hi guys,been having lots of problems,went to windows update , since then iv,e been having lots of misfunctions,i have a feeling my new pc. is a pirate how can i tell,mike

Mike,

What version of windows are you using and what it the computer make and model? All those things are important. It has been my policy for quite some time with computers that if it isn't broke, don't fix it. Every time in the past that I've downloaded updates, esepecially from microsoft to update my windows system, I eventually end up formatting the hard drive and reinstalling all the software. Damn I hate doing that.

Gary

Mike...
I share your frustration. In the last couple of months I have had to reformat my HD twice.
I paid for HP service on one occasion. The guy I talked to said two things:
1) Reformat the HD and it will be like out of the box...(which it wasn't...but it did make it useable)?
and, get this
2) Don't download the windows updates which can screw up your system.
After my last reformat, the Blaster Worm came along and I caved and downloaded the upgrade, plus the McAfee virus updates.

So far no major problems...but some of the minor ones still exist.

I also got myself a zip drive to save a lot of my music bizz files in the event things go haywire again.
Eddie

It is a good idea when you update your Windows based computer at the Microsoft Update site, that you 1. Disable any Anti-Virus program you have running. It is also a good idea to 2. Disable any Firewall too. You don't want any program on your computer that is running to 'interupt' the "install" process of the updates you're installing. Other programs that are running in the 'background' on your computer could cause similar problems and glitches when trying to use Microsoft's Update site. As a rule of thumb I will oftentimes close "every" single program running on a computer before using Microsoft's Update site. How to do that is simple: Hit Ctrl/Alt/Del on the Keyboard and when the "Close Program" Dialogue Window comes up Highlight each program running and then hit "End Task". NOTE: - Every program "EXCEPT" Systray and Explorer. Leave Systray and Explorer running. After you close all programs then go to the Microsoft Update site and then update your Computer. Unfortunately, if you are already experiencing problems because of an error or glitch when using Microsoft's Update site sometimes drastic steps have to be taken to correct the problems. One is restoring the System Registry but the safest way to do it is in MS-DOS mode. Knowing how to use and Navigate within MS-DOS is a pre-requisite. And it would have to be done within a short time span of when the problem[s] started to occur. Windows XP has a unique feature where if any thing major (or even minor)happens that causes problems, you can Go Back to before those problems started to occur and Restore the OS to that point in time where you were not experiencing those problems. If the problems are really bad you can even do a complete re-install of the OS without the need to use MS-DOS or FDISK. The Computer will do it automatically for you. And if all your Hardware that is connected at the time of the re-install is XP certified and compatible all of the Drivers will be seamlessly reinstalled too, which is a lot less hassle than trying to do the same thing on Microsoft's earlier Operating Systems.

Best regards,
Mike

[This message has been edited by Idatrod (edited 09-03-2003).]

Specifically, what problems?

when i go to outlook express the window has changed,i have lost send ,receive when i go online i get on internet but then i can,t get server,this all happened after i updated,so i got thinking, also update failed,cheers mike

sorry,its windows xp,and pc is LG ithink its AMD, also i dont have no cd with this so how do i format, mike

i also tried system restore,mike

also alerts from norton , 2 attempts trojan horse ,back orifice,i also took me a while to get on this site again due to cannot find server,thanks for your help,mike

also alerts from norton , 2 attempts trojan horse ,back orifice,i also took me a while to get on this site again due to cannot find server,thanks for your help,mike

Mike,

Sounds like serious problems. You're going to have to format the hard drive, and in order to do that, you'll need a copy of the version of windows you are using, and additionally, a copy of all of the hardware drivers--modem, monitor, CD-ROM, CD-RW, etc. It's a time consuming job, but from the problems you've described, you have some nasties taking place and that's probably the only way of solving your problems.

Good Luck,

Gary

thanks gary i,ll get an engineer out,i thought that microsoft was causing these problems,because when i bought this pc ,i could not register it with microsoft,and thats when the problems started,thats why i thought i may have bought a pirate,cheers mike

thanks idatrod,mike

Hi Nardon,

If I get that kind of trouble I "FDISK" my hard drive and all is well.

Wheelie.

Looks very rebuildish, I'm afraid.

hi,iv,e got the send ,receive, working,,,,,,,,,,,,,,idatrod you was saying if i go to update to switch off norton and firewall,but can i get this trojan and back orifice come into my pc while i am downloading,cheers mike

No mike, that shouldn't be a concern when you go to a reputable site like Microsoft's Windows Update site. As soon as you get done updating your computer from the Microsoft update site, 'then' go ahead and re-enable your Firewall and Anti-Virus programs. PS: In most cases a Firewall and Anti-Virus software program shouldn't and wouldn't cause any problems normally when they are enabled and you use the Windows Update site. But if you are experiencing problems when using the Windows Update site, then disabling your Anti-Virus and/or Firewall program might cause those problems and glitches to clear up and be eliminated. In other words, disabling them is just one option you could try to see if it helps any. But the problem[s] could actually be caused by something else entirely and may have nothing to do with your Anti-Virus or Firewall software. Doing your own detective work is a very good way to find the root cause of the problem[s] mike. We can point out areas that we think may be the cause to the problems but since the computer is in front of you and not us; you ultimately are in the best position to diagnose and find the "cure" to your computer ills. I am glad to see you got your e-mail working again.

