; glass toslinks,Pure Silver i-Link & HDMI,PS3,Harmony 880 Pro
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-03-31 23:13
On 2008-03-31 10:21, dragon53 wrote:
JTTAR:
Yes, I'd to know how to transfer multiple images on a floppy or my hard drive to a dvd in one step--assuming it's possible.
Example: if I have 25 images on a floppy or hard drive, how do I transfer all 25 images to a dvd in just one step?
******************************************************************
Dragon53,
It will take more then one step but not many more.
Open whatever program you are using to burn the DVD, for example Nero and when it comes to the point of adding the jpg's steer to the folder on the hard drive or A drive if on a floppy and select all the files at once. You can use the Ctrl+A keys as Toli pointed out to select all files. If you want to add only some of them hold down the Ctrl key and click on each one in the group that you want. This will highlight only the select jpg's that you want to transfer over to the DVD. After you have them highlighted select the "Add" button in the burning program and all the jpg's will be added at once.
I am not sure what DVD burning program you are using but there are several free ones available including THIS one in which you can also make a slide show.
Let us know if you still have any questions or if I have missed your question completely. 
Joe
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Toli
Sony Master
Joined: Oct 20, 2003
Posts: 8509
From: Winthrop Harbor, IL USA
| Posted: 2008-04-01 07:25
dragon53,
For the free program that I use, click here, the free version is on the right. It looks like the one jttar posted and this one each may have a few different features that the other doesn't have, although I just glanced over the features.
Toli
-----------------
KDL-52XBR6 w/Salamander Archetype TV65,STR-DA7100ES,BDP-S1,DVP-NS9100ES,DIRECTV HR21,Panamax 5510-PRO ACRegenerator & M1500-UPS;Klipsch:KSF-10.5(2),KSF-C5,KSF-S5(4-2),KSW-15; glass toslinks,Pure Silver i-Link & HDMI,PS3,Harmony 880 Pro
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-04-27 16:44
GUYS:
A new question about transferring images from floppy to dvd+rw.
I transferred about 50-60 images from floppy to dvd+rw disc. The transfer went fine, but a problem started when I began renaming the images on the dvd+rw---after re-naming 1-2 dozen images, the dvd+rw stops working. When I click on the dvd+rw, nothing happens. This happened on 2 dvd+rw's and now I've got 2 dead discs.
Any solution to this?
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-04-27 19:22
dragon53,
You will have to rename the images before you transfer them to the DVD. The two dead disks need to be formated and they should be fine to re-use.
Rename all the images on your hard drive to what ever you want to name them but make sure that the file extension stays the same, ie: dragonpic.jpg
After you have them renamed then burn them to the DVD and your good to go.
Joe
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-04-28 09:05
JTTAR:
Thanks. After my 2 dead disks, I decided renaming the images on the floppies will be easier in the long run---I just lost a couple of hours I spent transferring the images.
One more question: I tried to erase the 2 dead discs following the instructions---I clicked on the dvd drive icon and a toolbox is supposed to appear---but nothing happens and my pc freezes. I can only unfreeze the pc by ejecting the dvd+rw. So my questions is : How do I reformat/erase the dead dvd+rw?
[ This message was edited by: dragon53 on 2008-04-28 10:15 ]
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-04-28 16:11
Dragon53,
I use Nero to burn and erase's DVDs. I am not sure what program you are using or if this is a tool incorporated right into Window's Vista that you are trying to use.
My best guess is that when you put the DVD's into the drives the computer is hanging up trying repeatedlyto read the disks with the files you have tried to rename. Unless they were costly, I wouldn't waste a bunch of time trying to erase them if you can not do it easily. Your time is not worth the cost of the disk and we all have made coasters.
Joe
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-04-28 20:31
JTTAR:
I'm renaming the images (about 300-400) on the floppies and then I'll transfer them to dvd+rw. Hopefully this will avoid the renaming on the dvd+rw which is when the problem starts. My Dell pc uses Roxio.
In case I kill another dvd+rw, is there a second way to erase/reformat them?...since the first way failed.
Thanks again for the help.
[ This message was edited by: dragon53 on 2008-04-28 20:35 ]
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-04-28 21:58
Dragon53,
I am not familiar with Roxio but I think the erase selection is under the Disc/Media information menu.
As a second option, without purchasing a new software program, you could try using Vista. Check out THIS site from Windows help for a step by step.
Joe
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-04-29 08:57
JTTAR:
Thanks. The Vista Help was the first way I tried to erase/reformat the dvd+rw, but it diodn't work.
There's no other alternative to erase/reformat them?
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-04-29 20:59
Dragon53,
Have you tried using Roxio to erase the DVD RW's? You could also try using Nero 8. You can download a free trial of Nero to see if you like it. The free trial will last for 15 days. HERE is the link for the free download.
If you do download it and decide you like it let me know.
Joe
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-04-30 20:30
JTTAR:
I'm writing off the 2 dead discs...I've spent too much time on them. I haven't had any problems with my Sony dvd+rw, although I don't rename much on them.
Another question: When I download an image from the internet onto my dvd+rw or onto my desktop, my pc's hard drive makes a loud buzzing noise for about a minute. Is this normal?
