Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with computer and vista

Hard drive trouble?

R a c h e l — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:59:55 -0800

Hard drive(I think) corrupted - I'm drowning in information. Help? I'm sure this has been addressed elsewhere but since there are so many different problems that happen with computers/hard drives/etc, I'm having a lot of trouble differentiating.

Me: HP Laptop, running Vista and an expired beta of windows 7 on different partitions. Also have a recovery partition installed by HP but that's just the OS and stuff, not my stuff. I almost always use(d) Vista, and all my files are accessible from there.

Problem: Vista only starts up partway,then gets stuck with a blank screen (after the "Windows loading" screen). I eventually power it down, turn it on, and the computer suggests I try startup recovery, which fails.

Oh: a note: my dad may have been the last one to turn on my computer before this happens, and he said it said something about installing an update (I think he said a service pack, but there hasn't been a new one recently - why would this be installing now? I usually just let the automatic updaters work their mojo, don't pay too much attention to it, so I can't provide more detail, sorry)

In the 'details' section, the two tests that startup recovery said failed were Unknown bugcheck: Bugcheck 50 (with some parameters listed - I can provide those if it's helpful) and then it said repair action: system files integrity and repair. Result: failed. Error code: Ox2

Then, the other "root cause found" by startup repair was "System volume on disk is corrupt. Repair action: File system repair (chkdsk) Result: completed successfully Error code: OxO

It tells me that startup repair failed. If I power it down and start again, the same thing happens.

Windows 7 works fine, if that's relevant.

So, my question is multifold(Is that a word?): Can this be repaired? Can I recover my pictures etc on my harddrive (yes, I know I should have backed them up, was actually external harddrive shopping the day that this happened)? I have another, legal, copy of Vista. Can I install that(after recovering my data)? About how much will data recovery cost?

Thanks so much, this is my first Ask MeFi question so I'm a little nervous. Do let me know if I did anything wrong!

Internet Woes

Geppp — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 13:24:21 -0800

[ComputerFilter] Newly installed programs and updated programs can't connect to the internet. Any ideas? (Vista Home Premium) I've already tried adding exceptions to the Firewall, as well as disabling the firewall alltogether.

Firefox, along with a few other random programs work, but if I try to install a new program, or if I update a currently working program, it is no longer able to connect to the internet.

For example, I just tried installing Google Chrome, and it's not able to connect to the internet. Similarly with Spybot S&D and others.

Any input would be great. Thanks!

Webcam, do your job!

peachykeen — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:32:52 -0800

How do I use a webcam with Windows Movie Maker on Vista? Hey, Mefites! I'd like to start recording video with my webcam, but can't figure out how.

I have an HP Pavilion dv2000 with a built in webcam that seems to have no software and runs Vista. My computer has Windows Movie Maker, but the program doesn't seem to allow web cam imports in the Vista version.

Is there any way to get around this? Perhaps a *cheap* program that I could install to record video that can be edited in Movie Maker?

A little more info-- I'm doing this because I'd like to start video blogging, but would like to be able to review and edit videos before I post them. I don't really like the idea of uploading straight from webcam to YouTube.

Thanks!

How can I download only Open Office Writer instead of the whole suite?

ptsampras14 — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:52:16 -0800

Can I download only OpenOffice Writer? I don't want the whole suite of OpenOffice..can i download only one program or pick and choose...like Writer and Calc (word and excel)

How do I stop the stalling?

Seeba — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:11:38 -0800

Allright-- my windows (Vista) is funky: can I fix this without reinstalling? More inside. First, the specs:
Windows Vista, AMD9500 Phenom processor, 4GB RAM, HD2400XT graphics card, and 500GB hard drive, 200GB used (plus an external HD, mouse, keyboard, webcam, monitor, all that jazz)

Now, the problem:

Starting about two weeks ago, whenever I move a file, the "Moving X file(s): Y MB/GB, Z Seconds Remaining" pop-up shows up. As it gets to "0 Seconds Remaining", it just stalls.

Whenever I delete a file, the pop-up "Deleting X file(s): Y MB/GB, Z Seconds Remaining" shows up. As it gets to "0 Seconds Remaining", it stalls.

Anytime I move a file on my internal hard drive, the same thing happens. "Moving X file...." etc.

I haven't touched my registry (to my knowledge), or screwed with my internals any more than changing the "Hibernate/Sleep after X Minutes" or the screen saver in several months.

Whenever this happens, I open the task manager (Ctrl/Alt/Del), hit "End Program" a few times, then the window opens up to let me close and restart windows explorer. So I do. And then life goes on as usual.