Best regards,
Mike

Does all this stuff happen when using a MAC?.......

about to make a purchase and I'm still confused

Nope,
But, most of the programs you run, and those you've become accustomed to using, are not Mac compatable. You would have to purchase all new programs and begin anew--not something that's desirable at our ages (especially mine).

Good Luck,

Gary

Gary's right Donny. You will find yourself having to use many different programs from the ones you're using now if you get a Mac. Maybe that's a non-issue for you but it is still something you have to consider. Mac's are good for Graphic applications but I would stick to PC's for Music and for compatibility with Music Gear and also for ease of use. If you get a Mac you will have to start from scratch with a new computer architecture and a new OS learning curve. My 2 cents.

Best regards,
Mike

I hear ya ....I was just having a Mac Attack, ALTHOUGH I LOVE THE MAC OS.. ITS SO EASY TO USE!!!

Now.. do I get a New Super Desktop.....Super Laptop....or.. Super Desktop for home and Cheap Laptop for Stage Use [just to play Mp3's, Smf, MS Word lyrics, like the one I use now that Never gives me problems [knock on wood]!!!



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 09-06-2003).]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Dnj:
[B]
Now.. do I get a New Super Desktop.....Super Laptop....or.. Super Desktop for home and Cheap Laptop for Stage Use [just to play Mp3's, Smf, MS Word lyrics, like the one I use now that Never gives me problems [knock on wood]!!!

Donny I think you've answered your own questions. Since the Laptop you now use is working just fine and it apparently serves your purposes for Stage Use I would just keep the Laptop you have and use it for your Stage work and go for a Super Desktop. A souped up Desktop is almost a necessity for a Home Recording Studio. And the "Faster" the better IMO. The new Pentium 4's have Hyperthreading capability and although sofware developers have to write new software, eg., Multi-tracking software, VST Plugins, Soft Sequencers, etc., to take advantage of the Hyperthreading capability in the P 4's, at least the Computer will be set to go when the new software becomes available down the road that takes advantage of the hyperthreading. Also, I would make sure you have USB 2.0 AND Firewire interfaces on your new Computer because some of the Music Gear coming out now and in the future will be USB 2.0 capable but NOT Firewire capable and the other way around. So it would be good and convenient to have both USB 2.0 AND Firewire capability on the computer. Of course, you should also think about getting one that has a CD-RW Drive AND either a DVD Recordable Drive or a speedy CD-ROM drive. Also a Combo CD-RW/DVD drive is a good way to go too. But just make sure you have at least 2 Drives, eg., CD-RW, DVD-R/RW, CD-RW/DVD, CD-ROM, and that at least one of them is a CD-R/RW drive. PS: The reason I say have 2 Drives is because you would want the ability to "Copy" from one Drive (CD-ROM), etc., to the other Drive-(CD-RW), etc.

If it were me I would just build the Computer from scratch and get the Hardware and parts and also Software I wanted, ie., "pick and choose" the best parts and Software. That way you know what your getting and you can build from the foundation up and build your Music Recording Dream machine if you so choose. But I realize not everyone can or would want to do that -(build their own)- so I would recommend getting a Computer from a major Brand manufacturer if possible, eg., Dell, Gateway, Hp, Sony Vaio, etc., because of the Warranty they offer.

Happy shopping!

PS: Donny,I've basically just hit the 'tip' of the iceberg on the things you could get for a Super Desktop computer to increase performance to make it even faster and more efficient for Music recording, Sequencing, etc. Things like a 10,000 RPM or 15,000 RPM Spindle speed Hard Drive[s]. And the fastest CPU you can afford. The Power Supply should be of excellent quality and capability. At LEAST 350W; 450-600W is better yet. (That's why it's better to build one yourself IMO. Most of your store bought Computers for the home user won't have a 450W Power Supply in it.

Best regards,
Mike

DNJ I think you and Fran should buy the top of the line desktop, laptop and keyboard.

You see when you have a lot and you spend a little you still have a lot.

Time is free!!!

If it ain't broke--don't fix it...

Cheers,

Gary

hi ,thanks for all your help,i think all is ok.chatting to a friend of mine in uk. fixed it for me without leaving his house,he literally connected his pc. to mine via internet by taking control of my pc.,and run tests and now all seems ok,cheers mike

Hey Mike,

Glad to see everything worked out OK for you.

Gary