View Full Version : Computer Troubles, Solutions & Tips
walpurgis
22-08-2014, 11:03
As I'm renowned for regularly having catastrophic disasters with my PC (and eventually sorting them out), all due to my inveterate tinkering, so I thought a thread like this might be useful. This is intended to be non Hi-Fi related and just for computer users (as we all are) to put questions and to offer possible solutions regarding any snags encountered.
I just had a nasty, pernicious 'Adware' invasion, which I got rid of after much faffing about. Using Safe Mode and System Restore failed to clear it. Spybot and MalwareBytes failed to kill it, MSE was useless. Eventually I found AdwCleaner, free on Download.com, which cleared the nasty little infection successfully.
Knowing me, it's just a matter of time before I cock something up again. I usually have to reinstall the operating system about three times a year! :D
Anyway. Please post any woes or tips!
Stratmangler
22-08-2014, 11:16
I have a good tip for you.
STOP BUGGERING ABOUT WITH THE DAMNED THING!
That's one thing off my chest :D
walpurgis
22-08-2014, 11:42
Thanks Chris. I shall remember that. Wish I'd thought of it! ;)
Stratmangler
22-08-2014, 11:51
Sometimes the most obvious things are overlooked :D
brian2957
22-08-2014, 12:08
Excellent idea for a thread Geoff .:)
I've got a good'un which has me totally stumped. As some may know I play most of my music from a PC I built around five years ago and frankly it does a fine job. I run it into a Rega DAC using a Profigold PGD4015 Oxypure digital coaxial lead which is a superbly engineered and constructed item.
So now the conundrum: When playing music files from the PC all is hunky dory, the left and right channels are correct, however when playing videos from any source via the PC the channels are reversed. Could somebody please tell me what might be causing this as I am at a total loss to explain it. It shouldn't be possible as far as I can tell and yet the problem exists... :scratch:
Stratmangler
22-08-2014, 12:40
I've got a good'un which has me totally stumped. As some may know I play most of my music from a PC I built around five years ago and frankly it does a fine job. I run it into a Rega DAC using a Profigold PGD4015 Oxypure digital coaxial lead which is a superbly engineered and constructed item.
So now the conundrum: When playing music files from the PC all is hunky dory, the left and right channels are correct, however when playing videos from any source via the PC the channels are reversed. Could somebody please tell me what might be causing this as I am at a total loss to explain it. It shouldn't be possible as far as I can tell and yet the problem exists... :scratch:
OK, I'll have a bite on this.
What media player do you use to play music, and what media player do you use to play movies?
Is the sound from both pointed at the Rega DAC?
OK, I'll have a bite on this.
What media player do you use to play music, and what media player do you use to play movies?
Is the sound from both pointed at the Rega DAC?
I use WMP mainly Chris although I have VLC installed too but rarely use it these days. A while ago I discovered a free codec pack called K-Lite which I installed to enable me to use WMP to its full potential and yes, it is pointing at the DAC. I'd get no sound at all if it wasn't ;)
Stratmangler
22-08-2014, 13:24
I use WMP mainly Chris although I have VLC installed too but rarely use it these days. A while ago I discovered a free codec pack called K-Lite which I installed to enable me to use WMP to its full potential and yes, it is pointing at the DAC. I'd get no sound at all if it wasn't ;)
I was not sure if you had different media players for different jobs.
Do you have a copy of "Crime of the Century" by Supertramp?
It's on Spotify if you don't have a copy.
What side does the opening guitar part come in on?
Synsei/Dave
What happens if you bypass the dac? Plug headphones into the pc's headphone socket, assuming it has one, and test again.
I was not sure if you had different media players for different jobs.
Do you have a copy of "Crime of the Century" by Supertramp?
It's on Spotify if you don't have a copy.
What side does the opening guitar part come in on?
It comes in on the right Chris ;)
Synsei/Dave
What happens if you bypass the dac? Plug headphones into the pc's headphone socket, assuming it has one, and test again.
Tried that Lee which is why the finger of blame points squarely at something within the PC. I've even had the thing apart and reassembled it, not that that should change a thing as the RCA digital output is on the mobo.
