Not trying to hijack the thread. I was just wondering what you think of Win 7. I'm looking at a new notebook and have heard very little about the new version.
Computer problems
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ronin
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Method 1: No monitor resource button to click, just the graphs, nothing clickable in performance tab.
Method 2: Ditto, nothing clickable. But system idle process shows 97-98% of memory usage all the time. Have no idea what system idle is.
Method 3: All kinds of stuff going on here, again no clue what it means, but relatively few error notes. A lot of Live Update (which I'm assuming is the Norton Anti-V) so I tried disabling that function to see what happens.
Method 2: Ditto, nothing clickable. But system idle process shows 97-98% of memory usage all the time. Have no idea what system idle is.
Method 3: All kinds of stuff going on here, again no clue what it means, but relatively few error notes. A lot of Live Update (which I'm assuming is the Norton Anti-V) so I tried disabling that function to see what happens.
ronin, hmmmm, are you using XP or Vista?
Nodak, I have been using Windows 7 for about 2.5 years, first 2 years was the "beta" test version and even during the beta testing it was super stable.
My Sony Vaio laptop has Windows Professional on it and in 9 months of usage I have not seen a single issue.
For me, it has been the best OS that I've ever seen MS put out. Very user friendly and nice interfaces. I would never voluntarily go back to XP or Vista.
Nodak, I have been using Windows 7 for about 2.5 years, first 2 years was the "beta" test version and even during the beta testing it was super stable.
My Sony Vaio laptop has Windows Professional on it and in 9 months of usage I have not seen a single issue.
For me, it has been the best OS that I've ever seen MS put out. Very user friendly and nice interfaces. I would never voluntarily go back to XP or Vista.
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XP
Thank you very much.ronin, hmmmm, are you using XP or Vista?
Nodak, I have been using Windows 7 for about 2.5 years, first 2 years was the "beta" test version and even during the beta testing it was super stable.
My Sony Vaio laptop has Windows Professional on it and in 9 months of usage I have not seen a single issue.
For me, it has been the best OS that I've ever seen MS put out. Very user friendly and nice interfaces. I would never voluntarily go back to XP or Vista.
Ahhh, OK, in XP, if you select the Processes tab, your task manager should look like the jpeg attached, and if it does not.
Click on VIEW and select the columns you want to display.
At that point you should be able to click the CPU column header and arrange the listing in CPU order with the highest CPU hog at the top. If any of them are running at more than 6-8%, something is wrong with the process that is hogging that much.
But, I still think it sounds like a flaky HD and at 7-8 years that's getting long in the tooth for a HD. Maybe take the side off again and feel the HD, if it's painful to leave your finger on it, it might have some mechanical wear that is causing lots of friction.
Maybe just time for a new one. Good luck.
Click on VIEW and select the columns you want to display.
At that point you should be able to click the CPU column header and arrange the listing in CPU order with the highest CPU hog at the top. If any of them are running at more than 6-8%, something is wrong with the process that is hogging that much.
But, I still think it sounds like a flaky HD and at 7-8 years that's getting long in the tooth for a HD. Maybe take the side off again and feel the HD, if it's painful to leave your finger on it, it might have some mechanical wear that is causing lots of friction.
Maybe just time for a new one. Good luck.
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I'd like to make these suggestions: do you ever uninstall old software that you don't use anymore? If not, they're still probably being loaded when you power up. Also do you do any degragmentation of your hard drive? Clean the registry? clean up Windows and IE temp files and internet history? There's a lot of tracking cookies that'll kill your system response too. I do these things on a regular basis. Not sure what Norton software you have, I'm using Norton 360, LiveUpdate looks at all your Norton installed products to update. Also I've been using my 6+ yr old HP desktop, hard drive crashed and I replaced it with a 1999 hard drive for the last 4-5 months until I just got a new Seagate 1TB SATA drive for $55 @ Staples the last week. If you don't buy a new PC, I'd recommend more ram (I have 3.5 mb RAM) and another hard drive. Keep the old hard drive, wipe the thing clean and then you could swap it back and you should notice a big difference.
