Ask Thnikk

[Thnikkaman]

So, you have a computer problem and need it solved. This is the place. I know I'm not the only one here that knows their shit. So post your problems here, and myself and anyone else who is willing will do their best to help you get your rig purring like a kitten again.

[Northman]

Sweet.

I do have one question (which i really should know the answer too) but whats better for gaming, Ram or memory?

[Zweems56]

Sweet.

I do have one question (which i really should know the answer too) but whats better for gaming, Ram or memory?

Ram is memory sugar tits =p

Random Access Memory. And Ram and video card are THE two most important things for gaming IMO. If by memory you meant hard drive space, it should be known that space on your hard drive isn't that important.

[Thnikkaman]

Sweet.

I do have one question (which i really should know the answer too) but whats better for gaming, Ram or memory?

RAM = Memory.

For a fast gaming computer, you need 4 things:

[list]
A fast processor
A good video card with a large amount of video RAM (random access memory)
Fast RAM (computers these days have 2-4 GB of RAM, but having a faster memory (low CAS preferably 2 and high bus speed) helps.
Hard drives with fast throughput. You are usually looking for drives in the 10000 rpm range with an 8 meg buffer at lest (don't know if that has changed). If you want to be hard core with this, go with a Raid 5 array of 4 or more disks.

Those 4 things are key to a screaming fast gaming computer.

[Northman]

Gracias gentlemen.

[tubby]

I have to take a major dump.

How many times should I wipe?

[Zweems56]

RAM = Memory.

For a fast gaming computer, you need 4 things:

[list]
A fast processor
A good video card with a large amount of video RAM (random access memory)
Fast RAM (computers these days have 2-4 GB of RAM, but having a faster memory (low CAS preferably 2 and high bus speed) helps.
Hard drives with fast throughput. You are usually looking for drives in the 10000 rpm range with an 8 meg buffer at lest (don't know if that has changed). If you want to be hard core with this, go with a Raid 5 array of 4 or more disks.

Those 4 things are key to a screaming fast gaming computer.

lol, no offense northman, but tnik, he asked wahts better, ram or memory. I think you just blew his mind.

[tubby]

Nevermind.

14 was the answer. (counting foldovers)

[OB]

I have to take a major dump.

How many times should I wipe?

Enough times where as you dont leave skid marks - im tired of trying to wash those damn things out of your shorts :tsk:














And :focus:

Great idea :2thumbs:

I always have questions (as you know ;) )

Are they going to try and move some of the old relevant threads to this forum?

[Thnikkaman]

lol, no offense northman, but tnik, he asked wahts better, ram or memory. I think you just blew his mind.

Ram is memory. So is a hard drive.

Lets have a quick lesson here.

RAM = Random Access Memory

This is very fast but volitile (cannot hold information without electricity). This is where your computer stores the applications that are currently running on your computer.

Hard Drive

This is slower memory but can store information indefinitely (unless someone gets crazy with some magnets around your rig). This is where your computer stores programs and files permanently. When you start up Firefox, it reads the program code from your hard drive and puts it in RAM.

[NightTrainLayne]

Ram is memory. So is a hard drive.

Lets have a quick lesson here.

RAM = Random Access Memory

This is very fast but volitile (cannot hold information without electricity). This is where your computer stores the applications that are currently running on your computer.

Hard Drive

This is slower memory but can store information indefinitely (unless someone gets crazy with some magnets around your rig). This is where your computer stores programs and files permanently. When you start up Firefox, it reads the program code from your hard drive and puts it in RAM.


Alright. .. you left off "virtual" memory where your 'puter uses the hard-drive for RAM in addition to the normal RAM.

[frauschieze]

And :focus:

Great idea :2thumbs:

I always have questions (as you know ;) )

Are they going to try and move some of the old relevant threads to this forum?

I'll try to find some and move them in, but if you know of any that should be moved, PM me and I'll get them in here.

[Thnikkaman]

Alright. .. you left off "virtual" memory where your 'puter uses the hard-drive for RAM in addition to the normal RAM.

But that is OS specific. I also left out processor cache where your processor stores the commands and data that it is about to execute/manipulate.

[NightTrainLayne]

But that is OS specific.

Show-off. :coffee:

[Thnikkaman]

Show-off. :coffee:

Look up.

[BroncoJoe]

Thnikk is the MAN.

[gnomeflinger]

I forgot what I was going to ask.

[gnomeflinger]

Oh yeah, I remember now. What is gaming?

[EMB6903]

we got some joksters...

[Thnikkaman]

Oh yeah, I remember now. What is gaming?

Playing video games on your computer.

Anything from casual gaming (Bejeweled, Bookworm, Pogo.com) to FPS (Unreal Tournament, HalfLife, Quake), to Massively Multiplayer Online games (World of Warcraft, Everquest, City of Heroes).

[Broncospsycho77]

Am I a loser because the last PC game I played was the RTS Command & Conquer 2: Red Alert (plus expansions)?

[Thnikkaman]

Am I a loser because the last PC game I played was the RTS Command & Conquer 2: Red Alert (plus expansions)?

No since people still actively play Starcraft today. (and I thought Red Alert was better).

[gnomeflinger]

Playing video games on your computer.

Anything from casual gaming (Bejeweled, Bookworm, Pogo.com) to FPS (Unreal Tournament, HalfLife, Quake), to Massively Multiplayer Online games (World of Warcraft, Everquest, City of Heroes).

Oh okay. I don't know gaming included the arcade/solitaire games. :salute:

[gnomeflinger]

Oh, yeah, and Thinkk, I don't think I tried Vonage since the virus repair, so I hooked it up again. Not working. It's either the phone or the internet, and that does make sense about the bandwidth. (Insert a DUH here :lol:) I am running NAV again. If there is no other viruses, how do I increase bandwidth? If I can't, will the internet work on a laptop computer that is wireless?

[Thnikkaman]

Oh, yeah, and Thinkk, I don't think I tried Vonage since the virus repair, so I hooked it up again. Not working. It's either the phone or the internet, and that does make sense about the bandwidth. (Insert a DUH here :lol:) I am running NAV again. If there is no other viruses, how do I increase bandwidth?

Do you know how much bandwidth you are currently paying for? What kind of internet service do you have?


If I can't, will the internet work on a laptop computer that is wireless?
It should.

How does Vonage connect to your internet? I am not familiar with how Vonage works.

[gnomeflinger]

Do you know how much bandwidth you are currently paying for? What kind of internet service do you have?


It should.

How does Vonage connect to your internet? I am not familiar with how Vonage works.

It hooks up by internet via router. Now, if I have both hooked up, the phone will work but the internet won't. I ran NAV again and that stupid Trojan virus is there there. Grrr. I used the removal tool, again, so hopefully it worked this time.

I have cable internet.

[BeefStew25]

Vonage blows ass. Get VOIP from your cable company.

[gnomeflinger]

I'm not impressed with Vonage. I do like that even though the phone doesn't ring, the messages are still sent to my email. What is VOIP?

[Day1BroncoFan]

Voice Over IP (Internet Protocol)

It's when you phone uses the Internet instead of a landline (POTS).

Vonage is VOIP.