Stratmangler
22-08-2014, 17:29
It comes in on the right Chris ;)
Well that blows that one out of the water :scratch:
Well that blows that one out of the water :scratch:
I know, it's really odd isn't it? The only thing I can suggest is that something on the motherboard isn't operating correctly although quite what that might be is baffling. I'd like to try another mobo in the machine to determine if this is the case but frankly it isn't worth it as I intend to upgrade the entire machine shortly. For now I will just have to continue reversing the RCA plugs out of the DAC whenever I want to watch a film...
Incidentally the same problem is present when I connect the DAC to the PC with a USB cable.
Videos from any source via the pc....
Can you elaborate on that? Are the videos on the pc? Is audio from YouTube correct?
Ah, you just mentioned films. Do you play a film directly from a built in DVD player? Or is it ripped? Could something be wrong with the rip settings? :scratch:
Videos from any source via the pc....
Can you elaborate on that? Are the videos on the pc? Is audio from YouTube correct?
Any video Lee whether streamed from the web or stored on the HD which is why it has me totally stumped :scratch:
Any video Lee whether streamed from the web or stored on the HD which is why it has me totally stumped :scratch:
Weird. I have no idea, just thinking aloud, could it be the video card? Does at take audio and pass it through?
spendorman
22-08-2014, 18:02
This could quite possibly save a reinstall in many situations:
http://www.tweaking.com/content/page/windows_repair_all_in_one.html
I have used it and it solved problems for me.
I suggest that it's best to just do one repair at a time, not tick all the boxes to repair everything at once.
Weird. I have no idea, just thinking aloud, could it be the video card? Does at take audio and pass it through?
It is a possibility I have considered and perhaps the only one which makes sense. The video card is a Sapphire HD4850 512mb
http://imagescdn.tweaktown.com/imagebank/pr_SapphireHD4850040808.jpg
I have read about gamers having their games sound reversed. Check the video card's drivers and settings.
walpurgis
23-08-2014, 14:35
Computer security. A fraud? I don't know if it's occurred to you but the thought has crossed my mind a few times. Who is best placed to develop and release (covertly) viruses, Trojans and assorted malware in general? The big antivirus companies of course, who I won't name for obvious reasons. I mean, you spend your time developing defences to sell, so if malware suddenly disappeared you be broke. Designing new 'nasties' would be a piece of cake for these people and of course you be strategically placed to be the first to offer a remedy as you'd have built the malware in the first place. Big Bucks!!
Stratmangler
23-08-2014, 15:15
Computer security. A fraud? I don't know if it's occurred to you but the thought has crossed my mind a few times. Who is best placed to develop and release (covertly) viruses, Trojans and assorted malware in general? The big antivirus companies of course, who I won't name for obvious reasons. I mean, you spend your time developing defences to sell, so if malware suddenly disappeared you be broke. Designing new 'nasties' would be a piece of cake for these people and of course you be strategically placed to be the first to offer a remedy as you'd have built the malware in the first place. Big Bucks!!
So the AV software producers are rsponsible for trojans and keystroke reporting nasties that enables criminal hackers access to bank accounts etc?
I don't think so, but I can understand your cynical bone being tickled, and in response to your assertion, yes, the AV software producers are in a prime position to develop this kind of stuff.
walpurgis
23-08-2014, 16:31
in response to your assertion.
A suggestion rather than assertion I think.
walpurgis
23-08-2014, 18:37
Reinstalling Windows 7 my way.
I keep a list of the sequence in which I do things when I reinstall the operating system. I'm not suggesting it's the way everybody should do this, but some may find it handy. My choice of software apps to add afterwards is not definitive and gets varied, certainly the security aspects. I'm definitely having second thoughts about MSE after this week's Adware invasion of my PC.
Anyway here it is if it's of interest:
http://i58.tinypic.com/w1r8cp.jpg
twickers
23-08-2014, 18:37
A suggestion rather than assertion I think.
A suggestive assertion :eyebrows:
walpurgis
25-08-2014, 11:10
Web Browsers?
Why are so many of the browsers available for Windows defective or incomplete. I've tried numerous, but keep going back to I.E., which works without fault, but is bland and annoyingly won't open new tabs when you click on a favourite. I've not found a setting to change this. I find it tedious having to remember to manually open new tabs all the time.
I have used most of the browsers available and so many have issues with web pages, such as not loading items properly or lacking plug-ins to allow interaction and the necessary plug-ins either not being available or not working (this seems to affect many Chrome based browsers).
