The "ask little questions not worth starting a thread about" thead.

[Beefynick]

Preferably the CPU is completely clean of paste. In reality, if you have a small residue on it that should not be a problem. If you have blobs of it though, you will ruin into problems. Personally, I like to clean it completely off just to make sure there are no problems with the old thermal paste.

[Werty]

I just mean like markings; I hope they're not scratches, but that's what they look like.

[Beefynick]

If they are small you should be ok. If there are small markings all over your CPU it may be scratched though. If there is a few you should be fine. Sometimes unless you have a specific cleaner to remove thermal paste you cannot get markings like that.

[Werty]

Okay, thanks.

[Prawnatron]

I wouldn't just buy a computer; I'd suggest building your own because you save money and you know exactly what you're getting. If you want somewhere to look for hardware, I suggest either Tom's Hardware (www.tomshardware.com) or Newegg (www.newegg.com).

Also, they've got computers that you can buy prebuilt on Newegg, for a fact, but I'm not sure about Tom's.

By the way, when you're cleaning the thermal paste or whatever you wanna call it off your CPU, does it have to be spotless, or can there be a few areas that you can't get?

What do you think of this?

LINKAGE (http://www.alienware.co.uk/product_detail_pages/Aurora/aurora_overview.aspx?SysCode=PC-EU-AURORA-R5&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT)

[MistyTehMoose]

What do you think of this?

LINKAGE (http://www.alienware.co.uk/product_detail_pages/Aurora/aurora_overview.aspx?SysCode=PC-EU-AURORA-R5&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT)

Don't go alienware simply for the brandname/flashy case. You can get a decent (or sometimes better) computer for waaaaay cheaper, even if it is a prebuilt one.

[opn4bzns]

What do you think of this?

LINKAGE (http://www.alienware.co.uk/product_detail_pages/Aurora/aurora_overview.aspx?SysCode=PC-EU-AURORA-R5&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT)

Unless you really, really want the Alienware case, I'd go for a Dell XPS instead, it's the same company anyway, but cheaper, and less tacky looking. Ideally you would build one yourself, but if you're not up to that, an XPS isn't that bad.

[Assassin]

I have trouble watching youtube videos that are directly posted into the forum. It's only clickable in a few tiny spots, and I can't click at all when it's playing. Help
Anyone?

[Werty]

Have you tried updating Flash Player? Or whatever Youtube uses to play videos?

And about the computer, like everyone's already said, don't go Alienware. The specs they come with are decent, don't get me wrong, but a 1 TB HDD? I couldn't fill that up in a few DECADES. Plus, even if you're hellbent on getting a badass case, just buy one. They sell some pretty nice looking cases for just under a few hundred bucks.

[Axidos]

They sell some pretty nice looking cases for just under a few hundred bucks.

Just under what? How much is a few hundred bucks, $300 or $900?

[Antisaint]

Whenever I plug in my mouse to a usb (too lazy to find the right adapter thing for the back) port, it will randomly freeze my computer. It doesn't happen with any other usb device I've tried, but I haven't tried a different mouse. By freeze, I mean my keyboard and mouse do nothing, but programs still run (i.e. music will continue playing without any problems). Any idea?

[Werty]

Just under what? How much is a few hundred bucks, $300 or $900?

Lik,e one hundred. Here's my case; I got free shipping with it so it was literally just under $100.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156098

Some cases that cost more than a hundred, like $120-$180 come with fans, good power supplies, and/or sound dampening. Just be sure that case you're buying has what you want.

Whenever I plug in my mouse to a usb (too lazy to find the right adapter thing for the back) port, it will randomly freeze my computer. It doesn't happen with any other usb device I've tried, but I haven't tried a different mouse. By freeze, I mean my keyboard and mouse do nothing, but programs still run (i.e. music will continue playing without any problems). Any idea?

Did it come with any CDs? If it did, try plugging those in and installing anything(if there's anything on them) to your computer. If not, just buy a mouse adapter. They're not that expensive, I don't think.

[Antisaint]

Did it come with any CDs? If it did, try plugging those in and installing anything(if there's anything on them) to your computer. If not, just buy a mouse adapter. They're not that expensive, I don't think.

The program (Logitech whateverthefuck) is already installed, all it really does is say what the extra buttons do.

[Beefynick]

Look on the manufacturer's website for the drivers. I know some of the older computers have problems with USB mice.

[opn4bzns]

And about the computer, like everyone's already said, don't go Alienware. The specs they come with are decent, don't get me wrong, but a 1 TB HDD? I couldn't fill that up in a few DECADES.

That's rather subjective. I've filled up about 250gb of my 500gb hdd in a few months, and my download limit is 10% of the limit there was all the outrage about Comcast implementing. You could easily fill 1TB if you downloaded or ripped a lot of videos, for example.

[Mr. Wink]

How do I start a thread?

USER WAS PUT IN TIMEOUT FOR THIS POST. (http://forums.explosm.net/eventlog.php)
Reason: Read the forum rules & the thread. This isn't the place to ask.

[opn4bzns]

How do I start a thread?

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/4743/arghjo7.png

[Benjaman]

How do I start a thread?

You have to be here for 2 weeks, and have to had made 25 posts to do so in some places, though.

[Scrotemeal]

I have an issue with my laptop, but its not really a problem at the moment.

If I go into my files, or in my iTunes library, all the dates for everything are messed up.

The year and day (I'm pretty sure) are fine, but the month is always the first. So, it'll be 30/01/2008 for yesterday (30/09/2008). The actual date in the computer is fine. I have no idea what it is but it's frustrating. Any clues?

Hopefully that makes sense. I can screenshot if anyone wants.

Oh, and it's a macbook, which is probably important.

[CharlieH]

It's set to the American way of displaying dates.

[Ercoledi]

Take it to your local priest for immediate exorcism.

[Scrotemeal]

Yessir!


But it's not, because if I look at the date in Date and Time, and it's right, but then it always says /01/ no matter what the date is.

[Ercoledi]

FIXED!!!

a - Go to System Preferences > International > Format...
b - I have some customized date formats set (e.g. days as 2 digits with leading 0 etc.)...in Region drop down select the default for country (United Kingdom in my case) to reset the prefs to the original settings
c - Then click Customize button in Dates section and reset my own prefs

Back in Finder all timestamps are now correct.


Hope that helps.

[Scrotemeal]

Oh my god I love you. I've tried that so many times and it hasn't worked. Please, have my children.

[Oofie]

My 'f' key is sticking. Can I just yank it out and clean underneath or is that likely to break my keyboard? (Using a laptop, if that makes a difference)

[Ercoledi]

Not at all, but be bloody careful. Remember to go at it through the side first. Stick a fingernail in and lift. If there's too much resistance, stop.

If your key's sticking, it might also be that the rubber thingy's stuck in an awkward position.

[Oofie]

It won't come off :frown:.

[Ercoledi]

How about trying a small, flat screwdriver?

[opn4bzns]

Keys are designed to come off for cleaning, it might seem like it's stuck, but just use more pressure, or as Ercothingy said, use a screwdriver or knife or something.

