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General => Technical Help => Topic started by: erin21 on Thursday 03 January 08 19:45 GMT (UK)
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About 18 months ago I bought a new hard drive and memory for this old computer of mine as it went on me.
Its now become very troublesome and I am afraid it is going to break down again
I am contemplating buying a new base (dont need anything else)but my dilemma is this.
How do I get all my documents and pictures from this computer to a new one also I downloaded Norton onto my computer recently after buying on line and have no disk.
Also how do I set up Outlook Express on a new computer.
Finally does any one have any idea of specs I should choose and I use skype so do I need some Extra to speak and hear?
I know there are a lot of questions but maybe you could just answer one or two
Erin
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Hi Erin - just buy a 'barebones' base unit and transfer your hard disk to it; Windows may wonder whats happened when it wakes up in a new box, but overall it should work and your pics will be available as will Norton.
http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/products/a789x1y0z1p0s0n0m1
There may be some setup wrinkles, but I'm sure the gurus on here will comment ....
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Think that would be beyond me. I need something less technical Im afraid!!!!
Erin :D :D :D :D :D :D
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Hi Erin
If you don't want to go this route, I would suggest you try to avoid Windows Vista at all costs - I had loads of problems with software (e.g. camera & scanner drivers & accessories and FTM 2006) not working on my new laptop!
You could also connect the old computer to the new one and transfer your files and settings.
Bill
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Thanks Bill
I bought Windows Xp when I got the new hard drive so I have that disk.Maybe my local computer shop will help me with the transferring. What would you suggest for specifications to choose?
Erin :-\
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Erin - I hear you, but its really dead easy - and for 150 sovs you'll get a real price performance deal - top line CPU - and all for the effort of fiddling with 4 small bolts and a cable ! to move your HD into the new case.
If you have XP on CD, its just as easy to reinstall it .....
anyway look at the prices and compare with Dell and PC World !
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The company Newfster mentioned also does base units... with the option of having XP!
Its a good company, I always use them.
If you buy a new base, you will have to also install Office for word, excel and Outlook express.
When you downloaded Nortons, did you save it anywhere on your present pc before installing it? If so, the download package should still be intact for you to transfer over to your new pc. I've not done this before with Nortons but did they supply you with a software KEY which you enter during setup or registration? do you still have it, perhaps they emailed it to you?
To transfer files, you could just install your old drive as a second drive and then move over all your files. Don't forget to copy your favourites and backup your emails to transfer.
Setting up Outlook express is easy, when you first open it, it will walk you through set up
It will ask for your name (as you wish to be known on your sent emails)
you will need your account name, email address and password (provided by your ISP) and also the names of your incoming and outgoing servers.
You can find out what your server names are by looking at your present outlook express.
Open Outlook and go to tools > Accounts
Select your account (there may be more than one depending on your setup)
click on properties. When the properties window opens, click on the servers tab. Now copy down what it says exactly for incoming and outgoing servers.
Now cancel out of these windows as you do not want to make any changes here.
jc
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And another non-vote for Vista from me! Horrible system that you can't put your old software on.
You can buy what you need with good old xp if you shop around.
meles
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hi all
i recently bought a bare bones system from novatech just a box , power
supply , motherboard , & processor
as i fitted in my hard drive and cd re-writer and floppy disc drive i remembered
that i had a dvd player rescued from a relatives computer failure and
thought it would be an idea to fit that as well
so floppy drive fitted(i need this for making direct line trees for people
starting out) , hard drive set to master , cdrw set to slave , and
get another flat cable to connect up the dvd and............
it's not there no second connection on the motherboard :o
now i know it's not top of the range but even my old one had two
connections
then i read up on the motherboard and there there are extra connections
but these are round cable connections not flat cable
in the future motherboards will become round cable connections only.
you can buy some kind of adapter board , but be aware when buying
bare bone systems in the future that they might connect directly to you old
cd , cdrw , dvd , or dvdrw disc drives
yours
ev
ps i also bought a complete box for my daughter from novotech with a
do everything disc player/drive
higher spec. than mine just over two hundred pounds
this included matching black mouse and keybord - good value free delivery
(about 4 days) just had to connect it up and load windows xp
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The company Newfster mentioned also does base units... with the option of having XP!
jc
JC
Thanks for all your useful info I have printed it off. Dont think I have saved anything from Norton!!! :o
Erin
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One further option
Buy a usb caddy £15-£25 put your old drive in that, just plug into a usb port on your new machine and all your files are there
I have also fitted the old hard drive in the new case set up as secondary and it works, may void warranty opening the new computer. Only problem encountered second drive has the old operating system still on it if computer set up as dual boot (dont ask) may give option to boot from old hard drive
Hope things work out ok
Steve
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hi all
don't think putting an existing hard drive(as primary drive)into a new box will work
maybe someone has more technical knowledge than me but how
can the hard drive recognize the system
i was told to wipe and partition the hard drive then load windows xp
then load the new drivers that came on the disc supplied with the
bare bones system
this i did and it worked first time
ev
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Help Its all getting beyond me now!!!!!!