I was enjoying the Chrome based Torch browser, with it's very quick downloads and fault free operation, but an installation now includes packaged clutter which I don't want and you can't opt out of it. Spark Browser from a far east site works superbly, but is identified as carrying spyware. Shame, it's one of the best functioning and looks very smart.
I won't use the main Chrome or Firefox offerings, as they spy on you and use your data for all sorts of dubious purposes. Opera and Safari are not intuitive to use and I didn't like them much. Both the well known Comodo offerings have issues.
There are reliable ones, like Avant and Maxthon, but I ended not being completely happy with what they offered.
I tried the newly offered Slimjet and 360 browsers this week, unfortunately, although they look good they have issues.
Looks like I'm stuck with I.E.
spendorman
25-08-2014, 17:24
Web Browsers?
Why are so many of the browsers available for Windows defective or incomplete. I've tried numerous, but keep going back to I.E., which works without fault, but is bland and annoyingly won't open new tabs when you click on a favourite. I've not found a setting to change this. I find it tedious having to remember to manually open new tabs all the time.
I have used most of the browsers available and so many have issues with web pages, such as not loading items properly or lacking plug-ins to allow interaction and the necessary plug-ins either not being available or not working (this seems to affect many Chrome based browsers).
I was enjoying the Chrome based Torch browser, with it's very quick downloads and fault free operation, but an installation now includes packaged clutter which I don't want and you can't opt out of it. Spark Browser from a far east site works superbly, but is identified as carrying spyware. Shame, it's one of the best functioning and looks very smart.
I won't use the main Chrome or Firefox offerings, as they spy on you and use your data for all sorts of dubious purposes. Opera and Safari are not intuitive to use and I didn't like them much. Both the well known Comodo offerings have issues.
There are reliable ones, like Avant and Maxthon, but I ended not being completely happy with what they offered.
I tried the newly offered Slimjet and 360 browsers this week, unfortunately, although they look good they have issues.
Looks like I'm stuck with I.E.
I have been using Firefox and Opera, both set to use startpage as home page, but today, tried this:
https://www.torproject.org/projects/torbrowser.html.en#downloads
Still evaluating it.
walpurgis
25-08-2014, 23:19
I have been using Firefox and Opera, both set to use startpage as home page, but today, tried this:
https://www.torproject.org/projects/torbrowser.html.en#downloads
Still evaluating it.
Tor has been around for quite a while. Not tried it yet, it has the reputation of being used by those who have something to hide. Users thereby attracting the attention of nosey US and UK intelligence (I use that term loosely) services. Iron Browser offers something similar.
Web Browsers?
Why are so many of the browsers available for Windows defective or incomplete. I've tried numerous, but keep going back to I.E., which works without fault, but is bland and annoyingly won't open new tabs when you click on a favourite. I've not found a setting to change this. I find it tedious having to remember to manually open new tabs all the time.
I have used most of the browsers available and so many have issues with web pages, such as not loading items properly or lacking plug-ins to allow interaction and the necessary plug-ins either not being available or not working (this seems to affect many Chrome based browsers).
I was enjoying the Chrome based Torch browser, with it's very quick downloads and fault free operation, but an installation now includes packaged clutter which I don't want and you can't opt out of it. Spark Browser from a far east site works superbly, but is identified as carrying spyware. Shame, it's one of the best functioning and looks very smart.
I won't use the main Chrome or Firefox offerings, as they spy on you and use your data for all sorts of dubious purposes. Opera and Safari are not intuitive to use and I didn't like them much. Both the well known Comodo offerings have issues.
There are reliable ones, like Avant and Maxthon, but I ended not being completely happy with what they offered.
I tried the newly offered Slimjet and 360 browsers this week, unfortunately, although they look good they have issues.
Looks like I'm stuck with I.E.
once you set Opera up visually and add a couple of extensions(I use only 4) I find it the most intuitive of them all tbh. Looks great too.. WOT,Last Pass,Addblockplus and disconnect is all you need. no adware etc and my pc is scanned 2wice a day....
walpurgis
31-08-2014, 22:22
I feel another O/S reinstall coming on. My Windows 7 is developing a few glitches, it hasn't been quite right since I had to remove some naughty bugs a couple of weeks ago. My browser is not quite right. I'm having trouble opening PDFs and the latest Windows security update keeps trying to install itself every day without success.
spendorman
31-08-2014, 22:39
I feel another O/S reinstall coming on. My Windows 7 is developing a few glitches, it hasn't been quite right since I had to remove some naughty bugs a couple of weeks ago. My browser is not quite right. I'm having trouble opening PDFs and the latest Windows security update keeps trying to install itself every day without success.