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-04-30 21:57
Dragon53,
When you download an image or any type of file from the internet I would recommend saving to your desktop or another folder and then burn it onto the CD or DVD.
Are you sure that it is the hard drive your hearing and not the DVD drive? It is normal for a hard drive to have, what I would describe as, a "chirpping" noise when it is writting to the drive but it shouldn't be loud.
I don't blame you for giving up on the disks. You can buy them in bulk and get them for about $1 a piece. Your time is worth much more then that.
Joe
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-05-01 10:47
JTTAR:
I downloaded an internet photo onto my hard drive and the "grinding" noise from the hard drive could be heard about 30 feet away. I hear the same noise when I download onto dvd+rw.
When I download onto a floppy, it makes a loud, interrupted noise somewhat similar to the hard drive, but not the same.
My old IBM made similar noises, but that hard drive was defective and was replaced by IBM.
Is this grinding noise normal?
[ This message was edited by: dragon53 on 2008-05-01 11:03 ]
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-05-01 22:54
dragon53,
Without hearing it myself it is hard to say. It is normal to hear the hard drive but not from a 30 foot distance. I wouldn't consider a grinding noise normal. Like I mentioned a healthy hard drive makes a chirping noise which is different then what I would call grinding. Has the hard drive made the same noise since it was new?
I know your new Dell is out of warranty but it might be worth a phone call to Dell and inquire about the noise the hard drive is making. Your computer isn't that old and the hard drive, in theory, should not be going bad already.
Joe
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-05-02 14:07
I can't remember if the Dell C521 hard drive was noisy becauase I didn't use it much when I got it.
However, the Dell hard drive noise is like a loud buzzing/grinding noise----somewhat ike a chain saw from a 100 feet away.
|
jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-05-02 21:31
Dragon53,
There is no way that your hard drive should sound anything like a chain saw even at one foot away. Something is not right.
Does the hard drive make the noise when you first boot up your computer when it is loading all the files and programs or is it just when something is being written to the drive?
To test this out try running a defrag on "C" drive and see what it sounds like while it moves and writes to the drive.
Joe
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-05-02 23:24
JTTAR:
The buzzing noise has stopped for the first time in months. It was buzzing this morning when I tested donloads onto the desktop and dvd+rw. The only think I can think of that may have stopped the buzzing is that I downloaded Vista Service Pack I this morning, too.
If the Service Pack is the cure for the buzzing, the 2 hours, 23 minutes to download it was worth it.
[ This message was edited by: dragon53 on 2008-05-02 23:28 ]
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-05-02 23:32
Dragon53,
I am glad to hear that the chain saw buzzing has stopped but I have serious doubts that Vista SP1 had anything to do with it. We are talking hardware making the noise and a software update won't change that.
As long as the noise is gone I wouldn't worry about it but keep an ear open in case it returns.
Joe
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-05-03 00:07
JTTAR:
I downloaded a bunch of photos and one video---including ones that buzzed this morning. None of the new downloads buzzed---I can't remember the last time I didn't hear the buzz. I'm knocking on wood for this.
When I bought my first pc in 1999, I literally had never turned a pc on or off---I've never received any training on a pc, so I had to teach myself by trial and eror---mostly the latter.
Thanks for your help with my many questions ---and your patience.
PS---my floppy drive download is much improved and quieter since this morning, too.
[ This message was edited by: dragon53 on 2008-05-03 00:44 ]
|
jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-05-03 15:18
Dragon53,
After the years we have spent here together you should know that I am more than happy to be of any help I can with your PC questions. I just wish that I had better answers sometimes.
My fingers are crossed in hopes that the noise stays away. Maybe that Vista SP1 download did the trick--- stranger things have happened.
Joe
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-05-03 21:42
JTTAR:
Unfortunately, today I downloaded several dozen more images onto the desktop and the buzzing occurred on about 50% of them.
Someone on the Dell forum suggested I run the comprehensive diqagnostic on the hard drive, so I ran the Express Test which still took several hours. The hard drive was a "pass" on all tests except one which was "non-applicable". I also ran a test on the fan which was OK.
I knew it was too good to be true.
[ This message was edited by: dragon53 on 2008-05-04 14:10 ]
|
jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-05-03 23:26
Dragon53,
Please keep me posted.
Joe
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-05-06 22:15
JTTAR:
A summation of the problem:
1. The pc produces a grinding/buzzing noise when downloading onto thedesktop/dvd+rw or opening email attachments which takes about oneminute to download.
2. When the grinding/buzzing noise does not occur, the downloading takes only a few seconds.
Thanks for any suggestions.
|
dontsleep33
Sonyphile
Joined: May 03, 2008
Posts: 742
From: MG,Brazil
 | Posted: 2008-05-07 11:59
One thought,When this disk thrashing is occurring it might be because windows is heavily accessing the page file.(Virtual memory).Do you have a lot of applications open at the time or are these very large files that are downloading?
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-05-07 12:29
DONTSLEEP33:
I logged off and logged on and went directly to Agoraquest and downloaded your avatar, a small image. The noise began and lasted for 1 minute. This the normal pattern.