Erin :o :o :( :o :D 8 :D
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Erin, you asked what spec you need?
Write down all the things you do on the pc.
Saving lots of files/pictures needs a reasonably large hard drive. Is your present one adequate? if not go LARGE.
Do you do anything with graphics/games or pictures/videos? Then you will need a reasonably good graphics card (with its own large memory) plus plenty of RAM (also good to see how much extra it can expand too!)
Music? a good sound card....
CD/DVD writer? though you can transfer your old one if needed.
USB 2.0 connections, how many do you need? printer, scanner, camera etc.... all adds up!
the list goes on.....
Just some food for thought... you probably need a stiff drink now :D :D :D
jc
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Hi erin :)
Just caught up with this thread!
Have a look at a similar one I put up a few months ago:
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,249588.0.html
I eventually bought two Mesh computers - one for me and one for him.
I am very pleased with them :)
Gadget
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bet you are Gadget with the spec you ended up with :o :o :o :o
can be quite daunting though; techie stuff can be scary if its not your thing - scares me sometimes when it goes wrong and I haven't a clue what happened!
Still.... never taken a pc to a repair man yet. :D
jc
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Only done that twice, jc - both with OH's machine in Scotland (a Gateway bought just before they closed down the Dublin operations). First time the Power Unit went and then a couple of months ago the hard disk crashed - very straight forward and 'my little man in the North' is very good ;D
Also, everything was backed up on external drive so no probs :)
I've put in various cards and DVD units myself :)
Gadget
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Everyone is going to hate me for this, but I'm not as anti Vista as some.
Anyone starting new would probably like it.
The problem is that it doesn't want to know anything that you already have. You buy Vista, you've got to get everything else new to go with it. Then you have to jiggle your files to get them accepted. Even the Security was not Vista compatible, had to get the Vista version.
That is a B
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When you downloaded Norton you should have printed off your registration details. I would send an email to their support department telling that you need to transfer the program to another computer.
Outlook is being replaced with Windows Mail. You will need to transfer your outlook express .mbx file to the new computer. If it comes with Windows Mail pre-installed, then it will open your .mbx file and convert it to the new format.
You will need to install all your old programs on the new machine as you cannot transfer programs.
You can transfer your data to a CD or DVD or as someone has suggested an external hard disk caddy. That will entail removing your old hard drive and putting it in the HDD caddy. You can then re-use that hard drive to backup your new computer in future.
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Outlook is being replaced with Windows Mail. You will need to transfer your outlook express .mbx file to the new computer.
Windows Mail comes with Vista. Windows Outlook Express, comes with Windows Office suite, it still came with Office 2007 which is XP(sp 2) and Vista compatible)
The files you would need to transfer from Outlook Express are the .dbx files. When transferring to Outlook Express these files need to be transferred individually but with Windows Mail, the whole Outlook Express folder needs to be transferred for the import to work.
Instruction on transferring from Outlook Express to Windows Mail
http://www.rootschat.com/links/02h4/
.mbx are internet mail and news mail file extensions http://support.microsoft.com/kb/176523
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I'm amazed that anyone still uses Outlook Express or any download e-mail program any more. It's much safer and more convenient to use on-line e-mail and then just download what you need to (attachments, etc).
I've not used anything but online mail for 5 or 6 years :)
Gadget
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my ISP also allows web access to my mail account though it isn't as efficient as Express but its a case of whatever you get used to. I don't move around alot these days so roaming access isn't an issue for me. I do use webmail occassionally to read/send new mail whille I'm on holiday or to stop infrequent spats of spam/junkmail though I don't get much as my ISP has excellent "silent" filters :D
but like most people I also have numerous free online accounts for safety sake.
jc
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Hiya Erin
Buy an external hardrive (bout £50) plug it into your computer and transfer all your data across
Then if your computer packs up you can just plug it into a new one and away you go
You would have to reload all your programmes on a new computer but all your data files (ie tree, letters etc) would be safe
OH brought me one for Christmas and I dumped all my stuff on it and reformatted the computer because it was getting really slow and playing up
Computer now fine and data safe
Willow x
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Two days ago I bought a new laptop which as Vista. I am still finding my way around it but like what I see. I have downloaded Skype and it already as a inbuilt camera and I have attached my headset and have no problems with it.
I don't like Norton so have not activated the Trial that comes with it. I have downloaded AGV free from Computeractive website. Also Spybot from the same place. That was a bit difficult but I did it twice and it is ok and working well.
I am using this along side my PC so will not transfer everything from it I want it really for when we are travelling. Photo's I have transfer using a Doggle and have download Picassa as I like using that to organize my photo's.
I also have been using the web for emails for a long time and find it much easier.
Don't worry about having a new computer you will soon find your way around it. As for Vista I will soon crack that.
Val
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Re - external drives and transfer:
I did that with our new computers and also with one of the old ones which had crashed and had to have a new hard drive.
I've had the externals for ages now.
I believe there is also a thread about it - very early last year. Indi and many others had done this too :)
Here it is:
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,176706.0.html
Gadget
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I'm afraid I'm one of those people whp never explores technicalities 'because they are there' I wait until I have to... then sometimes it's too late... my own fault.
