NEW UPDATE on 4Dimms for the L1702x!!!

Thought you might like to hear this bag of goodies.



So I was using Dell tech support for an issue on installing the nivida control panel. While on, I asked about the missing clips on my computer. He checked with his manager, who assured me that my computer had 4 dimms. I took it apart again and showed him the pictures that there were only two places available. I sent the manager the photo in an email, and waited.



Just yesterday, he called and said he looked into the issue, and that there were two configurations with the L702x and it depended on the Graphics Card! The 550 series with 3GB of memory is supposed to be sent out with a motherboard that has 4 dimms. With less memory on the graphics card, you only get the 2 dimm configuration.



He said my computer was sent out with the wrong Motherboard and that a new motherboard would be sent to a tech in the area, and they would be out to install it as soon as Monday or Tuesday of next week.



So if you are pissed about the 4 dimm issue, give your tech support guy a call. (I am in the US, and not sure you will recieve the same response from the overseas dell tech, but I'd try anyways)

Reply 1 : NEW UPDATE on 4Dimms for the L1702x!!!

Wich screen do you have? the 900p one or the 3D FHD?

Easiiest Way For Me To Extend My Warranty

At this point have one more year warranty including accidental on my T400 high nit screen laptop. I really enjoy this machine and probably at this point am going to keep it at least two or more years. Could someone direct me to the easiest way that I can extend this warranty? I tried looking on Lenovo site but might be missing something and thanks a lot.



Gary

Reply 1 : Easiiest Way For Me To Extend My Warranty

Assuming you're in the US, just go ahead and click here

Reply 2 : Easiiest Way For Me To Extend My Warranty

Thanks for that. Right now, it says no upgrade is offered but still have about 1 year left on warranty. Does the possibility of upgrading change as your warranty end date draws closer?



Gary

Reply 3 : Easiiest Way For Me To Extend My Warranty

if that page isn't working correctly for you then i would recommend calling the sales department directly.   they can help you with upgrade options.

Reply 4 : Easiiest Way For Me To Extend My Warranty

erik is correct! you can call sales if you want to upgrade from a carry-in to an onsite warranty. Otherwise, you can re-visit next year and buy the warranty of your choice.

Latitude D430, D420 HDD swap with ZIF/CF adapter?

Hi Guys



I want to replace my 1.8" ZIF HDD on my D430 with an SSD, but seeing the prices it's a bit out of my price range. Looking for an alternative, I stumbled upon a ZIF to CF card adapter on Ebay where it allows you to use a CF card to a ZIF connector usually used on Ipods and wondered whether this could work in my D430. Has anyone out there tried this and do you think this will work?



Here's what the adapter looks liCF Card to 1.8" ZIF CE PC Computer Compact Adapter - eBay, Adaptors, Components, Computers. (end time 05-Oct-10 21:13:02 AEDST)ke.

Reply 1 : Latitude D430, D420 HDD swap with ZIF/CF adapter?

Yeah, it'll work. I had one in an XT for a couple days and it worked fine... just make sure you get an SLC CF card (maybe around 300X) or the experience isn't going to be pleasant.



Even then, if you're planning to get a CF card that's more than 4GB, it's a much, much better value to get a real SSD.

Reply 2 : Latitude D430, D420 HDD swap with ZIF/CF adapter?

I looked into this route and by the end of it the cost would be the same or more for a high performing CF card



I use a runcore SSD, it was cheap priced and works great

Reply 3 : Latitude D430, D420 HDD swap with ZIF/CF adapter?

Thanks for the answers, just wanted to know if it's gonna work, that's great!I know that a proper SSD would be the best, but I'm looking at a Sandisk 400x 16Gb and the adapter for about half the price which works ok for me. I don't need storage space, just the speed (especially when turning on the laptop)

Reply 4 : Latitude D430, D420 HDD swap with ZIF/CF adapter?

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyTones Thanks for the answers, just wanted to know if it's gonna work, that's great!I know that a proper SSD would be the best, but I'm looking at a Sandisk 400x 16Gb and the adapter for about half the price which works ok for me. I don't need storage space, just the speed (especially when turning on the laptop)

I think it's an MLC card and you aren't going to get very good performance out of it... but if you find out otherwise and performance is good, do let us know

Reply 5 : Latitude D430, D420 HDD swap with ZIF/CF adapter?

32GB Renice K3VLAR ZIF SSD is available for US$120. Will seriously outperform a CF card. If you have a 80GB ZIF HDD you'll probably get US$50 for it on ebay, so it's a US$70 changeover cost.

Reply 6 : Latitude D430, D420 HDD swap with ZIF/CF adapter?

On a slightly different topic, I want to replace my 80GB Toshiba HD (still talking D430) with a 128GB ZIF SSD. What I don't know is if I need an enclosure that will fit the space of the original HD. If so is there anything else besides the SSD that I will need to make the swap?



Thanks

Elitebook hinges under warranty

Since Lenovo has recently (Jan 2011) revised its warranty strategy not to cover hinges (yes you read that right. If hinges fail you during warranty time, then Lenovo will not repair them since they are viewed as cosmetic defects) our company is looking to HP.

Anybody knows what the HP Policy for Elitebooks is? Anybody had a recent hinge problem with their elitebook and had it repaired under warranty?



Thanks



Kind Regards



Nik

babylon search

babylon search has 'glued' to my internet explorer browser. how could i get rid of it?...uninstalled explorer, then downloaded it again hoping not to see it anymore, but NO, babylon back again...is there some solution to this problem. please advise.

prinairsju@msn.com

thanks

pablo

Reply 1 : babylon search

During installation of Babylon 7, a Babylon Search Toolbar is added to Internet Explorer. This toolbar gives you access to the Babylon Search function, which displays Google syndicated results and definitions from Babylon dictionaries.
To hide the toolbar: Place your mouse cursor on any blank area on any browser toolbar. Right-click to open the toolbar menu and click Babylon. To restore the display of the toolbar, simply repeat this procedure.
To uninstall the toolbar: Use the Add or Remove Programs function in the Control Panel, and select Babylon Toolbar to remove.