I posted on my alma mater's board, mainly an engineering school, and most replies said the noise is indicative of a dying hard drive. This morning, I finally got someone on the Dell forum to reply to my hard drive passing the hard drive diagnostics (which lasted several hours). He isn't so sure the hard drive is dying since the hard drive passed the tests. The saga continues...
|
dontsleep33
Sonyphile
Joined: May 03, 2008
Posts: 742
From: MG,Brazil
| Posted: 2008-05-07 15:02
I see.Grrrrrrr...Hard drives are strange sometimes.
|
jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-05-07 23:27
Dragon53,
Even though your hard drive is passing the diagnostics tests it is not normal for it to be so loud and I would agree with your alma mater's opinion that there is a problem developing with the hard drive. As I mentioned previously a healthy hard drive should have a chirping noise when in use but it shouldn't sound like a chain saw or have a grinding noise.
I would suggest contacting Dell and ask them about the warranty policy on the hard drive.
Joe
|
jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-05-09 16:28
Dragon53,
Good to hear that Dell is going to stand behind the har drive even though it is just out of warranty.
It is a PITA that you have to back up everything but you know that drill pretty well.
Good luck with it!
Joe
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-05-09 10:06
JTTAR:
I called Dell tech support and was told the hard drive warranty expired with the pc warranty in March. I told him the hard drive had made the noise before the warranty expired, so he let me talk to his supervisor who said they will send me a new hard drive. The new hard drive will come at the right time---my pc has had trouble starting up the past few days.
Now the fun begins---I have to back up everything.
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-05-17 20:34
I finally got my second new (refurbished) hard drive from Dell after DHL left the first replacement in front of my door and was stolen minutes later.
I hoped to install the hard drive myself (no installation instructions were included), but I opened my C521 up and the dvd and floppy drives are mounted on top of the hard drive in a very tight space so I have to call Dell tech support to find out how to remove them without damaging anything to get to the hard drive.
The saga still continues.
|
jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-05-17 22:15
Dragon53,
What is that old saying? "If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all." I can't beleive that someone swiped your replacement hard drive! Actuall, it's hard to beleive that Dell or DHL didn't hand deliver it and have you sign for it. Oh well, at least you finally received it's replacement.
Hopefully, the Dell Dudes will be able to walk you through the replacement steps.
Joe
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-05-20 11:27
JTTAR:
I installed the new hard drive and it doesn't have the download grinding noise so that worked out fine.
I have 3 new questions:
1. What's the best way to get the many previous Windows updates that were on my old hard drive and aren't on my new hard drive?....including Service Pack 1, etc., etc.
2. Some of the videos I downloaded onto dvd using the old hard drive will play on RealPlayer, but some won't play on Windows Media Player (all I get is the moving play progress bar and audio in a small screen about 1" by 1". How do I get the videos to play on either RealPlayer or Windows Media Player?
When I insert a dvd, I get a popup with:
"Video File options
1. Import Pictures
2. Play-using Windows Media Player
3. Copy Disc-using Roxio Creator Copy
4. Transfer videos-using Media Impact 1
5. Platy Media Files-using RealPlayer
6. Set AutoPlay defaults in Control Panel.
3. Is the floppy drive supposed to make a "chunking" noise during downloading/uploading?
Thanks
|
jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-05-20 20:38
Dragon53,
Nice job on getting the hard drive installed, glad to hear that the chainsaw noise is gone.
1) Unless you save Service Pack 1 as a seperate file you have to load it like you never had it before. Go to START/ WINDOWS UPDATE and select SP1 from the list of updates found and let it install. After the re-boot rescan for updates and install any security updates.
2) If the video files have a file extesion of *.RA, *.RAM or *.RM they are Real Player files and you have to use Real Player or use a third party program to try and convert them to work on another player. If they don't have those extensions you may have to go into the "Options" section of Windows Media Player and select the file extensions out of the media list. Also, try doing a Windows Media player update to make sure that it has the latest and greatest codecs.
Real Player and Windows Media player will battle to be top dog. After you play a video on one of the players it will try to take over and reset itself as the main player. This is where you have to go into the settings of each of these programs and set which files extensions you want to play on each player
3) The floppy drive is definitely the loudest drive in your computer and a mild "chunking" noise is normal when writing or reading from a floppy disk.
Hope this helps.
Joe
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-05-21 11:38
JTTAR:
Thanks.
The SP1 update was downloaded on my old hard drive, so it's not listed on my current Windows Updates---only SP2 is listed which I downloaded on the new hard drive.
I didn't use my Backup dvd on the new hard drive because it had the annoying scanner driver problem I posted about when I got my new Dell.
Apparently I've lost all of the Windows updates for the 1 year I used my old hard drive. I think SP1 takes many hours to download from Microsoft's website
|
jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-05-21 21:50
Dragon53,
Refresh my memory, are you still using dial up service or did you switch to high speed cable or DSL? If you are still on dial up, Service Pack 1 will take quite awhile to download and install. I would start it when you are through using the computer for the night and let it run when you go to bed.
Joe
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-05-22 10:34
JTTAR:
I'm using DSL.