Anyone have any idea what's wrong/how I fix this?
(Preferably without reinstalling my op system)

Thank you!

Keys to the city

micklaw — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:03:46 -0800

Help me fix a keyboard/key problem with my Vista laptop. Background. I previously had XP installed but had to move back to Vista (long story).

Since then I have noticed a few little idiosyncrasies with my keyboard that have finally gotten the better of me. When ever I type this symbol:
'
by pressing the key once, nothing happens. If I hit the key again, two become visible (ie '') so I have always just hit the key twice and deleted one.

Similarly, whenever I hit this symbol:
" (yes, same key, with shift)
I get the same thing.

I was able to handle the hit-twice-then-delete-once issue. But recently I have noticed (only it seems in Google Earth, Youtube and Gmail - all Google right?) that the @ key and the " key have been swapped around, but only for those sites/applications.

I have no idea how to fix this problem and am wondering if anyone else has experienced the same or similar. I am running a Dell Inspiron 1501 (meaty!) that is around 2 years old and the problem only arose when I switched back to the original Vista install late last year.

I don't even know what to search for online to get help.

You are my only hope.....

Which USB Mass Storage Device is which?

msbrauer — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:19:26 -0800

How can I change the generic name "USB Mass Storage Device" in my Vista system tray "Safely Remove Hardware" dialog? It's not uncommon for me to have a couple of external harddrives plugged in to my Vista laptop alongside a memory card and an mp3 player. While all of these devices have unique drive letters and unique names in windows explorer (one of the drives is always called 400gig, for instance, another is always called 500gig), they're all called "USB Mass Storage Device" in the system tray's "Safely Remove Hardware" menu. So when I need to unplug one but not all, I find myself taking a stab at which device is which and usually I pick the wrong one. I can solve the confusion easily enough by opening the "my computer" window and figuring out the drive letter from there, but that's an extra step that I'd love to get rid of. Ideally, the dialog would always say something like "Safely remove 400gig - Drive (x:)" and stay the same for each device each time it's plugged in.

So, is it possible to change the menu options from "Safely remove USB Mass Storage Device - Drive (x:)" to something unique for each device?

My Brand New Computer Won't Boot from the DVD Drive! Help!

adi — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:09:23 -0800

My brand new Core i7 computer will not boot from the DVD Drive to install Vista - please help me tell my bios what they need to know to make this thing boot! (screen shots included inside, along with full details) I have a Gigabyte GA-EX58-DS4 Motherboard, and the NEC DVD Drive is the only IDE connection I'm using. The jumper on it is set to Master, and I've tried two different IDE cables to no avail.

Here are five screenshots from the boot process:
http://twitpic.com/rt0v
http://twitpic.com/rt10
http://twitpic.com/rt1l
This is what happens past the bios:
http://twitpic.com/rt1w

And this is what happens when it tries to use the NEC DVD drive. Also noteworthy is that the green light on the drive only comes on when the machine is initially booting up, but not when it should be looking for the Vista boot disk:
http://twitpic.com/rt1y

Building a uber powerful gaming pc, need your help

spinko — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 15:03:44 -0800

Building a uber powerful gaming pc, what parts to buy as I don't want to be a sucker. Need your help. Intel Core i7 I currently own a Mac (macbook pro 4gb) for business, even through it is fast in bootcamp. I want better for MMO's and FPS games. This is strictly a gaming machine, and needs to be future proof. I haven't built a computer in 2 years, so I have gone abit rusty.

My budget is £2000 (~$3500) just for the box. I already have a 30inch Cinema display, so I want to play games at the natural resolution (2560 x 1600) with a good 60+ fps.

Here is my list of what I want.

CPU:
Core i7 940 (2.93ghz quad + hyperthreading) ~£470
I want to overclock this cpu as much as I can. I have seen this processor get to 3.4ghz with no problems. I will need a good Motherboard or fan to do this.

The extreme version, is it worth it?

Should I wait for a faster processor coming out in a few months?

HDD:
Raptor 300gb (10k rpm)
or
SAS Hdd's (15k rpm) I dont know too much about this, is it worth it?

Is their any benefit of having a solid state hard drive for bootup OS?

Im not too bothered about size, I don't need 1tb as I only need it for games (300gb max)

PSU:
750, 1000 or 1500 watt? do I need more power for overclocking? or is it just money down the drain.

Video card/s:
The new cards confuse me

SLI cards x2: Does this actually improve gaming performance, or shall I keep with a single 1gb graphics card? Nvidia or ATI?

Others:
Need a good Motherboard, memory (to match the mb) and video card.

Motherboard needs to be good for overclocking.