Reply 2 : babylon search

Babylon is ruining my worklife and my computer. When we discovered how robust it was and that it interfered with other functions I used the Add/Remove function ti remove it. I also went to the toolbars and checked not to display. Unfotunately, although a search doesn't find the program, it is attached to IE7.0 and displays whenever I use the toolbar to access the web. It is interfering with our going onto the web at other locations and building websites. Please tell me where to find step by step directions on getting rid of this pesty program. It definitely is not worth having on the computer because of it's inteference in other applications. I found this forum by accident and have no idea how to access it again if you have an answer.

Reply 3 : babylon search

The suggestion immediately below yours is at this link:

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6122_102-0.html?forumID=44&threadID=274880&messageID=2970361#2970361

AFter following those steps, make sure to check the "Add-ins/Add-ons" in all of your browsers.. It can remain there when uninstalled.

Hope this helps.

Grif

Reply 4 : babylon search

Your suggestion was the best and solved my problem. THANK YOU!.

Reply 5 : babylon search

After you have done the Uninstall process, delete your Recycle Bin!!!

Reply 6 : babylon search

hi i recently installed the babylon search program but wen i received a phone call from then with some middle eastern guy askin me all sorts of questions i got scared n deleted the program from my computer check ur control panel add/remove programs for MyBabylon also internet explorer 'Manage Add-ons' n maybe disable it My mistake was i put my mobile number into a phone no field and there was a report on the news about scams where ppl were using mobile numbers to hack ppls bank accounts i not sure how this can be done but this is just a warning good thin i didnt pay them any money to use the babylon program i cancelled the installation wen it got that far strange how the program still kept on workin

good luck

Reply 7 : babylon search

Babylon toolbar is listed as "myBabylon" in Control Panel.
I easily deleted the Babylon program but couldn't find the toolbar till I notices it was elsewhere in the list.
Searching in the "B"s won't find it. Look under "My"

Ozfire

Reply 8 : babylon search

I'm really not a techie, but I have tried all of the suggestions & I can't see Babylon or my babylon listed anywhere anymore in the control panel add/remove hardware, or in the manage add ons section, yet it still appears in IE when I do a search.

Has anyone got any further suggestions (in really simple terms preferably) as it's really starting to annoy me now?

Thanks

Reply 9 : babylon search

Five weeks after my original post I still can't get rid of Babylon Search. I've removed it using Add/Remove function and I've searched for it elsewhere. It displays with IE7 and interferes with a lot of functions but I can't find where it's hidden and it hasn't been totally removed. Anyone have any suggestions?

Reply 10 : babylon search

This is similar to Norton antivirus, it spreads into other folders and is difficult to remove all its components. If you do not have a suitable pre-Bablylon restore point then use Tuneup utilities (30 day fully functioning free trial) or Advanced System Care Free (Incomplete functions- PRO better) -both of these are found on CNET Downloads, both can analyse what processes are working and both remove software better than M/S uninstall functionality. Since you have already removed the obvious and left the stealth material when you identify the extra processes through TU or ASC, copy and paste the results onto notepad, look at the path the processes have travelled from eg C:/program files/babylon etc, go to "program files" in your main drive and spot the actual folder location and delete the folder. Please make sure the folder is not part of the operating system, If the folder is then open the folder and find and delete the offending file. Also check out the TEMP files, many irritating software apps are recreated through the temp files- again both TU and ASC can take care of that but all the same look yourself. Good Luck

Reply 11 : babylon search

Hi,

I removed this annoying toolbar in Firefox through menu "extra", "Add-ons", where it was listed as "myBabylon". Never any problems since then.

Reply 12 : babylon search

Some of the babylon text appears in german, which I don't understand. I want to be rid of the complete system of babylon and be able to remove 'bing' and all the other nasties attached to it as well.

Cam anyone please tell me the necessry steps to absolve my computer of this virus for good? Please help me if poss. I would be extremely grateful.

Thank you so much, even if you reply to this note and have not exact answer.

Helen Waller

Reply 13 : babylon search

I found it useful to search my computer using only the term "Babylon" My search resulted in locating the "MyBabylon" file in documents & settings/local settings. The search also showed Babylon in the Mozilla folder/program files/mozilla/plugins. This was after using the add remove programs, in addition to removing Babylon from my Add-ons in the Firefox menu. In spite of this effort, I believe this program still exists on my computer, interfering with me using Google chrome, so that I'm forced to use Mozilla which is obviously where the program/virus is strongest and my computer is most vulnerable.

Reply 14 : babylon search

Tools>>> Internet Options>>>Home Page>>>u must change babylon search(inside box) for other adress.S!

Reply 15 : babylon search

Pablo

After I used the "Add/Remove" in Contorl Panel I found that Babylon had attached itself to my "Windows Live" and my Internet Explorer. What I found also it was attached to my "Internet Options". Double click on the "Internet Options" and you will see "Internet Properties general tab and in the "Home Page" window you will see the Babylon web address. Delete it but not the other addresses in the window and it should not come back. I hope this helps!

Reply 16 : babylon search

So basically, it's mal-ware virus... that's copying itself into hidden folders?

I've done everything above...everything!.. and when I search google chrome my results are STILL shown in 'search.babylon.com' page. I've done the 'extentions' deletion, uninstalled from add/remove programs, gone to Program Files in C: and manually uninstalled both 'myBabylon' and 'Babylon', emptied recycle bin religiously after every deleted the files, changed the "Internet Options" for my homepage (which worked for that specific area), etc etc etc. Still, when I search google chrome my results are always shown in 'search.babylon.com' page! Grrrrrr!!!!