The XP went, I thought it was a gonner for keeps. I had taken a load of files off onto discs, but that was as far as I went. No Backup, which wouldn't have been any good, because the poor old thing was stuck on the black screen with the options of how to start it, and all it did was try to start and go back to the black screen. Then it went completely and I thought it was gone forever.
That was when I got the Vista. All the discs I had made worked in Vista with the exception of the Word documents... No Word program on Vista, you have to buy it, and if they think I am going to do that when there are other, free or cheaper programs....well, not unless I have to.
Luckily I have a lovely chap who came and breathed life into the XP, but he warned me it's on it's way out, back up and don't over use. This is what I have been doing.
I also have one of those desk top hard drives, (this lot talked me into it) I've never regretted it.
I'm not adventurous with my computer work, glorified typewriter that does pictures and allows me on the Internet, and that's about it, so perhaps I haven't tested Vista like others.
My only complaint, the trouble with reprogramming the printer/scanner and no Word, apart from that...and having to learn not to Save to, but Burn, and Organise to Delete...
No Problem
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Hiya Erin
Buy an external hardrive (bout £50) plug it into your computer and transfer all your data across
OH brought me one for Christmas and I dumped all my stuff on it and reformatted the computer because it was getting really slow and playing up
Willow x
Willow
I am interested in this, sounds very uncomplicated and just my scene!!!! any more info on the type to buy and where to get it???
Erin :) :) :) :) :) :)
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Re - external drives and transfer:
I did that with our new computers and also with one of the old ones which had crashed and had to have a new hard drive.
I've had the externals for ages now.
I believe there is also a thread about it - very early last year. Indi and many others had done this too :)
Here it is:
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,176706.0.html
Gadget
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Hiya Erin
Know OH brought mine from Maplins but have a look online @ dabs.com or PCworld they are bound to have some. Mine is a seagate and it was a doddle to set up. Plug it in and off it goes
Wish I'd brought one years ago - when my old computer died I had to import my tree back off Ancestry and it was a bit out of date so I had wasted a lot of time
Willow x
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I have to say that some things on this thread are totally baffling to me.
I think I will need a new machine at some stage but Vista sounds awkward, if it hasn't got 'word' on it. This is not a problem if it will work with 'open office'.
Does anyone know if that is possible? I think it should be. Openoffice is a free download and comes with its own suite of programmes, word processing, spreadsheets etc., which I have now and is very good.
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Vista is just an operating system.
Word is a word processing program that is sold separetly.
However, Vista does seem to have a Word reader program that can open Word documents, but this is not the full Word program.
You can download things like an Excel reader program and Powerpoint reader program free from Microsoft but they are not the ful programs.
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I think Open Office has a Vista compatible version, silvery ;D
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Vista sounds awkward
It isn't a great deal different from Windows XP.
The graphics are different and it is a bit more secure, but I haven't noticed much difference between the Vista Home Basic edition and Windows XP SP3ish.
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just dont buy a computer from toys r us1 my sisters sister in law and myself both brought PCs from there and both had nothing but problems.
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It doesn't take long to get used to new things I've found. I remember when I got xp and I didn't like it initially. so I suppose it's the same with Vista.
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I think Open Office has a Vista compatible version, silvery ;D
Indeed - Open Office works fine on my Vista machines :)
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I have Open Office working with my Vista. No Problems.
Only thing is, it won't open the Word documents I have recorded off from the XP.
New stuff... fine.
I have got an escape clause though..
The XP is still limping along, so I am Copy and Pasting as much as I can from Word to Notepad, recording on disc putting disc in Vista which has Notepad, then Copy and Paste onto Open Office... then business as usual...
Might not be the best way, but it works for me...
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Paula
Open Office should open .doc documents see page 3
http://documentation.openoffice.org/manuals/oooauthors2/0103GS-FileManagement.pdf
this is the XP version but must be similar for the Vista update
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It's the 'cross-over' thing I think jc, coming from Word XP to Open Office Vista.... don't think they seem to be on speaking terms....
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Word-2007 saves documents in a new format .docx instead of .doc and that seems to be one of the problems.
This part of their move towards the standardisation of XML throughout the industry.
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just dont buy a computer from toys r us1 my sisters sister in law and myself both brought PCs from there and both had nothing but problems.
Thanks for the tip Toni All these pieces of information are of great help
Erin
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Mail pre-installed, then it will open your .mbx file and convert it to .
You will need to You can transfer your data to a CD or DVD or as someone has suggested an external hard disk caddy. That will entail removing your old hard drive and putting it in the HDD caddy. You can then re-use that hard drive to backup your new computer in future.
Downside
I bought some cds but couldnt get them to do what I wanted.
If I go to my Documents for instance and open a folder I may have photos word docs etc there for some one who I am researching but when I try to save that folder to the disc it never seems to work !!!
What am I doing wrong or what should I be doing ??
Erin ::) ::) ::) ::)
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In theory you should right click a folder and then select Send to and then select the CD drive.