[gnomeflinger]

Voice Over IP (Internet Protocol)

It's when you phone uses the Internet instead of a landline (POTS).

Vonage is VOIP.

Oh, okay. I should just have my cable company do the phone system too. I'll call them on Monday.

[Day1BroncoFan]

Oh, okay. I should just have my cable company do the phone system too. I'll call them on Monday.

Probably the best way. I am thinking of doing the RoadRunner phone thingy also and dumping Verizon. I already have cable Internet.

[girler]

Dear Thnikk,

How many times do I have to blow Mr.B before he'll give me access to the network so I can do stuff - like add or delete movies - on it?

[Zweems56]

Dear Thnikk,

How many times do I have to blow Mr.B before he'll give me access to the network so I can do stuff - like add or delete movies - on it?

Thrice.

[girler]

Thrice.

Thanks! I'll start working on that right away. :salute: :lollypop:

[Day1BroncoFan]

How do you pronounce thnikkaman?

[gnomeflinger]

How do you pronounce thnikkaman?

Bzzzzz FAIL! Next question.

[Day1BroncoFan]

Bzzzzz FAIL! Next question.

Who asked you?

[Thnikkaman]

How do you pronounce thnikkaman?

IZ7yPbi-vOI

[frauschieze]

HALP!

My laptop now hates me. I've got two problems and I'm unsure whether or not they are related.

1. My new laptop battery (2nd one in 2 months) has now freaked out and decided it doesn't want to recognize my charger and will not charge.

2. I ran a bunch of Microsoft updates last night as well as downloading a few other programs I needed for a huge project that is due tomorrow. Windows has freaked out and says it cannot load my profile anymore. I have no idea what the hell has happened, if I got a virus or something or what. I don't know if I should just go back to the last restore point (I have zero idea how long ago that was) or not. Also, I had a ton of files for my project saved on my desktop, which obviously aren't there anymore. Any idea where the hell to find them?

[Thnikkaman]

HALP!

My laptop now hates me. I've got two problems and I'm unsure whether or not they are related.

1. My new laptop battery (2nd one in 2 months) has now freaked out and decided it doesn't want to recognize my charger and will not charge.

2. I ran a bunch of Microsoft updates last night as well as downloading a few other programs I needed for a huge project that is due tomorrow. Windows has freaked out and says it cannot load my profile anymore. I have no idea what the hell has happened, if I got a virus or something or what. I don't know if I should just go back to the last restore point (I have zero idea how long ago that was) or not. Also, I had a ton of files for my project saved on my desktop, which obviously aren't there anymore. Any idea where the hell to find them?

So your laptop just runs on the power cord now? Will it charge the battery if the laptop is plugged in and off?

This article from Microsoft's site should help you with the profile problem. Hit me up via instant messenger if you can if you need a hand (or I can give you my cell).
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/811151

[BroncoJoe]

As previously stated, Thnikk is the MAN.

[frauschieze]

So your laptop just runs on the power cord now? Will it charge the battery if the laptop is plugged in and off?

This article from Microsoft's site should help you with the profile problem. Hit me up via instant messenger if you can if you need a hand (or I can give you my cell).
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/811151

Yep, my laptop just runs with the power cord. The battery will not charge. This is the same thing that has happened with my last two batteries. I've replaced the power cord and the batteries.

Gmail won't let me chat, says that my network administrator has disabled chat or it's having a conflict with an existing program. I'm gonna struggle through that profile set up thing here then check back.

[frauschieze]

Thnikka - I got problems already.

1. Log on as the Administrator or as a user with administrator credentials.
2. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
3. Click User Accounts.
4. Click the Advanced tab, and then click Advanced.
5. In the left pane, click the Users folder.
6. On the Action menu, click New User.
7. Enter the appropriate user information, and then click Create.

I can't do step 4 because there are no tabs, and nowhere anywhere can I find anything that lets me go to advanced settings.

[Poet]

Why is pr0n bad for your computer?

[BroncoJoe]

XP or Vista?

[frauschieze]

XP or Vista?

XP.

[frauschieze]

Okay.....I got Gmail chat working again. It had a conflict with a firefox add on.

[BroncoJoe]

Mine doesn't have tabs either, but I think you're supposed to create a new user account. There should be a link for that when the user accounts window opens up.

[BroncoJoe]

PS - after reading the info on the link Thnikk provided, you may have to create two accounts since when you copy files, you can't be logged in as the account being copied, or the one being copied to.

Might want to wait for Thnikk to reappear though...

[Thnikkaman]

Thnikka - I got problems already.

1. Log on as the Administrator or as a user with administrator credentials.
2. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
3. Click User Accounts.
4. Click the Advanced tab, and then click Advanced.
5. In the left pane, click the Users folder.
6. On the Action menu, click New User.
7. Enter the appropriate user information, and then click Create.

I can't do step 4 because there are no tabs, and nowhere anywhere can I find anything that lets me go to advanced settings.

Ok. Try this (as Administrator). I am doing this blind so I may not be giving you the exact thing.

1. Right Click on My Computer and then click Manage
2. In the Computer Management Folder go to Local Users and Groups
3. On the right, you should be able to right click in the window and select "New User" or something like that.

You should be able to follow the guide from there.

As far as your battery problem goes, do you know if your computer is still under warranty? It sounds like the charging circuit in your laptop is bad.

[Thnikkaman]

PS - after reading the info on the link Thnikk provided, you may have to create two accounts since when you copy files, you can't be logged in as the account being copied, or the one being copied to.

Might want to wait for Thnikk to reappear though...

You should be able to copy the files over as the administrator.

[girler]

Why is pr0n bad for your computer?

Haven't you heard? It gets your computer addicted. :yardog: Soon, your computer sneaks on the internet at all times of the night and surfs pr0n when you are asleep, and then it starts talking to other computers when you're not around, and next thing you know, it will have affairs with computers you've never even heard of, let alone met. Then it will get into all sorts of kinky computer crap and then one day you'll be all, "I don't even know you, Computer! :Cry:" and then you'll have a messy break up and maybe even an expensive divorce... It's just awful. Don't do it man. Keep the pr0n away from your computer!!!

[Thnikkaman]

Why is pr0n bad for your computer?

Its not. Don't believe the lies.

[girler]

Its not. Don't believe the lies.

My answer was better. :D

[Thnikkaman]

My answer was better. :D

Shut your pie hole you liar. ;)

[girler]

Shut your pie hole you liar. ;)

My pie hole is very nice when it's open. See? :lollypop: You WANT it open. :D

[Thnikkaman]

My pie hole is very nice when it's open. See? :lollypop: You WANT it open. :D

You are aware how I feel about receiving that special favor, aren't you? I'm a giver, not a receiver.

[Slick]

XP.
:tsk:

[frauschieze]

:tsk:

You shut your cakehole, you dirty Mexican! Or else, I will give you the what for and I guarantee you're not gonna like it.

[Zweems56]

Ok. Try this (as Administrator). I am doing this blind so I may not be giving you the exact thing.

1. Right Click on My Computer and then click Manage
2. In the Computer Management Folder go to Local Users and Groups
3. On the right, you should be able to right click in the window and select "New User" or something like that.

You should be able to follow the guide from there.