[Mirrorman]

We'll when I tried to take off some key off my laptop, I couldn't any longer get it back there :frown: . So you better be careful

[potolife]

You can take keys off laptop keyboards pretty easily. Just don't be too rough or do it too fast. To stick it on, just press it on there again. I once removed ALL the keys on my keyboard to clean underneath them and got them all back on without a problem.

[opn4bzns]

A 360 question, but I'll ask it here since the vgf doesn't have a little questions thread. Why, while playing GTA IV do the 1st and 4th, and then 2nd and 3rd quarters on my controller's green ring flash alternately? I thought it might be low battery, but the dashboard still has 3 bars. I don't think it's a bad connection, either, because getting closer doesn't change it.

[Axidos]

A 360 question, but I'll ask it here since the vgf doesn't have a little questions thread. Why, while playing GTA IV do the 1st and 4th, and then 2nd and 3rd quarters on my controller's green ring flash alternately? I thought it might be low battery, but the dashboard still has 3 bars. I don't think it's a bad connection, either, because getting closer doesn't change it.

There's no information about this in wireless controller setup (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/systemsetup/xbox360/accessories/wirelesscontroller.htm), its manual (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/systemsetup/xbox360/resources/instructionmanuals.htm) or even the troubleshooting (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/systemsetup/xbox360/accessories/wirelesscontroller-troubleshoot.htm). Good ol' Microsoft.

Have you tried giving the controller a full recharge anyway, or replacing the batteries?

[reposter]

Any idea why my Google chrome browser won't play videos?

Could I be missing some kind of plug-in/extension type thing?

[CharlieH]

It's gets screwy with me too. It's still just a Beta, remember.

[opn4bzns]

There's no information about this in wireless controller setup (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/systemsetup/xbox360/accessories/wirelesscontroller.htm), its manual (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/systemsetup/xbox360/resources/instructionmanuals.htm) or even the troubleshooting (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/systemsetup/xbox360/accessories/wirelesscontroller-troubleshoot.htm). Good ol' Microsoft.

Have you tried giving the controller a full recharge anyway, or replacing the batteries?
I don't think I've got any AAs at the moment, so I can't do that yet, but thanks for the help.
It's gets screwy with me too. It's still just a Beta, remember.

Mind you, it probably will be forever. Gmail's still "beta" and it's probably the most polished online mail client.

[CharlieH]

Chrome has been out like, 4 months i think. I've had Gmail for the past, well, pretty much since it started, however many years ago. It'll get fixed, i'm sure.

[Beefynick]

A 360 question, but I'll ask it here since the vgf doesn't have a little questions thread. Why, while playing GTA IV do the 1st and 4th, and then 2nd and 3rd quarters on my controller's green ring flash alternately? I thought it might be low battery, but the dashboard still has 3 bars. I don't think it's a bad connection, either, because getting closer doesn't change it.

This occasionally happens with my controllers with prolonged periods of inactivity. I have one that does this at random times as well. I have not noticed that it means a problem. I think it is something the older controllers do when they are idle.

[Hawke]

Should I Get Windows Vista? My XP works perfectly fine so is there any advantage to Vista?

[Axidos]

Should I Get Windows Vista? My XP works perfectly fine so is there any advantage to Vista?

Not yet there isn't. Stick with XP and wait for the next Windows. Everything new is being made for both XP and Vista, and Vista was a pretty badly designed OS from the beginning (honestly, 1gig of RAM just to run it decently).

[Hawke]

I've made an itunes playlist (for songs) in a specific order I liked. For some reason when I opened Itunes my playlist was in like name order or some shit. I can't even move the songs around. I know I've made the mistake of like clicking a button that did that before, but now it was just there when I opened Itunes. I also know that I've clicked a button to return it to my order, but I forgot where it was. How do I return the playlist back to my order?

[Antisaint]

I've made an itunes playlist (for songs) in a specific order I liked. For some reason when I opened Itunes my playlist was in like name order or some shit. I can't even move the songs around. I know I've made the mistake of like clicking a button that did that before, but now it was just there when I opened Itunes. I also know that I've clicked a button to return it to my order, but I forgot where it was. How do I return the playlist back to my order?

There should be a column with numbers, click that.

[junglebunny]

I think I might have posted this before but I couldn't find it in this thread, but is 1080i better than 720p or vice versa?

[Antisaint]

I think I might have posted this before but I couldn't find it in this thread, but is 1080i better than 720p or vice versa?

Bigger numbers mean better picture.

[Hawke]

There should be a column with numbers, click that.

The little arrow at the top on top of the column with the numbers? All that does is put it in some weird order, and I still can't move the songs around.

[Antisaint]

The little arrow at the top on top of the column with the numbers? All that does is put it in some weird order, and I still can't move the songs around.

Do you have shuffle on?

[Hawke]

Do you have shuffle on?

Ahahahaha, thanks.

[opn4bzns]

I think I might have posted this before but I couldn't find it in this thread, but is 1080i better than 720p or vice versa?

1080i is much clearer than 720p for normal tv (assuming you have an HDTV, otherwise it makes no difference) but 720p is better for really fast moving stuff like sport.

[Axidos]

I think I might have posted this before but I couldn't find it in this thread, but is 1080i better than 720p or vice versa?
I'll shed a little light on those names: The number is all you should care about. It tells you the resolution of the TV - specifically, the number of rows of pixels there are - and greater resolution is always better.

The i/p bit is just technical stuff that shouldn't really matter to you. Just in case it does, i stands for interlaced and p stands for progressive scanning (which you can find out in either the 720p or 1080i wikipedia article). Go look those up.

[junglebunny]

1080i is much clearer than 720p for normal tv (assuming you have an HDTV, otherwise it makes no difference) but 720p is better for really fast moving stuff like sport.

What's the best for VIDEO GAMES

[Beefynick]

You will find that everyone has their own preference. While 720p is better for moving images and 1080i is better for "slower" images, most people will not notice a difference between the two at smaller sizes (around 36" and below). So, I would go with whatever one you like the most.

[junglebunny]

32" and I can't tell the difference :smile:

[Hawke]

OK 2 biiiiig things.

1) My wireless video games won't work! A couple of months ago I got my entire kitchen and office area redone, meaning (I guess) new wire locations. Before I got my kitchen redone and during the renovation (where I had to move the wireless router to a different room) my DS AND 360 worked with it.. Now that I moved my 360 to a room without an ethernet cord, I have to use the wireless adapter thing again.

HOWEVER it doesn't work. :< I can only assume it's a security thing, because when I went right up to the router with my DS it didn't work with some 5220 error or some shit. How do I fix this. IT'S URGENT O.O!! I should also mention that there is a router,though not wireless, in my garage who's purpose is to connect my room's computer to the internet. I don't know why it's even there, because before the rennovation I didn't have it.

2) My downloaded Rock Band songs don't work for some reason. It says "content is not available at this time" or something like that. WHY.

[Werty]

though not wireless

You solved your own problem. As far as I know, a router has to be wireless in order to use it; as far as I know.

As for the rock band songs, that'd be something to call Microsoft about if it continues, otherwise just give them a bit of time; they'll probably come back on.