Are you getting an error message or anything?
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Word-2007 saves documents in a new format .docx
If you click on the Office button and select 'save as' on the menu Word 2007 can save in 'Word 97-2003' or several other formats. I have no trouble in opening the older .doc files which were previously saved in Word 2000. You can also download a plugin for earlier versions of Word so they can read .docx files.
I've downloaded the 'save as pdf' plugin which is very useful to send items to a printshop for publishing.
Michael.
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Ok just done that
Then I got a balloon saying waiting to be written to Cd. So I clicked on the balloon got the CD Writing wizard and it said no Cd Insert a Writable Cd in D Drive. As there was already one in I re inserted and started again then it just froze!!!!!
Erin ???
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Erin,
Have you tried using a fresh cd - I had this problem which I think was caused by using a cd previously written to by Nero. Windows kept saying the disk was full or unwritable but a new disk worked fine.
Michael.
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Erin,
Have you tried using a fresh cd - I had this problem which I think was caused by using a cd previously written to by Nero. Windows kept saying the disk was full or unwritable but a new disk worked fine.
Michael.
Michael
I bought a pack of Mx CD -Rw 4X700mb 80min Dont know whats wrong I keep getting a message saying no CD in Drive I have tried another few discs but the same answer comes up !!
Erin ???
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Erin,
Can your cd drive write to -R or -Rw disks? If not, this is why it can't see a disk in the drive.
Michael.
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Erin,
Can your cd drive write to -R or -Rw disks? If not, this is why it can't see a disk in the drive.
Michael.
Mmmmm not sure about that how do I tell?
Erin ::)
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Just checked it says Samsung CDRW?DVD SM 308B oes that mean anything to you?
Erin ::) ::) ::)
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Googled your cd drive to get specs and, yes, it should write to the -R format.
Does it read other disks OK? And have you any written any disks earlier without problems?
Michael.
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I had these problems loading to cd as well. (what problems haven't I had?) I don't know whether it was Nero or the dvd writer.
Now I use a memory stick/usb thing. It's much simpler, easier, and doesn't require any writing or filing. Bought it last year 1gb for £15, and they are much cheaper now. One of the best things I ever got.
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Now I use a memory stick/usb thing. It's much simpler, easier, and doesn't require any writing or filing. Bought it last year 1gb for £15, and they are much cheaper now. One of the best things I ever got.
Silvery
sounds like my cup of tea I shall invest in one and give it a go!!!
Erin :)
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Saves loads of stuff all on the one thing. My dvd drive is 'f' and this uses 'g' so that's where I save to (or send to when I am ready).
Then when you plug it back in, everything you have on it shows up, and you just select what you want to open, document, folder, etc. For eg all my pictures are in folders, and my different family names are in folders under those names etc. Census returns are in a census folder. So that means I don't have lots of individual files to scroll through. Needs a bit of time doing the 'filing' though from documents.
Much better, in my opinion, than discs. Igb holds loads.
Another thing, when you plug it in, go to 'my computer' right click on it, and select 'properties', and it tells you how full it is. Wonderful.
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Saves loads of stuff all on the one thing. My dvd drive is 'f' and this uses 'g' so that's where I save to (or send to when I am ready).
Then when you plug it back in, everything you have on it shows up, and you just select what you want to open, document, folder, etc. For eg all my pictures are in folders, and my different family names are in folders under those names etc. Census returns are in a census folder. So that means I don't have lots of individual files to scroll through. Needs a bit of time doing the 'filing' though from documents.
Much better, in my opinion, than discs. Igb holds loads.
Another thing, when you plug it in, go to 'my computer' right click on it, and select 'properties', and it tells you how full it is. Wonderful.
Silvery
Brilliant! I am of to town to morrow!
Erin :)
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I don't think you'll regret it, erin. A memory stick can take a great burden off your computer, with the glory that if the computer goes phut you still have the bizz safe and sound.
I was talked into getting a desktop hard drive/external hard drive, and it has been a boon. Taken all my pictures off onto it, my books (I do e-books) and loads of the family tree stuff and notes from parish registers. Brilliant.
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Thanks Paula
I am getting really nervous because my computer is acting up badly like it did before when my Hard Drive went and I lost everything. I have so much on it now I would be devastated if I were to lose it all
Erin :'(
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Thanks Paula
I am getting really nervous because my computer is acting up badly like it did before when my Hard Drive went and I lost everything. I have so much on it now I would be devastated if I were to lose it all
Erin :'(
quick save it to disc now before its too late and then if your harddrive goes you can upload you discs!
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Get an external hard drive for £50 or less. A better bargain you can't get.
Gadget
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Toni
Thats one of my problems saving to disk as you can see from previous chatter it dont work for me !!!! :'(
Any way I am finally getting somewhere with purchasing a new Base unit .But first I want all who can to tell me what do you think of the specs I am thinking of ::) ::)
Intel Pentium Processor 1.6GHz speed. Hard Drive 160Gb. RAM 1GB. Windows XP(I have the disk). DVD and CD re writer. Graphics card. Sound card. Modem for my Tiscali broadband (but i may go wireless in the future). USB ports 4 at rear 2 at front. ::) ::) ::)
Any useful comments????
