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Computer help...

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Not for me, but my mother-in-law (I'm not married, but she's basically that to me). She has a habit of collecting old computers, just an excuse not to have to buy one. I guess I should be grateful she is not technophobe.

Anyway, I've only been able to look at her computers for a very short time and couldn't really fix anything, only saw what was wrong with them. The problems are fairly simple, I am just looking for input, alternatives in case whatever I come up with doesn't work.

First computer is a 486 running in Win98. The main problem is the sound card, it doesn't register anymore and Windows doesn't see it. The search for new hardware just doesn't work. I suspect the card is just badly connected, unless it's actually broken. Anybody has any alternatives? I think another problem is that you couldn't force Windows to start Word documents with the Word program. That is more of a niggle.

The second computer is a Pentium 1, a whole package deal by IBM themselves and runs on WinXP. This one's problems still fairly simple. I think that one also can't see its sound card anymore. But the main problem is that a new CD ROM drive was installed at some point, it worked for a while, long enough to install WinXP, but now Windows doesn't recognize it anymore. You can force it to see it and it works, but after a reboot, the same problem appears. Any clue?
 
In the case of the first one, if you think the card is not seated properly, pop the case and make sure it's in place. Then download the drivers for it and reinstall.

For the second computer, again crack the case, unplug the drive, and start up the machine. After it completes the start up, shut it down again, plug the drive back in, and start the machine up again. Sometimes Windows XP needs to go through the Add Hardware procedure again to get things working. Also, install the latest drivers.

Oh, and one more thing, convince her to get a computer that was made this decade.
 
Kung Fu Jedi said:
Oh, and one more thing, convince her to get a computer that was made this decade.

I would like to, but she seems intent on buying old, super cheap computers. I know there's already a third one over there. :lol
 

Jill Sandwich

the turds of Optimus Prime
You need some specialist tools for this job:

trash.jpg
 
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