Also, little question of my own; my friend is looking into C++ Certification, and I want to as well; only problem is it's programing, so, is programing as hard as you'd think it is? I've never tried it but I think it'd be fun as hell.

[Antisaint]

You solved your own problem. As far as I know, a router has to be wireless in order to use it; as far as I know

Wrong. There are such things as just regular ol' routers without wireless.

Sounds like you need to set up the xbox to work with it (I don't know much about this), but if you have Comcast, they don't support wireless gaming because they're dicks.

[Axidos]

Also, little question of my own; my friend is looking into C++ Certification, and I want to as well; only problem is it's programing, so, is programing as hard as you'd think it is? I've never tried it but I think it'd be fun as hell.

Are you decent at spelling and mathematics? Good with logic? Then no, programming shouldn't be hard at all. It generally isn't hard, but it can get complicated, frustrating or time consuming sometimes. But damn it's satisfying when you get something working.

C++ is a fairly advanced language to learn and definitely not one you'll see results out of quickly. I recommend you start off with some baby steps and learn Microsoft Visual Basic. It's one of the simpler languages to learn and it's good for coming to grips with how programming actually works.
Borrow out some books on the topic from your local or school library. Try and find at least one that gives you things to program, like it might ask you to program a basic celcius/fahrenheit converter (which is pretty easy). This'll give you things to do with your knowledge.

By the way when I said decent spelling I mean perfect. You've got to make sure you don't make typos in programming or you'll be scratching your head as to why it isn't recognizing your "eraze" command.

You solved your own problem. As far as I know, a router has to be wireless in order to use it; as far as I know.
If wired routers didn't work, why would they exist? Wireless routers are generally used for mobile terminals like laptops, and by people with computers at opposite ends of the house who don't want to thread a cord along the house's entire length. A wireless connection is not necessary though, and can be slower than a wired one.

[Hawke]

I have a wired router in my garage, but my main router is a wireless one in my office area.

[Werty]

If wired routers didn't work, why would they exist? Wireless routers are generally used for mobile terminals like laptops, and by people with computers at opposite ends of the house who don't want to thread a cord along the house's entire length. A wireless connection is not necessary though, and can be slower than a wired one.

When I said that, I meant it had to have wireless capabilities, not just be strictly wireless.

[r0xx]

A 360 question, but I'll ask it here since the vgf doesn't have a little questions thread. Why, while playing GTA IV do the 1st and 4th, and then 2nd and 3rd quarters on my controller's green ring flash alternately? I thought it might be low battery, but the dashboard still has 3 bars. I don't think it's a bad connection, either, because getting closer doesn't change it.

If this is a wireless controller, it usually means your batteries are getting low.

[Werty]

Is it possible to replace a motherboard without changing anything else? In otherwords, if I replace my motherboard, will I have to do anything special, or will it just boot up?

[CharlieH]

Well, you'll have to take your computer to bits. Everything connects to the motherboard.

[Beefynick]

Is it possible to replace a motherboard without changing anything else? In otherwords, if I replace my motherboard, will I have to do anything special, or will it just boot up?

Yes and no. It is possible, but you would have to find one that works with everything you have in your computer, which could be a pain. You would still have to take the processor of the one motherboard and put it into the new one.

You would have to reconnect everything as well, so it is not an easy or quick process.

[Werty]

Yes and no. It is possible, but you would have to find one that works with everything you have in your computer, which could be a pain. You would still have to take the processor of the one motherboard and put it into the new one.

You would have to reconnect everything as well, so it is not an easy or quick process.

That's not what I'm worried about. We've been taking apart computers for weeks now and putting them back together; I've pretty much mastered that portion, but, I'm asking if I do all that, will everything just boot up? Like, will I encounter any problems or what? Will it POST and go into the OS?

EDIT: Just FYI, according to a bunch-a people on the interwebz, you have to repair your OS once you replace your motherboard.

[B33]

Is this Sparta?

USER WAS PUT IN TIMEOUT FOR THIS POST. (http://forums.explosm.net/eventlog.php)
Reason: Hurr.

USER WAS PUT IN TIMEOUT FOR THIS POST. (http://forums.explosm.net/eventlog.php)
Reason: No you're a retard =D

[Indoctrine]

Gender: Gender: Gender: Gender: Gender: Gender: Gender: Gender: Gender:

Middle clicking (the mouse wheel) on this text box gave me "Gender:", any logical reason this could be?

[Ercoledi]

Did you macro the middle wheel click to 'paste'?

[Christoffason]

I've got trouble displaying gifs on Macs. What do other Mac users use to display and save gifs etc? Preview is basically shit.

[Axidos]

Kwanza posted about Bluehost, a webhost, in this thread (http://forums.explosm.net/showthread.php?t=38339). Look at their apparently $7 per month plan (https://www.bluehost.com/tell_me_more.html): unlimited storage space, unlimited transfer, free domain name, and more databases and FTP accounts than I would know what to do with. It seems too good to be true. Is there a catch/drawback or are they for real?

[cptlol]

I have a Nokia N96 and I was trying to get msn on it, but I couldn't find the correct version.
Is it out somewhere, if so link please, or is it not yet available?
Thanks.

[Beefynick]

I do not think there is a version of MSN messenger for that phone. There are other instant messenger programs you can use though or even websites you can visit that allow you to to connect to MSN.

[cptlol]

Yes, I can visit some sites that give me MSN-availability, but that thing asks for signing in way too often(and my password is long) so that's a nuisance, thanks though.

[Ercoledi]

Maybe you could look at HIER (http://www.intomobile.com/2006/10/31/hier-free-s60-3rd-edition-msn-messenger.html)? If your phone runs on Symbian 60 like I think it might, that program looks pretty good (and free).

[Beefynick]

The nokia N96 does indeed run Symbian v9.x S60 platform.

[Mirrorman]

I have a Nokia N96 and I was trying to get msn on it, but I couldn't find the correct version.
Is it out somewhere, if so link please, or is it not yet available?
Thanks.

You could always download ebuddy to your cell-phone.
http://www.ebuddy.com/mobilebeta/
Use it myself, works great.

[Antisaint]

Is there a multiple Home Page add-on for Firefox? It's one of the features I liked about IE.

[opn4bzns]

Is there a multiple Home Page add-on for Firefox? It's one of the features I liked about IE.

Put | (the key above enter) in between multiple URLs in the home page field of settings and it will open them in separate tabs.

[Antisaint]

Put | (the key above enter) in between multiple URLs in the home page field of settings and it will open them in separate tabs.

Awesome, thanks.

[cptlol]

A vague question;

A friend just has a new Pc. Built by a store, but he still needed to install Vista, we were trying but his screen won't give any signal.

We checked; the cable, the screen(if it's not broken.). We can't find the problem, he'll bring it back to the store tomorow anyway; just wondering if any of you know if we forgot anything.

[Mirrorman]

A vague question;

A friend just has a new Pc. Built by a store, but he still needed to install Vista, we were trying but his screen won't give any signal.

We checked; the cable, the screen(if it's not broken.). We can't find the problem, he'll bring it back to the store tomorow anyway; just wondering if any of you know if we forgot anything.

We had this problem at school computers too, randomly. Problem was in the computers is all I know.