Erin :-\
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Erin
You missed out a £££s in you spec. It's quite important :-\
Also - 2 GB RAM would be a minimum for future use (Vista, etc.)
Gadget
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Get an external hard drive for £50 or less. A better bargain you can't get.
Gadget
Thanks Gadget
What do you think of my choice of specs?????
Erin ::)
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Erin
You missed out a £££s in you spec. It's quite important :-\
Also - 2 GB RAM would be a minimum for future use (Vista, etc.)
Gadget
Hoping for under £300
Erin :D
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I think we cross posted, Erin :)
I'd go for something a bit bigger but it's £££s versus what you would want as a minimum.
Gadget
Added - we dided it again ;D ;D ;D
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External hard drive for less that £50 can give you one hell of a lot of memory and free up even a small computer's space...
I don't know anything about the technicalities, but I do know what works and these folks were right with that one.
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My neighbour bought that Packard Bell base unit they have on display in Currys at the moment for about £300. It is an almost identical spec. It came with Vista Home Basic preinstalled. My neighbour is happy with it. He asked me to come over to sort it out though.
I removed the Norton Internet Security 3 month trial thing and replaced it with AVG free edition.
I downloaded Open Office and installed that for him.
He's even happier now. :)
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I have Open Office, downside, it's pretty darned good.
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Erin,
Hi....why not Vista?...I don't have it but will jump into it with my next purchase...(maybe later this year)...no point in hanging on to the old XP!..LOL
I think your memory...Ram is going to be a bit skimpy.....but there again..it depends what you want to do.
I cannot live without an external hard drive......mine is Lacie......I have the FTM and about 76 gazzillion photos on it.
Good luck with whatever you chose.
Indi
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1gb of RAM for Vista Home Basic edition is perfectly adequate. My neighbour had an old Pentium II with 128mb of RAM before so he found his new PC frighteningly fast.
The Home Basic edition does not have the 3D graphics interface Aero, so 1gb works OK.
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One word of warning
Vista home will not connect to a LAN - you need Vista business - as my boss found out when he brought a new laptop for work without speaking to me first lol
He had to buy the upgrade for it - made it a bit of an expensive mistake ;D
Mind you it took me two days to find out why it wouldn't connect to the works network >:(
Willow x
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My neighbour bought that Packard Bell base unit they have on display in Currys at the moment for about £300. It is an almost identical spec. It came with Vista Home Basic preinstalled. My neighbour is happy with it. He asked me to come over to sort it out though.
I removed the Norton Internet Security 3 month trial thing and replaced it with AVG free edition.
I downloaded Open Office and installed that for him.
He's even happier now. :)
Thanks Downside that sounds very interesting do you know the model no?
Erin ::)
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The Packard Bell BL 2312 at £369.99 looks reasonable.
That price includes a monitor as well. He bought just the base unit (includes mouse and keyboard as well) just after Christmas and I think he said it cost him £300.
http://www.rootschat.com/links/02ia/
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Thanks Downside I'll have a look at that.
I bought a 2gb USB memory stick to day from Currys£12.99 It worked a treat at copying my documents and pics etc ready for transfer. Trouble is I only got about two thirds through and its full, so I shall have to get another. Still I'm relieved I got most of my work and pics saved now. The Usb port at the front wouldn't recognise the device but one at the back did, thought that a bit strange ::)
Erin ;)
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Glad it worked ok. They're easy aren't they?
But you must have mega masses of photos and stuff. I had a feeling that a 1gb stick could hold thousands and thousands of photos.
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hi erin 21
maybe the reason the front usb port didn't work is that it is not connected to
the motherboard
i've seen that before
2GB memory stick can hold a fair bit of info.
you don't happen to have war and peace or the collective works of
shakespear on your computer ;D
ev
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ev
no but I have family who come home and store their photos on my comp!!!
1000 more due shortly from a far east trip!!!!
Erin ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::)
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Glad it worked ok. They're easy aren't they?
But you must have mega masses of photos and stuff. I had a feeling that a 1gb stick could hold thousands and thousands of photos.
Just the very thing I wanted. Thanks for mentioning it. I'm of to buy another one to morrow!!!
Erin :)
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Erin
Before you buy too many usb sticks, think again about the external usb drive.
Click Here for a range (http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=sr_nr_n_0?ie=UTF8&rs=10391531&rh=n%3A560798%2Cn%3A262739011%2Cn%3A296802011%2Cn%3A561908%2Cn%3A10391531%2Cn%3A350779011)
Gadget
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Erin
Before you buy too many usb sticks, think again about the external usb drive.
Click Here for a range (http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=sr_nr_n_0?ie=UTF8&rs=10391531&rh=n%3A560798%2Cn%3A262739011%2Cn%3A296802011%2Cn%3A561908%2Cn%3A10391531%2Cn%3A350779011)
Gadget
Thanks Gadget
I shall consider it. Its just that they look soooooo technical looking and scarey!!!