When I downloaded SP1/update on my old hard drive a few weeks ago, I think it took over an hour.
Also, when I installed my new hard drive, if I remember correctly, I had to regsiter it with Microsoft. How does registering a new hard drive affect old updates from Microsoft before I installed my new hard drive? (i.e. would Microsoft send out old updates to my new hard drive?)
[ This message was edited by: dragon53 on 2008-05-22 20:52 ]
|
jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-05-22 22:36
Dragon53,
About an hour with DSL does sound like a long time even for SP1. It may have included other security updates also.
When you register with Microsoft they are confirming that you are running a legitimate licensed copy of Vista. When you do a Windows update to your new hard drive you will get the latest updates. It will scan your hard drive and recommend what updates you should have. Generally, installing all the updates is the way to go. That way you will have the latest security patches.
Joe
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-05-23 00:41
JTTAR:
So I should download SP1 from Microsoft's website?
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-05-26 00:01
My new hard drive now has the grinding noise, too.
Like the old hard drive, the new hard drive grinding/buzzing noise occurs only during downloading onto the desktop or onto dvd. However, the new hard drive's noise only lasts about 2-3 seconds---while the old hard drive lasted about 1 minute.
I've run Avast anti-virus, Adaware, defrag and I've rechecked the cable connections---and the noise is there most of the time.
You can't win for losing.
|
RickeyM
Sony King
Joined: Sep 09, 2004
Posts: 1408
From: Baltimore, Maryland
 | Posted: 2008-05-26 18:49
You said the new drive supplied by Dell was a refurb. Maybe (and I hate to say it) you should bite the bullet and buy a new drive? It may be worth it just for peace of mind. When I replaced my hard drive with a new, larger one, it came with software that let me copy everything from the old to the new. Of course the "ghost in the machine" woke up and I had to key in the XP product code, but the transfer went fine.
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-05-27 11:20
RICKEYM:
I've thought about buying a new hard drive freom Newegg, but under the circumstances, there's also the possibilty there's something else wrong that makes the hard drive malfunction. I ran a full diagnostic which took several hours and it said everything was OK---including my old hard drive. Something is wrong---I'm just not sure what.
I'm obviously open to any input.
|
jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-05-27 23:02
dragon53,
I know that the refurb hard drive was quiet after you first installed it. I can not think of anything else causing the drive to get loud unless it is physically worn or damaged.
When you run a diagnostic test on a hard drive it looks for damaged or unwritable sectors. If there are no damaged sectors it passes the diagnostic tests.
However, there could be damage to the platter causing the noise and if that is the case it will only get worse and eventually crash the hard drive and you could loose everything on it.
There are flat platters inside your hard drive that spin rapidly. The spinning creates an air flow that lifts the heads that read and write to within a few microns of the platters. If there is a scrape on any of the platters it causes that air flow to become erratic and the floating head bounces off the platter causing more damage. The more damage that occurs, the louder the grinding noise becomes. It sounds like this is what your refurb drive is experiencing.
I know that it is rotten luck but I can only think that there was a problem with the hard drive before you installed it. The sad part is that the stolen one was probably perfect.
Joe
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-05-28 17:55
JTTAR:
I called Dell tech support this morning. The tech and his supervisor listened to the grinding noise and said something is definitely wrong.
The tech talked me through a number of tests/diagnostics including switching data cables on the drives, disconnected cables, etc. At the end, he said the hard drive passed all the tests and he didn't know what was causing the noise.
I've double-checked cable connections, drive installation, ran Avast virus and Adaware, defragged, etc.---and the noise continues.
I would buy a new hard drive, but I don't know if the hard drive is causing the problem--but that's where the noise is coming from.
Any suggestions?
|
jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-05-28 21:46
Dragon53,
Try removing the cover of the computer so that you have access to the hard drive. Next, duplicate the noise like you did for the Dell tech. When you hear the grinding noise feel the hard drive and see if you can feel the noise coming from the hard drive. That should tell you if it is the culprit.
If you don't feel the vibration coming from the hard drive shut down the computer and unplug the power cord. Next remove the power connection and the IDE cable from the DVD ROM drive. Plug the power cord back in and boot up the computer. Again, try to duplicate the grinding noise. If your unable to duplicate it, suspect the DVD ROM. If the noise is still there, shut down, remove the power cord and disconnect the power connector and IDE cable from the floppy drive. Reconnect and boot up and give it another try.
By doing this you are eliminating the pieces of the computer that have moving parts that could causing the noise. The only other moving parts would be the processor and case cooling fans but if one of them had a bad bearing you would hear the noise constantly.
The fact that you hear the grinding when uploading/downloading still makes me suspicious of the hard drive. Like I said above, if it is the hard drive you should be able to feel it in the hard drive with your fingers.
Let us know what you find.
Joe
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-05-29 12:04
JTTAR:
I ran all the tests---the floppy drive is the one that's making the noise.
I was checking the hard drive for vibrations and had the dvd/cd and floppy drives removed from the rack with all cables connected. When I downloaded onto the desktop, the floppy drive began to buzz and vibrate. I downloaded 5 times and each time the floppy drive was the culprit.