[Antisaint]

A vague question;

A friend just has a new Pc. Built by a store, but he still needed to install Vista, we were trying but his screen won't give any signal.

We checked; the cable, the screen(if it's not broken.). We can't find the problem, he'll bring it back to the store tomorow anyway; just wondering if any of you know if we forgot anything.

You sure the cable is plugged in to the right port?

[Werty]

Or are you sure that the video card is actually seated? If you have a spare monitor, try that one see if it works. If it doesn't, then chances are it's the computer, if it does, then it was the monitor.

[Mirrorman]

You sure the cable is plugged in to the right port?

I don't know about you, but my video card does not have several ports that could fit a screen cable.

[Antisaint]

I don't know about you, but my video card does not have several ports that could fit a screen cable.

I had a tower that had a video port from the motherboard as well as from the video card.

[Mirrorman]

I had a tower that had a video port from the motherboard as well as from the video card.

OK, I understand. I had this also. Like years ago, I don't think a newly built computer has that though.

[Johnny-june]

My computer is slow, how do I clean the fucking shit I don't need?
A question not worth asking by Johnny-june.

[cptlol]

Solved it, the idiot - my friend, forgot to say he got an adapter for the port.
The cable had to go with adapter into the Pc.

[miimii]

My computer is slow, how do I clean the fucking shit I don't need?
A question not worth asking by Johnny-june.

Uninstall programs you dont need.
Control panel > Add/Remove programs.

Stop windows services you dont need/use.
Start > Run > type 'services' and press enter (But you should google this one because you might end up fucking something up).

Stop programs you dont need that start up with windows.
Start > Run > type 'msconfig' and press enter > Startup tab.

Run 'Disk Cleanup' on your hard-drives.
right click on your hard drives in My Computer and click Properties, then in the General tab click Disk Cleanup.

Empty out the recycle bin

Get more RAM.

Run virus and spyware scans.

[opn4bzns]

OK, I understand. I had this also. Like years ago, I don't think a newly built computer has that though.

The majority of computers still have onboard video. People who don't play games or do cad or whatever don't need a dedicated card.

[MistyTehMoose]

Most motherboards have onboard video.

Johnny, a fresh reinstall is always good for your computer as well.

[Mirrorman]

Well even if it has an onboard video card, it still should work. I know it was already fixed, just saying.

[cptlol]

Another question;

I want to install Word 2007, but it won't read the disc and whenever I put in the code in - it says the code is wrong. I 've installed this on other computers and then the code is correct.

It did have an old version of Word, but I deleted it and still it's not acting like it's supposed too.

Suggestions?

[Beefynick]

I would look again and make sure all parts of the older version of office are uninstalled. You could try to install the older version of office and try an upgrade but for some reason I do not think this works.

Will the computer read other disks? It sounds as if the disk may be bad.

As a last resort I would contact microsoft via email and send them the code and say it will not work. See what they say.

[miimii]

If you give up on Office you should try something called OpenOffice. It's pretty much the same as Office but free.

[CheesePlease]

How do you know/find out if computer parts are compatible with each other?

[deicide]

I recently switched to gentoo and I can't find a way to sync my new iPod classic. I have tried gtkpod and it takes up the memory but it doesn't show any music. Do you know any other programs that would help me to get it working?

[miimii]

How do you know/find out if computer parts are compatible with each other?

Usually it says on the manufacturers websites.

I recently switched to gentoo and I can't find a way to sync my new iPod classic. I have tried gtkpod and it takes up the memory but it doesn't show any music. Do you know any other programs that would help me to get it working?

Try reading this:
http://74.125.95.104/search?q=cache:Ek204XirfSMJ:gentoo-wiki.com/Apple_iPod

It's a cache of the iPod page on the Gentoo wiki before it went down.

[opn4bzns]

Another question;

I want to install Word 2007, but it won't read the disc and whenever I put in the code in - it says the code is wrong. I 've installed this on other computers and then the code is correct.

It did have an old version of Word, but I deleted it and still it's not acting like it's supposed too.

Suggestions?

Pretty sure you can't install it on multiple computers at once, so could be it. What's the exact error?

[MistyTehMoose]

Pretty sure you can't install it on multiple computers at once, so could be it. What's the exact error?

If you aren't registering online it shouldn't matter.

[Ercoledi]

Eww. On my new laptop, the Atom tag they chuck on it is wonky. Any tips to straighten it up?

[CharlieH]

Does it even matter?

[Prawnatron]

Since there isn't a video game one of these I'll ask it here,

I have had TF2 for about 3 months and it's been working fine until yesterday.
Whenever I join a server it lags ridiculous amounts, I mean it takes 5 minutes for me to leave the spawn area. Does anyone know how this is caused and how to fix it.

[miimii]

Open the steam program and go View -> Bandwidth monitor. If it is active, something is updating.

Have you noticed any lag outside of games?

[Prawnatron]

Nothing's downloading, also it puts the game in full screen and I can't alter it.

[opn4bzns]

I can't do that on Mac. Sorry I forgot to mention that.

Unless you pirated it, you have Steam, even if you're emulating Windows on OS X.

If you aren't registering online it shouldn't matter.

You have to activate it online to use it.

[Ercoledi]

Does it even matter?
No, I asked because I couldn't care at all.

Because I don't care about this issue at all, I posted a question about it, in a forum, where people ask questions. Traditionally, they are answered.

Until you fucked it up.

[Iliosct]

This has been going on for w while :hit:

Anyways...
Why the hell do people suggest fapping in every single Interactive Story? Did I miss something?

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[Benjaman]

Because people think it's funny?

[Beefynick]

Eww. On my new laptop, the Atom tag they chuck on it is wonky. Any tips to straighten it up?

You could try to peel it off, but usually they are stuck on with strong adhesive. You are probably just stuck with it like that unless you wanted to completely remove it.

Since there isn't a video game one of these I'll ask it here,

I have had TF2 for about 3 months and it's been working fine until yesterday.
Whenever I join a server it lags ridiculous amounts, I mean it takes 5 minutes for me to leave the spawn area. Does anyone know how this is caused and how to fix it.

Are you having other problems with your internet connection? It could be that there is a problem with your ISP, such as they blocked the ports that you need to play TF2 or they limited your speed.

[miimii]

Nothing's downloading, also it puts the game in full screen and I can't alter it.

Right click on TF2 in the Steam menu > click Properties > click Set launch options.

In the textbox put -window and press OK, then launch it. The lag issue could be from a variety of problems not related to the game. ISP, spyware etc.

[deicide]

Hey, which adress do I need and how do I find it for smartftp client?

[Prawnatron]

The lag is only in TF2 everything else is fine. I recently downloaded age of chivalry could that be the problem?

EDIT: It's sorted, Crossover games (the emulator I use has fixed a big glitch)

[Axidos]

Hey, which adress do I need and how do I find it for smartftp client?

You need to own your own domain first which costs money. Just stick with Freewebs or whatever.

[deicide]

I think you misubderstood my question but I have it working now. Thanks anyway.

[Haggis McSpud]

I have a problem with my laptop; the sound has messed up on my internet (I use Mozilla) so that I can't watch anything online because I can't hear it :frown: it's weird because the volume is up high and the sound is still working when I use iTunes or watch a downloaded movie.
Any suggestions?

