Computer Repair Tips

With large files, demanding software programs, extravagant graphics, and scanned photographs from last Christmas, it’s pretty difficult to maintain the same PC speed as when your computer first leaves the shelf. Additionally, the everyday wear and tear of use takes a toll on your computer system. In order to increase speed and promote maximum performance, you must make changes to your computer, utilize PC tools and run specialized software for results.

Disk Cleanup Tool

Freeing up space on your hard disk can speed up your PC by safely deleting files you no longer require. Disk Cleanup allows you to remove downloaded program files, Windows temporary files and temporary Internet files, which generally take up a great deal of space. To find Disk Cleanup, click "Start, "All Programs," Accessories," and then "System Tools."

Disk Defragmenter

Instead of being stored in one place, your PC places a single piece of information in multiple destinations on your hard disk. When it comes time to locate files, your hard drive searches more than one location, which slows down your system. Run Disk Defragmenter (found under System Tools) to consolidate fragmented files and folders for faster reading and writing to the disk.

Detect/Repair Disk Errors

The longer you use your hard drive, the more system errors can take place, such as misplaced files and folders. Run the Error Checking utility to verify the reliability of files stored on your hard disk. Running this utility once a week also helps prevent data loss if you use your PC on a daily basis.

PC Protection

One of the leading causes of a slow computer is the presence of spyware and viruses. Performing weekly scans for online intruders and harmful software (and removing offenders) not only speeds up a PC, but also protects personal information. Both subscription-based protection and free services are available, including Norton 360, McAfee Total Protection, Microsoft Windows Defender, and Spybot Search and Destroy.

Clean Computer

Dust is notorious for infiltrating the insides of your computer, causing grime to build up on working parts. Establish a maintenance plan that will speed up your PC by eliminating dust and other filth, which greatly threatens the mechanics of your machine.

ReadyBoost

Windows Vista users can speed up a PC with ReadyBoost, which adds memory to a system by using "non-volatile" flash memory (similar to a USB flash drive or memory card). Windows ReadyBoost provides a cost-effective option to improve system memory and boost the overall performance of your PC without having to physically change the inside of your computer.

Remove Unwanted Software

New technology and computer programs cause software to quickly become obsolete. Outdated software is often overlooked and left behind to clog your PC’s system. Enter your "Control Panel" and click "Add/Remove Programs" to eliminate unwanted software. Additionally, speed up your PC by disabling "Start-Up" programs you don’t need to automatically load when you boot up your computer.

Faster-Loading Windows

Create a faster-loading Windows by clicking "Start," followed by "Run." Type in "msconfig" and press "Enter." Click on the "BOOT.INI" tab located on top. To the right, there is a box labeled "Timeout." Change the value of "30" to "3" to speed up Windows on your PC.

Increase RAM Speed

To enjoy faster gaming on your PC, increase RAM by clicking on "Change" under "Virtual Memory" (found in the same "Performance Settings" field as toning down Windows XP graphics). An Initial Size (MB) and the Maximum Size (MB) will appear. Change the Initial Size to match the same value as Maximum Size and click "Set."

Tone Down Windows XP Graphics

While fancy graphics look attractive on your computer screen, they also slow down the speed of your PC. Eliminate unnecessary Windows XP graphics by entering the "System"–found in "Settings" under the "Control Panel." Click the "Advanced" tab, followed by the "Settings" button under "Performance." Select the "Adjust for best performance" radio button. Apply and click "OK." In some cases, choose "Switch to Classic Mode" in order to access the system applet.

Why doesn’t Windows XP detect my new USB drive? There are no other USB devices installed in my system.

Problem:
A new USB drive is connected to a system that does not have any other USB devices. Windows XP may not detect the new drive.

Cause:
This problem may occur because when no device is connected to a USB port, the USB driver sets the OHCI controller to suspend. When the OHCI controller is in a suspend state, it may not detect the addition of a new USB device.