As far as your battery problem goes, do you know if your computer is still under warranty? It sounds like the charging circuit in your laptop is bad.

Not sure about xp home, but on xp pro, local users and groups, click users tab, right click users tab and "New user.."

[Zweems56]

Also, what is the laptop make and model?

[frauschieze]

Also, what is the laptop make and model?

It's a Dell Inspiron E1705. I've had it a little over two years and the person I aquired it from only had it a little over a month before it came into my possession, via what can only be described as a mafia-type deal. I have no idea if it is still under warranty or not, or whether it would even be covered since I was not the one who purchased the computer, there is no bill of sale to me and I don't even know if the person who originally bought it ever paid it off.

[Thnikkaman]

Frau, I have found a couple of different places on the net that say it might be a bad AC adapter cord. Or a bad adapter.

[frauschieze]

Frau, I have found a couple of different places on the net that say it might be a bad AC adapter cord. Or a bad adapter.

Can the AC adapter and/or cord ruin the battery?

[Thnikkaman]

Can the AC adapter and/or cord ruin the battery?

Not ruin it, just not provide enough juice to charge it as well as power the computer.

[frauschieze]

Not ruin it, just not provide enough juice to charge it as well as power the computer.

Then theoretically, when I swap power cords, the battery should start charging, right? The last battery I bought that had this problem didn't work with my old power cord either. I can dig it out of my moving boxes and see if the old one works on this one or not.

[Thnikkaman]

Ok. I thought I had seen that you had tried multiple power cords. If its not that then its probably the charging circuit on the motherboard.

[frauschieze]

Ok. I thought I had seen that you had tried multiple power cords. If its not that then its probably the charging circuit on the motherboard.

How can I find out if it's the charging circuit? And if it is bad, does that mean the whole motherboard would need to be replaced?

[Thnikkaman]

How can I find out if it's the charging circuit? And if it is bad, does that mean the whole motherboard would need to be replaced?

By trying a power cord that you know works. If someone has another dell laptop you could try your cord on their laptop (I think the dell AC adapters are almost universal at this point).

[frauschieze]

By trying a power cord that you know works. If someone has another dell laptop you could try your cord on their laptop (I think the dell AC adapters are almost universal at this point).

Okay, I'll give that a try in the next couple days. Thanks for your help!!!

[Zweems56]

How can I find out if it's the charging circuit? And if it is bad, does that mean the whole motherboard would need to be replaced?

Not necessarily, but it would involve a soldering iron and some brains =p

[girler]

You are aware how I feel about receiving that special favor, aren't you? I'm a giver, not a receiver.

I must have blocked that fact from my memory. :yardog:

I have no reply for this. :noidea: :pout:

[Day1BroncoFan]

Okay, I'll give that a try in the next couple days. Thanks for your help!!!

You might want to check and see if the AD adpater has enough capacity and that it's working properly. If it doesn't put out enough capacity it may not be able to run the computer and charge the battery at the same time. That situation could ruin the battery.

It should put out 90 watts @ 19.9 volts. You can find that information by looking on the bottom of the adapter.

Here is a link to the specs for your computer. (http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins9400/en/om/specs.htm#wp1082923)

Here is a link to the owners manual. (http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins9400/en/om/index.htm)

[Rick]

I have the same issue with my lap top charging, though it is like 5+ years old now.

First I thought just bad battery. It did have a bad battery...but that wasn't the charging problem.

Next i thought charging cord. So a friend of mine pulled it a part, resodered some possible suspect connections.

Still no go.

Tried a different cord, still no go so not the cord.

problem is the charging connector on the lap top. What i have to do is sometimes pull the part of the cord that plugs in the computer out just a little bit, fiddle around, sometimes rotate it a little and suddenly it kicks on the charging cycle. Then I push it in all the way and let it do its thing.

No guarentee this works for you...but works for me.

[frauschieze]

You might want to check and see if the AD adpater has enough capacity and that it's working properly. If it doesn't put out enough capacity it may not be able to run the computer and charge the battery at the same time. That situation could ruin the battery.

It should put out 90 watts @ 19.9 volts. You can find that information by looking on the bottom of the adapter.

Here is a link to the specs for your computer. (http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins9400/en/om/specs.htm#wp1082923)

Here is a link to the owners manual. (http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins9400/en/om/index.htm)

It's 90W @ 19.5V. I've gone through 3 chargers and 3 batteries (although the first charger didn't have any issues until I busted through the plastic coating and broke some wires). I'm about to go insane. But I'll keep working on it......

[Day1BroncoFan]

It's 90W @ 19.5V. I've gone through 3 chargers and 3 batteries (although the first charger didn't have any issues until I busted through the plastic coating and broke some wires). I'm about to go insane. But I'll keep working on it......

If you've replaced everthing from the wall plate that you plug the power cord into, up to the power connector on the laptop where you plug the DC connector in that doesn't leave a lot of options.

It has to be an issue with the laptop I would say.

[frauschieze]

If you've replaced everthing from the wall plate that you plug the power cord into, up to the power connector on the laptop where you plug the DC connector in that doesn't leave a lot of options.

It has to be an issue with the laptop I would say.

That's what I'm afraid of. I was planning on buying a desktop in a few months. Maybe I'll just have to get used to tethered life.

Edit: Or maybe I'll get myself a fancy phone. :eyebrows:

[CrazyHorse]

You down with OOP?

[Thnikkaman]

Yeah you know me.

[NightTrainLayne]

Tinker:

I recently procured a new laptop. Of course, it came pre-installed with Norton anti-virus software, free for 60 days.

On my desktop, since I had it built I have exclusively used BitDefender. It was recommended to my by the local fellow who built the 'puter for me as the very best out there. Since then (5 years) I have not had a single problem. . .Bitdefender has been fantastic.

So, my question is this. At the end of the 60-days should I just renew with Norton on the laptop, or do you know enough to know whether Bitdefender is better? Or, is another one out there the best?

It just seems kind of silly to be running different virus systems on each computer.. . .although maybe not, as one might catch something that the other doesn't. ..

I'm rambling now. . . .please make some sense out of this and post an intelligent response so I know what to do when the free trial runs out.

[frauschieze]

In addendum to NTL's request:

What's the best free anti-virus software? I've been told by numerous computer dudes that paying for anti-virus software is completely unnecessary and that the best of the free ones do a better job anyway. So how can I tell what's good and what's crap?

[NightTrainLayne]

In addendum to NTL's request:

What's the best free anti-virus software? I've been told by numerous computer dudes that paying for anti-virus software is completely unnecessary and that the best of the free ones do a better job anyway. So how can I tell what's good and what's crap?

And as an adendum to that. . .On my desktop I use SpyBot Search and Destroy to scan web-sites and scan the system for bots and other malware.

Is this doing some double-duty? Is it necessary? It's free, but it does use some significant memory resources, and I think is probably duplicating some of Bitdefenders stuff, but monitors/finds some things that Bitdefender/Norton doesn't.

What's the best all-round, recommended, holistic approach to computer security?

[Thnikkaman]

On Antivirus:

Norton is average but it is the most well known. If you like bitdefender go with that. AVG and Avria are both very good free anti virus programs. From the benchmarks I have seen, they both have some of the best defense against worms and viruses and take up little system resources. I have used both, and am currently using avira.