[AeroRocker]

I have a problem with my laptop; the sound has messed up on my internet (I use Mozilla) so that I can't watch anything online because I can't hear it :frown: it's weird because the volume is up high and the sound is still working when I use iTunes or watch a downloaded movie.
Any suggestions?

if you have Vista, try this first:
1. Open Firefox and visit a site that should play sound.
2. Click the volume icon in the Windows task bar.
3. Click Mixer. The Volume Mixer window will appear.
4. Make sure the Firefox slider isn't at the bottom.

If that doesn't fix it, you may need to install some new plug-ins. Firefox will prompt you by putting an icon near the video/audio that you can click and automatically download missing plug-ins. Start here and check back.

[Haggis McSpud]

Thanks for that Aero Rocker, funny though, I left my laptop for about an hour or two there, and when I came back it could play music again. Either my laptops banjaxed or else I'm going mad. Cheers anyway! I'll try that if it happens again.

[Bayview05]

Why is Led Zeppelin IV so famous when it's merely an OK album?

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[Tweek]

I accidentally set Firefox to automatically save a torrent file, when I actually want to open them.
How do I stop it from automatically saving the file?

EDIT: Figured it out myself. It was in applications tab in options, for future reference.

[MistyTehMoose]

You have to activate it online to use it.

No you don't. When you install it, it will ask for an activation code, which you can either get online or by calling them. If you already have the key from the last install, however, you don't need to go online for anything.

[opn4bzns]

Is that just if you've done it on the phone before? Whenever I've installed 2007 it only gave me the option to activate online, but maybe it cuts the phone option out when you have an internet conenction to avoid Photoshop style piracy via abuse of the phone activation.

[cptlol]

Pretty sure you can't install it on multiple computers at once, so could be it. What's the exact error?

It should be useable on 3 computers(the registration key) and it's only used on 1 computers so far.
I've deleted all older components of Word, so I'll ask Microsoft then.

OpenOffice is what I currently have on the Laptop and I think it sucks the colour from a turd.

[Scrotemeal]

I have these files on my computer, they're all old pictures but I cant open them. They are 'Unix Executable Files'

Any clues what that means?

[MistyTehMoose]

Is that just if you've done it on the phone before? Whenever I've installed 2007 it only gave me the option to activate online, but maybe it cuts the phone option out when you have an internet conenction to avoid Photoshop style piracy via abuse of the phone activation.

No? You just need the activation code. The first time you go to the site, you put in your product key, and it gives you an activation code. If they have given out previously, they won't give it to you again. It's just a generated code.

[Beefynick]

I have these files on my computer, they're all old pictures but I cant open them. They are 'Unix Executable Files'

Any clues what that means?

These are files that are ment to be run under a Unix platform. These files tend to appear on Macs more than on Windows. You an convert them to .jpg if you want, but unless you are absolutley sure they are pictures I would not suggest it as these files can be malicious.

[Tyler_Legrand]

Today, when I logged in on my computer, two popups inform me of two things that had performed an error and needed to be shut down: CTF, and Explorer. Shutting those down and restarting explorer does no good, as the same errors appeared to happen repeatedly.

Eventually I just restarted the computer via task manager, and here I am. Seems to work fine now, however Windows decided to turn off Active Desktop because of the problems; I'm keeping it like that for now, even though I don't ever use web pages for my desktop background.

What was the problem? And what's CTF? Googling it now, though most answers is "Capture the Flag". I suspect it has something to do with connecting to the internet.

[Beefynick]

CTF.exe can be a spyware/trojan file. That could be what is causing the active dekstop to be disabled. I would run a virus scan and spyware scan and see what comes up.

[CharlieH]

Actually, i'm having a problem similar to that at the moment.

Often when I first turn on my laptop in the morning, A couple of minutes after i log on, it will come up with something like "Generic Services for Win32 has encountered a problem and needs to close" comes up.

Then, originally, two things would happen. First, my soundcard would dissappear and the taskbar at the bottom would revert back to the windows 98 style. :S Strange, I know.

Recently however, i've been able to get windows media player running quick enough to get music playing before the error occurred, but the taskbar still spacked out. Restarting "explorer.exe" cures it, but i worry there might be an underlying problem there.

[cptlol]

Is there a way to delete doubles in Itunes fast?
I got loads of them, but I can't be bothered to delete them all.

[Antisaint]

There should be a "show duplicates" option in one of the menus (used to be under View, I think it's under File now).

[Werty]

Is there any need to partition my hard drive for only one OS? Also, do I need to format it?(on a brand new hdd)

Also, what exactly do either of those things do? I'm not completely sure on either.

[Beefynick]

Yes and yes. You can just create one large partition for the OS. When you place the disk in for the OS it should lead you through the process of formatting and creating the partition.

[Werty]

Ok, but, what are they? And how much should be a good amount to set aside?

[Beefynick]

Formatting your hard drive makes it able to write and read data for your particular OS and partitioning breaks up your hard drive into sections for data storage.

The size depends on your hard drive size, but if you only want one partition, you should go with the maximum size allotted.

[opn4bzns]

Is there any need to partition my hard drive for only one OS? Also, do I need to format it?(on a brand new hdd)

Also, what exactly do either of those things do? I'm not completely sure on either.

No and probably. Windows will format it as NTFS if you're installing it, and you don't need multiple partitions unless you wanna reinstall your os a lot.

[MistyTehMoose]

I partitioned my Hard Drive to make it easier, because I have a big one. I had one partition have all my Windows and documents, and the other partition for games, downloads, etc.

[Werty]

How would I go about partitioning? Shouldn't I be able to do that through my OS?

[Beefynick]

When you install the OS there will be an option to partition.

[MistyTehMoose]

Yeah, you can't do it after an install very easily. You can, but its best to do it at the start, so you can assign which partition should have your OS installed into.

[opn4bzns]

You can still partition once you've installed your OS. On Windows, right click Computer or My Computer, go manage, disk manager. On OS X use disk utility, on Linux use GParted.

[MistyTehMoose]

Yes, you can do that, but it is best to do at install so it will automatically assign where the OS stuff should go.

[Tweek]

Is there a way to make the winamp browser toolbar thing a different colour than dark grey?

I want it to blend with with the whitish colour of my firefox skin.

[MistyTehMoose]

Is there a way to make the winamp browser toolbar thing a different colour than dark grey?

I want it to blend with with the whitish colour of my firefox skin.

http://www.winamp.com/skins/

[Tweek]

It didn't change the toolbar. :frown:

Oh well, I have a cooler skin now anyway.

[epiles]

In iTunes, when one clicks the little arrow to the left of the song title/artist/album (both contained within the same rectangle) it has a bunch of little bars that go up and down with the high/low frequencies of your music. What is the name of this, and where can one obtain one that can show it for the sound output as a whole?

[opn4bzns]

I'm not sure where you'd get one for all output, but I think they're called audio spectrum graphs or something like that.

[Ercoledi]

Say I wanted some sort of remote system to call Media Player (or equivalent software) on my computer. What sort of thing am I looking at?