Resolution:
To correct this issue, Microsoft recommends that you download and install the latest Service Pack for your operating system.

It is possible to use both EIDE and Serial ATA hard drives on most computers. However, your computer must have both an IDE and Serial ATA input (port). In some cases, you must also make an adjustment to your motherboard’s BIOS settings to use both hard drives. Please contact your motherboard/computer manufacterer to obtain the correct BIOS settings for your specific hardware configuration.

When Internet Connection Sharing is enabled, MioNet may not be able to access the Internet. To resolve this issue, please follow the steps below:

For Windows Vista:

1. Go to Start then Control Panel.
2. Click Network and Sharing Center, then Manage network connections.
3. Check each connection listed by right clicking the item and choosing Properties.
4. Click the Sharing tab.
5. Under Internet Connection Sharing uncheck the box for Allow other users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.
6. Under Internet Connection Sharing uncheck the box for Allow other users to control or disable the shared Internet connection (Even if this box is grayed out, please uncheck. You would need to enable ICS, uncheck the box, then disable ICS again)
7. Repeat until all connections are unchecked.

For Windows XP:

1. Go to Start then Settings and Control Panel (or Start then Control Panel).
2. Click Network Connections (or Network and Internet Connections then Network Connections).
3. Check each connection listed by right-clicking the item and choosing Properties.
4. Click the Advanced tab.
5. Under Internet Connection Sharing uncheck the box for Allow other users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.
6. Under Internet Connection Sharing uncheck the box for Allow other users to control or disable the shared Internet connection (Even if this box is grayed out, please uncheck. You would need to enable ICS, uncheck the box, then disable ICS again).
7. Repeat until all connections are unchecked.

For Windows 2000:

1. Go to Start then Settings and Control Panel.
2. Click on the Network and Dial-Up Connections.
3. Check each connection listed by right-clicking the item and choosing Properties.
4. Click the Sharing tab.
5. Make sure that Enable Internet Connection Sharing for this connection is unchecked.
6. Repeat until all connections are unchecked.

Most laptop computers are designed to give the owner the ability to replace the internal hard disc drive.  The computer usually has an access cover or door on the bottom side of the system.  There are systems that are not designed for user access.  Sometimes these systems have warnings about voiding the system warranty.  Be sure to study your system’s documentation to learn about upgrade policies and methods.

Like desktop computers, laptop computers have one of two possible hard disc drive interface: SATA and ATA (also called IDE or PATA).  The type of hard drive you select must match the system because they are not interchangeable.

Electrostatic discharge is a risk to electronic components.  To help prevent static discharge, observe the following precautions:

• Before handling any components, put on a grounded wrist strap.
• Use antistatic padding on all work surfaces.
• Avoid static-inducing carpeted areas.
• Keep the drive in its static-shielded bag until you are ready to complete the installation. Do not attach any cables to the drive while it is in its static-shielded bag.
• Handle the drive by its edges or frame.
• Do not touch the I/O connector pins or the circuit board.

Laptop hard disc drives are thin and delicate.  For this reason, always hold the drive on the sides.  Do not apply pressure to the top or squeeze the drive.

Some laptop motherboards use a small adapter part to connect the disc drive to the system.  If an old drive was removed, be sure to check if an adapter is still attached to the drive.  If so, carefully remove and transfer the adapter to the new drive.  Make sure that the pins and connectors are properly aligned when mounting the drive to the motherboard.

If your system design uses screws to mount the hard drive, be sure not to over tighten the screws.  Fingertip tight on the screwdriver is all that is necessary to secure the drive.  Too much screw pressure can cause the disc drive to go out of alignment and possibly ruin the drive.

You will need to boot from the Operating System Setup CD when preparing a new installation of the OS.  Many laptop computers are brand name systems with recommended OS recovery procedures.  Again, consult your system documentation for more information.  Otherwise, the OS installation procedure is the same as for any other computer.

