Computer Disaster Corner [Archive] - The Art of Sound Forum

walpurgis

14-09-2015, 17:21

Well I haven't had one. A disaster that is. Just for a change :).

My PC cock ups are famous and have featured here before. I tend to tinker and experiment too much.

Anyway, the PC seemed to be a bit slow lately and noisy with the fans whirring away. There were a few little bugs that my antispyware and antivirus hadn't cleared, so I did my periodic reinstall of Windows 7 and took the lid off the PC case and used an air duster and brush to clean it out. There didn't look as though there was a huge amount of dust and fluff, but what a difference! It's running virtually silently now and fires up very quickly. Nice.

I've got a bit more software to add, but all seems fine so far. I'm bound to bugger it up sooner or later though. Still, live and learn.:)

Oddball

14-09-2015, 19:08

My son bollocks me for taking my pc out into the workshop and firing the air line through it:eyebrows:

walpurgis

14-09-2015, 19:14

It has to be done though, especially in my place. The dog's fur seems to get everywhere and the house is dusty anyway :).

Oddball

14-09-2015, 19:59

Oh yes . I agree . :)
3 dogs here and the hairs always blowing around the floor , and straight into all the bloody fans !!
Dust too.
Mind you ,you can imagine what a farmers house is like

At least I remember to put my finger against the fan before I give it a good slug on air through it

walpurgis

15-09-2015, 09:43

Been trying some anti spyware solutions. I had 10bit Malware Fighter on there briefly. No good, despite its popularity. It had something called IMF.exe running in the background using loads of processor capacity, so it was soon uninstalled. Malwarebytes is always dependable, but does slow PCs down a bit. As does the latest incarnation of Spybot. I always install One Click Spyware Expert anyway, regardless of what else I may use. It's an old utility, but free and works on all Windows installations and it digs deep, finding all sorts of bugs. Not real time though, manual scans. I'm just messing about really, my security suite from Comodo covers every need anyway.

Gazjam

15-09-2015, 10:27

Yup...
heat n dust are the enemy!

At at least till you go water cooled ;)

walpurgis

15-09-2015, 10:35

I like my old W7 PC. It's a cheap ex office use HP. The spec is average, but it's quick enough and dependable. I have a nearly new W8.1 Acer that I'm just not so keen on really.

mikmas

15-09-2015, 10:40

I have an old Mac Mini in the shed that I use for toons when I'm working. Earlier in the year the WiFi stopped working so I opened the box to take a peek.
A spider had laid it's eggs in the narrow space between the WiFi card and casing and the associated goo had rotted some of the card's tracks - a different kind of bug :lol:

walpurgis

15-09-2015, 10:52

You never know what you're going to find when the lid comes off. My grand daughters have managed to get all sorts of unlikely objects into the various PCs I've given them. Not to mention the drinks spilled on everything and keyboards full of crumbs and beads and the like. And the inevitable and usual dog fur everywhere.

Ninanina

20-09-2015, 20:13

I really don't want to sound smug and I am not pushing Apple products, however..

I made a good living programming Microsoft pc's for a number of years so I know Windows based machines pretty well

About 3 years ago I purchased a used Mac Mini to see what all the fuss was about with Apple. I am still using that old Mac Mini. I have never had to re-load the operating system, I have never picked up a virus and it runs as fast today as it did when I purchased it

My Mac Mini cost me about £200 and I consider it as one of my best purchases I've ever made

I would NEVER go back to a Windows based machine and to be honest you couldn't give me one for free, I just wouldn't touch it

I remember doing complete operating system re-installs of Windows every 6 months or so, trying to get rid of persistant viruses and other problems

I do use a free anti virus software from Sophos just in case but have very very rarely needed it. Sophos was the same software that we used commercially

I would recommend going the Apple route to anyone, and it can be done cheaply as I have proved, and I can guarantee you will be amazed at the level of stability with the OSX operating system

I am quite sure that if you try an Apple OSX based machine you also would never touch Windows again.. ;)

struth

20-09-2015, 20:17

Ninanina

20-09-2015, 20:25

Never used a mac, but of all the windows systems Ive had I have never had to reinstall. I dont doubt Macs are very good once you get used to them but if used correctly and with some decent security you shouldnt pick up much in way of virus's unless you go to some nasty places. Mind you after saying that, I dont drift too far off my beaten path very often, so I may just be lucky

Grant I think you have been very lucky not to have needed a reinstall of the operating system. However I bet you also have more than one anti virus software to try and protect you

The transition to Apple OSX is very straightforward and once you get a 'handle' on the operating system, which takes just a couple of days, it is a breeze and a joy to use and you will wonder how you ever did without it..;)

Us-&-Them

20-09-2015, 20:28

I have to admit, Windows can be a bit of a PITA !!! My son has a iMac and its absolutely great - never a problem. I have a Linux computer aswell as a Windows PC and, to be fair, the Linux machine is very good - boots up real quick, never really has any issues etc but, I wish I understood how to operate it better - its not quite so user friendly as Windows (probably due to the fact that I'm not so familiar with it after 25 years of using Windows) :scratch:

struth

20-09-2015, 20:31

I ve had a lifetime licence with malwarebytes for years as I have with winpatrol. they both do excellent work.I also have avast free.

walpurgis

20-09-2015, 20:41

Us-&-Them

20-09-2015, 20:49

I ve had a lifetime licence with malwarebytes for years as I have with winpatrol. they both do excellent work.I also have avast free.

Yes, I've used all except Winpatrol but, I have to say that Avast free tends to slow things up on boot up !!! Boot up stagnates for about 3 mins or so and then its OK; I know its Avast free because it never did it till I installed that. I also use Spybot Search & Destroy for malware etc (its free aswell) and its very good.

Installed ToolWiz Cares tonight on both PCs. It's an example of the many 'one click' do it all maintenance utilities. I prefer it to the popular Glary Utilities, as it works well and doesn't try to keep selling you upgraded versions.

But that's not the reason I've installed it. It features 'Time Freeze', which locks the PC in the present configuration, so no bugs can alter anything! The PC is rendered completely safe from infection. It's a bit like a 'white list' in effect I suppose. You do have to occasionally turn it off for some functions, such as updates.

I have tried it before and found it effective and I experienced no problems. Oh and it's free.

I like the sound of that !!!

walpurgis

20-09-2015, 20:50

I ve had a lifetime licence with malwarebytes for years as I have with winpatrol. they both do excellent work.I also have avast free.

I use Malwarebytes if I get a problem. Winpatrol is always on my PCs. As for A/V etc., I use this: https://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/free-internet-security.php

It's extremely comprehensive and works very well.

The only other free security suite that comes close that I've found is Baidu Antivirus 2015 which is also very comprehensive. Beautiful product to use, as is their browser.

walpurgis

20-09-2015, 20:51

I also use Spybot Search & Destroy for malware etc (its free aswell) and its very good.

Used that many times. It misses stuff.

Us-&-Them

20-09-2015, 20:56

Used that many times. It misses stuff.

I agree, thats why I've got Avast and Malwarebytes running at the same time on the same PC aswell :eyebrows::eyebrows:

Ninanina

20-09-2015, 20:57

My PC has regular catastrophic system breakdowns and malware infections ('cos I like buggering about with it :)). I reinstall W7 every few months anyway. No big deal.

Installed ToolWiz Cares tonight on both PCs. It's an example of the many 'one click' do it all maintenance utilities. I prefer it to the popular Glary Utilities, as it works well and doesn't try to keep selling you upgraded versions.

But that's not the reason I've installed it. It features 'Time Freeze', which locks the PC in the present configuration, so no bugs can alter anything! The PC is rendered completely safe from infection. It's a bit like a 'white list' in effect I suppose. You do have to occasionally turn it off for some functions, such as updates.

I have tried it before and found it effective and I experienced no problems. Oh and it's free.

Geoff if you went to an Apple OSX device, however cheap, you won't ever need to 'bugger' about with it... they just work properly all of the time

I also used to 'bugger' about with Windows based machines, as I knew I could... and I wondered if I would ever get along with OSX as it meant I probably couldn't 'bugger' about with it in the same way.... but I can assure you that I stopped doing this once I had OSX and I have never missed 'buggering' about with it because it just works 100% all of the time...

I am not here to convert anyone but I am absolutely totally sure that if anyone tried Apple/OSX they won't EVER go back to a Windows based machine again, it really is that good...

struth

20-09-2015, 21:00

I switch Avast off b4 switch off. MWB premium is an active service as it win patrol plus, and they dont let anything happen without I authorise it. Once its all up and running(about 2 mins these days) then avast goes on. later I have timed programs to start like google drive, dropbox etc that can really slow things down.Ive not had a virus or malware get through for 2 years or so.very occasionally I get a notice from one of them; usually MWB that it has stopped something, but its rare . runs fast enough for me, and the only things that seem to bother it are windows updates, which I may well switch off again, if I get any more crap ones on first issue.

bought a mac mini once and had no idea what to do and eventually gave it to Gazjam for his boy

walpurgis

20-09-2015, 21:22

Geoff if you went to an Apple OSX device, however cheap, you won't ever need to 'bugger' about with it.

But I like buggering about with it! That's why I do it. :D

Nobody's ever shown me how to use a PC, so I learn as I go along. If I didn't tinker, I wouldn't make the mistakes that teach me what not to do.

walpurgis

20-09-2015, 21:29

I've got half a dozen different Linux distros on CD and use those sometimes. One or two are a bit iffy, but generally they do the job, offering all the basic functions available from Windows. The OS is free, you just pay for the making of the CD (or download it free, but having the disc is handy). If it plays up or you make a mess of things, you just reinstall, which does not take long.