An an addendum: is it possible to control my media on one computer but have it controlled by another?

[miimii]

Get a VNC package, you can connect to your home computer from wherever you want and see what's up on the screen and fully interact with it. I think that's what you were getting at.

[Ercoledi]

Yeah, I had considered that, but it seems like something that would be resource intensive. I was thinking of something, like, a software remote that appears on one computer and lets me play, pause, etc, the media on my other computer.

[miimii]

Nothing comes to mind, but it does kinda sound like it would an interesting project.

[MistyTehMoose]

Yeah, I had considered that, but it seems like something that would be resource intensive. I was thinking of something, like, a software remote that appears on one computer and lets me play, pause, etc, the media on my other computer.

Dual screening?

[Antisaint]

Is there a way to mute individual programs (XP)? I have an emulator and the sound it makes is really annoying (and it fucks up without sound), but I'd like to keep music on.

[opn4bzns]

Say I wanted some sort of remote system to call Media Player (or equivalent software) on my computer. What sort of thing am I looking at?

An an addendum: is it possible to control my media on one computer but have it controlled by another?

If you've got Vista (might work in XP too, but I haven't tried it), you can stream media over a lan pretty easily. Or you can stream it to a 360 if you have one.

[Ercoledi]

Would the sound play out of my shitty laptop (XP) speakers, or my marginally better PC (Vista, where all the media's kept) speakers?

Either way, how would I go about setting this up?

[opn4bzns]

They'd probably play better out of the desktop's speakers, laptop speakers are usually painfully tinny. To set it up go to the Network and Sharing Center in control panel and turn 'media sharing' on if it's not.
http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/9519/t1op0.png
Then open Network and it should show up as a media device, or two, one with shared video and one with just your user account's videos.

[PineappleHead]

When was explosm first available on the net and have any of you been here since the beginning?

[CharlieH]

Since 2004 and yes (http://forums.explosm.net/memberlist.php?&order=DESC&sort=posts&pp=30), there have. Mainly from Stick Suicide. (http://web.archive.org/web/20030801073245/sticksuicide.com/ss/) Matts old website.

EDIT:

What is an MKV file and how do i watch it?

[Prawnatron]

Right, I've just downloaded the Flash trial, and I know this sounds silly but, how do you actually open it? I'm on Mac, and all there is is setup..

[opn4bzns]

If you downloaded the Mac trial, just run setup. If you downloaded the Windows one, download the Mac one instead.

[Prawnatron]

Yeah, I've installed it, now what?

[opn4bzns]

Er, run flash? Is this Flash CS3 or just the Flash player?

[Prawnatron]

CS4 and I've also tried CS3, when I press open it just brings up setup among other things.

[opn4bzns]

Setup is the installer, after you've run that it should be in your applications folder.

[Prawnatron]

kay, got it working, I'm such an idiot.

[Prawnatron]

New problem, it says when I start it "there was an error with the trial". And I can't open. =/

[Beefynick]

Sounds like the install could have been corrupt. I would redownload the trial, just what you want to do I am sure, and try to reinstall it again.

[Prawnatron]

I've redownloaded it like four times. It's becoming a right pain in the arse.

[Beefynick]

Hmm, that is strange indeed. Try reinstalling again then. Maybe for some reason the install is just bad. If that does not work maybe you computer will not run CS4 (even though it should be able to). It may just be an idiosyncrasy of your computer.

[CenturyHawk]

I'm having a problem with my computer and I was wondering if anyone could help. So, I've got a Mac computer, but for some reason I can't download applications on it. When I try, the file downloads, and then I open it, it opens up in something called Stuffit Expander. Then immediately, this message pops up:
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq5/iGavin/Picture1-2.png
Does anyone know what's happening and how to fix it?

[kkhan]

Who is RadziCOLA (http://forums.explosm.net/member.php?u=22895) and why was he banned?

[Benjaman]

Who is RadziCOLA (http://forums.explosm.net/member.php?u=22895) and why was he banned?

It was a forum joke where he and 'future admin' Jeff, Rob's son, came back from the future to say hi or something.

[miimii]

I'm having a problem with my computer and I was wondering if anyone could help. So, I've got a Mac computer, but for some reason I can't download applications on it.

.exe is a windows executable file format, I believe mac uses .app. You will need to see if there is a mac alternative for whatever .exe files you are trying to run.

[CenturyHawk]

oh ok, thanks man.

[Ercoledi]

In Samurize, how the hell do I make an analogue clock?

I've got the hands, but I have no idea from where they pivot.

[jarmball]

Google it there are tutorials and examples.

[MistyTehMoose]

Google it there are tutorials and examples.

That defeats the purpose of the thread (and possibly sub-forum), really.

[ilovebrownies]

Since 2004 and yes (http://forums.explosm.net/memberlist.php?&order=DESC&sort=posts&pp=30), there have. Mainly from Stick Suicide. (http://web.archive.org/web/20030801073245/sticksuicide.com/ss/) Matts old website.

EDIT:

What is an MKV file and how do i watch it?

.mkv is a container file format that is mainly used for HD video files. To play them you need an appropriate codec. I reccomend Zoom Player (http://www.inmatrix.com/).

[MistyTehMoose]

Or VLC should be able to play them fine.

[ilovebrownies]

Yeah I guess it should, but to my experience VLC suffers from terrible video tearing when playing HD video files. I've also heard that VLC doesn't really support HD fully. So you get the resolution, but not the quality.

[Johnnie13]

I also have a quick little question

if two trains are heading in different directions on the same track, one going 60 mph, one going 10mph, which one would have more survivors?i ask this because i am on a train giong 60 mph about to hit another train going 10 mph
.....yea, ocme to think of it, dont bother replying....

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Reason:

[Ercoledi]

That defeats the purpose of the thread (and possibly sub-forum), really.
Nevermind. It took a lot of fiddling, but I figured it out.

[kellykawaii]

The names of all of the folders in "My pictures" have disappeared. I've tried everything to fix it but I have no idea what happened. Anyone know what could bring them back.
Example of what I mean:
http://i35.tinypic.com/s0y786.jpg

the name under the folders is gone, it really annoys me. Anyone know what the problem is?

[IronWire]

^Try fiddling with your display views a bit.

[kellykawaii]

I've tried that and I've been in "folder options" but I can't see anything there to bring back the names.

[Spastic]

When you right click and folder, and click rename or whatever, what happens?

[kellykawaii]

The little box comes up, lets me rename the folder but then I still can't see the names. I know it's hot a huge deal but seeing as I have so many folders, trying to find one without being able to see their names is annoying.

[MistyTehMoose]

Can you view as a list?

[Axidos]

the name under the folders is gone, it really annoys me. Anyone know what the problem is?

Does this happen on other logons on your computer? Have you recently installed image viewing or digital camera software?

[329don]

I'm buying more RAM for my laptop this Christmas but I'm not sure on one of the details. When I looked up my computer (DELL Inspiron 1501) its says I have 2 memory banks. Does this mean I can buy two separate 1 gig memory and install both to have a combined 2 gig? That is what makes sense but I want to make sure so I don't spend any extra money.