I haven't used spybot in quite a while since my experience was that it found too many false positives for my liking. Microsoft had a good free one for a little while, but I don't know if its available anymore. My best advice is to use a browser such as Firefox or Chrome to avoid anything installing without your permission.

Hope that answers your questions.

[NightTrainLayne]

On Antivirus:

Norton is average but it is the most well known. If you like bitdefender go with that. AVG and Avria are both very good free anti virus programs. From the benchmarks I have seen, they both have some of the best defense against worms and viruses and take up little system resources. I have used both, and am currently using avira.

I haven't used spybot in quite a while since my experience was that it found too many false positives for my liking. Microsoft had a good free one for a little while, but I don't know if its available anymore. My best advice is to use a browser such as Firefox or Chrome to avoid anything installing without your permission.

Hope that answers your questions.


So, you don't use Spybot. Does Avira accomplish the same thing? The only reason I have spybot is for weeding out the adware etc.

[Thnikkaman]

So, you don't use Spybot. Does Avira accomplish the same thing? The only reason I have spybot is for weeding out the adware etc.

Avira is antivirus only. How often does Spybot find adware for you? I don't install anything that I don't completely trust, so I don't feel the need.

[Day1BroncoFan]

I have had a few computers of my clients crash after spybot worked it's magic. I can't say for sure spybot was the cause but it is mighty suspicious that they crashed right after spybot ran.

[NightTrainLayne]

Avira is antivirus only. How often does Spybot find adware for you? I don't install anything that I don't completely trust, so I don't feel the need.


I have had a few computers of my clients crash after spybot worked it's magic. I can't say for sure spybot was the cause but it is mighty suspicious that they crashed right after spybot ran.

Spybot finds cookies all the time and blocks a lot of ads that Bitdefender doesn't even attempt to do.

I've had Spybot on our desktop for several years now and no problems. . .knock on wood.

[Rick]

I use Eset security suite.

http://www.eset.com/

It is a pay package, so thaat may not be something your interested in but seems to do a very good job.

They also have just a anti virus, but it is also pay.

[slim]

Tinker,

This isn't a computer question, but I need some info and I want to ask someone that won't laugh at me.

What is the difference between an ipod and an MP3? If you were going to buy one, which would you buy? Keep in mind that I don't really care that much about video.

Thanks,

slim

[Thnikkaman]

An mp3 is the format the music is in. An iPod is a device that plays MP3s. The iPod is the only thing in the word that Apple makes that I don't think is complete crap.

Now, if you want to go the Apple route, I would go with an iPod shuffle or nano depending on weather or not you want to choose which song plays next. The # of GBs the device has is basically the limitation of how many songs you can put on the thing. I currently have 1GB worth of songs on my current mp3 player (my phone) and that is about 8 hours of music.

Feel free to pass on any other questions or what I think of different mp3 players (ipod included) that you are thinking about picking up.

[slim]

An mp3 is the format the music is in. An iPod is a device that plays MP3s. The iPod is the only thing in the word that Apple makes that I don't think is complete crap.

Now, if you want to go the Apple route, I would go with an iPod shuffle or nano depending on weather or not you want to choose which song plays next. The # of GBs the device has is basically the limitation of how many songs you can put on the thing. I currently have 1GB worth of songs on my current mp3 player (my phone) and that is about 8 hours of music.

Feel free to pass on any other questions or what I think of different mp3 players (ipod included) that you are thinking about picking up.

Well, I have a phone that I can use as well. I just don't like the thought of always running down my battery. I know with an ipod you can get a docking station to help alleviate that problem. I am assuming this is true with most MP3s as well?

Also, where is the best place to download songs (best being cheapest). I have a shit ton of CD's, but I am guessing that I can't convert those to a portable device?

[Tned]

Also, where is the best place to download songs (best being cheapest). I have a shit ton of CD's, but I am guessing that I can't convert those to a portable device?

You can use Ituns (Ipod) or Windows Media Player (Zune or MP3 player) to rip your CD's to your PC and then sync to your device.

If you don't mind taking a little time to rip your CD's, there is no reason to buy songs you own on CD.

[slim]

You can use Ituns (Ipod) or Windows Media Player (Zune or MP3 player) to rip your CD's to your PC and then sync to your device.

If you don't mind taking a little time to rip your CD's, there is no reason to buy songs you own on CD.

Thanks, T.

I just ripped one...but it wasn't a CD.

[BeefStew25]

Slim,

I think the whole Ipod thing is the lamest branding on the planet earth. Pay for that logo.

I have a some Sansa deal I bought for $15. Works fine.

I now have a MP3 on my Blackberry, in addition to the Slacker App.

[slim]

Slim,

I think the whole Ipod thing is the lamest branding on the planet earth. Pay for that logo.

I have a some Sansa deal I bought for $15. Works fine.

I now have a MP3 on my Blackberry, in addition to the Slacker App.

Yeah, I have a blackberry too. I guess there really is no reason to buy something else. I am just technology challenged (and fat).

[Thnikkaman]

Slacker has a player that will let you download songs for free off their site.

Amazon sells DRM free music (you can do anything you want with it as long as you don't redistribute it) as opposed to iTunes (you can only play it in iTunes, an iPod, or burn to a CD).

The 2 things I like about an iPod nano is the interface and its durability. Unless you are gay for Apple, I would find a cheaper alternative.

[Buff]

I ditched the ipod for a zune... I like being able to download an unlimited number of songs. (Zune Marketplace is like a better version of itunes IMO)

[slim]

I ditched the ipod for a zune... I like being able to download an unlimited number of songs. (Zune Marketplace is like a better version of itunes IMO)

What is zune?

[Buff]

What is zune?

It's Microsoft's version of the ipod. Just a different style MP3 player. When you get the mp3 player you download the software to your computer... With Apple you get itunes and you pay like $.99 per song.

With the Zune, it's called the Zune Marketplace... You pay $15 a month, and get unlimited song downloads (which you keep as long as your subscription is active) and then you get 10 song downloads that you get to keep per month. You can get better deals if you subscribe for longer...

[Timmy!]

Limewire+ 2 GB $10 MP3 player FTW!


Thnikk, in all honesty though, I got a question. My damn CD burner is acting up. I find it nearly impossible that I bought 2 entire stacks of bad CD-R's. I have cleaned the bejesus out of the thing, but it only burns about 1 out of every 20 times. Tried it on two different programs. Any ideas? I used to work just fine and seems to be functional.

[sneakers]

Hey thnikkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk,

I don't know if you are familiar with wiki code or not (it is pretty similar to other code I am told)...

But I am working on this beast of a template for wikiality (http://www.wikiality.com/Wikiality_talk:Things_To_Do#Ark), and I am trying to vertically align the two picures in the top frame (by default I think they are aligned to "Top"), and I want them vert-aligned to "Middle"

I cannot figure out for the life of me how to vert-align those pictures in the top row.