Now that the floppy has been determined to be the problem, what does that mean?
1. Is the floppy drive near death and should be replaced?
2. Does the floppy drive noise affect the rest of the pc?
(the Dell floppy drive makes more noise and is slower than the floppy drive on my old IBM pc)
Thanks very much for the help on this.
(Also, I think my old hard drive was having problems even though it wasn't making the noise---my pc was having startup problems several times a week, but no startup problems since the new hard drive was installed)
[ This message was edited by: dragon53 on 2008-05-29 12:08 ]
[ This message was edited by: dragon53 on 2008-05-29 12:09 ]
|
jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-05-29 14:01
Dragon53,
Glad to hear that you found the problem. I know that you still use the 3.5 floppy drive so I would just replace it. I don't know if it is worth your time bothering with Dell again. NewEgg has new replacement drives for $7 or $8, look HERE.
Always glad to be of any help.
Joe
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-05-29 16:12
JTTAR,
2 questions:
1. Does the noisy floppy drive have an adverse effect on the rest of the pc? (i.e., should I replace the floppy drive so it won't damage the rest of the pc?...or is the noisy floppy just an harmless annoyance?)
2. Why is the floppy drive making the noise when my downloading is involving the hard drive and/or dvd drive?
Thanks again for the help---this problem was really getting under my skin.
|
dontsleep33
Sonyphile
Joined: May 03, 2008
Posts: 742
From: MG,Brazil
| Posted: 2008-05-29 16:48
It's probably a harmless annoyance.Until you get a new one you can disable it in the bios or device manager if you like.
|
jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-05-29 21:10
Dragon53,
The first question was answered by dontsleep. It is not going to cause any damage to the rest of the computer.
The second question is more difficult. It doesn't make sense that the floppy drive should even come into play when downloading/uploading to other drives. Any chance that there is a floppy disk in the drive at the time? If so, it could be that the floppy drive is trying to read it. If not, I am not sure why the drive is trying to access a disk.
Nice job troubleshooting the problem.
Joe
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-05-30 12:26
JTTAR & DONTSLEEP:
Thanks for the info and the help on this problem.
For what it's worth, I downloaded more images to my desktop today and noticed:
1. The floppy drive's green light was on during downloading and the noise occurs when there ISN'T a floppy disk in the floppy drive.
2. The floppy drive green light is on during downloading and there is no noise when there IS a floppy disk in the floppy drive.
Any comments about this?
[ This message was edited by: dragon53 on 2008-05-30 12:39 ]
|
jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-05-30 21:02
Dragon53,
When you dowload a file or jpg from the internet a dialog box should pop up and ask where to save the file. Ususally, you steer it to the hard drive, ie: C:\Pictures. By any chance when you are downloading could the path be A:\Any File Name?
This would account for the floppy drive searching for media and making the noise. If a disk is in the drive the media is found and there is no noise.
Joe
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-05-31 16:56
JTTAR:
When I click on "Save Image As", the Desktop automatically comes up.
For what it's worth, when I ran the hours-long diagnostics awhile back, all the drives (hard, floppy and dvd/cd) tested as OK.
|
jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-05-31 22:08
Thanks Dragon53, as long as the Desktop is the default when you save files it makes no sense that the 3.5 floppy drive is being accesed at all. Hmmm?
For the price of a new floppy it might be worth your peace of mind just to replace it. You could even use the floppy drive from your old computer if you still have it.
Joe
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-06-01 15:21
JTTAR:
2 more questions:
1. So you think the noisy floppy drive isn't a symptom of a larger problem?
2. Can the problem be related to the mother board, etc. that is sending signals to the floppy drive to download--and there is no problem with the floppy drive itself?
Thanks for the help on this.
[ This message was edited by: dragon53 on 2008-06-01 19:16 ]
|
jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-06-01 20:21
Dragon,
It sure does sound like just a bad floppy drive. The signal sent from/to the mother board would not make any noise or cause the floppy drive to make noise. Do you still have the floppy drive from your old Win98 machine? If so swap it out with the one in your new Dell and give it a listen.
Joe
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-06-02 10:36
JTTAR:
I had Dell recycle my old pc.
To rephrase the question, is it possible the floppy drive itself isn't the prpblem---but something else is malfunctioning and is activating the floppy drive when I'm downloading on the hard drive?
|
jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-06-02 23:13
Dragon,
Not likely. When you do a download to your hard drive the floppy shouldn't come into play. I am not sure why your is. Perhaps it is just something withthe drive itself. The fact that you have narrowed the chainsaw noise to the floppy drive indicates that it needs replacing. Give the link I supplied to NewEgg a look, floppy drives are only $8 from there, a whole lot better then the $40 that you would pay at Best Buy or the likes.
Joe
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2008-06-03 11:20
JTTAR:
Thanks again for all the help. At least I'm glad it wan't the hard drive again that was causing the trouble.
|
jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2008-06-03 21:56
Drago53,
Thank you. Always glad to be of any help. Please keep us posted after you replace the floppy drive.
Joe
|
jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2012-04-17 21:24
dragon53,
Any thing happening with a solution yet?
