PC Pals Forum
Technical Help & Discussion => Self Building, Upgrading & General Hardware Help => Topic started by: Michelle on June 01, 2005, 16:49
-
Okay ......... So I got it working fine from the cd before.
Now guess what, I'd just signed up for live streaming on big brother, all was fine. 8)
Then I thought I'd change my skin to one I'd downloaded from microsoft site and it all went pear shaped, the writing was in black so all I could see was icons ??? I couldn't get rid of it - and I couldn't change it cos I couldn't see what I was doing. So ........... I shut down.........
That was the last time I saw my desktop ..........
It won't start up now, it looks fine and then..... :cry: it gets as far as the XP Screen where its just gonna put the users up, and stops!!
I've tried starting it in safe mode it stops at same place
I tried safe mode with dos and i just get a black screen that says safe mode but I can't do a thing
I've tried starting it with last known configurations and it won't go as far as the xp screen.
And the repair disc will only reinstall - I looked at the mesh (spit) website and it says to repair it, act like you are doing a new install, but on the computer it doesn't look the same as the screenshots and I think I'm going to lose everything I have on there, (it says i will) But it does look like my only option.................
Unless anyone else has any idea's plleeeease ?
-
Well Michelle,
If the new install is the only option which you have, and if you have important things on your HDD, you may remove that HDD and install it in another PC as a slave to get out of it the files which you like to keep.
I did that to a friend of mine; who copied his files to CD's on my pc, after that he wiped his HDD.
-
Shell you really need to partition your hard drive there.
When you come to format...
Make your first partition around 15GB and split the rest into either one or two other partitions.
You put windows on the first one and save all your things on your other partitions and that way when windows freaks up you just format C and all your things are still safe on your other partitions.
It works a treat :thumb:
-
can you not use the windows repair feature to fix it? I am sure sandra will know more about that than me - I was shocked to find it existed the other week! :-)
-
Weve been trying to sort it on messenger for the last hour or so :(
Shes trying a repair overitself now but doesnt seem to be getting the normal options so I think its either because she only has a restore cd or the recovery console needs installing first, which shes now trying to do :)
-
Are you meaning the sfc /scannow command Sam or the repair console ?
We cant run the sfc until its in ful windows, we have tried chkdsk and chkdsk /p from the command prompt but although chkdsk /p found some errors it didnt say it fixed them.
I thought that dos had a regfix or fixreg command but it doesnt appear to be able in XP :(
-
i was thinking of the sfc at first but then i remembered that it needed to be in windows (i was shocked i remembered that since i dont do much with windows these days).
I was actually referring the the repair console, seems odd that you get a different console. Any way you can make a disc to run the repair console off a boot disc without using the full windows disc? i dont know if this: [Microsoft Support] is any help - at the bottom is some links relating to the reapir console.
-
Its all very strange!! the repair console doesn't give the correction options!
We are trying CHKDSK /r now ........ and its taking for ever so thats a good sign lol
sandra found something on how to restore from a prompt but it didn't work on the repair prompt.
-
umm it is very strange, at least it is interesting (and for sandra more than big brother, maybe it was a sign!)
-
The MS link you gave earlier Sam in itself wasnt really applicable in Michelles case but interestingly eventually it led me to this :
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304449/
I didnt think it was possible but it appears that you can run System Restore from the Safe Mode Command Prompt, but in Michelles case this didnt help :(
Did it actually bring the restore bit up Michelle but failed to restore to an earlier point that worked or what happened ?
I dont think that it would work from a normal boot floppy which is a pity as that would solve a lot of peoples problems I bet :(
-
i didnt know if it would be useful, but at least it lead you somewhere...
bloody microsoft! :-) actually i think michelle should blame bigbrother... :-)
-
Off old board:
Michelle:
The command for the %systemroot% wasn't recognized - it said see help for a list of commands and in there it says SYSTEMROOT so I tried it without the % and it does nothing! I tried it systemroot\system32 etc and its not recognized.
That scan took all night - it was only on 71% done when I went to bed at 1am. But as you have gathered its still the same. :(
-
Off old board:
(after the database cutoff)
Sandra:
It would need the % as thats part of the information it needs for which action to take within the systemroot command Michelle.
It posibly took so long to scan your drive because its 320 gig as a single partition, when its in dos mode it doesnt run as fast as it would in windows and 320 gig is a lot of space to scan.
Are you still not getting the option of R for the recovery console when you try to reinstall ?
-
All we need to do now, is find Michelle! :)
-
ahh ....... there they are - I wondered what happened to my message!
oooh this is all blue :D
To answer your question - No I still don't get the R option :( That is very very odd.
I'm sure there's something that can be done on that command prompt bit, but I just can't understand it all! :lol:
Oh well I'll just have to re install - won't I ? ? ?