Light Dependant Resistor

20-09-2015, 22:14

It's quite easy really: Go to http://distrowatch.com and choose from over 300 operating systems
or choose the one that is at the top of the list as it has been for over a year or two which is
linux mint http://www.linuxmint.com

From there download the .iso image file burn that as a DVD , or you can install via USB
making the USB blank first and 2gb in size. Installation takes about 10- 15 minutes
for documents it provides Libre Office, internet Mozilla, and presently 73038 packages
which are downloadable software- all for free.

With no virus problems of any extent, I cannot recall one in over 7 years of use
you will have more time in your life for music and hifi

To learn about free software and Linux empowers you as an individual
to use this software where ever you see fit. The horribleness of proprietary
software and all of the problems all but vanishes. Up to you now...

Cheers

walpurgis

20-09-2015, 22:22

Mint 17 and Lubuntu are installed and working well on a couple of my old PCs which had Windows XP on. They've been sold to a mate but he seems happy.

spendorman

20-09-2015, 23:02

Mint 17 and Lubuntu are installed and working well on a couple of my old PCs which had Windows XP on. They've been sold to a mate but he seems happy.

Mint 17.2 seems an improvement over 17 and 17.1, seems to run faster. 17.1 can be updated easily to 17.2 through Update Manager. It may be possible to do the same with 17.

mikmas

20-09-2015, 23:12

I am not here to convert anyone but I am absolutely totally sure that if anyone tried Apple/OSX they won't EVER go back to a Windows based machine again, it really is that good...

Totally agree with you with one big BUT...
I've been a Mac owner and user since the early 90s and stayed with them through the (very) dark days before Jobs came back. The OS has always been infinitely better, more stable, safer and more user friendly than Windoze in every conceivable way. Another big plus was the suite of media software that came with the machine as part of the package that I used on a daily basis for many years .... now here comes the BUT :(

Since Apple's resurrection in the new millennium I have seen a gradual slide into mediocre and counter intuitive peripheral software and a very unpleasant 'lockdown' in their system that renders you more and more completely dependent on their whim of where they will take you next. I have junked most of the software I used to use (iMovie, iDVD and iPhoto) and only keep iTunes because I am pretty much stuck with an iPhone and it's absolute interdependency with my desktop. I have tried both Windows and Android phones/tablets and both were non-starters when it came to integration. Would I migrate to Windows? - definitely not, but If I wasn't getting a bit long in the tooth and could be arsed I would definitely try a Linux or Android based solution. As it is, pure laziness keeps me with Mac - not misguided brand loyalty or some notion that it's the best out there ... or will stay that way even if it was at one time.

struth

20-09-2015, 23:32

mikmas

20-09-2015, 23:45

Windows still has about 90% of the users and thus cannot be that bad. I agree it could be improved, especially re security but it is very usable. I think mac only has 5% of the market, and a lot of their problem is cost. put that against the mobile market where apple has over 40% of the market, much to do with costs being similar

Would agree mostly with the desktop stats but for mobile OS Mac has well over 50% of the market (Windows is really a non-player) and that is pretty much the deciding factor going forward as desktops become increasingly redundant... smart TVs and tablets are much more important and Google hasn't finished yet.....or Amazon.

Audio Advent

20-09-2015, 23:56

I own macs (old models - would never buy a recent one as have poor value for money) but don't find anything particularly special about them personally. In fact I've found them to be annoying in the way that they are user friendly for non-computer types and accessing the technical side of a computer is obscured. Sadly Win 8 has done that too...

I leave my PCs in hibernation when I go out (so effectively never shut them down) and have never had any problems with them slowing down over time. I don't run any background anti-virus or anti-malware either. All I do is run a scan every now and again on the slightest suspicion. Only thing I run is a free firewall.

Only causes of slow-downs I've had in the last five or more years is low memory on older machines (not coping with modern internet etc) or laptop batteries failing and this causing deliberate processor slowing.

Meanwhile a friend's iMac is just too painfully slow to bother starting up - god knows what's wrong with it as there isn't the plethora of free software to scan the system for problems (that I know of).

So.... I don't think there is much difference at all between macs and non-mac PCs other than what people do with them.

StanleyB

21-09-2015, 07:17

The various operating systems are like a partner. They all have their good and bad points.
After years of use I have finally got W8.1 to the stage where I can hack the OS and get it to do the things I liked in W7, but with the improvements that W8.1 brought with it over time. I still use the gadgets from W7 on W8.1, instead of the equivalent apps version.
I leave W8.1 in sleep mode for most of the time. But some programs do work or load up slower when run from my laptop after using sleep mode. ACDSEE is a good example, as is MediaMonkey.

Us-&-Them

21-09-2015, 20:23

Totally agree with you with one big BUT...

I have seen a gradual slide into mediocre and counter intuitive peripheral software and a very unpleasant 'lockdown' in their system that renders you more and more completely dependent on their whim of where they will take you next.

A bit like everything else in todays world....................... controlled!! Discretion can sometimes be the better part of valour and, a lot of other things.

Regards.

walpurgis

21-09-2015, 20:45

"dumb all over"

Macca

21-09-2015, 20:48

I think you are crazy downloading all this free anti-malware stuff. Ask yourself why it is free?

I've had 3 computers since 2003, none were replaced for faults or breakdowns, none ran slow except for one wihich came with Mcavee (which I got rid of), never had a virus, or any issues, never used anything but Windows firewall. The first PC got retired because the spec got too low, then it fell down the stairs (long story) the other still works fine but won't connect to the internet any more. That dates from about 1998. Present one is 4 or 5 years old, still works fine.

walpurgis

21-09-2015, 21:02

never used anything but Windows firewall.

No anti virus or anti spyware?

Macca

21-09-2015, 21:03

Nothing and never had a problem.

Touch wood.

walpurgis

21-09-2015, 21:17

Nothing and never had a problem.

Touch wood.

Bet you have. You may not have noticed.

Macca

21-09-2015, 22:05

If I don't even notice it then it is not a problem as far as I can see.

The best way to clog up your machine is to download a load of freeware. A free security program isn't going to tell you about all the crap you downloaded with it.

struth

21-09-2015, 22:13

A lot depends on where you go web wise and what level of info that may be in your pc. I am not a big fan of freeware as a rule although some are fine; alas many are not. Even a copy of avast free or the like would give you some protection Martin. I wouldnt advise doing without any unless you only go to the same sites that youve been using for some time.

walpurgis

21-09-2015, 22:17

A free security program isn't going to tell you about all the crap you downloaded with it.

Then don't download crap with it. There is the choice, unless you use a dodgy site.

Many free utilities and apps are very good. Take FastStone Image Viewer for instance. It's easy to use and does a damn decent job of editing photos. Or PolyEdit Lite, a simple word processing facility in a lightweight package that works brilliantly and is easier to use that the Windows options. Most of the 'one click' type maintenance utilities are free and do a good job of keeping your PC clean and up to speed. See SlimCleaner, CCleaner and ToolWiz Care.

Gazjam

21-09-2015, 23:06

Malwarebytes, Ccleaner and canny use of windows firewall is all you need imo.
Run those on a schedule along with AntiVirus of choice and your sorted.

Good freeware and bad, this is ALL good.
https://www.grc.com/freepopular.htm
This guy has forgot more about internet security than most of us will even know.
Check too his online utilities such as ShieldsUp firewall tester...all good.

walpurgis

21-09-2015, 23:17

Check out the Comodo Security Suite. It does it all.

Yes, include CCleaner to optimise performance and away you go.

Kit1cat

22-09-2015, 08:10

In my opinion the most inportant software to have on your computer is a image backup program. At the moment I use AX64 Time Machine for daily backups and AOMEI Backupper for weekly backups, if I have any computer problems I just revert to a earlier image. Got me out of the s**t numerous times over the years. :)

walpurgis

26-09-2015, 16:44

Quite chuffed actually.

My cheap Dell OEM copy of Windows 7 Home Premium arrived yesterday, so I've been setting up my new (old) Acer Veriton X480G PC, which I bought with no O/S installed. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/311447007119?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Everything went smoothly. The Windows 7 has been activated and the PC is working beautifully. Very quiet and fast too.

Took me a while to install my usual raft of free software apps & utilities (yes always free stuff. Why pay when good free stuff works so well?). I might bung a Chrome based browser on. I.E. gets on my wick a bit.

Quite funny having a Dell logo popping up on an Acer PC. Got rid of that. Just got to glue the replacement (recycled) product key sticker on the case and I'm basically done.

Anyway. The whole lot stands me in at £77.98. Damn cheap for a PC this decent.

walpurgis

05-10-2015, 09:29

struth

05-10-2015, 09:39

Im not recieving updates as i kinda expected this. Its typical of their mindset. Someone needs to make another operatingcsystem that is easy for dolrs to install.

struth

05-10-2015, 10:27

Have you seen this? http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2425381/microsoft-is-downloading-windows-10-to-your-machine-just-in-case

Looks like Microsoft is putting Windows 10 on your computer whether you like it or not!!

The reviews of W10 on download.com don't inspire confidence: http://download.cnet.com/Windows-10/3000-18513_4-76271011.html

One raises an interesting point. Not being able to reinstall Windows 7 once W10 has been installed. I believe the O/S product key, instead of just coming as a sticker, is now a code stashed away in the bios, perhaps it also includes a downgrade blocker.