Joe
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2012-04-24 22:41
JTTAR,
Avast and Malwarebytes finally got rid of the Smart. I think I ran 15 scans since Friday, many were over one hour long. Hopefully, Avast won't be behind the curve next time like they were on Smart. Now I'm working on restoring my desktop.
In less than four weeks, I lost two modems and gained two viruses.
|
jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2012-04-14 21:37
I think it a good idea to speak to someone else, hopefully someone who grasps the English language. Dragon it will only cost you $99 if the problem is with your wiring inside your house which really is not likely. My best guess is that it a problem on their end.
Joe
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2012-04-14 17:25
JTTAR<
Yes, mine is the same as the modem on Amazon.com and my modem is having the exact same problem.
I called AT&T tech support Friday morning and reached a woman in India. After 20 minutes of her running various diagnosis tests, she said there was nothing wrong with my modem---keep in mind that previous AT&T tech support staff said the exact opposite. She offered to send me a new modem/router but also said I would have to agree to an AT&T tech visiting me to inspect the local wiring and it could cost me $99. I mentioned the Amazon.com customer reviews several times, and she never commented. I think the language barrier was a problem in our discussions.
I told her I'd think about. I plan to call AT&T later in hopes of reaching another tech support person.
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2012-04-10 10:37
I need advice on my pc problem.
About a month ago, my pc had two Startup Repairs. After that, my pc had problems connecting to the internet via DSL.
AT&T tech support ran a diagnostic which showed the modem was the problem, and they sent me a new modem. But the problem continued.
AT&T ran a second diagnostic which showed the DSL splitter/filter was the problem, so I got a new one. But the problem continued.
The only way I can connect to the internet is by unplugging and reinserting the power cord into the modem repeatedly over a 10-15 minute period. Once it's connected to the internet, there is usually no problem staying connected.
Any suggestions as to solving the problem?
|
jehill
Sony Senior Advisor
Joined: Mar 13, 2003
Posts: 13795
From: Sewell, NJ
| Posted: 2012-04-10 14:30
Generally, all that you should ever have to do is reset the modem and then reset the router, if you have one. Usually, there is a reset button that you must access through a tiny hole with a paper clip to reset the modem. Press the reset button with the paper clip until you see all of the lights go off and then let go. Once the modem reset has been completed, reset the router, if you have one, by unplugging the power cord for about ten seconds and plugging it back in. Do NOT press the reset button as this will result in the loss of your wireless settings.
|
jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2012-04-13 21:29
dragon53,
Is the modem your having problems with the Motorola 2210-02 DSL? If so those reviews sure do describe your problem.
Joe
|
dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2012-04-12 01:10
JTTAR:
I've had Windows firewall all this time, but the internet connection problem started a month ago.
To clarify the problem:
When I turn my pc on, the modem's first three lights are lit (Power, Ethernet, DSL) with the DSL light flashing green or red. Then the Ethernet and DSL lights are flashing off and on.
After I remove and reinsert the power line into the modem for about 10-15 minutes, the modem's fourth light, Internet, comes on.
Once internet connection is made, everything is OK. The problem occurs only when I turn the pc on.
[ This message was edited by: dragon53 on 2012-04-12 01:12 ]
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2012-04-12 21:03
Just a thought, have you tried another CAT5 cable? I'm wondering if when you are removing and reinserting the power cord could you be making and breaking a connection on the ethernet cable.
Joe
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2012-04-13 00:15
JTTAR:
Look at the customer reviews on the new (and old) modem that AT&T sent me:
Link: http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-2210-02-Southwest-Region-Silver/dp/B002KCNW2Y/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top>
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2012-04-11 12:03
JEHILL:
Thanks.
I'm using a modem only with no router. I don't see a small hole on the modem.
My guess is the problem is with the pc because the problem began after my pc had 2 "Startup Repairs". Also, I've tried 2 modems and the problem continues.
Any other suggestions?
[ This message was edited by: dragon53 on 2012-04-11 12:04 ]
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2012-04-11 20:41
Hello dragon53,
Startup Repairs occurs when there are damaged or missing Window system files. It is possible that there are corrupt files or a damaged TCP/IP stack. What about your firewall? Have you tried disabling or removing it to make sure that it isn't the problem?
Did your Dell come with recovery discs or did you make them when you got the machine? If it is not a hardware problem a system restore might be the next thing to try.
Joe
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2012-04-20 00:02
JTTAR:
My new modem arrived today. SO FAR it's working fine and is faster than the Motorola. I think the Motorola had been dying for about a year because my speed was getting slower and videos were halting.
I haven't found any real reviews of the new modem so I don't know how reliable it will be, but here's the link:
http://www.att.com/equipment/accessory-details/?wtSlotClick=1-0071ZM-0-1&WT.svl=calltoaction&q_categoryid=cat2020062&q_sku=sku5520238&q_manufacturer=&q_model=
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2012-04-18 21:49
Thanks for the update dragon53. Please let us knowif the new modem solves the connectivity problem.
Joe
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2012-04-18 11:11
JTTAR:
I called AT&T on Monday morning to inquire about the free modem/router they offered me. The rep I talked to said they would not send me one.