This has worked for me on my machine and on several friends machines:
http://www.tweaking.com/content/page/windows_repair_all_in_one.html
How long does a reinstall take you?
walpurgis
31-08-2014, 23:03
This has worked for me on my machine and on several friends machines:
http://www.tweaking.com/content/page/windows_repair_all_in_one.html
How long does a reinstall take you?
I've tried repair tools including many of the 'all in one' variety and they help with basic maintenance issues. But won't sort fundamental system 'bugger ups', like those I get (often me to blame, but not this time I think). I also have a variety of recovery and reinstall CDs and DVDs. Some are very good, but if you're going to do a full system recovery, you may as well do an O/S reinstall, it works out to the same thing.
Once you've saved anything you want to keep, a basic reinstall takes about half an hour to 45 minutes (on my PC) with W7. Then you have to bung all the apps you want back on!
Just a little point. I try to use a PC with as small an HD as I'm likely to need. Currently on 80gb and that's more than enough for somebody who doesn't save business files, movies, games and mountains of family photos and other clutter. Besides, I like to wipe the HD spare space every month or two and that is quickly done.
spendorman
31-08-2014, 23:29
I've tried repair tools including many of the 'all in one' variety and they help with basic maintenance issues. But won't sort fundamental system 'bugger ups', like those I get (often me to blame, but not this time I think). I also have a variety of recovery and reinstall CDs and DVDs. Some are very good, but if you're going to do a full system recovery, you may as well do an O/S reinstall, it works out to the same thing.
Once you've saved anything you want to keep, a basic reinstall takes about half an hour to 45 minutes (on my PC) with W7. Then you have to bung all the apps you want back on!
Just a little point. I try to use a PC with as small an HD as I'm likely to need. Currently on 80gb and that's more than enough for somebody who doesn't save business files, movies, games and mountains of family photos and other clutter. Besides, I like to wipe the HD spare space every month or two and that is quickly done.
I believe that this tool is a bit different, fixes more than the usual tools do. But, as mentioned before, in my view one should just tick the box for the particular repair wanted, not do all repairs in one go.
I run a 500 GB hard drive, about half full. once a week I copy the entire partition using Maxblast to an external drive (SATA connection) using Maxblast. It takes 35 to 45 minutes unattended. The next week, I do the same to another drive.
walpurgis
31-08-2014, 23:33
Yes I'm aware that it is not just another 'CCleaner'.
I don't leave anything important on the PC. Learnt that lesson years ago.
I actually need only about 50gb HD to err on the safe side.
Geoff, give Advanced System Care (http://www.iobit.com/advancedsystemcareper.html) a shot from IOBit, I've used it for years and there's not much it can't fix in 'Windies'. T'is very intuitive to use and comes complete with a seriously good uninstaller app which gives you the option to send it off to sniff out hidden registry items left behind by badly behaved software. Do yourself a favour though, once you have run ASC uninstall it (using IOBits own uninstaller) as it is extremely resource hungry. The fixes are permanent although there is a 'rollback' option. Just download and install it again the next time you need it ;)
spendorman
31-08-2014, 23:52
Geoff, give Advanced System Care (http://www.iobit.com/advancedsystemcareper.html) a shot from IOBit, I've used it for years and there's not much it can't fix in 'Windies'. T'is very intuitive to use and comes complete with a seriously good uninstaller app which gives you the option to send it off to sniff out hidden registry items left behind by badly behaved software. Do yourself a favour though, once you have run ASC uninstall it (using IOBits own uninstaller) as it is extremely resource hungry. The fixes are permanent although there is a 'rollback' option. Just download and install it again the next time you need it ;)
I've used this, yes it's good, but won't fix all that that this one does:
http://www.tweaking.com/content/page/windows_repair_all_in_one.html
walpurgis
01-09-2014, 00:04
That looks familiar Dave. I have a feeling I've tried it. It look's very much like 'ToolWiz Care' and 'Glary Utilities', they work OK within their limits.