[CharlieH]

Yes, it does. You won't spend more than you need to if you do your research right, and buy the right stuff. I suggest, www.crucial.com/

[WoeStorm]

I can't get Google Chrome to run properly on my computer. It will install just fine, but when I attempt to run it, it gives the following error message:

"The application failed to initialize properly (0xc0000005). Click on OK to terminate the application."

Any ideas?

[Ercoledi]

If you're using Symantec, this should help.

* Back up the registry on an affected system
* Open the registry on the Agent system by entering regedit from a run prompt
* Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Servic es\SysPlant
* Open the Start DWORD
* Change the value to 4 to disable the drivers
* Reboot the system to commit the changes

[WoeStorm]

I am using Symantec, but I honestly don't know what that means. Would you mind giving a step-by-step?

[Ercoledi]

Well, I'd probably get someone confident with this sorta stuff to do it. If you choose to follow these instructions, do so at your own risk.

Hit Windows + R. The Run prompt should pop up.
Type in 'regedit', without the quote marks. Hit enter.
Copy in 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Servi ces\SysPlant' without the quote marks and hit enter.
Double click on DWORD. A little box should pop up, with a field for a Value. Change whatever it is to 4, click OK, and reboot.

Again, do this at your own risk.

[Spastic]

Absolutely do not mess with your registry if you do not know what you are doing.

[kellykawaii]

Can you view as a list?

I tried that but the problem is still the same but if I set it to details I can see the names! Thank you!

[koots]

On my laptop when I turn it on I have to go to where it's like enter your name and password and I'm the only user on it yet my sisters laptop opens right to her desktop. How can I change this so i dont have to log on and only turn on my computer?

[Beefynick]

What operating system do you have? We need to know that before we can tell you how to go about doing that.

[Mirrorman]

It probably happens to her because she uses an administrator account and hasn't made a new one. This happened to me. I logged on to the admin account in safe mode and deleted the other one, so it automatically logs in again.

[MistyTehMoose]

I tried that but the problem is still the same but if I set it to details I can see the names! Thank you!

That's okay, glad you sorted it out :)

[WoeStorm]

Well, I'd probably get someone confident with this sorta stuff to do it. If you choose to follow these instructions, do so at your own risk.

Hit Windows + R. The Run prompt should pop up.
Type in 'regedit', without the quote marks. Hit enter.
Copy in 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Servi ces\SysPlant' without the quote marks and hit enter.
Double click on DWORD. A little box should pop up, with a field for a Value. Change whatever it is to 4, click OK, and reboot.

Again, do this at your own risk.

So, when I get to the DWORD part, I have three programs that have REG_DWORD as the type. The names are ErrorControl, Start, and Type respectively. I didn't touch any of them, because I don't know which is the correct one.

[Ercoledi]

Yeah, I'd listen to Spastic on this point: don't touch the registry if you're unsure of what to do.

[Axidos]

So, when I get to the DWORD part, I have three programs that have REG_DWORD as the type. The names are ErrorControl, Start, and Type respectively. I didn't touch any of them, because I don't know which is the correct one.

Ercoledi missed that bit of info in his simplification. The original instructions (http://techblissonline.com/google-chrome-application-failed-initialize/) say: Open the Start DWORD.

So yeah. Open the start one. Change the value to 4, and restart. It disables part of Symantec, but it was suggested by Symantec themselves, so there's nothing to worry about.

The alternative to this method is disabling Google's sandbox, which is an integral part of its (bloody fantastic) security so it's a terrible option really.

[Ercoledi]

I saw I missed that, but thought it wasn't best if he played around with something he wasn't sure of its temperamentality (lest he get pregnant).

[WoeStorm]

Okay, I got it working. Thank you.

[yellersamick23]

Okay this sounds dumb, but , is it against the rules to ask where I can get the most rescent version of Flash Animation software?

[opn4bzns]

No, as long as the answer is "from a shop or Adobe.com". It's $700.

[yellersamick23]

No, as long as the answer is "from a shop or Adobe.com". It's $700.

Dammit, thats what I was afraid of. SHIT!!!

Well is there a free version thats similiar to Adobe's Flash Animator

[opn4bzns]

You could get a trial, if you only need it for 30 days or less. Other than that, I'm sure an equivalent exists, but I don't know of any off hand. Try googling "free animation software" or something.

[Ercoledi]

Free flash animation software, as opposed to that for GIFs, will probably yield better results.

[jameswatt123]

I'm on a ASUS laptop with a Radeon 7500 graphics card. All my drivers are up to date and I have the latest Directx (well...i think so. Is the latest 9.0?), but when I try to start a game I get: "Failure. Can not initialize Directdraw" and in DxDiagnostic I get the message: "Direct3D functionality not available. You should verify that the driver is a final version from the hardware manufacturer." I'm running Windows XP service pack 3.0. HELP ME!!!

[Beefynick]

I would try to install directx again. I had had that problem before and it turned out directdraw was missing a file. The newest version is 9.0c, so if you do not have that you should probably update.

[tunacake]

Has anyone ever had a problem with iTunes cutting off the end of songs? It only happens on a few, and it's never more than5-10 seconds, but it really pisses me off.

Also, these are songs that used to be complete, but the end somehow got snipped off.

[AeroRocker]

Has anyone ever had a problem with iTunes cutting off the end of songs? It only happens on a few, and it's never more than5-10 seconds, but it really pisses me off.

Also, these are songs that used to be complete, but the end somehow got snipped off.

It may be crossfading. On the iTunes menu, go to "Edit" > "Preferences." On the 'Playback' tab, look at the first slider bar. If the "Crossfade Songs" checkbox is selected, either un-check it or reduce the amount of fade.

Or if you are sure it is only certain songs being affected, right click the bad song and select "Get Info." On the 'Options' tab, make sure the "Stop Time" checkbox is either unselected, or formatted with the proper time.

[Axidos]

I'm on a ASUS laptop with a Radeon 7500 graphics card. All my drivers are up to date and I have the latest Directx (well...i think so. Is the latest 9.0?), but when I try to start a game I get: "Failure. Can not initialize Directdraw" and in DxDiagnostic I get the message: "Direct3D functionality not available. You should verify that the driver is a final version from the hardware manufacturer." I'm running Windows XP service pack 3.0. HELP ME!!!

Which game? Which program created the error is important. For example, if you were on Vista getting DirectX errors on Bioshock, we'd know to tell you to launch it using DirectX 9, not Vista's version 10.

[jameswatt123]

Which game? Which program created the error is important. For example, if you were on Vista getting DirectX errors on Bioshock, we'd know to tell you to launch it using DirectX 9, not Vista's version 10.

Command and Conquer Generals:Zero Hour. The exact message is:"Directx error. Please make sure you have Directx 8.1 or higher installed. Also verify your video card meets the minimum requirements"

I've got Directx 9.0 and my video card is definetly capable of handling it.

[Spastic]

Try this, click Start > Run > and type in dxdiag. A window should pop up. Click the Display tab. Test both DirectDraw, and Direct3D, tell me if either of them fail.

[jameswatt123]

"Direct3D functionality not available. You should verify that the driver is a final version from the hardware manufacturer." I'm sure the driver is the most recent though. Is there a website or a program or something that can check?