I called back Tuesday and talked to another rep and asked if my telephone/DSL account was on a contract or monthly basis, so if I switched providers, would I incur a penalty fee. The new rep asked why I would consider switching providers, so I told her about my modem problem. She said AT&T would send me a new modem/router at no charge. She confirmed that their Motorola modems were pretty bad. Hopefully, the new modem/router will arrive on day or so.
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2012-04-20 13:34
Good news dragon53! Happy to hear that the Pace is faster than the Motorola. Always a bonus to pick up speed. Thank you for the update.
Joe
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2012-04-21 14:05
JTTAR,
More bad news.....my pc got the Smart virus Friday night.
I've run repeated scans with Malwarebyte and Avast which have removed infected files, but the Smart virus is still there.
Any suggestions on how to remove completely?
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2012-04-21 21:31
Damn dragon, guess you pissed off the gods somehow. OK, so I found this free down loadable program that is supposed to restore your computer back to the way it was before the Smart Virus. Look HERE.
Personally, I would do a format and a fresh install of the operating system using your restore disks just to be sure there are no traces of the virus but you could try the above program to see if it works.
Joe
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2012-04-25 23:59
JTTAR,
I'm almost 100% sure I got the Smart after trying to get out info on a new Blu-ray movie titled THE WICKER TREE. Every time I visit Blu-ray.com and see it listed, I wince.
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2012-04-25 21:42
On 2012-04-24 22:41, dragon53 wrote:
In less than four weeks, I lost two modems and gained two viruses.
All in all not a great month. Hopefully that will be the end of your problems. Any idea where you were infected with the Smart Virus?
Joe
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2012-04-26 22:23
JTTAR,
This morning I clicked on a Tom Cruise photo for the Movie/TV News and got another pop-up claiming my pc was infected and buying their anti-virus program would solve the problem. I left the page and ran another Avast and Malwarebyte scan which found nothing.
Again, Avast didn't warn me beforehand like it has in the past.
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2012-04-26 22:09
Don't blame you dragon53. There is malware in the least expected places. I appreciate your response.
Joe
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jehill
Sony Senior Advisor
Joined: Mar 13, 2003
Posts: 13795
From: Sewell, NJ
| Posted: 2012-04-27 09:45
Your problem is that this is spyware, not a virus. You need spyware removal software. I used Webroot Spysweeper for years until until I replaced it with the Norton Security Suite provided by Comcast free. If your provider isn't Comcast, check with them to see if they will provide you with a similar product free.
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2012-04-27 22:02
There are some sites that pop up those type of messages and make them look like a Windows message.The problem begins when you let the site scan your computer for problems. Once you do you get flagged to purchase thier software to solve the problem. You did the right thing by leaving the site.
John is correct in saying this is spyware and this is why Avast didn't warn you.
Joe
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2012-04-29 14:29
JEHILL, JTTAR,
Thanks for clarifying about the spyware.
In reviewing my pc for problems cause by the Smart virus, I found a lot of missing items on my Startup Box. I posted a generic photo of a Startup Box to help illustrate the problems.
Problem #1---under Programs on the left side (white side) of the Box, Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer are no longer listed, but I did recover them as icons on the desktop. How do I add them back on the Programs list in the left/white side of the box?
Problem #2---on the right side (grey) of the Box, everything previously listed such as "Documents, Pictures, Music.....Control Panel, Help and Support, ", etc. are all gone and have been replaced by one item, "Run...".
How do I restore "Documents, Pictures, Music..." etc.?
[ This message was edited by: dragon53 on 2012-04-29 14:35 ]
[ This message was edited by: dragon53 on 2012-04-29 14:36 ]
[ This message was edited by: dragon53 on 2012-04-29 14:38 ]
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2012-04-29 18:54
Hello dragon53,
Did you try logging in with a different user profile to see if the right side then lists Documents, Pictures, Music etc? You could try using system restore and restoring the computer back to when you know they were there but you might be right back to when you had the Smart Virus.
Try opening up Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer using Windows Explorer and see if that doesn't put them on the left side of the start menu.
These kind of problems is why I recommend doing a format and clean install of the operating system. This gives your registry a clean slate.
Joe
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2012-05-01 00:32
JTTAR:
Thanks. I'll try your suggestions.
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2012-05-01 20:44
Anytime my friend.
Joe
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jieran
Sony Fan
Joined: May 02, 2012
Posts: 3
From:
| Posted: 2012-05-03 04:25
I tried opening the resume, etc. on my new pc with Vista and it wouldn't open.
Can I retrieve my info or do I have to start over by typing a new resume?
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jehill
Sony Senior Advisor
Joined: Mar 13, 2003
Posts: 13795
From: Sewell, NJ
| Posted: 2012-05-03 10:09
If none of your applications work, I suspect that it is time to reinstall Vista and all applications. Your resume should still be on the computer. However, if you reformat the drive, you WILL loose the file! jttar's suggestion to do a format and clean install of the operating system is an excellent idea, but only after your important files are backed up. You might consider purchasing and installing Windows 7.