I'm rather fond of ToolWiz and keep it on a memory stick for when I need it, 'cos the 'one click fix' function works very well as does the quick defrag, but it's a bit intrusive kept on the PC as an installed app. And, it's totally free so it doesn't keep reminding you that paid for upgrade options are available, like Glary and others.
If you want to try a good uninstaller, I'd suggest 'Wise Program Uninstaller', it totally outclasses the standard Windows offering.
337alant
01-09-2014, 04:58
What about when you do a fresh install and reinstall all your fav apps then do a system restore point called fresh install, or do an image file at that point.
This has worked well for me in the past
Must admit I have found Win7 to be very stable in my computors
Alan
Reinstalling Windows 7 my way.
I keep a list of the sequence in which I do things when I reinstall the operating system. I'm not suggesting it's the way everybody should do this, but some may find it handy. My choice of software apps to add afterwards is not definitive and gets varied, certainly the security aspects. I'm definitely having second thoughts about MSE after this week's Adware invasion of my PC.
Anyway here it is if it's of interest:
http://i58.tinypic.com/w1r8cp.jpg
I am totally amazed!!! No wonder you're pestered by Ad- & Malware, you've installed them yerself! ;)
Never had anything more than Security Essentials since it's availiability and still the only malware injected was transported via The AoS last year.
But it's all depends on your surfing habitat, perhaps.. :D
walpurgis
01-09-2014, 09:50
None of the apps I've shown carry malware and they each have their purpose. It's Microsoft Security Essentials that keeps falling down on the job. I've now installed ThreatFire A/V to run alongside it. That should keep the bugs at bay.
None of the apps I've shown carry malware and they each have their purpose. It's Microsoft Security Essentials that keeps falling down on the job. I've now installed ThreatFire A/V to run alongside it. That should keep the bugs at bay.
The expression "cure worse than the disease" comes to mind. How is your computer going to be able to do any real work when youre loading it full'o'crap first thing upon reinstall? :D
Any chance of trying making a double install next time? One as youre used to, and one slimmed down carrying ONLY Windows Defender and what applications you might be using (Office, Photoshop, Ripping software etc)
I'm pretty sure you would be amazed what the difference sums up to?
I realize i'm coming across as a nuisance here, but you're creating more issues than you are solving when installing competing/purpose overlapping software.
All IMO of course (backed by personal experience from pro IT work since 1992)
AtB Mike
I've used this, yes it's good, but won't fix all that that this one does:
http://www.tweaking.com/content/page/windows_repair_all_in_one.html
I gave this a go last night Alex and came away with mixed feelings. Apart from the text being so small it is very difficult to read, it just isn't as comprehensive as IOBits offerings IMO plus it is far less intuitive to use. One aspect did reap huge benefits however, much to my surprise, but you don't need to download Tweaking to implement it. Folks, do try a Cold Power Reset if your computer takes a while to boot. For this you need to unplug your PC from the mains (after shutting it down of course) and then hit the power button two or three times to drain the caps in the PS. After performing this simple tweak my computer booted up into windows in just over forty seconds whereas previously it had been taking about two and a half minutes.
walpurgis
01-09-2014, 10:50
I've tried only MSE. That does not give adequate protection. I'd not use Windows Defender on its own, it has no A/V abilities. I've used most of the well known free A/V suites, some are OK others slow the system down badly.
The security software I use does not have overlapping/interfering problems.
The MSE provides (very) basic A/V protection, AVG LinkScanner is exactly that and designed to supplement existing security, it's not an A/V suite. The recently added Threatfire is a behaviour based A/V designed to run alongside signature/definition based A/Vs.
I may uninstall WinPatrol, although it does give alerts to potential system interference now and then, but Threatfire should do that.
OneClick Spyware Expert is quite an old program (2009) not updated since Vista and it is just a scanner, not real time, but it works on Windows 7 just fine and is the most effective spyware catcher I've used. It finds bugs that all the other spyware apps miss (including Windows Defender which is included with MSE). It may be better than what you use. Try it, you could be surprised: http://download.cnet.com/OneClick-Spyware-Expert/3000-8022_4-10888053.html
Torch browser is no longer used, as a download now incudes packaged nonsense that you can't opt out of. I'm using I.E. again.