Whats funny is that when I then search Babylon (I've got no choice remember) for keywords 'revouninstaller review'.... I get no results! Suspicious!

Anyways, Babylon Search can kiss my @ss. I hate malware.
>:(

And I'll do a system reinstall to get rid of it if that's what it takes.
I'm not kidding! I'll do it!

The internet is getting to be a MAJOR sinkhole of time and effort in my life.
So many completely wasted hours trying to get more and more buggy software to wirk right ..for what? Thank God I don't work online. Can you imagine?

60% of my time online is dealing with s#!t like this. Whatever. I'm done with it and am headed out. Taking Wikipedia and TVTRopes offline and headin for the hills. I remember being so happy once...(sigh).

Reply 17 : babylon search

I did everything I can find to uninstall and delete everything about it, but it's still there. Removal now does nothing, and delete is not permitted. (Yes, I log on as administrator; it makes no difference.)

I also have wasted much time trying to stop adds about it. It may or may not be a good product, but the more advertisement I see, the less likely I will ever buy it. At this point, I don't care how good it is, I will do anything I can to put them out of business forever!

Reply 18 : babylon search

Anyway, it seem to also change your default search engine. If in chrome go to settings>>options>> and not only do you make sure you set your homepage something other than Babylon, make sure to change your default search engine back to google. Also while on that page, be sure to REMOVE babylon!!!!

I took the steps already posted, and this last step I posted and seem to have gotten rid of the issue.

Reply 19 : babylon search

I never signed up or asked for their product and have no idea how it was downloaded. Why doesn't someone get after these people! I have tried everything including regedit but cannot wipe this "virus" off my computer! These people are no better then scam artists HELP!!!!

Is this company any good

if found this company when searching my username, and thought it was pritty good.

does any one agree?

Reply 1 : Is this company any good

www.kilakewe.webs.com

Sorry

Dell Counterpart to Envy 17

I am pretty much impressed with Envy 17, I like its sleek looks, build quality and perfomance. But where I live, there is no option of customizing HP Laptops I want to customize it with 2nd generation Core i7, 1920 X 1080 resolution. So does Dell offer any laptop which is similar to Envy 17 in terms of look and feel and perfomance. My requirements are



1) Intel Sandy Bridge Core i7 (Quad Core no Dual)

2) 1920 X 1080 resolution

3) 17.3 inch screen

4) Backlit keyboard

5) HD 6850 or GTX460



I've heard that Dell XPS 17 3-D has a similar specs as Envy 17 with exception of low GPU GTX 550. What is your openion? Alienware is good, but will hurt my wallat and I find ASUS G73 UGLY

Reply 1 : Dell Counterpart to Envy 17

Alienware M17x R3. Haggle your way through for a nice deal.

Help with SSD

So I jsut built my computer have it up and running and windows on ym SSD, but thats all I want on it for now. I cant find my normal HDD anywhere to install things to any help?

Reply 1 : Help with SSD

All I see is you have ym(?) SSD with Windows installed and 'up and running', and you can't find your HDD.

Where did you last see it?

Mark

Reply 2 : Help with SSD

Sorry I'm typing fast. I put windows on my SSD and it worked. After I got windows up and running and wanted to install some games the only hard drive I could find was the SSD not my 1.5 TB HDD for everything but windowns. No option to install to it.

Reply 3 : Help with SSD

Does the BIOS show it?
Does Disk Management show it?

It's quite OK that there's no option to install it. Installing a disk is a hardware only operation. However, initialising and partitioning and formatting are software operations. That's what we use Disk Management for. That's why I asked my 2 questions above.

Kees

Reply 4 : Help with SSD

It is in the BIOS and says 1.5 TB and everything I just cant find it when I'm actually in windows and want to install something.

Reply 5 : Help with SSD

You forgot to answer my second question. That might contain the clue.

If necessary, read:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Create-and-format-a-hard-disk-partition
http://www.suite101.com/content/using-windows-7-disk-management-console-a185303

Kees

Reply 6 : Help with SSD

Thnaks for going through with me but I got it now. Just had to run diskmgmt.msc and set it up :P Noob mistake.

cd/dvdw ts-l632d burning problems

can someone help me please,i have just bought the TS-L632D burner,but i cant get it to burn dvds or cds.It does not accept any blank discs,yet the cd-rw discs i use burns perfectly in the c-drive. It keeps saying insert blank disc,What blank dvds do i need for this? thanks

Loaded service pack 1 and all hell broke lose, HELP!

I had a message for months that I had an update, I had tried several things to load it. I have windows 7 64bit, HP Notebook. I got the SP 1 update done, around the same when I would try to listen to my music it started prompting me with windows media, and other programs I had never used to open certian things?? also found that Adobe Flash was no longer in my programs?? And when tried to down load that I keep getting an error message?? So at this time things have really gotten crazy, the BLUE SCREEN ERROR appeared!!! another odd thing I found after restarting my PC I no longer have an Internet Explorer icon on my desktop??? I have had this Notebook for a few years and have had no problems with it, I had to do a restore recovery this morning to get on?? its operating ??ok?? now but I am terrified whats next, I have read about the Blue Screen of death! Where should I start to find out where to go next. All this started with the install of the SP 1 ,, I guess. Please any instruction as to where to start would be greatly appreciated , Thanx LL

Reply 1 : Loaded service pack 1 and all hell broke lose, HELP!

You installed SP1, and now your PC is going crazy? If SP1 is the culprit, why not restore to a point before SP1 was installed? If you continue to have issues after the restore, then you know SP1 is not to blame.

Reply 2 : Loaded service pack 1 and all hell broke lose, HELP!

I either dont have one or its not showing me a point before the installation?? Sorry hard to understand my rant,, and Im also not very up to date on all this , Im a Nurse and not from the PC generation. I was offered a list of restore dates and none of them were before the install of SP 1, and Ill add this, the restore date done and now I find that Adobe Flash is still there at that point?? Im still looking into all this and will probably get into areas I have no biz being . Thank you for your reply-

Reply 3 : Loaded service pack 1 and all hell broke lose, HELP!