I think you have to insert some vert align code in the red area below:


{|table class="prettytable" style="width: 65%" border="1" cellpadding="2"
! align="center"; style="height:25px" |[[Image:Noahs ark small and stephen.jpg|left|80x70px]][[Image:Noahs ark small and stephen.jpg|right|80x70px]]<font color="#0000CD">Welcome to Wikiality's Ark of [[Animals]]'''</font>
|-
!style="background:#FFFFFF;font-size: 75%; height:10px" |<font color="#FF0000"> Expand the following categories to see all holy animals.
|-
|
{|border="1" style="width: 100%" table class=" collapsible collapsed innercollapse"
!align="center"; style="height:23px" | Patriotic Animals
|-
!align="center" | [[American Elephant]] ♦ [[The American Chickenhawk|American Chickenhawk]] ♦ [[Bald Eagle]] ♦ [[Gila Monster]] ♦ [[Hermit Crabs]] ♦ [[Lame Duck]] ♦ [[Manatee]] ♦ [[Mangle]] ♦ [[Mole]] ♦ [[Sea Lions]] ♦ [[Sea Turtle]] ♦ [[Turducken]]
|-
|}
{|border= "1" style="width: 100%" table class=" collapsible collapsed innercollapse"
!align="center"; style="height:23px" | Heroic Animals
|-
!align="center" | [[Alligator]] ♦ [[doG]] ♦ [[Elephant]] ♦ [[Ewoks]] ♦ [[Jack]] ♦ [[Kangaroos]] ♦ [[Lobsters]] ♦ [[Mountain Lion]] ♦ [[Pig]] ♦ [[Unicorn]] ♦ [[Wolverine]] ♦ [[Woodpecker]]
|}
{|border="1" style="width: 100%" table class=" collapsible collapsed innercollapse"
!align="center"; style="height:23px" | Member's of [[Stephen#Pets|Stephen's Family]]
|-
!align="center" | [[Anthrax Colbert]] ♦ [[Aptostichus Stephencolberti]] ♦ [[Fantasia Minor]] ♦ [[Gipper]] ♦ [[Honkers And Mrs. Snowdrop]] ♦ [[Mr. Whiskers]] ♦ [[Steagle Colbeagle the Eagle]] ♦ [[Stelephant Colbert]] ♦ [[Stephanie Colburtle The Turtle]] ♦ [[Stephen Jr.]]
|}
{|border= "1" style="width: 100%" table class=" collapsible collapsed innercollapse"
!align="center"; style="height:23px" | Made Famous On ''[[The Report]]''
|-
!align="center" | [[African Elephant]] ♦ [[Caribou]] ♦ [[Clam]] ♦ [[Diamphipnoa Colberti]] ♦ [[Donkey]] ♦ [[Reilly]] ♦ [[Space Geese]] ♦ [[Tatiana]] ♦ [[Termites]] ♦ [[Veal]]
|}
{|border="1" style="width: 100%" table class=" collapsible collapsed innercollapse"
!align="center"; style="height:23px" | Animals With Skills and/or Not Gay
|-
!align="center" | [[Alex]] ♦ [[Big Cats]] ♦ [[Cats (pets)]] ♦ [[Chicken]] ♦ [[Chocolate Cows]] ♦ [[Egrets]] ♦ [[Fish]] ♦ [[Goldfish]] ♦ [[Land Lion]] ♦ [[Llama]] ♦ [[Marmosets]] ♦ [[Platypus]] ♦ [[Tiger]] ♦ [[Walrus]] ♦ [[Whales]] ♦ [[Wookiee]]
|}
|-
|style="font-size: 75%" | Click [[Evil Animals|Here]] to view evil animals.
|}


Anyhelp would be apreciated.

[Thnikkaman]

Limewire+ 2 GB $10 MP3 player FTW!


Thnikk, in all honesty though, I got a question. My damn CD burner is acting up. I find it nearly impossible that I bought 2 entire stacks of bad CD-R's. I have cleaned the bejesus out of the thing, but it only burns about 1 out of every 20 times. Tried it on two different programs. Any ideas? I used to work just fine and seems to be functional.

Try burning at a slower speed or see if there is new firmware out for the drive that may fix this problem. Firmware is like a driver but its on the cd burner instead of your operating system.

Otherwise, you could get a new burner from TigerDirect or NewEgg for $30 or less.

[Thnikkaman]

Hey thnikkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk,

I don't know if you are familiar with wiki code or not (it is pretty similar to other code I am told)...

But I am working on this beast of a template for wikiality (http://www.wikiality.com/Wikiality_talk:Things_To_Do#Ark), and I am trying to vertically align the two picures in the top frame (by default I think they are aligned to "Top"), and I want them vert-aligned to "Middle"

I cannot figure out for the life of me how to vert-align those pictures in the top row.

I think you have to insert some vert align code in the red area below:




Anyhelp would be apreciated.

Playing around with it, I couldn't figure it out. I can mess with it later. It looks like its possible since the lame "anonymous editing warning" was doing it. For some reason their table code adds about 5px of white space under each image. I tried adding vertical-align:middle to your style attribute but that didn't work. I also tried putting div tags around the images and setting the same style attribute to be middle.

[AlWilsonizKING]

Playing around with it, I couldn't figure it out. I can mess with it later. It looks like its possible since the lame "anonymous editing warning" was doing it. For some reason their table code adds about 5px of white space under each image. I tried adding vertical-align:middle to your style attribute but that didn't work. I also tried putting div tags around the images and setting the same style attribute to be middle.


Okay...I am now thouroughly confused now.......I should go home....can't work now.


PEACE!!!

[Thnikkaman]

Okay...I am now thouroughly confused now.......I should go home....can't work now.


PEACE!!!

Just think that I was speaking Japanese.

[Rick]

Hey thnikkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk,

I don't know if you are familiar with wiki code or not (it is pretty similar to other code I am told)...

But I am working on this beast of a template for wikiality (http://www.wikiality.com/Wikiality_talk:Things_To_Do#Ark), and I am trying to vertically align the two picures in the top frame (by default I think they are aligned to "Top"), and I want them vert-aligned to "Middle"

I cannot figure out for the life of me how to vert-align those pictures in the top row.

I think you have to insert some vert align code in the red area below:




Anyhelp would be apreciated.

Wish you the best, I looked at the code and spent a bit of time trying to get it to work as well to no avail.

I dont know why these people have to make things so hard to do, why the hell they just cant keep code standard instead of having to have thier own damn version.

You might try and see if you are able to have it done in real html instead of the wiki code, not sure if both will work or not but maybe some sort of option you can chose.

[Thnikkaman]

Wish you the best, I looked at the code and spent a bit of time trying to get it to work as well to no avail.

I dont know why these people have to make things so hard to do, why the hell they just cant keep code standard instead of having to have thier own damn version.

You might try and see if you are able to have it done in real html instead of the wiki code, not sure if both will work or not but maybe some sort of option you can chose.

I looked into that and it looks like it only supports a subset of html commands which does not include the <img> or <table> commands.

[Rick]

Wikia and HTML formatting
Most HTML can be used on wiki pages, although it's often better to use wiki markup. HTML can be very confusing for those unfamiliar with it, therefore, it's best to keep pages as simple as possible for future editors.


Seriously? They really believe the system they are using is much more easy for a new user to understand than the system that every single web site out there uses?