How big is the hard drive and how much is being used...if it's almost full, this is a big culprit!
How big is the hard drive and how much is being used...if it's almost full, this is a big culprit!
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ronin
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I looked at the processes under Task Man. right after start up when it was totalled bogged down and although nothing showed any particular CPU usage, in the memory column 2 files were outrageously hoggish- wuauclt.exe (which seems to be something in the system files) and svchost.exe (systems/communication files?). Later they had mellowed out, wuauclt.exe disappeared from the list and the svchost was very low usage.
I actually did uninstall several unused programs yesterday and the day before, primarily to get rid of earthlink and then a few others while I was at it. Don't know if it helped.
The hard drive is getting full. I'm running a defragmentation on in now. It's going to take quite a while. I forgot about that and haven't done it for a few years. It shows 74.46 capacity and 13.42 space free (18% free space) so I guess it is getting full as well as old. I'll go through the cookies/temporary files and eliminate as much as possible.
More and more I am being convinced it is going to be best to buy a new computer. I looked over the Windows Easy Transfer information and it looks like it transfers files and settings but not the actual programs I have installed, which while helpful leaves me to reinstall a bunch of stuff if I can find the original CDs or figure out how I down loaded it from the net like Zune and Nikon transfer (at least those should be easy). I saw some software (PC Creator?) that claims to copy everything, programs and all, and transfer it all to the new computer. Am I right about Easy Transfer not moving my programs?
I actually did uninstall several unused programs yesterday and the day before, primarily to get rid of earthlink and then a few others while I was at it. Don't know if it helped.
The hard drive is getting full. I'm running a defragmentation on in now. It's going to take quite a while. I forgot about that and haven't done it for a few years. It shows 74.46 capacity and 13.42 space free (18% free space) so I guess it is getting full as well as old. I'll go through the cookies/temporary files and eliminate as much as possible.
More and more I am being convinced it is going to be best to buy a new computer. I looked over the Windows Easy Transfer information and it looks like it transfers files and settings but not the actual programs I have installed, which while helpful leaves me to reinstall a bunch of stuff if I can find the original CDs or figure out how I down loaded it from the net like Zune and Nikon transfer (at least those should be easy). I saw some software (PC Creator?) that claims to copy everything, programs and all, and transfer it all to the new computer. Am I right about Easy Transfer not moving my programs?
Ronin,
I'm using Norton 360, it provides me with all these tools for system performance/maintenance. When I got that new Seagate hard drive, it came with software to do a full hd clone which helped make an exact copy of my old system boot drive onto the new one. I can tell you I tried to use freeware hard drive cloning software which crashed on me in the process. Another option is via Norton 360, I had created backup/restores for my data and when I initially crashed my old drive, I was able to get all the important data recovered. You didn't mention which Norton software you were using, all I noticed was anti virus.
I'm not familiar with Easy Transfer or PC Creator software. Sounds like you're leaning to a new pc, you'll have to reload all software to it anyway. If you decide to keep using this one, once the hard drive is stabilized, you can do a system backup and then restore it to another hard drive using Norton software. Just did all this earlier this year.
I'm using Norton 360, it provides me with all these tools for system performance/maintenance. When I got that new Seagate hard drive, it came with software to do a full hd clone which helped make an exact copy of my old system boot drive onto the new one. I can tell you I tried to use freeware hard drive cloning software which crashed on me in the process. Another option is via Norton 360, I had created backup/restores for my data and when I initially crashed my old drive, I was able to get all the important data recovered. You didn't mention which Norton software you were using, all I noticed was anti virus.
I'm not familiar with Easy Transfer or PC Creator software. Sounds like you're leaning to a new pc, you'll have to reload all software to it anyway. If you decide to keep using this one, once the hard drive is stabilized, you can do a system backup and then restore it to another hard drive using Norton software. Just did all this earlier this year.