Go to Control Panel and find Windows Updates , click Installed Updates

Locate Service Pack 1 and try to uninstall it. If this does not work try downloading REVO uninstaller, and uninstall SP1.

After SP1 has been uninstalled, reboot and see if your issues persist.

Also, you said there are no restore points prior to SP1 installed, how long ago was it installed?

Clean install Studio XPS 16 (1640)

Hey there, been lurking here for a while and have a quick question. If anyone would oblige me with an answer..



I've had my Dell Studio XPS for a while now and I'm looking to format it and do a clean install because I've collected quite a bit of crap on it over the years and even replaced quite some parts without ever formatting.



Now my question is this: Is it wise to just slap the old Dell Win7 on there, with some of the windows updates configured by dell and let windows update take care of the rest.. OR (and this is what I was thinking) get fresh Win7 OS (x64) on there (w/ SP1 or manually download it right after), downloading all the drivers by myself and thus eliminating the (mostly useless) pre-installed Dell software. Mainly McAfee seems to slow me down heaps.



Has anyone had any experience with this, things I'm overlooking (like the soft-buttons, will they still work)?

I'm guessing the fact that I payed for Win7 when I bought this does nothing to help me when I want a clean version of this OS, I'd technically have to get new credentials, right?



Sorry to impose with these rather general questions, I've tried the search function and came up empty-handed.



Advice will be greatly appreciated!

Reply 1 : Clean install Studio XPS 16 (1640)

Im going to say, since you plan on reinstalling anyways, go with the Windows 7 Disk install. Most of the Dell drivers on the installation disk are old and outdated, so you would end up reinstalling most of them anyways.



Most of the drivers should be availabe for download from Dell, or the vendor ATI, etc..



You shouldnt have a problem if you use the Windows 7 key (COA) that was provided for your computer by Dell, although you will have to activate it. Or you could use the preinstalled SLIC key which is already activated by Dell for you.

Reply 2 : Clean install Studio XPS 16 (1640)

Thanks for your quick response man. So as long as I use the same version of Win7 I should have no problem validating my clean install? That's great news!

Now to figure out where the devil I can find that code, and a clean Win7 Home Premium.

I just got it on a partition now and it installed without asking for a code

Reply 3 : Clean install Studio XPS 16 (1640)

Your Certificate of Authenticity (COA) on the bottom should have your installation key. If you want to know the preactivated one that Dell used, you could use something like The "Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder" to find it out.

Reply 4 : Clean install Studio XPS 16 (1640)

Thanks for dropping that name man, I can now whipe my HDD with an easy conscience

Is this a good deal? Dell Vostro V13

Hello Dell owners,



I am trying to buy a used Vostro V13, but I am not too sure if this is a good deal, considering that other laptops on the market have better specs for this price.



What I am getting is a Vostro V13 with the following specs:



Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 1.40ghz

4GB DDR3 RAM

6 Cell Battery

13.3" Anti-glare

500GB 7200rpm HD



All for a whopping $525. This unit also has 3 years extended warranty.



Is this a good deal?

Reply 1 : Is this a good deal? Dell Vostro V13

Quote:

Originally Posted by gochi Hello Dell owners, I am trying to buy a used Vostro V13, but I am not too sure if this is a good deal, considering that other laptops on the market have better specs for this price. What I am getting is a Vostro V13 with the following specs: Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 1.40ghz 4GB DDR3 RAM 6 Cell Battery 13.3" Anti-glare 500GB 7200rpm HD All for a whopping $525. This unit also has 3 years extended warranty. Is this a good deal?

It's an OK deal, not a great deal.

If it were a core 2 duo for this price, it would be a great deal.



They have a coupon today in the Dell Outlet for 20% off Latitude notebooks.

If you got the Latitude 13 (same as V13 basically), I think you'd get Windows 7 professional 32 bit with core 2 duo for about $500 after the coupon.

But the warranty is only one year, and it may only be 2gb RAM. Not sure, you'd have to check. But I think you would get an external drive included.

Reply 2 : Is this a good deal? Dell Vostro V13

Here is a new Deal:

Dell Vostro V13 13.3" Ultra Thin Notebook $407 at Dell Business The Dell Online Store: Build Your System

Dell Business has the Dell Vostro V13 13.3" WLED Ultra Thin Notebook for $399 + $8 shipping = $407 shipped.



Features

• Intel Core 2 Duo ULV SU7300 1.30GHz,
• 2GB DDR3,
• 320GB HDD
• Win 7 HP x32,
• Intel GMA 4500MHD,
• 1.3MP webcam,
• 802.11b/g/n
• 6-cell battery
• Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband

Reply 3 : Is this a good deal? Dell Vostro V13

Quote:

Originally Posted by flatsix911 Here is a new Deal: Dell Vostro V13 13.3" Ultra Thin Notebook $407 at Dell Business The Dell Online Store: Build Your System Dell Business has the Dell Vostro V13 13.3" WLED Ultra Thin Notebook for $399 + $8 shipping = $407 shipped. Features Intel Core 2 Duo ULV SU7300 1.30GHz, 2GB DDR3, 320GB HDD Win 7 HP x32, Intel GMA 4500MHD, 1.3MP webcam, 802.11b/g/n 6-cell battery Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband

The sale has been running for about a week. I ordered when it was first announced, and just received them (2) today. I am impressed with the unit, especially for $399! Thin, light, metal case. Quiet, decent LCD, and about 3 hrs battery on high performance.



Sure, you can get a much higher performing PC, but for what it is, I think the SU7300 is just fine. It does everything I need in a super portable, ultra-light notebook. Plus, it sure helps the battery to last longer!