[MistyTehMoose]

The manufacturer's website should have all the drivers.

[Spastic]

Try reinstalling DircectX and your graphic drivers.

[jameswatt123]

Screw it, I give up. Thanks for the help anyway guys.

[Vir]

Not exactly tech related, but is there a way to change my account name without creating a new one.

[Benjaman]

Yes, PM an admin (Kwanza usually responds the fastest) and nicely ask for your name to be changed to whatever.

[Raxo]

What are some good websites to buy things from?

Such as a laptop or an external hard drive

[Spastic]

www.tigerdirect.com

[opn4bzns]

What are some good websites to buy things from?

Such as a laptop or an external hard drive

Assuming your location thing is accurate, Newegg seems to be the standard American tech site.

[Queenbutt]

What alternative can I use to iTunes, that ALSO syncs artwork for iPods? Songbird works with my nano chromatic, but the art doesn't transfer, even it's embedded in the tag.

[ilovebrownies]

You might want to take a look at MediaMonkey (http://www.mediamonkey.com/).

[Queenbutt]

You might want to take a look at MediaMonkey (http://www.mediamonkey.com/).

No, I might not, because I already did ages ago, and it had no positive effect I was looking for. Thanks for the reply, though. MM is a good program for normal library management and so forth. Beats the rest.

[CheesePlease]

So I stole a whole iPod worth of songs off my brother the other day and went to import them into iTunes by going into My Computer and finding the drive etc.

Everything worked fine but some of the songs are missing. I've gone through every folder twice now and copied the songs over, but there are still one or two not showing up. Is there any way to fix this? All the song names are gibberish so I can't find the actual songs themselves in the folders.

[parts]

Hello,

Will a Quad Core significantly improve gaming performance, if so, how? I don't really trust the Intel people's hard-sell pitch to me and on their website, it seems almost too good to be true.

Specifically, although this might be a bit too much detail, I'm looking to run GTA IV reasonably quickly, and I have a 8800 GT.

Thanks very much in advance.

[opn4bzns]

What processor do you have now?

[MistyTehMoose]

Hello,

Will a Quad Core significantly improve gaming performance, if so, how? I don't really trust the Intel people's hard-sell pitch to me and on their website, it seems almost too good to be true.

Specifically, although this might be a bit too much detail, I'm looking to run GTA IV reasonably quickly, and I have a 8800 GT.

Thanks very much in advance.

There is no point getting a quad core, as there are very very very few programs designed to use four cores. Games and general programs are only designed for two cores at the moment(I think the only thing that uses four cores right now is Crysis? Maybe.) and GTA definitely only uses two, so getting a quad would be a waste. At the moment, the only reason people get quads are for bragging rights.

By the time programs are commonly designed for a quad it'll be time to upgrade your computer anyway. Just get a decent Dual and you will be fine.

[parts]

I'm have the AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ ... off the top of my head 2.4GHz.

Thanks very much for your replies, I was thinking something similar, will probably just try to overclock my Dual or something. (I think you were the same person who helped me with my graphics card issue a while ago too, so thanks (: )

On an unrelated note... dammmnnnnn is GTA IV (for PC, anyway) one shitty game which I strongly recommend nobody buy.

[Werty]

Speaking of quad cores and gaming, I'd just like to throw this out there. Very interesting article.

http://www.guru3d.com/article/cpu-scaling-in-games-with-quad-core-processors/

[MistyTehMoose]

Speaking of quad cores and gaming, I'd just like to throw this out there. Very interesting article.

http://www.guru3d.com/article/cpu-scaling-in-games-with-quad-core-processors/

That's pretty much what I have been trying to tell people on here for ages.

[BurgerKueen]

So I stole a whole iPod worth of songs off my brother the other day and went to import them into iTunes by going into My Computer and finding the drive etc.

Everything worked fine but some of the songs are missing. I've gone through every folder twice now and copied the songs over, but there are still one or two not showing up. Is there any way to fix this? All the song names are gibberish so I can't find the actual songs themselves in the folders.

Did he buy any songs from the iTunes store? They might be encoded against that although I'm not sure.

[slaier]

Apparently Spastic, just anus no legs deems my question to insignificant to be a thread so can anybody help...I have made a template file in excel 2007 and running vista ultimate now i dont know which causes the problem but when i go to save file it just overwrites the template. Should come up with save as option instead of just overwriting. Anybody seen this or have a fix?

[Beefynick]

Apparently Spastic, just anus no legs deems my question to insignificant to be a thread so can anybody help...I have made a template file in excel 2007 and running vista ultimate now i dont know which causes the problem but when i go to save file it just overwrites the template. Should come up with save as option instead of just overwriting. Anybody seen this or have a fix?

That is because this can be answered with one reply. Yes, you should use save as and preferably save in a different folder than the template is in. If the option for save as is not on the taskbar it should be under the file menu.

[InTransit]

That is because this can be answered with one reply. Yes, you should use save as and preferably save in a different folder than the template is in. If the option for save as is not on the taskbar it should be under the file menu.

This. Click on the circle in the top left hand corner with the pretty coloured boxes, this will give you the option to Save As - probably the 5th on the list - and the Save As option has it's own sub-menu which you can choose what file type to save it as.

[Tweek]

I want to make my screen brighter. I've used the buttons on my monitor to turn the brightness and contrast up high, but it isn't as bright as I want it.
Is there any other way to turn up the brightness?

[Ercoledi]

Trying going Control Panel -> Display -> Settings -> Advanced.

Depending on what sort of video card you have, there might be a few toggles for gamma, brightness and contrast.

Other than that, I haven't managed to pull up any software that might help; it seems as if it's a hardware thing. There, however, might be better Googlers than me. Best of luck.

[Axidos]

I want to make my screen brighter. I've used the buttons on my monitor to turn the brightness and contrast up high, but it isn't as bright as I want it.
Is there any other way to turn up the brightness?

If you're using an LCD screen, keep in mind the brightness and colours are affected by which angle you look at it from. If you're looking at it from below at all it might be darker than usual - angle it to face you properly.

[Ercoledi]

Also that it's relative. You can fool your eyes into thinking your monitor's brighter by sticking some black card on the bezel.

[Tweek]

No I've just got some shitty old box, which might be the reason it won't go as bright as other computers.

[Ercoledi]

Might be time to upgrade. My grandma uses an LCD screen.

[CharlieH]

I want to restore my laptop to it's factory settings, without reinstalling.

Possible?

No, system restore isn't an option.

[opn4bzns]

Not really, you could look up all the windows settings it came with or something, but that isn't going to un-fuck it. Is there a particular reason you don't want to reinstall?

[CharlieH]

I don't know how without partitioning the hard drive. The laptops internal one is too small. When it was new it had a 40Gb total. 20 was the boot, 10 for backup (which is hardly used, just a few driver instalation programs) and 10 for the recover, which has some factory setting files in it, also very empty. I'd love to know how to get rid of them tbh, i don't need them.

[opn4bzns]

Open disk management (right click computer, go manage, disk in Vista, probably similar in xp), format the partitions you don't want any more, merge them with C:.

[CharlieH]

That great. I didn't even know that was possible.