PS.. You can check for this on your pc and eradicate it. Its a little convoluted depending on whether they have started to fill you up but there is a fair chance that you will have the worm already in the system. I can walk you through it if needed

Edit. It is worth checking for the worm in recent updates.. its code is..."kb3035583" as the open gate to add win 10 files..... a hidden file in windows "$windows-BT" is where they load up the files. this can screw up your pc by uploading as much as 6 gb of info and slowing you pc and broadband(and can put you over you allowance if you have one)

spendorman

05-10-2015, 11:08

Have you seen this? http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2425381/microsoft-is-downloading-windows-10-to-your-machine-just-in-case

Looks like Microsoft is putting Windows 10 on your computer whether you like it or not!!

The reviews of W10 on download.com don't inspire confidence: http://download.cnet.com/Windows-10/3000-18513_4-76271011.html

One raises an interesting point. Not being able to reinstall Windows 7 once W10 has been installed. I believe the O/S product key, instead of just coming as a sticker, is now a code stashed away in the bios, perhaps it also includes a downgrade blocker.

A few days ago, an elderly , over 80, neighbour complained to me that her W7 laptop had a strange picture on the desktop and things looked different.

She brought it here and it had been "upgraded" to W10. She had no recollection of doing this. The laptop was a bit sluggish, and I did not like the feel and look of W10, but did not really give it much of a chance. I rolled it back to W7, apparently one can do this within a month of the "upgrade".

struth

05-10-2015, 23:37

PS.. You can check for this on your pc and eradicate it. Its a little convoluted depending on whether they have started to fill you up but there is a fair chance that you will have the worm already in the system. I can walk you through it if needed

Edit. It is worth checking for the worm in recent updates.. its code is..."kb3035583" as the open gate to add win 10 files..... a hidden file in windows "$windows-BT" is where they load up the files. this can screw up your pc by uploading as much as 6 gb of info and slowing you pc and broadband(and can put you over you allowance if you have one)

I will bump this as Ive added info

walpurgis

09-10-2015, 20:50

Just got very fed up with Internet Explorer 11 since my recent O/S reinstall. It's an ugly, awkward and slow browser.

I usually install 'Chromodo' from Comodo, which works very nicely.

Just for a change I've installed 'Maxthon', which I'd not tried for a few years. Wow! This is a really nice browser. The customiseable appearance is handy, it's much quicker than I.E.11 and I like being able to open new tabs with a click on the favourites bar, not all browsers allow that. Also, it seems very well sorted, everything works as it should, no glitches or missing plug-ins. Nice and easy to set up as I like it with a bit of poking about. I might keep this one.

struth

09-10-2015, 20:53

Got it on my Laptop and , yes its quite quick. Think its a chrome clone if memory serves, but I rarely use it. had nice clean lines but I prefer Opera and Firefox as backup

spendorman

09-10-2015, 21:16

I like Pale Moon, based on Firefox.

struth

09-10-2015, 21:21

I like Pale Moon, based on Firefox.

Not seen that one.

walpurgis

09-10-2015, 21:21

Not seen that one.

Nor me.

spendorman

09-10-2015, 21:25

I use Firefox and Pale Moon, Pale moon seems a bit faster and has never crashed, Firefox has.

Just noticed, there is also a Pale Moon version for Linux, must try that.

walpurgis

09-10-2015, 21:47

Enjoying using Maxthon. I've just colour coordinated it to match AOS. Looks good. :D

I like the fact it comes with AdBlock Plus included. Saves me downloading something similar.

struth

10-10-2015, 21:44

walpurgis

10-10-2015, 21:54

Decided to clear some old wood out of the pc. not been done for an age. 23gig said tattybyes. There was a load of temp files(8 gig) so I have written in a little program to clear it on boot.........lets hope it doesnt wipe the bloody thing:eyebrows: ...pc seems a bit quicker
Time for drinkies:cool:

That's funny. I've just been doing exactly the same and running bug scans too.

Yes it is time for a drink. Nice drop of lager shortly I think. :cool:

struth

10-10-2015, 22:17

Just used the windows own disc cleaner. it does the job fine. Tried that Pale Moon,and installed it through revo pro, which records all the install process and logs it so you can remove it all easily again. I wasn't impressed tbh. seemed quite quick but its usability seemed to be pretty poor so its been deleted.

walpurgis

10-10-2015, 23:01

Maxthon running very nicely, they've obviously improved it since I last tried it.

struth

10-10-2015, 23:22

Maxthon running very nicely, they've obviously improved it since I last tried it.

not tried it for a while Geoff. might give it a spin again sometime, but have to say that Opera has been running pretty well since the last update. Think it is pretty much what your used to style and performance wise that often decides you on new stuff. if the gi is poor then your first response, or mine is a bit like meeting new folk... like it or dont like it lol

walpurgis

10-10-2015, 23:26

Best we don't meet then! :lol: ;)

struth

10-10-2015, 23:28

TRue; no-one likes me first view....unless I drug 'em;)

spendorman

11-10-2015, 17:23

Pale Moon browser for Linux just installed on my Netbook running Mint 17.2, seems excellent.

spendorman

03-11-2015, 20:30

Browser comparison:

http://internet-browser-review.toptenreviews.com/

walpurgis

03-11-2015, 20:42

Browser comparison:

http://internet-browser-review.toptenreviews.com/

That's all very well, but I don't like using Firefox, Opera or Safari and Firefox and Chrome collect, use and sell all sorts of information about users. Internet Explorer never works well for me. I'm using Cromodo on this PC and Comodo Dragon on another and the latest version of Maxthon on a third. Maxthon is working brilliantly.

spendorman

03-11-2015, 21:46

That's all very well, but I don't like using Firefox, Opera or Safari and Firefox and Chrome collect, use and sell all sorts of information about users. Internet Explorer never works well for me. I'm using Cromodo on this PC and Comodo Dragon on another and the latest version of Maxthon on a third. Maxthon is working brilliantly.

This evening I tried Maxthon, and it refused to install. Perhaps I'll try Comodo Dragon.

I do turn some stuff in Firefox to avoid snooping. Still like Pale Moon.

walpurgis

03-11-2015, 21:55

This evening I tried Maxthon, and it refused to install. Perhaps I'll try Comodo Dragon.

I do turn some stuff in Firefox to avoid snooping. Still like Pale Moon.

Chromodo is the latest and improved incarnation of Comodo Dragon. Try Chromodo first, you'll probably like it.

spendorman

03-11-2015, 22:11

Chromodo is the latest and improved incarnation of Comodo Dragon. Try Chromodo first, you'll probably like it.

Thanks, but on second thoughts, I don't like anything based on Chrome. I don't trust Google.

I was a fan of Google many years ago. My friend, a Software Engineer told me of a very new search engine, Google. In my office of about 6 Engineers at British Aerospace, I set my computer home page to Google. All in the office thought it odd, but within a few days all the computers in that office were set to that page. It was not long before virtually all the computers in the Company were set to Google.

However, some time later. my friend, the Software Engineer, told me to be wary of Google.

I generally use Duckduckgo as a search engine now.

https://duckduckgo.com/

struth

05-11-2015, 18:12

Just a wee heads up folks... I caught microsoft sneeking an update onto my pc today. As I have win 8.1 and dont want win 10 and I found them having trying to add files to my pc for win 10 I removed and blocked them ... you should see the amount of failed win 10 updates lol. Well even though I have not taken win 10 and have my pc set to do not download or install updates, I found that they had disabled my security, ignored the do not bit and installed a update that microsoft have yet to say whats really in it(not that it matters as I said no) It was hidden, but I found and uninstalled it.
I find this akin to hacking imo and although that is illegal it seem to be ok if they do it..... Just watch out

struth

25-11-2015, 15:34

My turn for a pc disaster. :doh: that was a scary hr or so. fixed now...lost internet and various other stuff on win 8 ... eventually tracked it down to system configuration section where a number of thing had dropped out and failed to reload due to an error.... found a way to re start it all so i have full steam again:D

walpurgis

25-11-2015, 17:06

struth

25-11-2015, 22:54

Will need to talk nice to Gaz and get him to set up linux on one of my older laps I think. all tarted up, or pick up a win 7 one for emergencies. I aint interested in win 10 and microsoft are starting to suck big time. Ive banned them from my one at moment as they constantly try and slip in updates that are win 10 related.
at least I expunged their little symbol re win 10

Light Dependant Resistor

27-11-2015, 21:59

Glad you got it sorted.

Windows 10 is not having a smooth ride either. All sorts of glitches.

See this (love the picture that goes with it! :D):

http://www.extremetech.com/computing/218570-windows-10s-broken-fall-update-removes-user-installed-applications-without-asking-first

I dread the day that W10 and its derivatives are all we've got left.

(yes I'm perfectly aware of Macs and Linux)

Just sharing the misery of W10 , explored here at the DIY Audio forum
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/lounge/277707-windows-10-a-42.html#post4521742

and yes Linux is always ready and waiting for you http://www.linuxmint.com
and for a huge selection of operating systems: http://distrowatch.com

Cheers / Chris

Macca

28-11-2015, 10:36

If you move from Windows to Linux won't all the Windows compatible games then not work?

struth

28-11-2015, 11:18

If you move from Windows to Linux won't all the Windows compatible games then not work?