-
umm i wouldnt rush into it, might be worth sleeping on..
oooh this is all blue
you like a bit of the old blue do you?
-
yes its all very nice in here :-)
I found this last night http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307545
so I thought well what the heck ..... I'll try it.
so at part 1 - I typed it all in and it was all going well ............ until it got to the last lot of copy and repair and it wouldn't repair them...... urgh.
soooooo
now its worse lol - I have a message that comes up that system file is missing or corrupt .... windows\system32\config\system press r to repair.
but of course ....... r doesn't work.
:roll: :blush: :x :(
-
argh...!!! at least it tells you to press r now!
-
okay that was it I couldn't stand it any longer :lol:
I reinstalled - so I have a lovely clean machine now - sob - its all empty. But it works lovely!
I went on this other pc website and they said its my HD knackered and my sound card and this and that ...... was a bit scarey!! So I thought if it was those things it wouldn't reinstall so I had to see.
And there's not really that much on there I can't just put back on, I think most of the stuff is still on this puter - good job I'm lazy and didn't clear this one off yet :laugh:
Trying to work out now, why I have no sounds - I don't seem to have a disc for the 5.1 speaker system, and it didn't detect them.
Now I've gotta set up the network again arghhhhhh lol
-
You probably just need the drivers for the soundcard, Michelle. Did you get a drivers disc with the PC?
-
Michelle did you create an extra partition this time ?
If not while its still empty and you still have a few glitches to fix then, (yes I know its a pain but it will save you a lot of hassle in the future), then reinstall XP again and create a second partition.
When you start the installation theres an option to install to the existing partition or to delete the partition.
Select delete the partition, it will ask if you are sure and I think you have to press L to delete it.
The next screen will ask if you want to create a partition in the empty space, select the option to create, think its C and then you can set it t the size you want, with a 320 gig drive such as you had then you could have 50 or more gig as your primary partition, remember it wants it in MBs not GBs so for 50 gig you need to type 50000.
Once its created format and install XP to that partition as you did before.
Once it is running in XP properly go into Admin Tools/Disk Management and then you will see the remainder of your drive as unallocated, you need to format it before you can use it but you can do it from inside disk management :)
-
It looks like I've got to download a few drivers ! ah well not the end of the world.
No I didn't sandra, as I wasn't sure how it would work... it all sounds very confusing.
So I have to delete the partition it shows? I don't get that if you are adding a partition why don't you just add one?
-
okay I've written it all down lol
fingers crossed :? :blush:
-
you cant just add one because you wont have any spare space, by deleting the partition you can now make as many partitions as you like - up to the max size of your hard disk.
-
Ok Michelle, if you are starting from a brand new hard drive or from one that only has a single partition like yours has then it doesnt give you an option to create an extra one.
So in your situation you need to delete the existing one first then as there are no partitions on the drive and you need at least one to install an OS to it will ask you to create one :)
Even if I am reinstalling XP on a drive that has two partitions I always delete the OS one and recreate it that way you are sure that its got rid of everything from the old installation :)
Another hour spent now reinstalling on a two partiioned drive will save you may hours in the future, hopefully :)
You could always use something like partition magic to create another partition from inside windows once it was installed but doing it as another fresh install will be quicker and easier I think :)
-
Full Instructions from the MS knowledge base for you Michelle :)
If you are starting from the Windows XP Setup disks, insert each of the additional disks when you are prompted, and then press ENTER to continue after you insert each disk.
3. At the Welcome to Setup page, press ENTER.
4. Press F8 to accept the Windows XP Licensing Agreement.
5. If an existing Windows XP installation is detected, you are prompted to repair it. To bypass the repair, press ESC.
6. All the existing partitions and the unpartitioned spaces are listed for each physical hard disk. Use the ARROW keys to select the partition or the unpartitioned space where you want to create a new partition. Press D to delete an existing partition, or press C to create a new partition by using unpartitioned space. If you press D to delete an existing partition, you must then press L (or press ENTER, and then press L if it is the System partition) to confirm that you want to delete the partition. Repeat this step for each of the existing partitions that you want to use for the new partition. When all the partitions are deleted, select the remaining unpartitioned space, and then press C to create the new partition.
Note If you want to create a partition where one or more partitions already exist, you must first delete the existing partition or partitions, and then create the new partition.
7. Type the size in megabytes (MB) that you want to use for the new partition, and then press ENTER, or just press ENTER to create the partition with the maximum size.
8. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 to create additional partitions if you want them.
9. If you want to install Windows XP, use the ARROW keys to select the partition where you want to install Windows XP, and then press ENTER. If you do not want to format the partition and install Windows XP, press F3 two times to quit the Windows Setup program, and then do not follow the remaining steps. In this case, you must use a different utility to format the partition.