Erin :o
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No Erin - they're not techie at all :)
You just plug them in to a usb port and use them as another disk - like a CD/DVD or flash disk. The best thing is that they have masses of storage - you can back up your whole C drive and transfer to whatever computer you want to.
Easy Peasy 8)
Gadget
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Crikey, if I can use one... anyone can...
They are expensive, compared to a stick, but you'll only need one................
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4 x 1 GB sticks = 1 very large external drive 8)
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Hi
I've also been considering an external disk drive but am a tad confused ::)
Have seen some with their own power source and some without, which do I buy?
My five year old PCs hard drive is virtually full (only 40GB) sometime in the future will upgrade or maybe buy a newer model :D
Susan :)
Sorry for hi-jacking your thread Erin ;)
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I have one with and one without - I reccommend the ones with their own power supply. Some of the usb ports can be tricky :-\
Gadget
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Thanks Gadget :) one with its own power supply it will be!!
usb ports - another question - the four on my PC are used up, is a powered usb hub better than an unpowered?
Susan :)
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In a word:
Yes :)
But you do have to plug the hub into a usb port - get a hub with as many ports as you can afford :)
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Thanks once again for your input Gadget :D
Regards
Susan :)
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I got a bit lost here. going back to the memory stick when I have finished saving can I just take it straight out or do I need to do something I have a vague memory of someone saying you had to do something first.!
Erin ::) ::)
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I just take mine out but you can also go into 'my computer' and right click on the flash drive and click on Eject and then take it out.
Gadget :)
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Thanks Gadget
Erin :)
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Hi everyone,
I am not very clever with computers, but I bought a 2nd hard drive 120G of storage for £50.00 give or take bob or two.
Then I discovered that XP has its own back up system via the control panel which saves all the setting and things as well. So having had a complete crash, during which I was very lucky not to lose a thing! I did a complete back up on this hard drive. and x'd my fingers!
There is a wizard thingy easy for not very literate PC users to use, does everything for you!
Give it a whirl, you might not need a new one at all! And if the old one goes phut! you will have it all there ready to put back on a new PC if you insist on having XP again.
Rabbit B ;D
PS I use outlook express all the time!
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Not on Vista you won't Rabbit, it's Windows Mail over there, and a lot of people say it's not as good...
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Hi Paula,
Not ready for Vista yet! I still have all my XP professional discs! so think that would cover it for me if I had to get a new one I would buy it to load myself!!
Rabbit B ;D
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Vista is OK, Rabbit..... if you're prepared to buy everything else to go with it....for sure, it won't talk to most of what you already have.
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Vista is generally fine now - it had plenty of teething problems last year - but if you have an old printer/scanner etc, consider buying new ones at the same time as old ones may not work with Vista. Try the old ones, but don't expect them to work and then you won't be disappointed ;D and, you may be pleasantly surprised. If you have a USB modem definitely check that it works in Vista as some old ones don't.
If you want to backup email and stuff try the 30 day trial at http://www.genie-soft.com as this works fantastically better than the built in Outlook/Windows Mail backup, in my opinion.
External hard drives generally work in the same way as memory sticks - plug it in and off you go - but they don't fit in your pocket so easily! :P I think I'm beginning to love my external hard drive more than my kids, as it's far more useful than a couple of bone idle teenagers. :o
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Hi Paula, corieltauvi,
Now I can't have a new puppy and Vista! So that is why I am sticking to the XP, if it aint broke don't fix it! ;D
Vista on the next new one when I have saved up again! I love all the new technology, but it is expensive, so I like to make mine work until it falls to bits!
Rabbit B ;) :D
PS the same doesn't apply to the dog! ;D
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Hi everyone,
Then I discovered that XP has its own back up system via the control panel which saves all the setting and things as well. I did a complete back up on this hard drive. and x'd my fingers!
There is a wizard thingy easy for not very literate PC users to use, does everything for you!
Rabbit B ;D
PS I use outlook express all the time!
Rabbit
Please explain how you access this
Erin ::) ::) ::) ::)
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Rabbit
Please explain how you access this
Erin ::) ::) ::) ::)
Hi Erin,
Switch on your 2nd hard drive, mine shows up as FREECOM HDD.(E:) you will get the option to how to use your files, click on copy and view folders.
Go to start. I have mine on the CATEGORY view NOT the CLASSIC!! I find it easier.
Click on control. Click on performance and maintenance. The third one down is back up your system. Go to My computer.
You will see the Freecom sitting there now, so click on it and go back to the back up my files option under the first section!
Click on the back up my files and the wizard will do it all for you! I always double check that I have the E: under the bit it is backing up to!
It really is that simple! I suspect that others do it differently! But that is the way I have done it to be sure of a result!
Rabbit B ;) :D
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Just a small point.
Backup is only installed by default in Windows XP Pro.
To use it in the "Home" version you are going to have to dig out the disc and instal a small addition.
It's pretty well explained by Microsoft in this link.