I currently have about 1gb of added program files and 3gb of user files and my boot time is around 35 seconds, so I don't think I'm bloating things too much.
spendorman
01-09-2014, 10:57
I gave this a go last night Alex and came away with mixed feelings. Apart from the text being so small it is very difficult to read, it just isn't as comprehensive as IOBits offerings IMO plus it is far less intuitive to use. One aspect did reap huge benefits however, much to my surprise, but you don't need to download Tweaking to implement it. Folks, do try a Cold Power Reset if your computer takes a while to boot. For this you need to unplug your PC from the mains (after shutting it down of course) and then hit the power button two or three times to drain the caps in the PS. After performing this simple tweak my computer booted up into windows in just over forty seconds whereas previously it had been taking about two and a half minutes.
Strange, my eyesight is not that good, but I did not find any problem reading the text. Anyway, you sort of had a result!
Strange, my eyesight is not that good, but I did not find any problem reading the text. Anyway, you sort of had a result!
It's probably dependant on the resolution and size of the monitor although ideally the dialogue box should scale to account for this. Not that I'm running some super-dooper, high rez display mind, it's just an HP 2010i 20" display outputting at a resolution of 1600 x 900 pixels. :scratch:
walpurgis
01-09-2014, 11:43
Just finishing a scan with OneClick Spyware Expert. As you can see, it's caught (and now killed) a few nasties. This is stuff that MSE & Windows Defender has completely missed:
http://i62.tinypic.com/inhoig.png
The Baidu bits are from trying 'Spark' browser, which looks great and works very nicely, but carries malware.
Alright! I obviously meant Windows Security Essentials, sorry bout that!
And if youre into evaluating shareware/freeware like you suggested in your last post, then you need all the protection you can put your hands on! ;)
I, on the other hand, strive to keep my computer as simple/clean as possible without any resident processes other than the one's used for music playback.
And lately, i have completely migrated into Apple-land which leaves a lot more time for enjoying the music...
Atb Mike
walpurgis
01-09-2014, 16:39
Mike. You're missing the point. I like buggering about with (and sometimes buggering up) my PC. It's a challenge and I like trying new things. I often mess it up, but I learn new processes and tricks on the way.
And, I have tried the bare basics approach, but needless to say, I end up finding I need other applications.
Anyway, I keep a couple of other fully functional computers handy in case of anything catastrophic.
StanleyB
18-09-2014, 10:38
One thing that I often struggle with is how to type the EURO symbol in an email, letter, or forum comment. It turns out that it is quite simple. Just press ALT + CNTRL + 4. You then get €. Simplest :)
One thing that I often struggle with is how to type the EURO symbol in an email, letter, or forum comment. It turns out that it is quite simple. Just press ALT + CNTRL + 4. You then get €. Simplest :)
Won't work if the font was created before the Euro. Try simultaneously pressing ALT and 0128.
walpurgis
29-09-2014, 21:38
God I hate this laptop.
I'm staying at my brother's place at the moment and trying to keep up with what's happening here. Unfortunately, I have to use his crummy little Packard Bell, Vista toting, laptop. The measly 1gb RAM is crumbling under the demands of the tiny 1.6 gig processor and everything locks up regularly whilst browsing, probably due to the ever greater web page content these days. I've done everything I can think of to speed things up, but it's still worse than crap!!
Unfortunately, I have to use his crummy little Packard Bell, Vista toting, laptop. The measly 1gb RAM is crumbling under the demands of the tiny 1.6 gig processor and everything locks up regularly whilst browsing, probably due to the ever greater web page content these days. I've done everything I can think of to speed things up, but it's still worse than crap!!
A couple of times I have had a flirtation with the rather slim and good-looking Ms Linux. If you only want an association for one purpose only - say web browsing - then I would recommend getting involved with one of her daughters. They do have some strange names like Mint, Ubantu and the like. But never mind that, you will find that they will minister to your needs faster than you can say "May I have a coffee while Windows loads".
God I hate this laptop.
I'm staying at my brother's place at the moment and trying to keep up with what's happening here. Unfortunately, I have to use his crummy little Packard Bell, Vista toting, laptop. The measly 1gb RAM is crumbling under the demands of the tiny 1.6 gig processor and everything locks up regularly whilst browsing, probably due to the ever greater web page content these days. I've done everything I can think of to speed things up, but it's still worse than crap!!
Geoff, why didn’t you bring your own laptop and simply use it through his router? Dat’s wot I do whenever I travel :)
Marco.