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Maxxwire
Sony Adept
Joined: Aug 29, 2002
Posts: 25735
From: Portland, Oregon - USA
 | Posted: 2012-05-24 18:25
Although it is too late to be applicable in this situation I started using Macrium Reflect Disk Imaging software when I was using Vista 4 years ago and I've had a clean Disk Image without any problems stored on a remote HDD that I could restore from a Rescue Disk ever since and ever since using Macrium Reflect has gotten me out of a lot of jams like the one being discussed.
Sony H-9 MaxxPix
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2012-06-26 08:40
My latest question: My pc has gotten very slow in most aspects.
Examples:
1. At startup, the "Welcome" is on for over a minute.
2. When I click on the desktop Firefox icon, it takes about 2 minutes before the Firefox/Google page appears---(it used to take 2-3 seconds).
3. When I click on my Bookmark list, it takes about 25 seconds to appear---(it used to take 1 second).
4. The pc hangs up frequently and takes up to a minute to resume operating.
5. Shutdown takes about over a minute---(used to take about 10 seconds).
Is this slowness indicative of a serious problem or maybe I have too many programs?
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2012-06-27 20:46
dragon53,
Did your Dell come with restore or recovery disks to re-install the operating system and hardware drivers?
Joe
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2012-06-26 22:35
Hello drgon53,
It sounds like your computer is in need of cleaning. Have you tried a program like CC (crap cleaner) to remove all your temp and history files, cookies etc.? It will also clean the registry (do a backup of the registry when asked).
If you have all your pictures, documents and music-backed up on a different source than your hard drive this would be great time to give yourself a fresh start and do a system restore with a fresh install of Windows. In an hours time you would be back to that lightening fast speed again.
Joe
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2012-06-27 09:34
JTTAR,
Thanks. I used to have a registry repair program--maybe on my old pc. With all the new programs on my pc the last few months because of the new modem and the infomash virus Can't get rid of it), I think that has slowed my pc down, too.
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2012-06-28 23:44
JTTAR:
When my scanner was new, I had problems with finding the right size reduction, resolution, etc.
I finally got the correct settings via lots of trial and error. I don't know if the scanner's settings are stored in the scanner itself or in its software on my pc.
Today, my HP printer developed problems----the paper came out blank every time even though its status was listed as OK and its functions lights were not flashing to indicate a problem. Then the microwave oven stopped working. Today has not been one of my better days.
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2012-06-28 20:32
Are you talking about finding the correct driver or settings in the scanner software? I know I ran into problems finding a driver with an older HP scanner with Windows 7.
Joe
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2012-06-28 09:29
JTTAR,
Yeah, I have that. I'll check into backup this weekend. My main concern is my scanner which took me a very long time of hit-and-miss setting changes to get the correct setting.
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2012-06-30 21:18
Christ dragon53,
Sounds like your having a electronic challenging day.
Really sorry my friend. I guess there won't be any popcorn tonight either.
Joe
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mykyll2727
Sony Pro
Joined: Apr 30, 2004
Posts: 4171
From: Las Vegas
 | Posted: 2012-06-30 23:58
On 2012-06-28 23:44, dragon53 wrote:
JTTAR:
When my scanner was new, I had problems with finding the right size reduction, resolution, etc.
I finally got the correct settings via lots of trial and error. I don't know if the scanner's settings are stored in the scanner itself or in its software on my pc.
Today, my HP printer developed problems----the paper came out blank every time even though its status was listed as OK and its functions lights were not flashing to indicate a problem. Then the microwave oven stopped working. Today has not been one of my better days.
Ouch!! You have my sympathies sir. 
I can relate completely as the in the last week the gremlins have been at work at my house too.  The AC went out last weekend.  It was tough getting someone out on a Sunday and the temp got to 97 in the house.  Turned out it needed a capacitor replaced.  Like we don't know about cap relacements in our hobby.  Then the work week started with Kathy's (my wife) car needing a brake job. Then a couple of days ago the washer broke down and flooded the garage.  (Thank god the washer and dryer are in the garge and not the house.  Now she understands why I was so insistent on putting them there ). Had to get a new washer.  So my speaker fund has taken a serious whack.   If I ever get my hands on those bleeping gremlins....... mykl
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jttar
Sony Master
Joined: Feb 28, 2003
Posts: 9156
From: Chicago,IL, USA
| Posted: 2012-07-02 21:27
Hey dragon53, did you have any time over the weekend to make any progress?
Joe
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2012-07-05 22:57
JTTAR,
I've downloaded Crap Cleaner, but haven't had time to run a scan.
As for the HP printer, I used HP's website to run diagnostics which instructed to click on te "Features Tab'-----but there is no "Features Tab" in the diagnostic test. I googled the HP diagnostic and found other owners of my printer also don't have the Features Tab, so they couldn't run the diagnostic. I ran other tests, and maybe the ink cartridge is dry, so I ordered new cartridges which arrived today. I haven't had time to test the cartridges.
As for my scanner, I'm concerned about the settings (reduction size, resolution, etc.) that may be in the scanner itself or in the scanner software in my pc.
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dragon53
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Nov 01, 2002
Posts: 2891
From:
| Posted: 2012-07-20 11:17
deleted
[ This message was edited by: dragon53 on 2013-03-06 12:28 ]
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