[Thnikkaman]

Seriously? They really believe the system they are using is much more easy for a new user to understand than the system that every single web site out there uses?

I kind of understand it from a security sake, but you can just block out malicious code like php and javascript.

I also understand that wiki markup is supposed to be easy to understand so that someone doesn't have to remember all of the html markup, but that wiki is just ridiculous.

[Rick]

no matter what I simply can not get rid of that bottom padding.

I removed the height part there in the style when i was playing(its back now, reversed my changes) as it only effects when the size is set bigger than those pics.

When I went ahead and set height for like 100 it just about put the image right in the middle but then you have a over sized table. there is nothing in there that I can see that should be forcing that padding in. I fthe padding goes away then the images should be perfectly aligned in the middle, its just that damn padding.

[Nomad]

Alright Thnikk, my computer skills have gotten better over the years since I first typed on the ancient Apple computer in HS:lol:. Anyway, I know how to provide a link but how do you provide the writing that goes with the link under the link in a post.

Also, how do you put a picture in a post or a youtube scene in a post???

TIA

[MOtorboat]

Alright Thnikk, my computer skills have gotten better over the years since I first typed on the ancient Apple computer in HS:lol:. Anyway, I know how to provide a link but how do you provide the writing that goes with the link under the link in a post.

Also, how do you put a picture in a post or a youtube scene in a post???

TIA

Very carefully.

Dear Thnikk...my mac programs have slowed down considerably, especially when I try to open them. I think the problem may have stemmed from the large number of fonts installed, due to my line of work. Do you have any helpful tips?

[Rick]

Image:

Take out the stars.

[***img]http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nfl/sml/trans/den.gif[/img***]

Link words

Take out the stars.

[***url=http://broncosforums.com/forums]Forums[/url***] (i think thats what your asking)

Dont remember the you tube code off hand.

[NightTrainLayne]

Very carefully.

Dear Thnikk...my mac programs have slowed down considerably, especially when I try to open them. I think the problem may have stemmed from the large number of fonts installed, due to my line of work. Do you have any helpful tips?

Take a sledgehammer and smash your Mac to bits and then dump it on the interstate for Tractor Trailers to run over. Next, buy a PC.

Signed,


Thnikkaman

[Thnikkaman]

Alright Thnikk, my computer skills have gotten better over the years since I first typed on the ancient Apple computer in HS:lol:. Anyway, I know how to provide a link but how do you provide the writing that goes with the link under the link in a post.

Also, how do you put a picture in a post or a youtube scene in a post???

TIA

All the tags I put in this post have a leading space and a trailing space after the first square bracket and before the last square bracket so I can show you what these tags look like. If you are going to do this yourself, remove that space.
So for [ this][/this ] you would need to type to get them to work properly.

This link text? (http://www.google.com)

its like this


[ url="http://www.google.com"]This link text?[/URL ]


For this pic http://footballsportbookbetting.com/files/2008/08/denver-broncos.jpg


[ IMG]http://footballsportbookbetting.com/files/2008/08/denver-broncos.jpg[/IMG ]

and for a youtube link. You grab the address for the link, for instance this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGgYgOyqxVs

and you grab everything after the v= and put it between youtube tags like this:


[ youtube]EGgYgOyqxVs[/youtube ]

if you have a long youtube link like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u81gINGflM&feature=related
you grab the sequence of characters between
v=
and the ampersand symbol
&

so you want the string of characters that are like this:
1u81gINGflM

[Broncospsycho77]

Very carefully.

Dear Thnikk...my mac programs have slowed down considerably, especially when I try to open them. I think the problem may have stemmed from the large number of fonts installed, due to my line of work. Do you have any helpful tips?

What program do you use to lay out your pages?

[Thnikkaman]

Very carefully.

Dear Thnikk...my mac programs have slowed down considerably, especially when I try to open them. I think the problem may have stemmed from the large number of fonts installed, due to my line of work. Do you have any helpful tips?


Is it all of your mac programs, or just a specific number of them? Are they slow while you are using them, or just when you start them up? I am not as familiar with OS X as I am with Windows and Linux. (Yes, I know OS X is Unix but its a ******* stepchild that should have been aborted with a rusty coathanger). It sounds like you either need more ram or find a setting in the programs that you use that doesn't allow them to cache all of your fonts (load them into memory) when you start the program up.

[sneakers]

Dear Thhnikkkkkkkkkkk

I was able to fool the system into vertaligning the pictures through creative cell padding. I think it turned out pretty nice:

http://www.wikiality.com/Wikiality_talk:Things_To_Do#Ark

[Thnikkaman]

Looks good. I hate to be OCD about it but it looks just off center, but it still looks good.

[Rick]

Dear Thhnikkkkkkkkkkk.....


.......why am I such a moron?

I littlerly proably just spent 2 hours tonight cussing and pouring over my code on a web site I am making trying to figure why the body was scrolling down so far only to finnaly notice I had a little div that holds an image link set for 4955 height rather than 49 height...

[shank]

literally probably :headexplode:

;)

[Rick]

literally probably :headexplode:

;)

I should have been in bed hours before, grammer was least of my wories lol :)

[drewloc]

Alright, here is a tech question for you gurus. I just received my second ATI video card, and my pc supports the crossfire setup. Once I get the hardware installed, what do I need to do in the settings to ensure it is setup correctly?

[Thnikkaman]

drewloc, I really hate to tell anyone to RTFM in this thread, but here you go:

http://ati.amd.com/technology/crossfire/software_setup.html

[frauschieze]

What does RTFM mean?

[Thnikkaman]

What does RTFM mean?

Read The Fing Manual

[frauschieze]

Read The Fing Manual

Ahhhhh. Okay. :D

[MOtorboat]

Read The Fing Manual

Some Fing tech help you are. :rolleyes:

[Thnikkaman]

Some Fing tech help you are. :rolleyes:

Pretend that each finger on your hand is a bit. It is capable of 1 and 0. 1 means the finger is pointing, and 0 means the finger is in your palm like you are making a fist. Now, make this pattern with your fingers:

00100

[Midnight Blue]

Hey, Thnik... any idea why my laptop won't do a system restore? I'm using XP.... and tried multiple restore points. It acts like it's restoring, restarts the computer, but then I get an error message saying the restore could not be completed and that my computer has not been changed. Could this be a registry error or a virus? I surf with the latest version of Firefox...

[LordTrychon]

Pretend that each finger on your hand is a bit. It is capable of 1 and 0. 1 means the finger is pointing, and 0 means the finger is in your palm like you are making a fist. Now, make this pattern with your fingers:

00100

'4' what?

[Thnikkaman]

Hey, Thnik... any idea why my laptop won't do a system restore? I'm using XP.... and tried multiple restore points. It acts like it's restoring, restarts the computer, but then I get an error message saying the restore could not be completed and that my computer has not been changed. Could this be a registry error or a virus? I surf with the latest version of Firefox...

Try the solution at this site (http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=304449) to see if you can do a restore from the command line. Or try the restore from safe mode (when you turn on your laptop, start tapping the F8 key until your laptop beeps at you, then choose safe mode). It could be that there is some process that is preventing the restore from completing.