Paul Lange
30-09-2014, 18:58
Alt Gr + 4 also gives you a euro sign.
Anyone got any idea how to access the Euro sign on a Mac? It shares the number 2 button with the ‘@‘ symbol, but I don’t have a scooby how to get the Euro sign to show up on the screen……. :scratch:
Marco.
Gordon Steadman
30-09-2014, 19:12
Anyone got any idea how to access the Euro sign on a Mac? It shares the number 2 button with the ‘@‘ symbol, but I don’t have a scooby how to get the Euro sign to show up on the screen……. :scratch:
Marco.
ALT/2 (the Apple sign that is!!)
ALT/2 (the Apple sign that is!!)
€€€€€€€€€……now winging their way into your bank account.
Top man! :thumbsup:
Marco.
Ninanina
30-09-2014, 19:39
Geoff
I know exactly what you are going through, having to reinstall the operating system about 3 times each year is fairly normal with Microsoft, whatever Windows you are using, whether that be XP, or Vista or 7 or 8, it doesn't matter which OS
Now I don't want to come over as at all 'glib' but I can tell you the following:
1. I used to make a VERY good living programming Windows based pc's. I produced statistical analysis for an insurance intermediary company
2. I now use an Apple
3. I would NEVER go back to using any Microsoft based pc
4. I use an Apple Mac Mini which cost me £250 used. I have owned it for 3 years and it is still going strong, AND I have never needed to reinstall the operating system... you just DON'T on Apples..period... !
Buy yourself a cheap Mac Mini or even a cheap iMac and you will NEVER look back... Microsoft are just too much hassle... I have nothing but good to say about Apple's hardware and software; I feel buying Apple is a 'fit-and-forget' system.... go for it !!
I've used microsoft pc's for ever and have never needed to reinstall windows on any of them.
Ninanina
30-09-2014, 19:51
I've used microsoft pc's for ever and have never needed to reinstall windows on any of them.
Grant you have been VERY lucky indeed...!!
walpurgis
30-09-2014, 20:42
I've used microsoft pc's for ever and have never needed to reinstall windows on any of them.
I've also got in the habit of reinstalling Windows 7 about three times a year. My constant tinkering inevitably starts causing glitches in operation and a reinstall is easy enough.
walpurgis
30-09-2014, 20:45
Geoff, why didn’t you bring your own laptop and simply use it through his router? Dat’s wot I do whenever I travel :)
Marco.
I use a desktop most of the time Marco. I have two older laptops, one with XP and one with Vista, neither are up to it at the moment I'm afraid.
walpurgis
30-09-2014, 20:51
A couple of times I have had a flirtation with the rather slim and good-looking Ms Linux. If you only want an association for one purpose only - say web browsing - then I would recommend getting involved with one of her daughters. They do have some strange names like Mint, Ubantu and the like. But never mind that, you will find that they will minister to your needs faster than you can say "May I have a coffee while Windows loads".
You have to bear in mind Andrei that this is not my computer.
However, for use on two of my old laptops, I just happen to have a CD of the latest Linux Mint, which I've tried and it works very well. I'll be installing permanently it when I get back from holiday.
Paul Lange
30-09-2014, 20:54
I have used mac and Windows for many years and find both OK. Sometimes Mac is a PITA and then other times Windows is. I find with Windows that the OS reliability can be hardware dependant, some machines are fine and never seem to have trouble and then others are just a constant source of chest pain. I've not used Win8 yet so don't really know if it sucks less than Win7.
When Mac went to OS 10 initially I hated it but now it has had time to mature I like it. My main gripe is all the junk such as Facetime that you can't seem to turn off unless you delete it completely. The update notifications for Mavericks is also starting to annoy me too, I wish you could just have a little symbol appear on the dock or something.
skimminstones
30-09-2014, 21:08
I've used microsoft pc's for ever and have never needed to reinstall windows on any of them.
me either
. . . having to reinstall the operating system about 3 times each year is fairly normal with Microsoft, whatever Windows you are using . . .
Absolute, utter and total rubbish :rolleyes:
StanleyB
01-10-2014, 06:15
The only times that I have had to reinstall Windows is when I messed about with it. And that only happens on my laptop. The rest of the family have been using Windows for years, and I can't ever remember having to reinstall Windows on any of their machines.
spendorman
01-10-2014, 09:17
Last night a friend brought round his wife's laptop, about 3 years old, Windows 7, good spec machine. Was running so slow it was almost impossible to use.