Think there are ways.. Wine and cedega for example but if you run a double bios boot for one or other you could have best of both worlds i guess. I dont know enough to be confident of not screwing it up so for now am not going there but would like to.

spendorman

28-11-2015, 11:47

When installing Linux Mint it asks if you want it running alongside Windows. You have the choice at boot. Done this on a few machines, works pretty well.

Wine works on many Windows programs, fails on some too.

walpurgis

28-11-2015, 12:15

spendorman

28-11-2015, 12:21

Generally, to use Linux, you don't need as high a spec computer as Windows requires. An old XP equipped laptop or desktop will work fine with most Linux distros. So for maybe £35 you can buy something that can be used exclusively with Linux and leave your Windows computer as is. You can even boot directly from a Linux CD or memory stick to use the computer and not install at all.

Yes, my old Netbook crawls with Windows 7, runs quite nicely with Linux Mint 17. Not found running from a CD/DVD or memory stick that satisfactory long term, but great just to test out if ones hardware is compatible with the chosen Linux distribution.

spm

28-11-2015, 12:32

We have various machines running Win 10, Win 8 and Win 7. Win 10 seems more stable than Win 8 but Win 7 which we have used much longer barely misses a beat and easily seems the best. Play around with linux flavours on older machines and have found them surprisingly user friendly. Don't think you can run full Minecraft though which is a problem for the kids, there is Minetest as an alternative and I think a watered down version of Minecraft for the Pi.

struth

12-12-2015, 00:37

spent all evening extracting data from my brothers hdd. he thought he'd lost it all after accidentally formatting the drive:doh: , but Ive pretty much got it all back for him and transferred it back to the drive. now, that was fun in a way:D

spendorman

12-12-2015, 11:11

Well done, how did he do that? One normally gets a warning message like "all data will be lost"

struth

12-12-2015, 11:31

Well done, how did he do that? One normally gets a warning message like "all data will be lost"

He thought he was formatting a different drive. Easy to do i guess... I used a program to find it all and reinstate it first to my drive then back to his cleaned one. Reckon i got 99% of it although hard to tell.

spendorman

12-12-2015, 11:54

walpurgis

12-12-2015, 12:51

Never actually tried recovering data from a drive. Not had the need really. I guess there are utilities that can scan for stuff. When I have a disaster, I just reinstall the O/S and not worry about what was on there previously. I keep a few useful bits and photos etc., on memory sticks, but don't back up as such.

spendorman

12-12-2015, 12:59

I found it fun when doing it for others that had lost data, if it my files I suppose that it would not be fun but panic.

struth

12-12-2015, 20:52

Ah, yes, multiple drives, would not be difficult to make a mistake. Get him to backup if he's not doing so. I do a crude backup each week. A USB 3.0 drive plugged in and use Diskwizard to clone the C drive.

Windows can do that for you, although its hidden these days. I use an external program now myself out of convenience as it will compress it as well(will encrypt it too if you want), where the windows one doesnt. Not used discwizzard; mind you, I dont have any seagate stuff now so may be the reason.
In fact I am doing a back up on the fly at moment to a new dedicated drive I found and re formatted a few days ago. I'd lost it, and its a great little thing. WD Elements with usb3.0

spendorman

12-12-2015, 22:00

struth

12-12-2015, 22:32

Diskwizard and Maxblast are just limited versions of Acronis. It produces an exact clone, so I could take the clone and boot from that if required. Yes, I have a WD Elements USB 3.0 too. My brother bought it for me Christmas before last.

Ive heard of Arconis, although not used it. I use EaseUS; have a few programs from them, and seem very good, not that I use them much. That was a nice pressie; I usually get 1/2 a lb of bacon and a jar of jam;)

spendorman

12-12-2015, 22:41

Tried EasUs, think I had problems and it was slow. As you mentioned, to use Diswizard needs a Seagate (or Maxtor) drive in the system. It does not need to be the one that is being copied from or copied to though. It can be just a spare drive plugged in, perhaps a USB seagate.

1/2 lb of bacon and and a jar of jam sounds nice. My brother got much more than a WD hard drive because of me. It was a small fortune.

struth

12-12-2015, 23:52

Nice home bacon as is the jam.... aye easeus is nt the fasted but it works well although best to switch of security programs like malwarebytes as it drags the process out. there ok for the money I guess Alex...like many things you get what you can afford lol

struth

16-12-2015, 22:55

A quick tip... dont install Avira anti virus free..... it may be a good anti virus but its an intrusive program that doesnt uninstall without a lot of effort and knowledge. I really hate companies that put out an anti virus that is in effect malware in its self.

walpurgis

16-12-2015, 23:03

I keep Wise Program Uninstaller on my computers. It has successfully uninstalled many well known A/V suites. It is far better than the Windows own effort and seems very comprehensive.

struth

16-12-2015, 23:11

I keep Wise Program Uninstaller on my computers. It has successfully uninstalled many well known A/V suites. It is far better than the Windows own effort and seems very comprehensive.

Yes, it is a decent program Geoff if memory serves; I have revo pro which is very good too, but this program keeps a regenerating shadow program that refuses to budge. even Avira's own removal tool cant always shift it which is ridiculous. I had to use some parts of each plus some advice on renaming files etc to get it all out(I hope) Its scan of pc is a farce too and takes god knows how long to happen.... not a patch on avast free. That and Malwarebits premium is still my preferred option and will now stay that way.

spendorman

17-12-2015, 10:56

I have used Avast free for years, do like it, but they seem to keep moving things around so it's a bit difficult to find stuff. Still, that's a small price to pay for a very good free software.

Norton / McAfee antivirus in the past has been difficult to remove completely. If sorting a PC for a friend, it was often a reason for it crawling, used to remove it and put on AVG or Avast.

On my main desktop machine, in the last few months I have had a problem of it very occasionally crashing when uploading or downloading large files. Turned out to be one of the two sticks of RAM faulty. Put another stick in and it solved the problem. The new stick is not identical to the existing one, so the computer does not now run in dual memory mode, but any performance loss does not seem noticeable. Not really worth getting new matched RAM as the machine is so old, best replace the whole PC.

struth

17-12-2015, 11:24

Been using avast for years too...i just fancied a trial with another one to see if i liked it. Its the worst ive ever come across and come across a few crappy ones and stubborn ones..this one is borderline malware imo.

walpurgis

17-12-2015, 11:31

I have this on my Windows 8.1 PC:

http://download.cnet.com/Comodo-Internet-Security-Premium/3000-2239_4-10460704.html

It works superbly. Nice to use too.

spendorman

17-12-2015, 11:35

I have this on my Windows 8.1 PC:

http://download.cnet.com/Comodo-Internet-Security-Premium/3000-2239_4-10460704.html

It works superbly. Nice to use too.

Certainly gets good reviews, may try that on my new (newer!) desktop machine that I have not started using yet.

spendorman

17-12-2015, 11:38

Just had a call from a friend, someone kindly upgraded? her laptop from W7 to W10, and now some things don't work. She's bringing it round here for me to roll it back to W7

walpurgis

17-12-2015, 12:05

That seems to be a common story.

struth

17-12-2015, 12:16

Itll probably sort its self out eventually but when is anyone's guess. I removed all the files microsoft put on my pc . it was also done by stealrh. Judging by others who have upgraded and got locked in to the w10 march to wirld dominance ive made a good decision. Its sad when you can no longer trust a company that made the software that runs your pc.

walpurgis

21-12-2015, 10:56

Another catastrophe. Last night my daughter asked me to hook her Blackberry phone to my PC to remove some photos from it. After letting the Blackberry load all the necessary files, including some Windows updates it seemed to need, all seemed OK until I restarted the PC. It fires up, the lights flash and the fan goes, but it won't even boot into bios now. Is it buggered? I don't know. I'll try it again later. It was my favourite PC too, nice and fast.

spendorman

21-12-2015, 11:16

That is strange, perhaps a faulty stick of RAM, but a bit of a coincidence.

struth

21-12-2015, 11:24

Sounds like something to do with windows updates gone wrong. Try using restore..you will need to boot into safe mode with interweb

walpurgis

21-12-2015, 11:28

This is weird. Just reconnected the PC and it fired up and wanted to run Startup Repair, which I did and it all seems to be working OK. But! I wanted to run system restore to remove all the crap that my daughter's Blackberry had loaded and now find that system restore is missing from system tools.

I'll see if I can boot in safe mode and locate system restore (F8 if I recall).

struth

21-12-2015, 11:38

Funny but my system restore seemed to have vanished too with win 8.1 or 2...ive got a mirror copy on a hard drive now.. Win 8 can often fix its self if it fails to start a certain amount of times....dunno if it is win 8 though that your using

spendorman

21-12-2015, 11:41

As you got no BIOS, that may be a clue, I'm not saying that it is faulty RAM, but it might be.

walpurgis

21-12-2015, 11:46

Done it!

Got system restore via safe mode and put the PC back to how it was a few days ago. System restore still missing from system tools though. Bloody Microsoft deleting stuff I'll bet, so people can't mess about with the W10 install they want everybody to use.

As I can access it from safe mode, it's not a big deal. but I'm tempted to reinstall the W7 O/S and block any updates that may be tinkering with the system adversely (if I can identify them :rolleyes:).

struth

21-12-2015, 11:55

Good ho!

There are updates you can identify and uninstall that relate to win 10. I removed them a while ago...alas ive lost the bit of paper that i wrote them down on doh!

walpurgis

21-12-2015, 12:00

I wonder if the refusal to boot into bios last night could be down to a tired CMOS battery. If I recall it can have an effect on start up with some motherboards.