Peter
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/maintain/backupsw.mspx
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You can also try Thunderbird from Mozilla for downloading and reading your mail. It's free - www.mozilla.com. A lot less susceptable to viruses than Outlook Express, and also more options to protect you, like the option to not run suspicious scripts etc. It also deals with junk mail nicely - lots of options. I also like the fact that if you have multiple email addresses you can have each with it's own set of folders (Inbox, Sent, etc...).
50pounds seems a lot to pay for a 120gb hard drive these days. I assume it was an external USB one? Of course it is the UK... I'm buying a 500gb USB drive in the USA next week for my laptop - only $145 (under 80pounds).
This is definitely the way to go for backups though. Some programs will backup everything including the registry and allow you to selectively restore things if you get into trouble. The best I found (to suit my needs) is Retrospect. It's very flexible and you can schedule multiple automatic backups - great if you have multiple computers and hard drives.
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Sorry Folks,
Did not know that the home version was different! My old PC worked on DOS! [Steam powered!] So I was behind the times!
Thanks Stumped, at least I won't have egg on my face now when people are trying to follow my instructions for the Prof version!
Tony, everything is expensive here in the UK, the VAT is 17.5% which makes it all so much worse, costwise.
That link sounds good! Thanks for that! might investigate when I have time.
Rabbit B ;D
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Bought another 4Gb usb memory stick from Currys £19 .99 its easy for me.!Simplicity is what I like !!!!!
ERin ::) ::) ::) ::)
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Not a bad price for 4gb.
Still really expensive over there compared to the USA - it's not as if a memory stick costs a lot to ship! Should be the same price. But that's a pretty good deal.
Best way to make quick portable backups of small-ish amounts of data or to transfer things between pc's.
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The two usb ports at the front of my computer are not recognizing my memory sticks and I am really struggling with the back ones, only one is free, and it seems all tied up near the others! I'm worn out on my hands and Knees here!!! I understand I can get some kind of gadget to make more sockets from this one and place it more conveniently. can any one recommend a reasonably priced one and let me know what I need to ask for ::) ::) ::)
Thanks
Erin ???
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I think what you need is a usb hub.
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There's these on pcworld
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/433718
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Thanks Silvery I shall have a look tomorrow.
Erin ;)
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Erin
You missed out a £££s in you spec. It's quite important :-\
Also - 2 GB RAM would be a minimum for future use (Vista, etc.)
Gadget
1GB of RAM can easily be bought in the future when it's a lot cheaper. This computer is 3 years old and came with 1GB RAM, when it was semi-rare to have it. I just bought 2GB off eBay a couple of weeks ago for around £25.
Toni
Thats one of my problems saving to disk as you can see from previous chatter it dont work for me !!!! :'(
Any way I am finally getting somewhere with purchasing a new Base unit .But first I want all who can to tell me what do you think of the specs I am thinking of ::) ::)
Intel Pentium Processor 1.6GHz speed. Hard Drive 160Gb. RAM 1GB. Windows XP(I have the disk). DVD and CD re writer. Graphics card. Sound card. Modem for my Tiscali broadband (but i may go wireless in the future). USB ports 4 at rear 2 at front. ::) ::) ::)
Any useful comments????
Erin :-\
Personally I'd go for a better processor... unless you mean 1.6GHz Dual Core.
Andrew
PS sorry if ti's too late, just thought I'd add my 2p in case it helps :)
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Comosus
Many thanks for your help. I have still not "taken the plunge" so I shall bear that in mind. What does dual core mean by the way? ::)
Erin
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Comosus
Many thanks for your help. I have still not "taken the plunge" so I shall bear that in mind. What does dual core mean by the way? ::)
Erin
To put it simply: It means it has 2 cores! :P
Which means it's twice as good ;)
I think a 1.6 single core processor would be a bit outdated now. I managed to pick up a new 2.something dual core processor not long ago for around £50. Even the one I had before that (3 years old) was something like 2.2 single core. Just for reference: I used to have AMD Athlon 3500+. I now have AMD Athlon 3800+ dual core
I'm sure the techies here will know more than me about this though.
Andrew
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Andrew
I dont want to get tooooo technical!!!!
Erin ::)
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Well at last I have taken the plunge and ordered a new computer from Dell Specs are Intel core 2 duo processor 2.40ghz Ram 3072 mb .Hard Drive 320gb I am awaiting delivery.!!!!
Just need to know the best way of putting all my info on now from my present set. also can any one remind me how do I copy and print all the icons I have on my desk top so I shall remember . Also can I make a copy any way of my present programs ?
Erin
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There is another problem when you buy a new computer, we got one from PC World we were not on Broadband, and had told them we were on dial-up but when we got the system home, there are no internal modems now. So its either an external one or tough luck you have to change to Broadband whether you want to or not, another added expense.
It was also Vista, which is to horrible for words, none of the periphiels work that we already had and they also had to be replaced.
Far more expensive than we expected.
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oh gosh hope mine work ok. I have a modem from Tiscali so think that will be ok have to check my printer !!
Erin
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Hi erin,
Well, I'm still plodding on with my Vista. Generally speaking, I love it to bits,
BUT
As Dancing Master says, it didn't want to talk to anything.