It was so thin, I doubted that there was a normal 2.5" HDD in there, but there is. I popped open the back and swapped out the 320GB for a SDD.



Worth every penny of the $399 it cost. The only disappointment is it only comes in silver. Black or RED would have been nice!

Reply 4 : Is this a good deal? Dell Vostro V13

Well done ... how long was your order in production status?

I may purchase another V13 if I really like the performance.

What SSD did you swap for the OEM HDD? Red would Rock!

Quote:

Originally Posted by lancorp The sale has been running for about a week. I ordered when it was first announced, and just received them (2) today. I am impressed with the unit, especially for $399! Thin, light, metal case. Quiet, decent LCD, and about 3 hrs battery on high performance. Sure, you can get a much higher performing PC, but for what it is, I think the SU7300 is just fine. It does everything I need in a super portable, ultra-light notebook. Plus, it sure helps the battery to last longer! It was so thin, I doubted that there was a normal 2.5" HDD in there, but there is. I popped open the back and swapped out the 320GB for a SDD. Worth every penny of the $399 it cost. The only disappointment is it only comes in silver. Black or RED would have been nice!

Reply 5 : Is this a good deal? Dell Vostro V13

Quote:

Originally Posted by flatsix911 Well done ... how long was your order in production status? I may purchase another V13 if I really like laptop performance. What SSD did you swap for the OEM HDD? Red would Rock!

I ordered on 1/14/11 and they shipped on 1/19. Two of those days were a weekend, so it was pretty quick.



As it turns out, for some reason, they shipped from the Los Angeles area, and I'm in San Diego, so they were delivered the next day!



I had a 60GB WD SSD lying around, so I cloned the 320GB to the 60GB SSD just to see how the V13 would work with an SSD. I don't need a ton of space on this notebook, so 60GB may be just fine, and I don't want to spend a bunch on a 128GB SSD (half the cost of the V13!) just for space I probably don't need.

Reply 6 : Is this a good deal? Dell Vostro V13

Quote:

Originally Posted by lancorp I ordered on 1/14/11 and they shipped on 1/19. Two of those days were a weekend, so it was pretty quick. As it turns out, for some reason, they shipped from the Los Angeles area, and I'm in San Diego, so they were delivered the next day! I had a 60GB WD SSD lying around, so I cloned the 320GB to the 60GB SSD just to see how the V13 would work with an SSD. I don't need a ton of space on this notebook, so 60GB may be just fine, and I don't want to spend a bunch on a 128GB SSD (half the cost of the V13!) just for space I probably don't need.

Well I'm waiting for Intel G3 SSD to come out to put in my Latitude 13. Might proceed with my fanless notebook project once those SSDs come out..

Reply 7 : Is this a good deal? Dell Vostro V13

Got mine 2 days ago, upgrade the ram to 4GB and planning to upgrade the OS to win 7 64 bit. By the way, I found there is a place you can put the sim card, can anybody advise what is this for?



Thanks!

Reply 8 : Is this a good deal? Dell Vostro V13

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovecd Got mine 2 days ago, upgrade the ram to 4GB and planning to upgrade the OS to win 7 64 bit. By the way, I found there is a place you can put the sim card, can anybody advise what is this for? Thanks!

It's for a mobile broadband card that requires it (AT&T).



Also, not much to gain going to 64-bit. Only one DIMM modules means 4GB max. On a system with 4GB, after embedded hardware uses it's memory space,

you have less than 3.5GB. 32 bit addresses that fine. Plus, there are no supported 64 bit drivers, if I remember, just 32 bit at the Dell download site.

Reply 9 : Is this a good deal? Dell Vostro V13

Quote:

Originally Posted by lancorp It's for a mobile broadband card that requires it (AT&T). Also, not much to gain going to 64-bit. Only one DIMM modules means 4GB max. On a system with 4GB, after embedded hardware uses it's memory space, you have less than 3.5GB. 32 bit addresses that fine. Plus, there are no supported 64 bit drivers, if I remember, just 32 bit at the Dell download site.

Well that and the IGP eats up some of the RAM. You can always install 64 bit OS and Windows 7 should the drivers for the system. I plan on going to 64 bit once the Intel G3 SSDs come out, already got a 4 GB stick o' RAM in there.

HDTech In Meetings This Week

Please be patient, as I will attempt to get your questions within a 24-48 hour timeframe during my travel.

If this is a service related inquiry, please reach out to 800-SAMSUNG. If I am already assisting with escalating something, please post an update in your specific thread.

Thanks for your patience.

--HDTech

SONY VAIO VPC-EC4M1E, good for gaming or not?

Hi everyone,



I want to buy the SONY VAIO VPC-EC4M1E. Is this a good laptop for gaming?

Thanks!

Reply 1 : SONY VAIO VPC-EC4M1E, good for gaming or not?

Should be okay, but of course you can get better for the money. I'm buying an EA series with same graphics.

I can't find the exact specs of that one but it has the Radeon 5650?

Review of similar to yours:

Review Sony Vaio VPC-EB1S1E/BJ Notebook - Notebookcheck.net Reviews



The graphics have been de-clocked (read in the review), presumably to reduce heat. I'm hoping they can be overclocked / clocked up to normal levels, can anyone confirm?

redoing suspension

i kinda need a list of things to redo the suspension its not i can't do the job, its that its my d2d car and i can't go drive off for parts if im missing something. so far this is what i have link kits (also know as stabilizer bar bushings) (front rear) (they're done, haven't broke but make alot of noise) the actual shock absorber (the piston) (front rear) anything else i should replace while at it, like the springs shoudl those be gone to i belive the the originals so im wondering on those, also i recall something about bushings that should be replaced but i can't remember what eactly

FN keys... Sounds one stopped working

Yes guys, after I got my (cheap) LiveChat LX 3000 isntalled, the FN keys for sound stopped working...