It is important to install the OS while connected to AC power.  Battery depletion during the OS setup is known to corrupt the installation.

After the installation is complete, please practice safe handling of your system and hard disc drive.  First, always provide clear and open access to the air-cooling vents and fan.  Laptop computers depend on the cooling vents for the overall health of the system and disc drive.  Second, using the disc activity LED as a guide, try not moving the computer when the hard disc is highly active.  If you must move the computer during this time, go easy and set the system down softly.  While mobile hard drive are designed with much higher G-Force ratings while operating, protective habits are a good idea.

Follow these steps to physically install a Serial ATA (SATA) drive:

Mount the drive in the system:
The drive can be mounted in a standard 3.5" device bay. The drive can be mounted sideways, on end, or even upside down as long as the mounting screws are used properly. Use either the four bottom screws or four of the side mounting screws to support the drive. This will prevent vibration and provide additional electrical grounding.

Set the jumpers:
The drive has a jumper block located next to the ATA power connector (see image below). There is generally no need to change the default jumper setting in order to use the drive. The only use of this jumper block is to enable or disable power management for the drive. The drives ship in the default position with the shunt on pins 1-2 (disabled). Alternately, the jumper can be removed completely with the same result. Placing the shunt on pins 3-4 (enabled), designates that the drive will power-up in standby mode. For most users the default position should be used.

Attach the power supply cable:
If your system does not support hot plugging (check with your system manufacturer), it must be turned off and unplugged before installing the drive. To supply power to the drive you may use either the SATA power connector or the legacy ATA-4-pin power connector on the back of the drive (see image below).

Important: Do not connect both the SATA and the legacy ATA power cable to the drive at the same time. This may result in damage to the drive. In order to take advantage of hot-plug capabilities for your Serial ATA hard drive, you must use the Serial ATA power connection, not the Legacy (Molex) power connection. The Legacy (Molex) power connection does not support hot-plugging.

(Cable 1 is for power and cable 2 is for data.)

Attach the SATA interface cable:
The drive can be configured in one of two ways:

• Connected to a SATA host adapter card installed to the system.
• Connected directly to a Serial ATA connector on the motherboard

The SATA interface cable has keyed connectors to prevent incorrect installation. Make sure the cable is no longer than 39 inches to minimize line noise and to remain within the SATA specification.

(This illustration shows the drive being connected the motherboard.)

Stop messages provide diagnostic information, such as Stop codes and driver names, that you can use to resolve the problem. However, this information disappears when you restart your computer. Therefore, it is important to record the information displayed for future reference.

The following are a list of the more common stop codes and potential resolutions:

1. Stop 0×0000000A or IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
   Microsoft Support article 311564
2. Stop 0×0000001E or KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
   Microsoft Support article 811014
3. Stop 0×00000024 or NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM
   Microsoft Support article 228888
4. Stop 0×0000002E or DATA_BUS_ERROR
   Microsoft Support article 218132
5. Stop 0×0000003F or NO_MORE_SYSTEM_PTES
   Microsoft Support article 137309
6. Stop 0×00000050 or PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
   Microsoft Support article 222635
7. Stop 0×00000077 or KERNEL_STACK_INPAGE_ERROR
   Microsoft Support article 228753
8. Stop 0×00000079 or MISMATCHED_HAL
   Microsoft Support article 329972
9. Stop 0×0000007A or KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR
   Microsoft Support article 275149
10. Stop 0×0000007B or INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE
    Microsoft Support article 214810
11. Stop 0×0000007F or UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP
    Microsoft Support article 264045
12. Stop 0×0000009F or DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE
    Microsoft Support article 271838
13. Stop 0xBE or ATTEMPTED_WRITE_TO_READONLY_MEMORY
    Microsoft Support article 244617
14. Stop 0xC2 or BAD_POOL_CALLER
    Microsoft Support article 285069
15. Stop 0×000000CE or DRIVER_UNLOADED_WITHOUT_CANCELLING_PENDING_OPERATIONS
    Microsoft Support article 927547
16. Stop 0×000000D1 or DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
    Microsoft Support article 293077
17. Stop 0×000000D8 or DRIVER_USED_EXCESSIVE_PTES
    Microsoft Support article 311551
18. Stop 0×000000EA or THREAD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER
    Microsoft Support article 293078
19. Stop 0×000000ED or UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME
    Microsoft Support article 297185
20. Stop 0×000000F2 or HARDWARE_INTERRUPT_STORM
    Microsoft Support article 290101
21. Stop 0xC000021A or STATUS_SYSTEM_PROCESS_TERMINATED
    Microsoft Support article 295087
22. Stop 0xC0000221 or STATUS_IMAGE_CHECKSUM_MISMATCH
    Microsoft Support article 101096