Also, I may go with Vista 64bit dual boot with XP 32bit. I have heard about something better than software dual boot. Cannot remember what it was.

Memory is limited to 3gb on XP 32bit, however can handle more that 3gb on Vista 64bit. Is it worth going for 64bit Vista for gaming or stick to 32bit non dx10 XP? (I went over to Mac due to Vista, last year for business).

Memory will have to match the top FSB if possible. Unless you cannot see any difference.

Anything extra that will improve performance?

Instead of building my own, could you recommend a pre-built spec. I live in Spain but go to the UK frequently. I know Falcon NW will ship to Spain for $400, but the benefit is the warranty, negatives are the power supply. However building it myself each equipment piece has warranty.

Thanks if you can help.

Vista/Ubuntu wireless card?

comwiz — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 11:07:08 -0800

I need a wireless (at least 802.11g) card that will work with both Vista and Ubuntu. Help! My current card refuses to work in Vista due to some minor hardware incompatibilities, and its linux support isn't exactly stellar, but it works. I need a new card that will work great in both, and I would prefer to not have to use ndiswrapper. Also, I don't care if its PCI, PCI-E, or USB.

Laptop RIP?

punishinglemur — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:06:07 -0800

I think I killed my laptop with SpeedFan and a spill. Yesterday, I spilled some Sprite on my laptop. Within a second or two, my screen went glitchy, with pink bars and distortion everywhere. My sound stuttered and then became a constant buzz. I quickly unplugged the power cord and all peripherals, and powered down the system. Half an hour later, I removed the battery. I put the laptop keyboard-down on a towel after draining Sprite to let it dry. After about 24 hours, I turned it back on without incident.

Once in Windows, I did a quick check and everything seemed to be working fine. The keyboard, trackpad, speakers, headphone jack, screen, wireless, hard drive, ethernet port, power jack, battery, and so on were all working. However, it seemed that my fans were non-operational, so I started up SpeedFan to check into things.

SpeedFan froze within a second, with its last message being "Scanning ISA BUS at $0290." Actually, everything froze; my laptop was completely unresponsive. I shut it down, and then tried turning it back on. As far as I can tell, here's what happens when I press the power button now: the fan runs briefly, the power light goes on, and the hard drive activity light stays on for a second or two then goes off. That's it. The screen never turns on, no beeps from the system, nothing.

I'm assuming that things are now pretty much hopeless. But just in case they're not: any suggestions?

Make my Vista Arrow Keys Work.

Juicylicious — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:07:15 -0800

How do I set up my arrow keys to cycle forward/backward in firefox? I had this ability with my T42 XP, now I have a 1720 inspiron Vista and I don't have that ability anymore. I've called Dell support, but they have no idea what I'm talking about. I miss using my arrows keys to move back and forth between pages on firefox, instead of the mouse. Help :/

Help me restore hope AND Documents.

TuxHeDoh — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:26:23 -0800

My parents computer crashed. I never determined the cause. It had XP on it. They've since bought a laptop, and want to recover documents from their desktop. They bought a hd enclosure. I connected the hd, and it's recognized, but it seems that the profiles must've been encrypted. I know that it's almost impossible to break the encryption, but want to be helpful, any suggestions? I have attempted to boot to USB, with the Desktops HD connected via USB, and I can get to the safe mode screen and such, but get a blue screen no matter what option I choose. Could I boot from a XP repair disc and then point it at a windows on the USB HD, and login with an account to export the encryption certificate? Any other ideas?

"Ultimate" Bluetooth Frustration

Kadin2048 — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 11:34:48 -0800

How do I get this Bluetooth headset working with Skype on Windows Vista? The S.O. is leaving tomorrow on a long trip, and I said I'd install and set up Skype with her Bluetooth headset (a Motorola H700) so she could use it while abroad.

I've done this without problems on my Windows laptop, which runs XP. Once I paired it, the audio seemed to basically just work after I set it in Skype's options. Unfortunately, she just got stuck with a Vista machine, and I can't get it to work. I can pair the headset with the machine, but it always reports itself as "Disconnected" in the 'Audio' tab of 'Bluetooth Devices.' Hence, nothing happens.

The machine is a Dell M1330 running Vista Ultimate 32-bit, the headset is a Motorola H700. The machine's BT chipset is a "Dell TrueMobile 355", which Windows says is running the latest drivers (6.0.6.6000.16682, dated 6/21/06). The "Bluetooth Hands-free Audio" device appears in Device Manager and claims to be working properly; it's also using what Windows says is the latest driver from Broadcom (6.0.1.3100, dated 11/3/06). The Broadcom Bluetooth Update page hasn't been of any help either; it's apparently XP-only.