I tryed to come back with ATK stock drivers but nothing changed, do you guys know a solution for this?

Also, where can I download the latest ATK pakage, asus support site seems to be down...

Reply 1 : FN keys... Sounds one stopped working

Latest ATK is from Asus site. The ATK part in G73 downloads didn't work at first but i refreshed/clicked on it again and worked.

monitor not getting any signal... again!!

it all began last october when i purchased a GE webcam for my desktop pc. i read the instructions on how to install the webcam and followed them exactly as instructed. the last step of the installation said to restart my computer, so i did. When my pc rebooted after i agreed to restart, i immediately got the BSOD (blue screen of death). by the way, my computer is running 32-bit windows vista home premium and i always keep microsoft security essentials installed and running also. so anyhow, i thought it kinda strange and i restarted it again and this time it failed to boot completely. so i had to do it again but this time i manually choose my hard drive from the list of boot devices in my boot options menu and it took a little longer than usual, but it started up. I immediately uninstalled the webcam driver that seemed to have started this whole problem to begin with. for days after this, i noticed that my computer was very sluggish and slow. it kept hanging up on simple commands and overall seemed "not itself" at all. I tried system restore and restored it back to a day before i installed the web cam driver, this wasn't any help. i decided to do a factory restore at this point because the system was constantly hung up and pretty well unusable in the state that it was in. after the factory restore, i of course reinstalled my anti virus and the computer seemed to be doing much better to say the least. one problem that i didn't really think much of after the factory restore was that my internal wireless pcie card that i had been using for atleast 6 months prior was not working anymore or could not find any networks? i just wanted my computer back, so i went down to the store and purchased a usb wireless adapter so that i could get online. this worked and i was back online. i just figured that the generic pcie card that i had bought for dirt cheap had finally taken a dump and quit working because "you get what you pay for". over the next few weeks i continued to use my computer and since i did not have any external hard drive to back up to at the time i did the factory restore, i was starting out fresh and adding files to my computer again. oh, in the mean time, my brother had asked me if i had an extra wireless pcie card that he could use with his computer. I told him that i had the one that i was using in my computer until it quit working, or so i had thought. i told him that he was welcome to see if it would work and to keep it if he could get it to work. so he tried it out, and it worked from the start, like a charm. i noted this in the back of my mind but at the time my computer seemed well and fine, so i soon forgot about this too. a couple more weeks went by when i went to use a jailbreaking program that i used pretty regularly to jailbreak an iphone. I had just used the program the night before and now i found the file that the program had been saved in, but it was no longer there- the folder was empty? I thought this was very strange because like i had said, i used the program the night before and it was right there. I then proceeded to search all of the files on my computer with hopes that somehow i had moved the program by mistake and it would turn up somewhere. It was nowhere to be found? finally i gave up on finding it and i downloaded the program again so that i could use it. once again, a couple of weeks passed before i had any other problems. This time, i had bought a new internal wireless pci card for wireless internet, partially because i was interested to know if it was gonna work since the last one quit on me, or so i had thought. I followed the instructions on how to install it and the wireless utility icon appeared in my taskbar but i could not get it to find any wireless networks in range and there should have been atleast two of them. At this point, i took the computer over to my friends house so that he could observe it for a few days and see what he thought. he didn't really see a whole lot of problems with it after he played on it for a week or two. The one thing that he also noticed and found strange was how the wireless card seemed to be installed correctly and showed up in the device manager, yet it couldn't find any wireless networks no matter how you configured it. he went as far as putting another card, if i recall correctly it was an external video card? into the same pci slot that the wireless card had been in just to see if it would work... it worked fine. so now we knew that the pci slot did indeed function, it just wouldn't work for the wireless card for whatever reason. he didn't know what to tell me either, he just said to take it home and see how it works and let him know of any further problems i may have. about a month later, i went out of town for the weekend and after i had already left i remembered that i forgot to shut down my computer before i left. i figured that it would be fine since it would probably just hibernate and thats all. i got home on sunday night and my computer was not running. i must have just forgot that i had shut it down? i turned it on and my monitor power light turned from orange to green and then my screen flashed VGA NO SIGNAL, and then the light turned orange again and the screen stayed black. i tried this several more time with the same result. i researched the problem online for a few days and decided to purchase a new psu since the one that came in it from the factory was only 250watts which i thought was hardly enough power. i hoped that this would fix the problem. i received the new psu that i bought online about 2 weeks later and i immediately put it in and reconnected all of the connections. i fired it up, and still, nothing! no vga signal. I did not have any external video card, only the integrated one. i did try an external one before i purchased the psu, but got the same results- no vga signal. this was when i was about to give up on it and i decided as a last ditch effort, i was gonna look at my motherboard closer. so i got a flashlight and took the side panel off and looked the motherboard over very carefully for any signs that anything got hot. finally, right below one of the heatsinks (on my board there are two, one on the cpu and then another down below it), there was a brown spot on the board where it looked like something had gotten hot. so, i figured that this was my sign that this mother board had seen it's last day. i immediately began looking for a replacement that would work with the cpu and other hardware that i already had. i found one a few days later that was reasonably priced and i bought it. it came in the mail about a week later. i had never replaced a mother board before but i'm ususlly pretty good when it comes to that kinda thing so i looked up some basic how to's and went to work. i got everything hooked back up and plugged it into power and wa-la! it worked! woo-hoo! so i'm dinging around online and washing the dishes at the same time and i take a break from the computer so i can dry the dishes. suddenly i noticed that the room fell silent. i could no longer hear the fans on my computer running. i peeked around the corner towards my computer and the screen was dark. i wiggled the mouse, but the screen stayed dark. i looked at the computer and it was off? what could be the problem now? I turned the computer on and i heard the fans and i think i heard the hard drive? again- no vga signal! wow! i could not believe this was happening! Before taking the unit and disposing of it in the nearest dumpster, i decided that i would wait and see if it would work again after it had a chance to completely cool down. i waited for about an hour and a half and tried it again and still no signal. I gave up on it for about two days before i went back to try it again. Two days later, i hit the power button and it fires right up screen and all. this is great, but now there is a message on my screen that says that this copy of windows has not been activated and asks me if i would like to activate now. i had never seen this before, yet i didn't think that it was normal because i had not changed anything or done anything to cause the operating system to not be activated all of the sudden. so i messed around on it for about an hour and then i was leaving for awhile, so i shut the system down. i returned a few hours later and turned it on and there i found myself right back at the no signal to my monitor problem which is where i've been stuck for almost two weeks now. yes, i have tried other monitors and cords and nothing works. i don't know if my hard drive is booting or not. i think that i can hear a faint whistling sound kinda but i'm not sure with the noise from the fans and all. i know that when i push the power button to turn the unit off, it shuts off right now without having to hold it for 3-5 seconds or whatever? i am at the end of my patience with this damn computer but i don't have the financial means to replace it right now. i am hoping that somebody who reads this post will know something that i don't and is willing to help me out. PLEASE!! the motherboard i purchased to replace my old one is an ECS NVIDA GF8200A BLACK EDITION MOTHERBOARD. MY CPU IS AN AMD ATHLON 4050e 64 x2. i haven't overclocked my cpu or gpu or anything fancy like that. the only reason that i bought the black edition motherboard was because it was compatible with my cpu and i got it for a really reasonable price. i have a 250GB wD hard drive that has been in the computer since i purchased it new in 2008? The hard drive seemed to be working fine last i knew but who knows? i know i am out of ideas, out of money to put into it and i've been out of patience with the whole thing for so long now. oh, and just incase this helps, the replacement psu that i purchased for this pc was a 650 watt dual fan psu. if you need any further details that i may be able to provide you with just let me know and i will respond as promptly as possible. thank