My Internet Server is a certain supermarket with a T. They were magnificent, and sent me a new program, so that worked. Printer didn't want to know. I contacted the firm..Lex... and they sent me new programming.
The main worry was the Security. I had mine in a round deal with T****s but they didn't do Vista, so I contacted the Security firm and now have their full version which is much more expensive, but much better.
The worst point was that many of the computer programs I had won't work on Vista...which is a bgr because I can't play scrabble now, and I liked scrabble....there are other programs too.
Then just a few weeks back I had the infamous Service Package 1 Update.
The computer was paralized.
But on here someone had remarked that it was their security, so I contacted mine and they said not to worry and sent me another version which was SP1 friendly.
Everything went back to normal.
All in all, Vista is a right pain in the wotsit. It is good though, and I like it.
For technical things you will need to ask someone else, but I can tell you, if you yell loud enough and to the right people, there is nearly always a way out.
All the best
Paula
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Thank you Paula
I shall bear all these things in mind.
I am hoping my son is going to set it all up for me as the delivery hopefully will co incide with his visit!!!!
Erin ::) ::) ::) ::)
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Changing to Vista is a bit of a leap of faith, but remember, if anything goes wrong, talk to the manufacturers, I have found they are pretty near all decent folk who know all about Vista and do their best to help.
Good luck,
Paula
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Hi Paula
For operating incompatible programs in Vista you may find this link helpful :)
http://www.rootschat.com/links/03u5/
Heather
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Thanks Heather, will have to try that out some time, it looks hopeful.
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Thanks Heather,
That is a useful link!
Rabbit B ;D
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I stuck with XP Pro instead of Vista when I bought my laptop last September, and I'm really pleased that I did now. I would have needed more memory and a larger hard drive to run Vista, and who knows what software or hardware might not have worked - and I can't afford to go and replace everything.
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ouch!!!
My new computer has arrived now the fun begins!!
Erin :D
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Good luck. Have fun.
You're bigger than it is, let it know who's boss.
Paula
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Good luck erin21,
I have used visa and like it a lot, but I am sticking with XP Pro for now!
Rabbit B ;D
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Good luck. Have fun.
You're bigger than it is, let it know who's boss.
Paula
I am up and running .
My son fixed every thing for me all items printer, scanner etc working on Vista and what a treat to have a new fast computer !!!
Erin :D :D :D
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what a treat to have a new fast computer !!!
That probably won't last long I'm afraid. No doubt Microsoft are working on new things that will slow it down. ::)
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Hi Erin
Have you got any software or hardware problems yet?
I've been looking at new laptops and am thinking of buying an XP Pro disk to replace Vista :-\
Gadget
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Great!
Just watch out for the updates...they do it automatically unless you stop them, and you can be closed down while you are working on things.
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I bought a new computer about 7 months ago with Vista Home Premium installed. When SP1 became available I downloaded that as well. I encountered some minor problems with my printer which was resolved by downloading new drivers and my anti-spy/firewall supplier issued a revised edition which to date has caused no problems. The only problem is that my ISP, BT, does not fully recognise Vista particularly when it comes to barring certain web-sites but by using Microsoft Parental Control this can be achieved. From a suggestion on Rootschat I also subscribed to the American Master Driver so all my drivers are up to date.
I appreciate I am probably in the minority when it comes to Vista but I find it a vast improvement on XP and would most certainly not go back to the latter.
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I think in the beginning Vista was a pest, but they seem to be getting it right now.
Same with SP1 that was to be feared, but they have tweeked it quite a bit.
It knocked my machine out, but reading on here I had learned it could be the Security so I contacted them, and they soon had it sorted.
I love Vista, I only wish the automatic updates were not quite so automatic.
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My son rang from U.S today and he said that many people over there have ditched Vista and have reinstalled XP.
Only a comment , as when I bought a new desk top 3 months ago, I specified XP as I knew that much of my Genealogical software would need patches and I wasn't prepared to go through that sort of hassle!
Spring
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Hi Folks,
Small suggestion from an amateur! I always buy the disks when I buy a computer or antivirus.
One crash was a salutary lesson which I learned the hard way, but having the disks I was able to save the lot!
When I get a new machine, if I don't like it I can use the disks I have got! It also gives me a choice of what to use!
Rabbit B
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Hi Erin
Have you got any software or hardware problems yet?
I've been looking at new laptops and am thinking of buying an XP Pro disk to replace Vista :-\
Gadget
My only problem is with the internet it keeps dropping but that's another story !!!! ::) ::) ::) ::) I love my new computer :)
Erin
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Hi erin21 ,
Know how you feel! I couldn't get into Rootschat at all last night!
Rabbit B :'(
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Hi erin21 ,
Know how you feel! I couldn't get into Rootschat at all last night!
Rabbit B :'(
I don't think any of us could, Rabbit :(
I've still got my stickykey laptop (XP Pro) as a spare, erin :)
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Hi Gadget,
I assume that the site was down them? For one reason or another!
Rabbit B ;)
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Yep, rather think it was.
...and I'm not parting with my 'on its last legs' XP till its last legs give out....
Still love the Vista though.