I've found a few other people reporting problems getting BT headsets to work under Vista, but no solutions. I know next-to-nothing about Vista, except that it's apparently a royal pain. I've tried rebooting, deleting and re-pairing the device, invoking various gods, all to no avail. Is there anything I'm missing, here? Or is this combination just broken?

Alternately, does anyone out there have a Bluetooth headset that works under Vista that they'd like to recommend? I'm under a very tight time crunch, so one that I could acquire in the DC Metro area on a Sunday afternoon would be preferred. I'm not averse to spending money if that's what it takes (unfortunately solutions involving a new laptop, or ~~down~~upgrading this one to XP, aren't practical given the time I have left).

One version of Windows isn't enough, I need three!

Snyder — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 02:27:12 -0800

Will Windows 98 and XP run and dual boot (or, treble boot, I suppose,) with my new Vista running computer? I'm being given a slightly used computer that is currently is running Vista, but I'd like to bring over my hard drives from my current computer. Right now, I have two hard disks, one with Windows 98 and one with XP, and I have a dual boot setup. The computer I want to move them two is a Dell Inspiron 531S, an ACPIx86-based machine, with an AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 3800+ 2009 Mhz, 958 Megs RAM, and the BIOS is Dell Inc, 1.0.3 6/15/2007. This is all I can easily find out at the moment, since I didn't buy the computer originally and I'm not used to Vista.

To be brief, can I run a triple boot system with Vista, Win98 and XP with this hardware? My idea is to have the backwards compatibility of 98 with the robustness of XP, while Vista gets itself sorted out. Any adivce in that direction too would be appreciated. Thanks for the help.

Computer woes

bmalicoat — Fri, 16 May 2008 10:29:39 -0800

ComputerDebugFilter: How can I find out what caused my computer to crash? I'm running Vista 64-bit (I know, I know...) with 4gb of ram, 3 hard drives with a raid array and an intel quad core processor. The nature of the crash is very strange. Basically the mouse cursor will slow down and then intermittently work and then it will just stop, all in the span of 4 seconds or so. After that the entire computer is frozen with the reset button as the only source of relief. During the lead up to the freeze and the after the processor is not working hard at all (ie no audible stress). I do multiple virus scans from different vendors on a regular basis and no spyware/malware has ever been found. The only thing wrong that I know of is iTunes isn't installed correctly and it lets me know this each time I start it.

Is there a log or stack trace that I can access after resetting that could clue me in to what's going on?

What Linux Distro Should i Use/Everything else you need to know about linux? Question from a Linux noob but a Pretty knowledgeable computer dood.

Javed_Ahamed — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:46:11 -0800

What Linux Should I Use?-Also need advice/help setting up drivers/random linux stuff? for my computerI'm a pretty knowledgeable guy about computers. I also want to be able to have vista on my computer, and hopefully keep my laptops extra functionalities such as fingerprint reader. Not that i had too much against windows vista but the latest service pack seemed to screw things up, so ive been thinking to moving to linux. That and being a freshman in computer engineering i think i should try more diverse operating systems anyway. I would like to use windows vista and linux at the same time, and am wondering what the best option for this would be. Should i make a dual boot windows vista and linux or should i just have ubuntu with a virtual windows running in it? Also what linux distro should i use? I dont want anything that is too simple or too hard... ubuntu seems to be the popular one for everything but honestly i dont know where to get started in linux. I have a sager2090 or a compalifl90 laptop and how would i install drivers for linux since it doesnt list them on the main page? Would i lose functionality for things such as my fingerprint reader?

Tasks i do on my computer:
1. Everything. Burning cds, movies, games, homework, programming (Computer Engineer, so i def need vista as well for windows only things)

Specs of my computer:
1. Pretty good. Should be able to run any Os. Especially after running vista with no slowdowns (Until sp1...).

Summmmmmmary:

The problem (or blessing) about linux is there are so many choices it seems when it comes to it. First there is the actual distro you use, and after that there are so many mods, even graphical interfaces you can use. I guess im just really confused about all this maybe my real question is what do you guys use/suggest i use. How can i get windows vista on my laptop as the same time as linux (emulation, or partiion and advantages/disadvantages of each method) and what beginner tips might you give.

If you all have your own linux box set up maybe you could tell me what you have/how you customized it/set it up :D thanks. Convoluted Question...

How did I screw up my Vista toolbar?

alcopop — Thu, 01 May 2008 08:37:50 -0800

I was working on a paper last night, basically half dead, and somehow I managed to change my toolbar. Here is a picture (Click on it for a close up with a helpful paint arrow). Instead of being a row of my windows, it now shows two of the windows open (icon only) with a scroll bar on the right side. I have Vista Home Premium 32. This is a major annoyance because I'm trying to write papers and I have about a billion windows open, so any help received, I'm grateful for.