Reply 1 : monitor not getting any signal... again!!

You're going to need to try that again, and this time include some paragraph breaks or something. Just hit the enter key twice.

Like this.

And it will automatically put in a paragraph break. If you simply hit tab, as you may have been trained back in the day, it just shows up as a single space. But as it is now, it's just this giant block of text, and it's very difficult to work through. Since you are the one looking for help, it's on you to make things as easy as possible for those of us who may be able to help.

Dell dimensio 2400 new graphic card

I want to upgrade my Dell Dimension graphic card.
Will the SAPPHIRE HD 5450 512MB DDR2 PCIE HDMI
http://www.sapphiretech.com/presentation/product/?leg=&psn=000101&pid=313
will it fit in?
I am not a technical expert and I can read that the graphic card in the Dimension 2440 motherboard is "on board" - will it work?

Reply 1 : Dell dimensio 2400 new graphic card

And while the video can be on board it's also a common thing to plug in a card and use that.

Just check your Dell Docs to see if there is a slot in the machine. The 5450 is selected not so much for gaming but that it won't have you replacing the power supply.
Bob

What router should I buy?

I currently have Belkin n+ router that drops the signal every 40s. All computers have this. They stay connected but can not navigate the internet. browsing the web i see other people have this problem. whatever. I want a router that works. Decent speeds and reliable. Definitely not a Belkin. Any suggestions?

Reply 1 : What router should I buy?

Is that every 40 seconds?

Is the firmware up to date?

Tried a reset?

D-link DIR-655.

Reply 2 : What router should I buy?

When you read the forums you will find people have the exact complaint as yours on every brand of equipment. There are so many models and even within those models many many variations on hardware and firmware revisions. So just because someone says I have no issues with a brand of router someone else may because they are not exactly the same router.

I would try firmware update first, many manufactures rather than send a update to their factory put the burden on the customer. You will find routers that were manufactured only months ago have software that is years old. This old software sometimes is based on standards before 802.11N was certified so it is not 100% compatible.

You have one of the major brands if you want another brand you can try linksys or netgear. The vast majority have no issues but you never know.

weird virus in my computer, antivirus wont detect.

When i opened task manager i found a serious of processes running that had numbered names eg. 4197.exe 95791.exe etc. About 8 of these processes start upon logon and they all use the same amount of memory. when these files are running in memory they appear in C:Documents and SettingsKyleStart MenuProgramsStartup. The reason i believe this file may be a virus is that when i right click> properties on the file, under internal name it says worm2.exe. ive tried scanning these files with Comodo antivirus suite but it doesnt find anything. Somehow the virus is adding these files to this startup folder and renaming them. i really have no idea how i would remove this or anything about it. i dont know what else to include. i could get screen captures if that would help. thanks for any advice this is really confusing me.

Reply 1 : weird virus in my computer, antivirus wont detect.

Is not installed, then Google for that name ( worm2.exe )and see if there are any threads that seem similar to your situation.

Attempt to install new RAM. Troubles abound.

I built my PC a couple of years ago and recently decided to upgrade the RAM. I ensured the RAM was of the same type as my old RAM before purchase, just larger. Once I installed the new RAM my computer would not boot; power is on nothing on the monitor.

I swapped back to my old RAM, still not working. I reset CMOS with the new RAM in, no luck. I reset CMOS with the old RAM in, no luck.

Later I noticed that my fans weren't running. So I got a new power supply. Now the fans run, lights are on, I even hear the HDD working. Still nothing. Even tried clearing CMOS again with each set of RAM with no luck. I tried using different monitors on different ports in case it was a video card issue.

I am out of ideas and appreciate any help that gets this machine working again.

Specs:
MOBO: PC Chips A13G+
CPU: AMD Athlon 64-bit Dual Core
RAM(old): Corsair DDR2 800MHz 1GB x2 sticks
RAM(new): PNY DDR2 800/667/533MHz 2GB x2 sticks
(if any other specs are needed I'll try to figure them out)

Reply 1 : Attempt to install new RAM. Troubles abound.