10. Select the format option that you want to use for the partition, and then press ENTER. You have the following options: ? Format the partition by using the NTFS file system (Quick)
? Format the partition by using the FAT file system (Quick)
? Format the partition by using the NTFS file system
? Format the partition by using the FAT file system
? Leave the current file system intact (no changes)
The option to leave the current file system intact is not available if the selected partition is a new partition. The FAT file system option is not available if the selected partition is more than 32 gigabytes (GB). If the partition is larger than 2 GB, the Windows Setup program uses the FAT32 file system (you must press ENTER to confirm). If the partition is smaller than 2 GB, the Windows Setup program uses the FAT16 file system.
Note If you deleted and created a new System partition, but you are installing Windows XP on a different partition, you will be prompted to select a file system for both the System and startup partitions.
11. After the Windows Setup program formats the partition, follow the instructions that appear on the screen to continue. After the Windows Setup program is completed, you can use the Disk Management tools in Windows XP to create or format more partitions.
This is the relevant part from this page :
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q313348/
I am up and fully awake now and will be in all day and evening if you need to call me on messenger to clarify anything that you dont understand :)
-
Well I did try, I didn't see these instructions - and sandra is talking me all through it. Poor sandra :lol:
Dunno what I'd do with out her :D
its all going well now :-)
-
glad to hear!
-
And the moral of this story is........................................
Keep away from those "BIG BROTHER" sites, Michelle. :wink: :D :D :D :D :D
-
Indeed! Isn't there enough of the rubbish on TV, without having it infest your computer as well? :roll: :wink:
-
Indeed! Isn't there enough of the rubbish on TV, without having it infest your computer as well? :roll: :wink:
Well Simon, remember it's Michelle we're talking about here and Sandra is inferring that she has the attention span of a Goldfish. :wink: :lol:
-
I have nothing further to add. :halo:
-
oi you lot ! :lol:
You'll be pleased to hear - (or not) I got the soundcard so thats fine and dandy - I've set up the network again, that was easy now I know the aol work around.
but I can't find the video controller drivers - I'm assuming thats why I have a yellow exclaimation mark in device driver and I'm also assuming that I should be looking for the driver for the
256mb ati x800xl pci express - thats the video controller isn't it?
I don't notice much wrong yet though apart from when I'm scrolling its delayed, although I haven't tried to play any games yet.
Firstly am I looking for the right thing and if so can anyone tell me where to find it please ?
there are other things I think I need but I'll do this one first :)
:?
ps it wasn't big brother as I set that up on the other computer when this one went down and its been fine :lol:
-
You should find them on here (https://support.ati.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=894&task=knowledge&folderID=27) shell :thumb:
-
You might want to wait for someone else to check, but I think you'll find what you need here, Michelle:-
https://support.ati.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=894&task=knowledge&folderID=27
-
and so you both post the same thing - and i was about to post that aswell! :-)
well at least everyone is telling you the same thing!
-
Keep up at the back :P :laugh: :wink:
-
No wonder I couldnt find them for her yesterday she told me it was an Intel (cant remember numbers now) pci express :roll:
Remind me never to work with blondes, children or animals ever again :shock:
-
:lol: I thought you asked what the audio thing was sandra sorry.
I've been on that site already but I can't see which one relates to mine :blush:
-
This should be the one your looking for shell.
http://www.download.com/Catalyst-Radeon-Display-Driver-Windows-2000-XP-/3000-2108_4-10347298.html?tag=lst-0-3 (http://www.download.com/Catalyst-Radeon-Display-Driver-Windows-2000-XP-/3000-2108_4-10347298.html?tag=lst-0-3)
-
oh thanks cammy - I took a chance on one of those on that site and it seems to be okay ? I think its the same as that one?
I'll have to see how it goes won't I ? there's no exclaimation mark now though ?
-
still worth making sure you have the right one, otherwise your games wont be as crisp as they could be
-
I checked in display and it says the same as before now and actually says x800 so I guess that means its correct.
I downloaded and stored cammys one - just incase :shock:
-
cool...glad you have got your system back - even if the damn repair feature didnt work.
-
One tip that may be useful for others sometime is :
If a pc is running but you want to replace the OS for whatever reason, its always a good idea to open the Device Manager and write down the information for each type of device that you will need to reinstall the drivers for.
These would incude such things as :
Display adapter/ GFX card
Modem
Sound Card
Ethernet Controller
Printers
Scanners
Cameras
In fact anything thats in the list, as a few minutes spent before wiping the drive can save many frustrating hours of searching later :)
-
excellent advice there sandra.
-
Unfortunately in Michelles case Sam it wouldnt have helped her as the reason she had to reinstall her OS was becuase it wouldnt go into windows or even Safe Mode.