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ronin
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I have the most basic Norton available, not 360, but I looked at it at Costco this week and when my annual subscription expires in 3 weeks I think I will upgrade. I can't keep the auto-protect option enabled on it for some reason. I thought about the security suite from Verizon, but it didn't have much in the way of information that I could see and I haven't heard anything about it (other than its 6 bucks a month).
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As far as new computers go, any brands to avoid or lean towards? What kind of stuff is recommended? Seems most now have 6 - 8 DDR for the RAM (some call it DDR2 others DDR3?), processor Intel/AMD/? speeds 2.6 - 3.?, hard drive capacity 1 - 2 TB seems common. Don't game, store photos/music files.
Seems like the $500 - 1000 price point has a lot more computer than I currently have.
Seems like the $500 - 1000 price point has a lot more computer than I currently have.
Based on what you're using now, anything out there new will be light years better. I personally used to build my own PC's from scratch (as a hobby), but I'm using an old HP demo I bought new for $125, pumped up the ram to 3.5. You should get min 4mb RAM, 300 gb hard drive space (think this is lowest they offer now on desktops). Hard drives and RAM (except DDR3) are cheap now, you can upgrade later too or do external hard drives later too. I assume your monitor still works, fine, you can get a system without the monitor. I personally only purchased laptops from Acer, best bang for the buck from my own experience, now have 3 of these and very happy with them. Got one about 3 months ago w/Intel I5 processor for $550, 4mb RAM. I only bought it cause I had expiring Staples rewards cash. AMD's are a little cheaper, but it's harder doing the comparisons Intel vs. AMD. Still have 3 and 4 yr old Acers running just fine.
As far as Norton 360, look around, always goes on sale for cheap (<20) or free several times a year @Frys,Staples,etc. Provides all kinds of protection,maintenance, firewall. I have version 4.0, protects up to 3 pcs.
As far as Norton 360, look around, always goes on sale for cheap (<20) or free several times a year @Frys,Staples,etc. Provides all kinds of protection,maintenance, firewall. I have version 4.0, protects up to 3 pcs.
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I went from Norton Internet Security to Norton 360 earlier this week. It cost me $59 as a "preferred customer". The ad was visible when I logged into my account.
I didn't remember this, but the 3 free activations of that program have to be within the first 60 days after purchase of the downloadable version.
As for computers, you are going to have a myriad of good choices. My desktop is a couple of years old and I really like it. It is a Dell that I got on sale at Best Buy (since the configuration was exactly what I wanted, and the price was less than the same configuration through Dell). I think it was around $550 but I couldn't swear to it - - would have to look it up.
I didn't remember this, but the 3 free activations of that program have to be within the first 60 days after purchase of the downloadable version.
As for computers, you are going to have a myriad of good choices. My desktop is a couple of years old and I really like it. It is a Dell that I got on sale at Best Buy (since the configuration was exactly what I wanted, and the price was less than the same configuration through Dell). I think it was around $550 but I couldn't swear to it - - would have to look it up.
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ronin
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So far I have just looked on line at Costco.com, Best Buy.com, and Fry's.com to get a general idea of what's available and at what price these days. I did see Acer somewhere, maybe costco, have to go back and check. Norton 360 was $69 at costco, glad I didn't get it. Thinking of going to the local BestBuys to talk to the people. They have been very helpful in the past even when I wasn't buying something or asking about something from another store. As opposed to Fry's where the employees seem to suck lemons before starting their shifts. Surly, disaffected @#$%s.
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You can get a big external hard drive for less than $100 these days, too. That would make the backup pretty easy and painless I would think.
Here's a 1 TB external hard drive for $90 and it's not even on sale. If you don't need that much (you probably don't) there are others for less.
Here's a 1 TB external hard drive for $90 and it's not even on sale. If you don't need that much (you probably don't) there are others for less.