If you can't do it that way, you can do a windows repair (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx). Its kind of like a re-install, but you don't loose anything.

[Thnikkaman]

'4' what?

4 = flipping the bird.
132 = 0010000100 = the double deuce

[Midnight Blue]

Try the solution at this site (http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=304449) to see if you can do a restore from the command line. Or try the restore from safe mode (when you turn on your laptop, start tapping the F8 key until your laptop beeps at you, then choose safe mode). It could be that there is some process that is preventing the restore from completing.

If you can't do it that way, you can do a windows repair (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx). Its kind of like a re-install, but you don't loose anything.

Thanks! What I was hoping to fix through the system restore is the touchpad mouse. For a while now, it's been schizophrenic. Sometimes it works just fine and then other times, the cursor is jumping all over the screen. I can be trying to click on the "back" button on the upper left and instead it's not only gone to the red X in the upper right, but it's clicked on it and is trying to close all my tabs. I tried using a USB mouse for the times when it does that, and that worked for a while, but now I sporadically get an error message saying the device connected to my USB port has malfunctioned and Windows does not recognize it...

It's frustrating because you can't use the computer at all if there's no way to control the cursor....

[Midnight Blue]

Tried the command line restore (in safe mode) but it couldn't complete either. I may have to opt for the windows repair..

[Thnikkaman]

Tried the command line restore (in safe mode) but it couldn't complete either. I may have to opt for the windows repair..

Well the repair shouldn't cause you to loose any programs. You will have to install al your windows updates.

[Midnight Blue]

Well the repair shouldn't cause you to loose any programs. You will have to install al your windows updates.

That's good... but the first thing I have to is locate the copy of Windows that came with my laptop... :lol:

[Thnikkaman]

That's good... but the first thing I have to is locate the copy of Windows that came with my laptop... :lol:

Now it can be any copy of windows XP as long as you have that 25 character code on the bottom of your laptop.

[Midnight Blue]

Now it can be any copy of windows XP as long as you have that 25 character code on the bottom of your laptop.

OK! I do have that!!! :D Thanks!

[gnomeflinger]

Haaaaalp! I bought Norton 360. How do I download that onto my husband's laptop without buying it again? Every time I go to order status, and view the product ordered, I only get the option to buy another product key. I don't need to buy another stinking product key. I have one! So please, Thnikk or anyone else, how do I do this?

Frustrated in WA

[NightTrainLayne]

Thnikka,

I am getting very frustrated with a new HP printer that I purchased this past weekend.

It is a wireless printer, but I am having difficulty getting it to work with both of my computers.

I have a Linksys wireless router, a desktop computer which is connected to the router via an ethernet cable, and a laptop and PS3 connected wirelessly.

Currently all the above are able to find and print on my old printer which is connected to the desktop.

Regarding the new wireless printer, I have gotten the laptop to recognize it and print on it, but no scanning functionality. And the desktop is unable to connect to the printer at all.

I've tried everything listed in the manuals.

My main question is this: Is the desktop unable to connect to the wireless printer via the router because the desktop is connected by an ethernet cable instead of wirelessly? I need some help. Thanks!

[LordTrychon]

Ignore him. I have a question.

Don't know if this is up your alley or not.

I have an HDTV. I recently got HD service through my cable.

I've used my HDMI cable before to hook up my laptop to the TV with no issues, other than trying to get sound worked out.

Within the first few minutes of the guy hooking up the Cable box with my HDMI cable, I get snow and static. He tells me that the first thing to go on HDTVs is the HDMI port. He unplugs the cable and replugs it into the other port. I have two ports.

I still get little storms of static like that lasting 1-3 seconds... if I do nothing, it will happen every 5-15 minutes, it seems. If I unplug the HDMI and plug it back in, regardless of port... it's ok for hours.

Now... I have no problem at all with the cable when I'm not on an HD channel.

I really think it's the cable box.

Anyone ever experience this or something like it?

[Requiem / The Dagda]

LMAO! (Ignore him.)

[drewloc]

Ignore him. I have a question.

Don't know if this is up your alley or not.

I have an HDTV. I recently got HD service through my cable.

I've used my HDMI cable before to hook up my laptop to the TV with no issues, other than trying to get sound worked out.

Within the first few minutes of the guy hooking up the Cable box with my HDMI cable, I get snow and static. He tells me that the first thing to go on HDTVs is the HDMI port. He unplugs the cable and replugs it into the other port. I have two ports.

I still get little storms of static like that lasting 1-3 seconds... if I do nothing, it will happen every 5-15 minutes, it seems. If I unplug the HDMI and plug it back in, regardless of port... it's ok for hours.

Now... I have no problem at all with the cable when I'm not on an HD channel.

I really think it's the cable box.

Anyone ever experience this or something like it?

I'm not sure who your service is through, but for me I had this happen on my HDTV last year. The TV is new, and once I replaced the box, I had no issues. I would give that a go first, they should be able to send you a new one, or you can take it to their office and replace it at no charge.

[Thnikkaman]

Thnikka,

I am getting very frustrated with a new HP printer that I purchased this past weekend.

It is a wireless printer, but I am having difficulty getting it to work with both of my computers.

I have a Linksys wireless router, a desktop computer which is connected to the router via an ethernet cable, and a laptop and PS3 connected wirelessly.

Currently all the above are able to find and print on my old printer which is connected to the desktop.

Regarding the new wireless printer, I have gotten the laptop to recognize it and print on it, but no scanning functionality. And the desktop is unable to connect to the printer at all.

I've tried everything listed in the manuals.

My main question is this: Is the desktop unable to connect to the wireless printer via the router because the desktop is connected by an ethernet cable instead of wirelessly? I need some help. Thanks!

It shouldn't matter what kind of connection your computer is on. Your computer doesn't care what kind of connection its on. What it does care about is that it is on the same section of i.p. addresses as the printer. If your laptop can print to both the printer on your desktop and the wireless printer, I don't think that is your problem.

Are the OSs on your laptop and desktop different?

[Thnikkaman]

Ignore him. I have a question.

Don't know if this is up your alley or not.

I have an HDTV. I recently got HD service through my cable.

I've used my HDMI cable before to hook up my laptop to the TV with no issues, other than trying to get sound worked out.

Within the first few minutes of the guy hooking up the Cable box with my HDMI cable, I get snow and static. He tells me that the first thing to go on HDTVs is the HDMI port. He unplugs the cable and replugs it into the other port. I have two ports.

I still get little storms of static like that lasting 1-3 seconds... if I do nothing, it will happen every 5-15 minutes, it seems. If I unplug the HDMI and plug it back in, regardless of port... it's ok for hours.

Now... I have no problem at all with the cable when I'm not on an HD channel.

I really think it's the cable box.

Anyone ever experience this or something like it?

Ignoring this since Cable is for pesants. Switch to Direct TV. (I'll be happy to share my acct number with you so we can both get $100 out of the deal.) :D

[Rick]

Thnikka,

I am getting very frustrated with a new HP printer that I purchased this past weekend.

It is a wireless printer, but I am having difficulty getting it to work with both of my computers.

I have a Linksys wireless router, a desktop computer which is connected to the router via an ethernet cable, and a laptop and PS3 connected wirelessly.