Just got System Restore back on screen typing RSTRUI in search. Handy.

spendorman

21-12-2015, 12:06

spendorman

21-12-2015, 18:55

Not a disaster, new version of Linux Mint is out, 17.3, just updated installation of 17.2 to 17.3. All went OK, took about 15 min.

It's easy to do through update manager.

twickers

25-12-2015, 22:56

Fucking computers. Just decided to check for updates on my windows 10 lappy, it's now reinstalling windows 10?

Fucking thing.

Merry Christmas.

walpurgis

25-12-2015, 23:01

Merry Christmas Paul.

Windows 10 was brought into this world because we need something to hate! :D

twickers

25-12-2015, 23:09

Ha!

I know that Geoff ;), but why on earth is it reinstalling win 10?

walpurgis

25-12-2015, 23:18

Ha!

I know that Geoff ;), but why on earth is it reinstalling win 10?

Just to be the hated bastard son of 8.0 that it is!

It seems to be working OK when pre-installed on new computers as far as I can see. Lots of aggro on upgrades from older Windows editions I gather. There have been endless complaints.

twickers

25-12-2015, 23:27

Well, I bought it just over a week ago pre-installed with win 10. It's been fine until now. Windows updates eh?

struth

05-02-2016, 16:36

I see microsoft have upped the push on folk getting win 10 by classifying it as a recommended update and its now being downloaded to pretty much everyone.. There a few new codes to watch out for too.... Going to be doing more investigatio!s re this but apparently they are doing it to buisness pcs too

struth

05-02-2016, 17:26

Just checked and they had changed my dont check for updates to install recommended etc...again.. It really is disgraceful behaviour :doh:

anyways 2 updates to watch out for ad get rid of if theyve been downloaded are.... kb2952664, and kb3123862

walpurgis

05-02-2016, 18:29

They'll probably tell W10 to install itself next.

struth

05-02-2016, 18:46

Apparently my info is they intend doing just that later by calling it an urgent update
It looks like there is a security problem in win 7/8 that they can't or won't fix and this is their response irrelevant if your hardware or other software can work with 10. If this is the case they should have the balls to say so

I would like to see a multiple class action taken against them in states

twickers

05-02-2016, 21:35

Windows 10 is fine when it works. Unfortunately it hasn't for me for any extended periods of time. I've had all kind of trouble with it not installing updates, mouse touchpad not responding, removing pre-installed programs after finally getting updates etc. These problems aren't unusual after doing a bit of checking.

I'm done with windows for now. I'm using linux for browsing etc and an IMac for music based stuff. Can't be doing with the hassle.

struth

05-02-2016, 21:42

I dont blame you Paul. Microsoft are going to lose business,I hope anyway. I am doing my best to keep it out of my pc. I dont allow any downloads, yet its doing its best to change it by changing my selection. I dont download any updates now... this is because if I do they slip in win 10 stuff to take control of the pc. I will now have to risk problems with security because microsoft are trying to infect my pc with their malware...ie win 10 and its associated programs ... If apple had any idea of how to take advantage they would start making macs at a more sensible price and clean up

If I can find someone to give my pc Linux that works then That will be my leap forward

Ninanina

05-02-2016, 23:23

If apple had any idea of how to take advantage they would start making macs at a more sensible price and clean up

Apple already make an affordable computer, the Mac Mini. I owned a used Mini for the last 4 years and it was as quick when I sold it as the day I purchased it. I would still be using it today but some naughty person gave me a lovely iMac 27" for Christmas

I have had real time experience with Windows based machines since about 1987 and was a statistical programmer for years using Windows machines. However I would NEVER go back to a Windows based machine. While Apple machines may seem expensive in the first place in the long run they are a bargain in real terms

I purchased my Mini 4 years ago for £250 and just sold it for £180 which I consider a bargain and there is absolutely no comparison with any Windows based machine and anybody that tells you any different has definitely not had the experience that I have had and have not used an Apple OSX based machine in the real world.. ;)

struth

05-02-2016, 23:27

Apple already make an affordable computer, the Mac Mini. I owned a used Mini for the last 4 years and it was as quick when I sold it as the day I purchased it. I would still be using it today but some naughty person gave me a lovely iMac 27" for Christmas

I have had real time experience with Windows based machines since about 1987 and was a statistical programmer for years using Windows machines. However I would NEVER go back to a Windows based machine. While Apple machines may seem expensive in the first place in the long run they are a bargain in real terms

I purchased my Mini 4 years ago for £250 and just sold it for £180 which I consider a bargain and there is absolutely no comparison with any Windows based machine and anybody that tells you any different has definitely not had the experience that I have had and have not used an Apple OSX based machine in the real world.. ;)

I would have bought it if I knew how to work it Bev. Alas I dont get macs at moment and would need a lot of initial help. I'm using an ipad 4th gen at moment and finding it great. May get a keyboard for it eventually but have a Belkin thunderstorm and the 2 sound pretty awesome.

Ninanina

05-02-2016, 23:38

I would have bought it if I knew how to work it Bev. Alas I dont get macs at moment and would need a lot of initial help. I'm using an ipad 4th gen at moment and finding it great. May get a keyboard for it eventually but have a Belkin thunderstorm and the 2 sound pretty awesome.

Grant you would be very surprised how easy an OSX based machine is to get to grips with, they are so very intuitive to use. I know I am coming from being fairly computer literate, I guess, but seriously Apple machines are much easier to use than any Windows based machine

If you can use an iPad you would get on very well with an OSX machine ;)

struth

05-02-2016, 23:48

Grant you would be very surprised how easy an OSX based machine is to get to grips with, they are so very intuitive to use. I know I am coming from being fairly computer literate, I guess, but seriously Apple machines are much easier to use than any Windows based machine

If you can use an iPad you would get on very well with an OSX machine ;)

I'm very windows literate, but I got an old mac mini a while ago and switched it on... stared for a while and switched it off again.;) gave it to Gazza for his lad.... it didnt do anything.. I kinda expect some sort of format to work with. lol

Tim

06-02-2016, 05:54

. . . there is absolutely no comparison with any Windows based machine and anybody that tells you any different has definitely not had the experience that I have had and have not used an Apple OSX based machine in the real world.. ;)

This bit you have correct Bev, no comparison at all and it's called 'end to end control' and it's the Apple Achilles heal for system builders ;)

Gazjam

06-02-2016, 09:40

All the hassles you guys are having with Windows 10, along with it playing fast n loose with your privacy for gowd knows why made me dump it.

"I got bad feeling about this.."
Gave it a bash but naa....

Installed Windows Server 2012 R2 (based on 8.1) and I know exactly whats going on.
Rock solid, rapid and reliable.
Also, being a business OS I dont get hassled for "upgrades" to Windows 10 either.

StanleyB

06-02-2016, 10:26

It looks like there is a security problem in win 7/8 that they can't or won't fix and this is their response irrelevant if your hardware or other software can work with 10.
I am of an opposing view. I actually think that W7 and W8.1 are quite secure once you observe the security measures put in place to combat flash, java, pdf, and MS Office documents related attacks.
W10 is less secure in some of the ways that I am able to use in W7 and W8.1 without any hassle. I have tested that with a couple of programs that I have been using for ages to test for certain types of data leakage. Without going into too much detail, I have two programs that communicate with their home servers at boot up and before any firewall settings have kicked in. I can block them from doing that in W7 and W8.1. It fails terribly on W10, even when I use the same security measures. But even more worrying is that another of my test program can still access the home server even though I have blocked it from doing so in the W10 provided firewall settings. I don't have that problem in W7. I can get it blocked in W8.1 via other means.
What that tells me that if some programs can tunnel in an out of your PC with greater ease under W10 then they could before. Then who else is using a similar method to access your PC data?

spendorman

06-02-2016, 10:58

I have thought about trying Windows XP Embedded POS

http://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1101401-windows-xp-like-windows-embedded-pos-2009-supported-until-2019/

spm

06-02-2016, 11:28

I have thought about trying Windows XP Embedded POS

http://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1101401-windows-xp-like-windows-embedded-pos-2009-supported-until-2019/

I read somewhere recently that you can fairly easily adapt home XP to accept the embedded POS updates.

spm

06-02-2016, 11:35

found it

http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/software/8090/when-windows-xp-support-ends-this-is-how-you-secure-your-pc-and-save-all-updates

spendorman

06-02-2016, 12:21

I read somewhere recently that you can fairly easily adapt home XP to accept the embedded POS updates.

Yes, I tried it on a copy of my 8 year old installation of XP Pro. It sort of worked, but I had some issues with screen resolution afterwards, so wiped it. I should try on a fresher installation of XP.

spendorman

06-02-2016, 12:23

found it

http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/software/8090/when-windows-xp-support-ends-this-is-how-you-secure-your-pc-and-save-all-updates

Thank you, not seen that one before. I got the suggestion from a YouTube video.

This was it:

https://youtu.be/KPo3eF0RsvA

struth

07-02-2016, 14:16

Having a go at making a bootable flash drive with ubantu for an older laptop... No idea what im doing lol..first attempt was a failure doh... Trying againnn think i know what i did or didnt do right

spendorman

07-02-2016, 14:25

Having a go at making a bootable flash drive with ubantu for an older laptop... No idea what im doing lol..first attempt was a failure doh... Trying againnn think i know what i did or didnt do right

Use Universal USB Installer perhaps:

http://www.pendrivelinux.com/universal-usb-installer-easy-as-1-2-3/

Linux Mint might be easier to use.