Installed Ccleaner, Glary Utilities and Superantispyware, ran all those, they found a lot of cr*p, including dubious toolbars. Then de-fragmented the drive. Machine is running quite nicely now. Just about to phone him to collect it.
If you use the correct utilities with windows it should give no more trouble than a Mac. My security systems and install/ uninstall programs keep on top of everything, and Win Patrol sits on top of it all and informs me if anything tries to change anything. We all pick up unwanted programs/ malware that can screw your pc up, the right utilities will catch and remove them before they do any damage; well they have for me so far.
walpurgis
01-10-2014, 19:22
Last night a friend brought round his wife's laptop, about 3 years old, Windows 7, good spec machine. Was running so slow it was almost impossible to use.
Installed Ccleaner, Glary Utilities and Superantispyware, ran all those, they found a lot of cr*p, including dubious toolbars. Then de-fragmented the drive. Machine is running quite nicely now. Just about to phone him to collect it.
That's virtually the same as I did with my brother's Vista laptop. It's better, but it's Vista on a low capability computer, so it's still pretty bad.
As for reinstalling Windows three times a year. Well, I'm sure it's not necessary for most people, but I'm not most people, I freely admit to being a PC disaster zone. But I just like tinkering and experimenting with the damn thing. At least it's an interesting learning curve and nobody's ever shown me how to use a PC or do anything on one, I just get stuck in and have a go, no matter what goes wrong (and much does, quite often). Next stop Linux. Now there's a situation with disaster potential!! :D
At least I'm back home now on my quick desktop PC (Ah, bliss), after a knackering six hour drive back from deepest Cornwall. Bit shagged out!
walpurgis
04-10-2014, 19:13
Just did another Windows 7 reinstall. Finished loading a few third party apps this morning. All running like new. Lovely!
Sticking with I.E.11 and MSE + AVG LinkScanner. Also installed Wise Program Uninstaller (far better than the built in Windows effort), CCleaner, PolyEdit Lite document processor, Gadwin PrintScreen and FastStone Image Viewer (very handy image editor). That should do for now!
I have a selection of other software on a pen drive for extra maintenance duties.
walpurgis
18-10-2014, 20:29
Well that's a new one!
I was poking about on AutoTrader and inadvertently clicked on a blank bit of page and a new tab opened giving me this Google error message page. Never seen one before.
http://i62.tinypic.com/2sb7s3m.png
Stratmangler
18-10-2014, 20:36
Anyone got any idea how to access the Euro sign on a Mac? It shares the number 2 button with the ‘@‘ symbol, but I don’t have a scooby how to get the Euro sign to show up on the screen……. :scratch:
Marco.
I use Google quite a bit.
It's full of useful information ;)
Just did another Windows 7 reinstall. Finished loading a few third party apps this morning. All running like new. Lovely!
Sticking with I.E.11 and MSE + AVG LinkScanner. Also installed Wise Program Uninstaller (far better than the built in Windows effort), CCleaner, PolyEdit Lite document processor, Gadwin PrintScreen and FastStone Image Viewer (very handy image editor). That should do for now!
I have a selection of other software on a pen drive for extra maintenance duties.
not tried that one. I always use Rev pro for that. it costs initially but is a fabulous program. the free one is good as well. I dont like those cleaners, as they usually cause untold problems down the line.....:)
This is weird. I have been using Opera browser for years as main, but today the android version seemed to be silly slow and I moved to Puffin and everything was uber fast. Tonight my PC version of Opera has began playing up big style so I moved to Firefox and everything is uber fast.?????????? MOST ODD!!
walpurgis
20-10-2014, 09:13
not tried that one. I always use Rev pro for that. it costs initially but is a fabulous program. the free one is good as well. I dont like those cleaners, as they usually cause untold problems down the line.....:)
You'd find Wise Program Uninstaller as comprehensive and effective as any other uninstaller I can think of. It's vastly more able than the Windows effort. I've been using it for years without problems and of course it's free.
CCleaner has an excellent reputation and I've not heard of it being problematic.
If you fancy a change to a rather decent Chrome based browser that works very well. Give 'Torch' a spin:
http://www.torchbrowser.com/
I like it.
Not tried that browser yet. Will check it out tonight
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