I've seen RAM slots get damaged when they were brittle and swapping memory caused them to break. No guarantee that's the issue, but such would explain your symptoms.

Tried placing only one stick of RAM in the #1 slot only..? If that doesn't work, try a single stick in the #2 slot only..

Hope this helps.

Grif

Reply 2 : Attempt to install new RAM. Troubles abound.

I did as you suggested, Grif. It appears that one of my memory slots is not working. The computer booted (with the new RAM) but only if I leave one particular slot empty. Is there any way to fix this or do I have to get a new MOBO to make full use of my RAM? Also, if replacement is necessary, are there any suggestions as to how best to replace the MOBO while maintaining the data on my HDD?

Thanks for the assistance!

Reply 3 : Attempt to install new RAM. Troubles abound.

If you're so skilled, then give it a shot. I find such tasks beyond my talent and I simply replace the board.. If you can find the same model motherboard, you should be able to simply swap it in.. If not, then you'll probably need to perform a complete format and reinstall of the hard drive..

Either way, if you can get the computer running, even with one stick of RAM, then make a good backup of your important documents, files, music, etc. Then replace the motherboard and see how it goes. Or...live with lesser RAM..

Hope this helps.

Grif

Reply 4 : Attempt to install new RAM. Troubles abound.

Haha, I started updating my backup as soon as the thing booted. I'll get started hunting for a new MOBO. Thanks for all the help today, Grif.

Thinkpad addiction?

The first ThinkPad I bought was the x41t, since it was a tablet I went and got the x31. Since that one was too slow for me I got the T410s. I've been pretty good at not buying ThinkPads, but for some reason I keep making excuses to buy more ThinkPads. I have to admit not buying a T61 is difficult and it's even more difficult to not go for the x220 or the x120e. Can one be addicted to ThinkPads I've never heard such a thing?

Reply 1 : Thinkpad addiction?

LOL. You have come to the wrong place to ask. Everyone here is in denial.

Reply 2 : Thinkpad addiction?

Quote:

Originally Posted by halobox LOL. You have come to the wrong place to ask. Everyone here is in denial.

Not lead_org

Reply 3 : Thinkpad addiction?

Like all addicts, I declare that I am in no way addicted to thinkpad.

Reply 4 : Thinkpad addiction?

Hahahahhahahaha.





I never bought a Thinkpad myself sadly, but I prefer to "course style" my laptops the french way, meaning a different laptop brand each 3-5 years.





Looking forward to find a good deal on a Thinkpad.

Reply 5 : Thinkpad addiction?

Hahaha okay I reword that, lead_org is a fanatic. He has so many ThinkPads he couldn't fit it into his signature.



I really wish I had the money for a couple more ThinkPads but dying car unfortunately has me saving for a new one.

Reply 6 : Thinkpad addiction?

Maybe it is time to trade in the Dell for the thinkpads of your dream.

Reply 7 : Thinkpad addiction?

Hahaha I know right. I like all my Latitudes though. I just like business notebooks in general. The last consumer notebook that I really "used" was an Inspiron 6000 back in 2005.

Reply 8 : Thinkpad addiction?

Being at step 1 of the 12 step TA (thinkpad addiction) I admit I am powerless over my thinkpad addiction, therefore I will likely buy lots more in the future! Heres to staying at step 1.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tsunade_Hime Hahaha I know right. I like all my Latitudes though. I just like business notebooks in general. The last consumer notebook that I really "used" was an Inspiron 6000 back in 2005.

This is the overall addiction. I have always been a fan of business class notebooks, but just in the past few months there is NO PLACE for consumer notebooks in my life. Shame as I loved my XPS.

Reply 9 : Thinkpad addiction?

I think that most people if they are on this forum can say they are addicted to something with technology, my wife always bugs me for being so into technology and doing things with it.



I am on my 2nd thinkpad, the old one went to her (x301) so I dont think she is complaining anytime soon ...



However I can see where you are coming from, since I have found my addiction to the legendary "IBM" keyboard, I now have talked other people into getting a thinkpad as well... (total of 4 in my immediate family use thinkpads)

Dell XPS 17 3D (L702x) VS HP ENVY 17 3D Sandy Bridge

Hello,



I have started this thread because i want to hear your opinion on this comparison, because I am hesitant to pick between the two models



your notes, opinion, and small reviews are highly appreciated



Thanks in advance

TV turns off when FIOS STB is turned on

Just bought new Samsung PN58C8000 3D plasma 58' TV. I'm using the older FIOS receiver box. When I power on the receiver, the TV turns off. I doubt its the TV, because I've tested it with DVD player, and it works just fine. Not a remote issue either, bc I notice it while manually powering On both units too. The TV will show a channel (with working image of the programming) for 1 second before Powering the TV off on its own. It COULD be the HDMI cable (didn't try recommended 1.4x cable - instead tried just a regular cable). OR, its COULD be that this FIOS box is old, and maybe not compatible with this new TV. Either way, TV turns off still... please give advice.

Reply 1 : TV turns off when FIOS STB is turned on

tampadog70,

Try turning off the Anynet+ option in the TV.

It's available in the MENU and by pressing the TOOLS button.

Does that help?

--HDTech

Reply 2 : TV turns off when FIOS STB is turned on

Anynet was already off when trying it. I have everything plugged into a Monster Power HTS1600 surge protector unit. Do you think that could have something to do with it? As far as power level or something to that effect?

Coupon after shipping?

On Monday (14 March) I ordered an XPS 15 refurb through Dell's outlet. Tuesday afternoon I got an email saying it had shipped. This morning I got a coupon code for 15% off. Is there a way I can retroactively apply it to this order?

Reply 1 : Coupon after shipping?

I can't say I'm 100% on this, but you have to use coupons during checkout. Thus rendering any coupons useless after your order has been confirmed/processed.