"Older laptop" has it got the facility to boot from USB?

struth

07-02-2016, 14:29

Think thats what im using. U usb inst 1.9.6.3

Think the download i got was ubantu but if it works i could always change it to mint

Yes it should boot from usb.. Its a compaq

spendorman

07-02-2016, 14:33

What exactly was the failure?

Sometimes a particular Linux distribution won't work with some hardware.

But if it's a very old Compaq, may not have the facility to boot from USB.

struth

07-02-2016, 14:34

Are mint any bigger? My drive is only 4g

spendorman

07-02-2016, 14:38

Are mint any bigger? My drive is only 4g

Mint has got bigger over the years, but I would think that 4GB stick should be OK. Are you making the Persistence file, so that you can save stuff? If so, just make it something like 500MB so Linux has room on the stick. As it mentions, the Persistence bit takes some time to complete.

spendorman

07-02-2016, 14:45

Does your Compaq have a CD/DVD drive? If so perhaps try a live disk in there. If it run's, will be slower than from USB stick, and that will be slower than from installed on hard drive.

I use imgburn http://www.imgburn.com/ to make a disk. It's very easy. just right click on the downloaded ISO file and open with imgburn. It should be easy from there.

struth

07-02-2016, 14:50

Well its worked. Trouble is there is no wifi option. Just wired and network proxy..very odd...kinda pointless

spendorman

07-02-2016, 14:54

Well its worked. Trouble is there is no wifi option. Just wired and network proxy..very odd...kinda pointless

Just Wi Fi driver missing, probably. Did you do the install whilst connected to the net? This is the best way to do as driver may be found automatically.

spendorman

07-02-2016, 14:57

Solution is connect to the net via Ethernet cable and go to drivers in control centre and do automatic search for driver. Not that familiar with Ubuntu, but this is probably the way round this.

struth

07-02-2016, 14:59

struth

07-02-2016, 15:00

Might scrub this and try mint

spendorman

07-02-2016, 15:01

If you can't connect to the internet now, perhaps try Mint, may just have the driver for your particular Wi-Fi hardware.

spendorman

07-02-2016, 15:03

Found an option up top but ive added my ssid and password.. Not going to find it.. Dunno i guess i aint gonna get this to work.. I would have thought it would have wifi out of the box it kinda important

Yes it was connected wifi at time

Just depends on your hardware, Windows is not much different in this respect, sometimes Windows has the driver, sometimes not.

struth

07-02-2016, 15:04

The wifi light on pc stayed off and wouldnt toggle. Gonna try mint if i can find it .

Edit. U of kent mirror.. 20 mins lol.

struth

07-02-2016, 15:09

At least it kinda worked. Gave me hope. I didnt install it so no probs doing another. Just format the stick again

Ta for help.

spendorman

07-02-2016, 15:12

http://linuxmint.com/

I would go for 32 bit version on an older pc

struth

07-02-2016, 15:15

I picked a 32 bit yes.. This pc is only that i think anyways. If i can get it working well i can use it on my better on. Just dont want to screw it till i know what im doing lol

spendorman

07-02-2016, 15:26

At least you got Ubuntu to run, good start.

walpurgis

07-02-2016, 15:33

Each time I've installed Mint, the WiFi driver is included automatically. I do allow Mint to search for updates during the install. That may have something to do with it.

struth

07-02-2016, 15:37

Its going on the pen drive at moment mint 17.1 rebecca

struth

07-02-2016, 16:13

Again its not got wifi.. Must not have loaded a driver or something. Infuriating thing.

spendorman

07-02-2016, 16:29

Again its not got wifi.. Must not have loaded a driver or something. Infuriating thing.

Go to drivers (possibly in Control Centre), if not it's Start, then drivers (I think) and search for drivers, connected by Ethernet to internet of course.

struth

07-02-2016, 16:58

spendorman

07-02-2016, 17:14

Works on wired. Cant get a peep out of the wifi adaptor. It wont switch on. Looking at drivers packages it said there were plenty installed. Its annoying as it was quick with wired connection. And usually on vista its like treacle. My brain now hurts

Have you done the automatic driver search? Other than that find out which wi fi adaptor you have (perhaps in Windows) and search on Google for that and problem in using it in Mint. Yes, my netbook crawls with W7, fine with Mint.

Perhaps do updates using "update manager" then upgrade to 17.3

struth

07-02-2016, 17:20

spendorman

07-02-2016, 17:30

I got into a bit and said a bit with option for the drivers including the adaptor name. Forgot now but it was something like brodcomm and something about non free driver.. I tried pretty much every combination lol. Think its not switching on but dont know if its the driver or not now...in windows it comes on late after windows is up. Can i just use this on any laptop? Its on a flash card

Broadcomm rings a bell. It saying that driver is not free, doesn't see to stop one downloading and using it. I presume that there is a Wi Fi switch on the laptop and you have tried that.

See it it will upgrade to 17.3 when connected to internet with cable.

spendorman

07-02-2016, 17:30

struth

07-02-2016, 17:40

hmm.. yes broadcomm.. i tried to see if it would update but said it was up to date.... I have connected and booted it on my acer vista laptop and wifi came up straight away so nits the compac and its adaptor thats at the bottom of it

this is working well on this too.. quite fast boot

spendorman

07-02-2016, 17:44

That's good, If you want to update to 17.3 this is a guide, it's simple. It says 17.2 to 17.3, but should be he same for your 17.1. I have done this with three HD installed Mints. I guess it will work on the stick installation.

https://youtu.be/JlBHPk0qZPA

struth

07-02-2016, 17:50

ta.

how or can i access the programs on this pc

spendorman

07-02-2016, 17:53

ta.

how or can i access the programs on this pc

Not quite sure what you mean.

struth

07-02-2016, 17:59

well on the windows you get icons to click. on this not a lot. do you have to access them via their exe

might be accademic as the pc just went fut. lol

spendorman

07-02-2016, 18:05

well on the windows you get icons to click. on this not a lot. do you have to access them via their exe

might be accademic as the pc just went fut. lol

Oh my gosh "went fut" what happened?

No icons on desktop for programs, easy, go start, right click on say office, select "add to desktop". This should put your program icon on the desktop.

struth

07-02-2016, 18:08

got pc back on and it said cinnamon crashed. now its hanging.. must be a corruption. I will try and rewite it maybe with 17.3 if I can find it

spendorman

07-02-2016, 18:12

got pc back on and it said cinnamon crashed. now its hanging.. must be a corruption. I will try and rewite it maybe with 17.3 if I can find it

Very unusual, I have only had it crash when I dislodged the USB stick accidentally. One would expect that.

struth

07-02-2016, 18:16

whole laptop switched very quickly and wouldny come on/ when I did it came up corrupt and only started in another safe type ... Ive got it working in windows thank goodness. dunno why I was not touching it and was powered up.. downloading 17.3 I think; says it can go on the usb stick... hopefully it will work.. I never saw any of my files when i looked bar in programs, but may have been looking in wrong place

thanks for help, its interesting

struth

07-02-2016, 19:35

Well, it installed and seems to work. I still have almost no original programs that were on it when in linux bar Lire office. nothing else seems to be showing except in program files but nothing will open from there. Obviously not compatible. not sure what I expected but though more than that would work.

Now need to find out how many programs I like will work on linux and then maybe delete all the stuff on the pc bar windows and give linux a big partiion and start afresh

would that be the way to go? how much of say 100gig would I give it?

spendorman

07-02-2016, 19:46

Not clear here, fresh install of 17.3, main things there will be Libre Office, Media players, Firefox, Thunderbird etc, what else do you think should be there?

You should be able to see into the Windows installation and see your files. Just click on computer and the drive. As to how much room you give Linux, it's up to you, depends on what your going to do.

On my netbook, W7 is almost unusable as it's so slow, so I gave Mint a good proportion of the HD.

struth

07-02-2016, 19:56

spendorman

07-02-2016, 20:12

yup ok. I am deleting unnessessary stuff that takes hd space and will give it a go on the hd internal with a big partition. I guess wine may run some stuff thats there... anyways its so slow its not worth having without something being done lol

would have liked my calibre books to have worked...

I don't know what calible books is, but assuming it's a Windows program, if you have the downloaded program uninstalled, store it in Mint, say on the desktop, right click on it and open with Wine (assuming you have wine installed). it might then install in Mint.

struth

07-02-2016, 21:58

Ive plunged into the abyss... cleared whole computer and installed mint17.3 on its own.... bloody hell..........:doh: its working too.

spendorman

07-02-2016, 22:03

Don't sound so surprised lol! should be fast too.

Excellent!

Now let's see if you can get what you need in terms of software to run.

struth

07-02-2016, 22:07

spendorman

07-02-2016, 22:20

Twas reckless....it wiped the pc then during install it switched off:eek: still no harm done, and I have got dropbox on and downloading my files. also found a version of calibre books which is next... the books are on dropbox so should hopefully work.

It cannot be any worse than vista....thanks for the help Alex. May need more shortly lol. the password ask all the time is annoying me, but may get used to it

You can get rid of some of the password asking, but some is really necessary for good security. If you were running Vista, you must have been patient and forgiving. All those error messages and sluggish running. I have never had in on any of my machines.