If the computer has a 'quick boot', turn it off. Make sure the computer is checking ram; a stick may have died and 'quick boot' causes it to skip this. I've had to fix this a lot lately. Otherwise as previously posted... cmos battery.
Oh....
Laptop:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6007817&CatId=4937
Desktop:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6367167&Sku=S445-10076
Oh....
Laptop:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6007817&CatId=4937
Desktop:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6367167&Sku=S445-10076
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ronin
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This caught my eye:
Costco - Acer AM5910 Core i5-650 3.2GHz Desktop High-Def Audio 5.1 Multi-in-One Card Reader
Seems like it would be plenty adequate for my needs. Any opinions?
Costco - Acer AM5910 Core i5-650 3.2GHz Desktop High-Def Audio 5.1 Multi-in-One Card Reader
Seems like it would be plenty adequate for my needs. Any opinions?
This model certainly should give you plenty of gaming and multimedia capability,definitely overkill for your listed needs for sure!. At this pricepoint, it lacks a DVI or HDMI output, only has VGA which is odd. I had trouble finding much in terms of reviews. This is also sold on Amazon (only 2 reviews) and J&R music world. If you get it from Costco, you'll get the best in return policy from them. If you're looking to get Norton 360, frys has it on sale now FRYS.com | SYMANTEC
for $29.99 after 2 rebates or starting Sunday at Staples for $39.99 w/o rebates (also have a $5 off $50 coupon in the store flyer). They also have some lower cost desktops to look at too.
What ever happened with the old system...were you able to determine the main problem and did it get resolved?
for $29.99 after 2 rebates or starting Sunday at Staples for $39.99 w/o rebates (also have a $5 off $50 coupon in the store flyer). They also have some lower cost desktops to look at too.
What ever happened with the old system...were you able to determine the main problem and did it get resolved?
I did a quick search and found very few reviews on this PC, it's also sold at Amazon and J&R music world. It's billed as a multimedia and gaming powerhouse unit, but it only has a vga output. This is a bit surprising for this cpu and price point, it should give you DVI and/or HDMI output for digital TV hookup. If you get it at Costco, you'll have the best return policy. By the way, Norton 360 is on sale now at Frys for $29.99 after 2 rebates, tomorrow it's on sale at Staples for $39.00 with no rebates. There's also a $5 off $50 coupon in store ad if you have more to buy. Check out the HP computer sale too. I was eyeballing the HP p6510f (AMD quad 630, 4mb ram, 750 hd), only because it's a cheaper model and I have $30 Staples rewards money to blow on something.
Did you ever isolate the problem on the old pc and did you get it resolved?
Did you ever isolate the problem on the old pc and did you get it resolved?
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ronin
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No, I haven't got anywhere. It is screwed up now for about the first 20-30 min. after start-up and then it seems more or less OK. I think I give up.
ronin, the Acer looks fine to me and I'll repeat what dimsumkid said, no DVI or HDMI outputs.
On DVI output with a good graphics card you can get something like 2560x1600 resolution.
So I saw this on Dell, if you still trust Dell.
Inspiron 580s The last option is exactly the same as the Acer but it also has an ATI Radeon graphics card with 1GB. Pretty flash.
Only thing I see different is the Dell is a small form factor.
Just another option at the same price.
ATI Radeon specs
On DVI output with a good graphics card you can get something like 2560x1600 resolution.
So I saw this on Dell, if you still trust Dell.
Inspiron 580s The last option is exactly the same as the Acer but it also has an ATI Radeon graphics card with 1GB. Pretty flash.
Only thing I see different is the Dell is a small form factor.
Just another option at the same price.
