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Table of Contents

  1. What do I do if my computer will not boot, it only beeps?
  2. What if my computer has no sound?
  3. Why doesn't my mouse work?
  4. Why can't you plug a keyboard in while the computer is on? 
  5. Why does my computer freeze up when I am using a lot of programs?
  6. Why is my modem so loud?
  7. Should I always shut down at the start button, rather than manually?
  8. Why does my printer not work?
  9. How can I see how much storage space is left?
  10. If your fonts on your desktop change, how can you restore them?
  11. Can you put multiple hard drives in a tower unit, and how?
  12. Can you connect a JAZ, ZIP or LS-120 drive to any computer?
  13. Are all computers capable of dual video cards?
  14. Can you upgrade to Windows XP from a previous version of Windows with the update version or do you have to buy the full installation?
  15. What is better to buy a faster processor or more memory?
  16. What causes bad clusters on a hard drive?
  17. How do I get back my resources?
  18. When I run defrag it constantly starts over, what should I do?
  19. Should I upgrade every time a new operating system comes out?
  20. What is wrong when I use an old monitor with a newer computer and the picture is distorted?

 

What do I do if my computer will not boot, it only beeps?

The problem probably is the video card inside your computer or one of your cables may be loose.  Check the cables to ensure you have a good connection.  If that does not work check to make sure all slotted cards are in the right slots (see product manual), and seated securely.

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What if my computer has no sound?

Check to see if your volume control is set to mute or if your speakers are turned on.  If that is not the problem check to see if the sound card inside the computer is installed correctly.

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Why doesn't my mouse work?

One of the problems may be that it is not securely plugged into the correct port.  Another potential problem may be the proper drivers were not installed, or there is a physical problem with the mouse itself (such as missing mouse ball).

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Why can't you plug a keyboard into the computer while it is on?

Because the motherboard sends input/output signals to the keyboard, and if there is no keyboard connected it is sending it to nothing causing a malfunction.  This could be very hazardous to your motherboard.

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Why does my computer freeze up when I am using a lot of programs?

The resources may be low.  Try closing some programs you do not need at the time or restart your computer.

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Why is my modem so loud?

In your modem control panel there is a volume level this can be set to a lower volume or off.  You may have to create a new dial up connection for the new setting to be applied.

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Should I always shut down at the start button, rather than manually?

Yes, because you may lose files or damage your hard drive by shutting it down manually.

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Why does my printer not work?

Check your cable connections (you may have to change the printer cable). Check to make sure you have the correct driver.

 

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How can I see how much storage space is left?

Go to my computer and click once on the drive that is in question.

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If your fonts on your desktop change, how can you restore them?

Right click on an empty space on the desktop, and click on properties, go to appearance, and select the Windows Standard scheme.

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Can you put multiple hard drives in a tower unit, and how?

Yes, each IDE channel can support two hard drives.

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Can you connect a JAZ, ZIP or LS-120 drive to any computer?

Yes, as long as you have an open port and the correct drivers.

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Are all computers capable of dual video cards?

This question is better asked by which operating system you would like to use.

Macintosh OS 7.6 and higher Yes
Windows 95 and lower No
Windows NT 3.5 and 4.0 No
Windows 98 Yes
Windows Me Yes
Windows 2000 Yes
Windows XP Yes
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Can you upgrade to Windows XP from a previous version of Windows with the update version or do you have to buy the full installation?

Previous Version Windows XP
Home Edition
Windows XP
Professional
Windows 3.1 NO NO
Any Evaluation Version NO NO
Any Server Version NO NO
Windows 95 NO NO
Windows 98/Windows 98 SE YES YES
Windows Me YES YES
Windows NT® Workstation 3.51 NO NO
Windows NT Workstation 4.0 NO YES
Windows 2000 Professional NO YES
Windows XP Home Edition   YES
Windows XP Professional NO  
Chart Provided by: Microsoft Corp.

You can always buy the full version of Windows XP for your computer provided you meet the minimum requirements

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What is better to buy a faster processor or more memory?

Upgrade memory to 128 MB then upgrade processor.

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 What causes bad clusters on a hard drive?

Physical damage to hard drive caused by power outages/surges or normal wear and tear.  If BIOS is set incorrectly this it will show bad clusters towards the end of your hard drive.  More info

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How do I get back my resources?

Restart your computer and then go to start, run, type in MSCONFIG, go to the startup tab and deselect programs you do not need.

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When I run defrag it constantly starts over, what should I do?

Restart your computer in safe-mode and run defrag.

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Should I upgrade every time a new operating system comes out?

Its a personal preference, you need to weigh the total cost of the upgrade (such as if you need more hardware) and benefits of the new OS.

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What is wrong when I use an old monitor with a newer computer and the picture is distorted?

Restart in safe mode (hit F8 after computer counts RAM) right click desktop, go to properties, click settings, and change to a lower resolution.

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Revised: January 24, 2003 .