Currently all the above are able to find and print on my old printer which is connected to the desktop.

Regarding the new wireless printer, I have gotten the laptop to recognize it and print on it, but no scanning functionality. And the desktop is unable to connect to the printer at all.

I've tried everything listed in the manuals.

My main question is this: Is the desktop unable to connect to the wireless printer via the router because the desktop is connected by an ethernet cable instead of wirelessly? I need some help. Thanks!

The ehternet cord should have nothing to do with it as you should be connecting through the router on all machines as well as printer, so same network on all.

You should have a cd that came with it for install, will probably have to use it to install on every machine and may have to physically plug one of the machines into the printer during install even though it will be used wirelessly.

Which printer is it?

Stupid question maybe but it is a deal where it has to go through the router for its wireless isnt it or is it a deal where the wireless machines communicate directly with it?

Should be the former.

[Timmy!]

Thnikk,

What kind of super powers, exactly, does a magic wigger have? Could you take over the state of Iowa?

[NightTrainLayne]

It shouldn't matter what kind of connection your computer is on. Your computer doesn't care what kind of connection its on. What it does care about is that it is on the same section of i.p. addresses as the printer. If your laptop can print to both the printer on your desktop and the wireless printer, I don't think that is your problem.

Are the OSs on your laptop and desktop different?

That's what I thought (that it should still be able to communicate).

The OS's are different XP on the older desktop and Vista on the laptop.




The ehternet cord should have nothing to do with it as you should be connecting through the router on all machines as well as printer, so same network on all.

You should have a cd that came with it for install, will probably have to use it to install on every machine and may have to physically plug one of the machines into the printer during install even though it will be used wirelessly.

Which printer is it?

Stupid question maybe but it is a deal where it has to go through the router for its wireless isnt it or is it a deal where the wireless machines communicate directly with it?

Should be the former.

The Printer is an HP 4680 "all-in-one".

It does have an installation CD. Interestingly, I tried it on both machines and couldn't get either computer to connect. However, on the laptop (Vista) I was able to find the printer over the network and link it up. On the desktop (XP) I can't find the printer at all.

Also. While trying to install it via the CD on both machines it gave me an error every time when entering the WPA encryption key saying that it couldn't find the wireless printer or something along those lines.

However, when I printed the network configuration from the printer itself, it showed that it was connected and gave an IP address which I could connect to and see the printers "homepage" through the internet connection, but still couldn't connect.

This was really strange to me, because if it couldn't connect to the router, then how could the router assign an IP address and then be able to locate that IP address on the internet? Obviously, the printer was communicating to the router (or am I wrong)?

It's driving me nuts.

It doesn't help that the HP instruction manual lists the wrong menu options for the printer itself. In the troubleshooting section it asks you to press the setup button on the printer itself and then select the network connection option. .. .only problem is that network connection option doesn't even exist in the menu. I'm thinking of just taking the damn thing back to Sam's.

[Thnikkaman]

Try this on the XP machine.

Click on Printers and Faxes either in your Start Menu or the Control Panel.
In that window, click Add Printer
In the Add Printer Wizard, the first option you have is for a local or network printer, select network printer.
In the next window, select the "Connect to this printer" button and type in the IP address like this and click next.

\\xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx

This should find your network printer.

If that doesn't work, and you decide to take it back, I recommend you pick up one of these if you want a wireless printer:

http://www.netgear.com/Products/PrintServers/WirelessPrintServers/WGPS606.aspx

I got one of these about a month ago since our printer is 2 rooms away from where our wireless network adapter is. You can also hook up any computer to it to give it wireless network ability. I got mine through tiger direct for about 30 bucks.

[NightTrainLayne]

Try this on the XP machine.

Click on Printers and Faxes either in your Start Menu or the Control Panel.
In that window, click Add Printer
In the Add Printer Wizard, the first option you have is for a local or network printer, select network printer.
In the next window, select the "Connect to this printer" button and type in the IP address like this and click next.

\\xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx

This should find your network printer.

If that doesn't work, and you decide to take it back, I recommend you pick up one of these if you want a wireless printer:

http://www.netgear.com/Products/PrintServers/WirelessPrintServers/WGPS606.aspx

I got one of these about a month ago since our printer is 2 rooms away from where our wireless network adapter is. You can also hook up any computer to it to give it wireless network ability. I got mine through tiger direct for about 30 bucks.

I already tried that. I get an error message that essentially says it can't find the printer, but like I said, I can pull up the printer's home-page by typing in the IP address in IE. .. .It doesn't make any sense.

Thanks anyways for the help! I guess I'm doomed to call their customer service line and spend an hour or two on the phone with them. If that fails, I'll have to take it back I guess.

[Rick]

Have you set up the encription key on the printer itself?

Might try going on the actul printer, on mine its: press set up button, keep pressing till i get option for network setup, then I set up my network name on it, I have my own set of ipadresses so I set that in, then type in the encription key.

[NightTrainLayne]

Have you set up the encription key on the printer itself?

Might try going on the actul printer, on mine its: press set up button, keep pressing till i get option for network setup, then I set up my network name on it, I have my own set of ipadresses so I set that in, then type in the encription key.

I tried that twice, and it didn't work. Typing in that huge encryption key is a pain, so I didn't try it more than twice.

Plus, I always have trouble when I go back to add something else wirelessly. My encryption key has a character in it (l). By the next time I have to enter it again I always forget whether or not it's a lower case L (l), or an upper case I. I'm sure it's a lower-case L, but the stupid font that Linksys uses on their setup printout in one section has an upper case I that looks EXACTLY like a lower case L (l).

That's why I did it twice, just to make sure I did it both ways, but to no avail.

[Skinny]

Are you familiar with Kapersky Anti-Virus Thnikka?

Any recommendations for a good Anti-Virus for Windows 7?

Thanks.

[studbucket]

Are you familiar with Kapersky Anti-Virus Thnikka?

Any recommendations for a good Anti-Virus for Windows 7?

Thanks.

I'm not Thnikka, but I did have 2 classes with him once upon a time :)

Yes, Kaspersky is a fine antivirus choice. A decent, free option is Microsoft Security Essentials, which is basically just a toned down version of their enterprise antivirus, Forefront.

[Thnikkaman]

I use either Avira free edition or MS Security Essentials. Avira does a great job without being a resource hog.

[slim]

Dear Tinker,

Why is your website down?

[Thnikkaman]

Dear Tinker,

Why is your website down?

Don't know. Contacted the guy that runs my host. I'm looking for a new one.

[Zweems56]

Don't know. Contacted the guy that runs my host. I'm looking for a new one.

Whats your site?

[slim]

Zweems, you need to head over to tinker's place and have a look.

[Rick]

I use hostexcellence.

For the most part I have had no complaints, when I do have a problem they seem to get it worked out fairly fast.

I use a windows server.

http://www.hostexcellence.com/index.php/v2/pages.dspmain

[Tned]

I use hostexcellence.

For the most part I have had no complaints, when I do have a problem they seem to get it worked out fairly fast.

I use a windows server.

http://www.hostexcellence.com/index.php/v2/pages.dspmain

Hostgator has an excellent reputation in the low-cost, shared hosting arena.