One can speed up Mint a bit more by stopping animations (special effects), but if a reasonable machine probably not necessary. It did improve the speed a little of my very old Netbook. This Netbook is a real workhorse, I use Skype on it, a bit, and TeamViewer to remotely control friends PC and fix them from here. Some of these people are far away in other countries. It's amazing what can be done. I'm no expert, just know a little more than them.

struth

07-02-2016, 22:31

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/6Zgfeu.png

;)

struth

07-02-2016, 23:09

So folks if youve an old laptop that is slower then treacle, wipe it and use linux; if I can manage it , you can:D

spendorman

07-02-2016, 23:20

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/6Zgfeu.png

;)

Nice, but change that background theme for a Windows lookalike one and you will soon get used to Mint!

walpurgis

07-02-2016, 23:21

Did you use Windows to get the screen shot? ;) :D

struth

07-02-2016, 23:26

Did you use Windows to get the screen shot? ;) :D

:lol: I am afraid windows on that machine is gone and will never return... dont have a disc;) I did post it with a windows machine though

struth

11-02-2016, 16:17

spendorman

11-02-2016, 16:30

Blimey, not had that before, or heard of it. I can imagine Linux giving the computer less work to do, so the fan slowing down, but over heating, that should not happen.

spendorman

11-02-2016, 16:42

Did a quick search, first result found:

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090820183943AArTlhL

spendorman

11-02-2016, 16:44

And this one is interesting:

http://www.tomsguide.com/answers/id-1938314/laptop-fan-turning.html

struth

11-02-2016, 16:44

Obviously not sending right signals re temp of processor and fan isnt kicking in Alex. Not sure its not overdrawing power from the powerpack as well.. Ive connected it up to one of my kensington psus to see if it behaves better.. I will try an external fan i think..there. Ay be a bios change but thats past my abilities i think.

spendorman

11-02-2016, 16:45

What is the model of the laptop?

spendorman

11-02-2016, 16:49

Well, you could put Windows back on just to check, might need the drivers especially if there is a driver controlling the fan. Once proven with Windows, install Mint alongside Windows.

walpurgis

11-02-2016, 17:22

After some trials ive found that installing linux on the laptop has now disabled the fan in some way. Causing it to overheat especially if on charger and processor is running. Typical lol
Kind off at a loss as on web it seems beyond complicated to fix ...acht man!!

If you can keep the laptop going long enough, go to the manufacture website and download the latest BIOS updates for your model. Or identify the motherboard using the free Belarc Advisor download, then go to the motherboard maker's site and get the BIOS updates from there.

struth

11-02-2016, 17:23

Its an aspire 5315.. Dont have a copy of windows unfortunately ... Fan could have just packed up but doubt it..think now that i think acer had their own control system and fan may have been run from there... Cock up :D. Ah well no try no suceed ..i will try itcwith an extrenal fan..may work may not. If not then big hamma sandwitch

spendorman

11-02-2016, 17:30

Just reading this:

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1585590

struth

11-02-2016, 17:40

Cant see the ubantu forum bit .... And cant flash bbos as i need windows lol... Typical acer... Running fan from their software instead of bios.

spendorman

11-02-2016, 17:43

Sort of Catch 22 situation

walpurgis

11-02-2016, 17:45

This any good?

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/aspire-5315-bios-recovery-using-a-usb-thumbdrive.284686/

Or this:

http://www.theeldergeek.com/forum/?showtopic=29973

spendorman

11-02-2016, 17:53

This any good?

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/aspire-5315-bios-recovery-using-a-usb-thumbdrive.284686/

Or this:

http://www.theeldergeek.com/forum/?showtopic=29973

Looks helpful, the second one requires joining forum to download the file to recover BIOS. Will that also update BIOS?

Now I remember, my old Acer Netbook BIOS failed and I had to flash it from a memory stick.

struth

11-02-2016, 19:17

I flashed the bios with that but it didnt work I already had 2.1 so more modern than that. i found it fun though. maybe the bloody fan just packed in at same time...

walpurgis

11-02-2016, 19:47

There are hardware tools for Linux that include fan control.

A few here:

http://alternativeto.net/software/speedfan/?platform=linux

Any use?

There may be others available.

struth

11-02-2016, 19:54

saved that for later Geoff... cheers.. think I'm going to try a windows install and then partition and pop linux back... dunno if I could clone whats on at moment and reuse it to save me redoing it all.... win first is the right way apparently.

spendorman

11-02-2016, 20:26

I'm sorry that you had this problem with the fan. It's something I will have to look out for now if I am thinking of putting Linux on anyone's machine. I know the way is to test Linux from a Live disc or USB before installation to the HD, but I had never thought of checking if the fan is working. Luckily, it has for me, otherwise I would have found problems.

Light Dependant Resistor

11-02-2016, 20:30

Hi Grant
In Linux everything including the fan (Ii was going to say the kitchen sink ) can be configured.

On the left in the menu is a icon for a terminal
open the terminal. Type in or preferably copy and paste this:
sensors

It will tell you present temperatures

Next type in

sudo apt-get install lm-sensors fancontrol

It will then ask for your password because you have used sudo which stands for super user
and do ( to do something )

This is what my terminal screen then did, after i entered my password

[sudo] password for chris:
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information... Done
lm-sensors is already the newest version.
The following package was automatically installed and is no longer required:
libsidplayfp
Use 'apt-get autoremove' to remove it.
The following NEW packages will be installed:
fancontrol

Prior to fancontrol being able to work you need to run another command
pwmconfig, this asks for top level password and may say needs root password.
unless you have set a separate root password use your normal one.
To get there use command su type in your password the
little preceding icon turns red. Type in pwmconfig

This is what my terminal said:
chris@chris-fit-PC3 ~ $ su
Password:
chris-fit-PC3 chris # pwmconfig
# pwmconfig revision 6166 (2013-05-01)
This program will search your sensors for pulse width modulation (pwm)
controls, and test each one to see if it controls a fan on
your motherboard. Note that many motherboards do not have pwm
circuitry installed, even if your sensor chip supports pwm.

We will attempt to briefly stop each fan using the pwm controls.
The program will attempt to restore each fan to full speed
after testing. However, it is ** very important ** that you
physically verify that the fans have been to full speed
after the program has completed.

/usr/sbin/pwmconfig: There are no pwm-capable sensor modules installed

So a conflict of sorts with fan control and pwm-capable sensors.
meaning we may need to modify a script in the file /usr/sbin/pwmconfig

ideally fancontrol may have a graphics user interface. So let me run this
same terminal on my laptop and as well research modifying script or finding
a gui for fancontrol. Back soon.

Cheers / Chris

struth

11-02-2016, 20:48

wants to install fancontrol says... do I want to continue y/n lol. I guess y??

struth

11-02-2016, 20:52

installed fancontrol. then the su and code, got...

usr/sbin/pwmconfig: There are no pwm-capable sensor modules installed

No fan running at moment. core up to 79 c. so I will switch it off before it switches its self off at probably 100

struth

11-02-2016, 21:51

ive ordered a fan just in case it has gone. suppose its possible

Arkless Electronics

11-02-2016, 22:00

I had a computer disaster with my lap top recently. Working perfectly when switched off but next day dead apart from power light on :steam:
No doubt hard drive/RAM failure or some such I guess.... Screen dead, HD activity light dead... nowt.. just power light and battery charging lights on. One of them "round tuit" jobs I think....

struth

11-02-2016, 22:07

well get O to it pronto lad ;)

walpurgis

11-02-2016, 22:12

spendorman

11-02-2016, 22:16

I had one do exactly the same, checked everything I could without disassembling, but it was kaput!

"He's dead Jim"

struth

11-02-2016, 22:17

:D

he was a crap doctor

spendorman

11-02-2016, 22:24

Dr Who was better? Sorry, off topic, but I remember when Star Trek first came on TV it was on Saturday's, and I was always working, never saw it and my friends would say "how can you miss Star Trek". One Saturday I was ill, so did not go to work, watched it for the first time. Thought what a load of cr*p.

Still, the Star Trek communicators became true decades later.

struth

11-02-2016, 22:34

I was a fan. original is a bit dated for most part. n generation was super, and voyager was awesome.... I rarely watch now, but still have the whole of voyager in the original hard cases... keeping them till they are collectors items, although might have to be the boy that gets the benefit lol

Arkless Electronics

11-02-2016, 22:43

I had one do exactly the same, checked everything I could without disassembling, but it was kaput!

Annoying isn't it? Worst bit is although I have bits and pieces for my full size PC's I have nowt for laptops so no HD/RAM/whatever to swap out in order to find the culprit.... I may even (and I'm choking on this!) have to erm... take it somewhere to be fixed :eek:

walpurgis

11-02-2016, 22:47

I binned mine!

It was fairly old and maybe worth £80, so I wasn't going to pay somebody £150 or more to look at it.

spendorman

11-02-2016, 22:47

Annoying isn't it? Worst bit is although I have bits and pieces for my full size PC's I have nowt for laptops so no HD/RAM/whatever to swap out in order to find the culprit.... I may even (and I'm choking on this!) have to erm... take it somewhere to be fixed :eek:

If BIOS shows, you could try booting from Linux on a live CD/DVD/USB stick, that would eliminate HD fault.

Arkless Electronics

11-02-2016, 22:50

I binned mine!

It was fairly old and maybe worth £80, so I wasn't going to pay somebody £150 or more to look at it.

yeah that's the other option... it is from 2004... but was silly money when I bought it new, IIRC £1600!! I was a salaried R+D Engineer then.....