ATI Radeon specs
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ronin
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I just saw this one as well:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Pavilion+Desktop+/+AMD+Phenom%26%23153;+II+Processor+/+8GB+Memory+/+1TB+Hard+Drive/9963692.p?id=1218202474716&skuId=9963692
Seems to have the HD thingie. I just have a basic monitor and don't plan on needing hi def video anyways.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Pavilion+Desktop+/+AMD+Phenom%26%23153;+II+Processor+/+8GB+Memory+/+1TB+Hard+Drive/9963692.p?id=1218202474716&skuId=9963692
Seems to have the HD thingie. I just have a basic monitor and don't plan on needing hi def video anyways.
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Up and running on the new computer after marathon install, config, transfer, chat w/tech support, look for the cup of hemlock day yesterday.
Have to say it is clearly so much better now. Going to take a while to figure it all out. But appreciate everyone's help.
Zero, that Windows Easy Transfer was a real good tip. Definitely worth the $40 bucks for the cable and software.
The only problem I haven't rectified is that when I plug my record player I use for converting vinyl to digital into the line in port on the sound card, I get a nasty noise out the audio output over the speakers/headphones. So unplugging it leaves the sound OK. Going to try another device today to if it's the turntable or a quirk with the sound card. Managed to diagnose it myself after the 2nd hour on line with the second manufacturer's tech support person, while they were probably scrolling thru their script for further useless advice. Oh well.
Have to say it is clearly so much better now. Going to take a while to figure it all out. But appreciate everyone's help.
Zero, that Windows Easy Transfer was a real good tip. Definitely worth the $40 bucks for the cable and software.
The only problem I haven't rectified is that when I plug my record player I use for converting vinyl to digital into the line in port on the sound card, I get a nasty noise out the audio output over the speakers/headphones. So unplugging it leaves the sound OK. Going to try another device today to if it's the turntable or a quirk with the sound card. Managed to diagnose it myself after the 2nd hour on line with the second manufacturer's tech support person, while they were probably scrolling thru their script for further useless advice. Oh well.
BigNick
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Doh, I arrived here too late. After your last post "slow for 20-30 minutes, then OK", I was going to say, simply turn off all your anti-virus software. It doesn't work anyway, to a pretty close approximation, and startup is when its hassle/value ratio is highest.
I ran a network of 1800 PCs for 19 years with no anti-virus software, and at no point did we ever lose any user data to malware. We got hit by the major worms, MS-Blast and Sasser, in the 2002/3 time frame IIRC, but of course those exploited OS weaknesses and no anti-virus software could stop them.
A/V software is a bit like those drugs which don't fix anything, so the pharmaceutical industry has to invent conditions which need treating.
My sister upgraded her A/V software from AVG Free (fairly useless but fairly harmless) to AGV Full. Result: her PC took 15 minutes to boot. I disactivated the antivirus and it worked like a champ. I then found an article for her which pointed out that the major aim of most viruses is not to harm your computer, but to steal its CPU and network resources. It said "this can reduce your PC to a crawl". So in effect, she'd changed a chance of her PC being made unusable, into a certainty.
(By the way, I realise that this sounds like a crank argument. But I have witnesses to prove it, and I promise not to look like a crank on any other subject.)
I ran a network of 1800 PCs for 19 years with no anti-virus software, and at no point did we ever lose any user data to malware. We got hit by the major worms, MS-Blast and Sasser, in the 2002/3 time frame IIRC, but of course those exploited OS weaknesses and no anti-virus software could stop them.
A/V software is a bit like those drugs which don't fix anything, so the pharmaceutical industry has to invent conditions which need treating.
My sister upgraded her A/V software from AVG Free (fairly useless but fairly harmless) to AGV Full. Result: her PC took 15 minutes to boot. I disactivated the antivirus and it worked like a champ. I then found an article for her which pointed out that the major aim of most viruses is not to harm your computer, but to steal its CPU and network resources. It said "this can reduce your PC to a crawl". So in effect, she'd changed a chance of her PC being made unusable, into a certainty.
(By the way, I realise that this sounds like a crank argument. But I have witnesses to prove it, and I promise not to look like a crank on any other subject.)
What type of connection are you using for the phono out?