User Migration between PCs

zephyr_words — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:21:20 -0800

What programs\packages are available that allow one to plug a cable into one pc, the other end to another pc, and then migrate the data? I know there are other better ways to do this but I'm specifically looking for a USB cable in-between the two PCs or a regular network cable. Something like this http://www.belkin.com/easytransfercable/advantages/

If you are aware of any regular programs that are very good at user migration (does not have to have the cable requirement) I would love to hear those as well.

XP to XP, Vista to Vista, XP to Vista.

Thanks a lot MeFi!

How do I get my browser to work?

MrMulan — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:39:23 -0800

How do I get an Internet browser to work in Vista? Trying to troubleshoot a Lenovo T61 laptop for somebody. Here are the facts:
- Running Vista Home Premium 32Bit, Lenovo T61, dual core 1.8Mgz, 2GB RAM
-IE7 and Firefox display their respective page cannot be displayed message
- User says, unprompted, "It just stopped working for no reason", and "I did not do anything to the machine"
-Would rather not reinstall the OS
-Both the wired and wireless network adapters give me the same problem
-I can pull an IP address from the DHCP servers
-I can ping the gateways
-I flushed the DNS
-I set up the DHCP addresses as statics
-Made sure the proxy setting was off
-Disabled AV, and Windows firewall
-I am able to use network resources
-I am able to use remote access software (remote desktop, VNC)
-AOL Instant Messenger does not work
-I have scoured forums without any luck
-This is the first time I have actually used Vista
-I have tried different networks at work and home

Have I missed something?
And just for my own knowledge, why do over 10 network adapters display when I do an ipconfig?
I have gotten the go ahead to install WinXP, but wanted to give AskMF a shot.
Lenovo tech support was not helpful, since it is a software issue. The offered OS support for $99, that might solve the issue.

The Vista fails to inspire me

lukemeister — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 11:54:19 -0800

It's time to replace our desktop computer. After threads like this about the sluggishness of Vista, I'd prefer to get XP Pro, but it appears that some vendors, such as HP, only offer Vista. I'd rather not buy a computer with Vista and then install XP. Ideally, the new box would come with XP Pro and include a coupon for Vista that will still be valid in one or two years when Microsoft will presumably gets its act together. Does anyone have such a thing? Thanks and happy holidays! Related question: Most of the systems I've seen reviewed that run Vista slowly have 1 GB or 2 GB of memory. Does Vista speed up with more memory, and does the specific version of Vista (Ultimate, Über, Unter...) make a difference?

Play back on Vista

daveed66 — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:11:42 -0800

I like to plug in my guitar to my computer and play, but i just bought a new HP machine with Vista and it won't work. Anyone encounter this problem with not being able to plug in devices and play back through the microphone jack?

What Flavor of Windows for My Next PC?

wintermute2_0 — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 17:26:18 -0800

Should I install Vista on my next computer or stick with XP? I'm planning on building a new computer before year's end. It will probably include a Core 2 Duo and healthy amounts of RAM (2GB) and disk space (400-500 GB). I can't decide if I should put Vista on this new rig or stick with XP. I'm completely satisfied with XP's stability and I can't think of a compelling reason to switch to Vista. And frankly, I'm concerned about running into performance/incompatibility issues with Vista.

What say you, fellow geeks? Should I stick with the tried and true or succumb to the new new thing? If I stick with XP, should I use my old copy of XP Home Edition or pick up a copy of Professional Edition?

And no, Linux isn't an option. I likes me some occasional gaming and I also use some critical software that is Windows-only.

musicus interruptus

wfc123 — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 10:35:42 -0800

Why does every mp3 track on my laptop "break-up" for 3 seconds at the same point (with about 20 left in the track)? Does anyone else have this problem? It's Windows Media PLayer on a Dell Insp E1505 w/Win Vista Home Prem.

thanks

Third Times a charm

DJWeezy — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 08:34:43 -0800

I am building a new computer and was wondering if this setup seems good I already have the OS and case/power supply more details after break. (previously, previously) LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model LH-20A1L-06 - Retail

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM SATA

MSI NX8400GS-TD256E GeForce 8400GS 256MB GDDR2 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail

OCZ Gold 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory

ASUS P5N32-SLI Premium/WiFi-AP LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

Intel Xeon 3060 Conroe 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX805573060 - Retail

Already have the case Alienware MJ-12 Mid-Tower ATX Case with 700 Watt Power Supply

Os XP