Arkless Electronics

11-02-2016, 22:51

If BIOS shows, you could try booting from Linux on a live CD/DVD/USB stick, that would eliminate HD fault.

Nope!

struth

11-02-2016, 22:53

yeah that's the other option... it is from 2004... but was silly money when I bought it new, IIRC £1600!! I was a salaried R+D Engineer then.....

pick up an hd fairly cheaply, but if processor and ram are not up to it then it may not be worth spending money on alas. The Toshiba I have was worth about a grand in 1999, but today its pretty useless .... shame as its in superb condition... was a teacher school computer in its day

spendorman

11-02-2016, 22:55

Nope!

Have you tried flashing the BIOS? My Acer Aspire one was completely dead, flashed the BIOS and it came back from the dead

Arkless Electronics

11-02-2016, 23:21

I haven't got past the "oh fuck that looks like it's probably an ex-computer" stage :)

walpurgis

11-02-2016, 23:41

If it won't fire up. You can't 'flash' anything (apart from that nice girl in the park, but that's naughty :eyebrows:).

Light Dependant Resistor

12-02-2016, 07:03

Hi Grant
79 is not critical mass she's about to blow territory

Try terminal sensors again, and monitor it for 10 mins
to see if temperature does indeed rise

This is what my mintbox provides, it is in a very cool location
acpitz-virtual-0
Adapter: Virtual device
temp1: +64.3°C (crit = +115.0°C)

radeon-pci-0008
Adapter: PCI adapter
temp1: +67.0°C (crit = +120.0°C, hyst = +90.0°C)

k10temp-pci-00c3
Adapter: PCI adapter
temp1: +64.4°C (high = +70.0°C)
(crit = +100.0°C, hyst = +97.0°C)

I am looking further for you, can you enter bios using f2 when booting ?

Cheers / Chris

Light Dependant Resistor

12-02-2016, 08:51

Hi Grant
A programme called psensor installed from software manager
will give you direct readout of temperature, it will report straight away if it is continually rising.

can you run that and report back

Cheers / Chris.

Light Dependant Resistor

12-02-2016, 09:57

Hi Grant
Some practical steps to keep it cool, like raising the
bottom of the computer with feet , and arranging a
small fan to blow air through, is certainly advisable
until we can find a solution. Just lifting a laptop away
from directly touching surfaces, reduces temp and a fan
would reduce to quite safe levels.

A computer shop or electronics shop or even recyclers
will have small fans that run off 12v DC.

But a software answer is going to be more pleasing.

Cheers / Chris

struth

12-02-2016, 11:23

Hi chris.. I will run that when i get a mimute. Thanks... Yes i am gonna put it on a stand with fans to help.. It wenttfrom base chexk of 52c to 70/80 c in 10/15. Mins atca guess. That prog will be a big help. As i said ive ordered another fan just in case.

Will report back when ive had a chance to run it

struth

12-02-2016, 14:37

Ok got that installed temp 1 is all 0's
Core started initially at 32c on the terminal. Now shows at 45c max 48c...this is with the cooling panel under it. So it seems stable at idle.
Cp usage maxed att59% but idling at 4%.
No graphs currently enabled...

Will leave it running

struth

12-02-2016, 16:59

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160212/710211b40962d6406847cfeb6652f928.jpg

That cooling tray really seems to work. Never got over 71c

Light Dependant Resistor

13-02-2016, 00:00

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160212/710211b40962d6406847cfeb6652f928.jpg

That cooling tray really seems to work. Never got over 71c

Hi Grant
Temperatures are looking good, My laptop resting on a armchair gets to 63 degrees, my mintbox gets to
70, but your mid 50's are really good. :)

Your CPU figure is also giving us a clue, that memory is low, or not
using swap space. possibly this may be why cpu is running
a bit harder than it should and generating heat.

Have a look at System Monitor its in the administration icon in the Menu
select that, and look at the resources tab. Swap space and memory being used
can be looked at there.

gparted in software manager is a very good and powerful program for allocating space.
and we may need to find some space for swap if swap space is absent. Ideally doing so without
changing the size of existing partitions, so we need to look for any free space unallocated.

There is a guide for manual partitioning - leaning on gparted but using Mint's own
graphic user interface here http://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?t=122276
I am just trying to see how much swap is allocated without any manual intervention.
This forum comment applicable to version 17.2 might be useful if swap space is playing up.
. https://www.reddit.com/r/linuxmint/comments/3kssgm/swap_partition_gripes_and_wonders/

Cheers / Chris

struth

13-02-2016, 00:10

I will have a look tomorrow Chris. Ram is probably at a premium, although should be plenty rom as a bigger hdd was fitted; cant remember the size though. think the ram was doubled too at same time, probably 2 gig, and 160 or 320 gig, but will check. as I say there is no windows in the pc so should be fairly lean.

cheers Grant

struth

13-02-2016, 13:00

Done that and took some screenshots

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160213/afc5afad3d3e02bd8f0f58422d792500.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160213/0ffc44d035de7d587c1909f3d48fe9c7.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160213/c7e09e0e1bee6adf709d76b0a4afb438.jpg

Forgot to switch the cooling tray on initially and it was at 70 b4 i knew what was going on.

Also installed gparted.

struth

13-02-2016, 16:29

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160213/55557e3af7d03b27a1072f81e0bd7e0b.jpg

Light Dependant Resistor

13-02-2016, 22:55

Hi Grant
All those look good, memory usage is low cpu usage is low and swap is low.
interesting it was 0% though

Here is my gparted screen-shot to compare with yours.
keep that fan going! :)

Cheers / Chris

walpurgis

13-02-2016, 22:58

I see you have a copy of 'Fade Out' on there Grant. :)

struth

13-02-2016, 23:03

not sure what the acpitz in temp1 is, or the swap, but as long as that table is under is it rarely goes over 71c in core Chris..... I am starting to get used to it though :) Its way ahead of windows as far as usage and functions are concerned, and without the bling. The new fan for cpu arrived today so will try and fit it soon when feeling up to it and the light improves. look like small screws lol.

struth

13-02-2016, 23:06

I see you have a copy of 'Fade Out' on there Grant. :)

A recent purchase Geoff from Audible.... I kinda managed to accidentally un drm it....dunno how that happened; think the pc went wild with lack of alcohol ;) if you want a listen I guess it could wing its way to you

struth

13-02-2016, 23:10

This is the cooling tray

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91wmpIGUbhL._SL1500_.jpg

walpurgis

13-02-2016, 23:25

A recent purchase Geoff from Audible.... I kinda managed to accidentally un drm it....dunno how that happened; think the pc went wild with lack of alcohol ;) if you want a listen I guess it could wing its way to you

Thanks Grant, but I won't need it. I've read the book many times. I'm looking at two copies on my shelf right now. Brilliant story. I always have that and a copy or two of 'The Diceman' by Luke Rhinehart handy, in case anybody I know wants something good to read.

struth

13-02-2016, 23:32

Ive got the book too, but not the diceman...yet;) Only use ebooks now as dont have room for paper books now. Too much muzac

struth

14-02-2016, 14:25

Tried mint 17 on my xp pc via a dvd and it sort of ran but in rendering mode... I guess the drivers are not there for the graphics card. A nvidia but a old one...
Going to try an older version. 15 maybe....nice that it booted though:)

struth

14-02-2016, 17:07

15 was same so downloaded and tried LXLE. IT WORKED. Its slow as on a disc and disc drive on this is not great tbh. Think i will strip the pc down as lean as i can get it as its a small hdd and do a dual boot.

twickers

14-02-2016, 21:31

I've done something stupid (again).

struth

14-02-2016, 21:33

me too :doh:

struth

15-02-2016, 00:24

After a struggle I finally got this (https://sourceforge.net/projects/lxle/) into my 1999 toshiba... it is extremely good at first glance . its quite quick and has plenty on offer I think... worth a look if youve not tried it

walpurgis

15-02-2016, 00:29

Did they make computers in 1999? ;)

struth

15-02-2016, 00:31

Did they make computers in 1999? ;)

twas prepared in Cornwall actually. It is incredibly well made; just a pity it i so short of everything memory wise. It seems quite fast for the short time Ive used this version.. mint I got on but was very slow

struth

15-02-2016, 20:34

On the 3rd of my old laptops I have installed win 7 ultimate 32 bit. although it kinda hung for some time it seems to be working very well and is a lot quicker than vista....so far. only downloaded firefox and wise uninstaller so far. it grouped all my old files and system into a folder called win old which is massive. I will delete later once happy. I expected some drivers to be missing like wifi adaptor, but it was there.:) Thanks to Spendorman(alex) for the help on this

spm

15-02-2016, 20:37

Works on wired. Cant get a peep out of the wifi adaptor. It wont switch on. Looking at drivers packages it said there were plenty installed. Its annoying as it was quick with wired connection. And usually on vista its like treacle. My brain now hurts

sorry I have come to this late and I think it has been sorted. I am no computer expert but I have put various linux flavours on old xp laptops just for a play, there's nothing of value on the laptops so I just load them and wipe whatever was on the hard drive. I can't recall whether it was Mint or Zorin as it was a while ago but I had a similar problem when I first loaded the os which took me a while to sort and it turned out to be a soft block of wireless. I can't be sure that the solution at the following link was the one I followed but it was something similar.

http://community.linuxmint.com/tutorial/view/1287

The latest linux distro I have just loaded on a laptop is pingyos which seems pretty good.