I connected the Seagate / Maxtor Personal Storage device correctly. I’ve installed the latest driver, but I keep experiencing a lot of system errors and sometimes the system freezes. The problem only happens on this computer. The symptoms don’t follow the device to another known good platform.

There is a timing issue with the Universal Host Controller driver (UHCD.SYS) supplied with Windows 98SE. USB devices under Windows 98 Second Edition may not work if either an AMD processor (350 MHz or faster), or a VIA Technologies USB controller are installed. The issue is corrected in later versions of Windows (Millennium Edition, 2000, XP). See Microsoft Article ID Q240075 for information on downloading an updated driver and related USB troubleshooting tips.

USB 2.0 devices are considered new technology. Testing among component vendors is ongoing as new USB devices and drivers are updated. For best results, we recommend you upgrade the operating system to later versions of Windows: ME, 2000, XP or Vista. USB 2.0 driver support is more robust in later releases. 

With some external hard drives being shipped in a FAT 32 (PC) format, it is recommended that they be formatted for Macintosh’s native format (Mac OS Extended or Mac OS Extended (Journaled)) when backing up Macintosh volumes.

When you enter Disk Utility to initialize or erase the new volume, it does not have the option to format as "Mac OS Extended".

1. To format the external hard drive for "Mac OS Extended", first select the main volume of the external hard drive in the left column of Disk Utility.
2. Then click on the "Partition" tab.

   

3. At the bottom of the screen, click on the "Options" button.

   

4. Change the selected option to "Apple Partition Scheme" if connected to a PowerPC or "GUID Partition Table" if connected to a Intel-based Mac then click "OK".

   

5. Now, click on the "Erase" tab and select a Macintosh based filesystem.

   

   Note: If setting up a "Bootable Backup", then stay in the Partition tab and create the partitions (typically, one for the bootable backup and one for storage). Once, finished, click "Erase" to proceed.

6. Once the filesystem is selected, click the "Erase" button. A WARNING will come up saying that this will erase all data on the drive—click Erase to proceed. The formatted volume will mount on the desktop.

   

7. Close Disk Utility.

8. Verify that the formatted volume is Mac OS Extended by clicking on the volume (once) and hitting the Command {APPLE) + I keys, OR go up to File and then click Get Info. The "Format" will show the filesystem.
   

Note: If you are setting up a Bootable Backup, you will need to uncheck the "Ignore ownership on this volume" box.

You can use the CONVERT.EXE file to convert a FAT32 partition to NTFS partition without the need to reformat the drive, data on the drive will be intact. Reference the Windows Help File for more information.

NOTE: We suggests that you backup any/all data before running this utility. To convert a volume to NTFS from the command prompt:

1. Open a Command Prompt by clicking on "Start" -> "Run" -> then type in cmd. Click "Ok".
2. In the new window, type:
   convert drive_letter: /fs:ntfs
   For example, typing convert D: /fs:ntfs would format drive D: with the NTFS format.

Note:

• Convert.exe only works on Windows 2000 and XP.
• You can convert FAT or FAT32 volumes to NTFS with this command.