So it may be a good idea for people to take note of these details now, before something goes wrong and you have to install, unless of course you already have the drivers for all your components on cd or on another partition on your hard drive :)
-
or you know what the parts are cause you put them there yourself
-
yeah that is a good idea sandra, and yes I have saved all the drivers that I have downloaded on my new partition so that next time (if/when) they will just all be there. such a good idea this 2nd partition thingy, thanks guys!
The next one now I can't find much about - with an exclaimation mark is
Intel(R) 82801FB LPC Interface Controller
whats that then?
I've looked on the intel site and they have nothing for it, so just searching google now.
-
I think its something that is on this controller ? it says unknown device but this is the location ....... mmmm maybe its the wifi thingy, could it be?
God I am a pain in the buttox :P :laugh:
-
Found this (http://www.smsc.com/main/catalog/lpc47m112.html), which isn't the same as yours, but it does indicate that, unless I have totally misinterpreted it, it refers to your chipset. Maybe you need to reinstall your motherboard drivers as well? Just guessing. :|
-
you could be right there Simon ..... hmmm........ but how does everything work okay?
I think I found the network card one, I think that was the other missing driver.
-
Well, I believe chipsets need drivers like everything else, but I don't know enough about them to give any advice, Shell. Maybe it's nothing to do with that at all! :grin:
-
yeah it seems they do need them Simon ....... I wonder how I know if that is what I need.
I think this is the one ........
http://drivers.softpedia.com/progDownload/Asus-PGDCV-Deluxe-Bios-Download-11611.html
Is this the motherboard?
Intel p5gdc deluxe pci express
----------
I can't seem to find out what the other devices are so many it is that.
-
Sorry Michelle, I'm not going to risk guessing on this one. That link looks like it could be a BIOS flash, which could really mess things up if it's the wrong one. I would wait for some expert advice before going any further with that.
-
you sure there isnt any device drivers on that cd of yours?
-
That's what i was thinking Sam!
Shell could delete it from "system" then reboot and hope it was on her "Mesh" disk :blush2:
Could be very risky mind and might all go :boobies: up again :baaa: :hammer: :crazy:
I bet it's for "wireless" like you say and if it's all running fine well just sit back and enjoy :beach:
:D :D :D
-
somewhere on the mesh cd has to be the driver - well you would have hoped. when you load the cd does it have any programs popup? may a motherboard tool?
-
From reading all the posts
it does look as if she has a hardware problem and i say this because
1]windowsxp install disk has the drivers included or it should unless its corrupted
2]once your into windowsxp it usually find the hardware installed and will prompt you to install the drivers
3]going to device manager will allow you to use the wizard to find the drivers and instll most drivers
I may be wrong but ive found this all happens for me
-
Ok it looks like you actually have an Asus mobo with an Intel chipset Michelle :)
So you need the drivers from here :
http://support.asus.com/download/download.aspx?SLanguage=en-us
Ignore the first in the list but you need the second (part 1 ), the second (part 2) and the third (part 3).
Download all 3 zip files and extract them all into one folder then run CMI.part1.exe from that folder.
Make sure that you create a restore point for system restore before you install the drivers, in case it messes anything up, although I doubt it would cause any problems and if it did you could probably use the roll back feature for the drivers of the particular device that was having problems :)
Edited to add it wont go direct to the page I found :(
From the above link select Motherboard, then Socket 775 then PG5DC-V Deluxe then click on Search, then click on Drivers from the tabs at the top and that should take you to the page where you can follow my previous instructions :)
-
Thanks to you all - you do understand also that - it is running fine and lovely - seems to be no problems at all and start up is quicker than before (I've put norton internet security on this time).
So now I'm wondering should I just leave it until I find I do have a problem? :drown: :dunce: :hammer:
It does bug me having those exclaimation marks in device driver though. cos it does mean something is missing. Yeah and one of those must be the wifi as I can't find it on here at all.
PS
Oh there's nothing else on the disc, its a mesh (spit) recovery disc only and device driver wizard can't find anything.
pps I really need an emoticons I can use for mesh (spit) :laugh:
-
Trust me Michelle, have I ever steered you wrong :wink:
You can always restore or roll the drivers back if theres a problem but the correct drivers should be better than none or the incorrect ones :)
-
I take it you used a proper copy of windows then Shell and not that Mesh infested version? :pcpunch:
-
Trust me Michelle, have I ever steered you wrong :wink:
:)
blimey that was quick ....
No never, well only on that film I was going to watch :lol:
Actually I'm just downloading them now, I thought well it won't hurt to download them ready. :laugh:
I only have a mesh infested version cammy :-) Actually though all the mesh adverts that were on it when I first got it are now gone, they were all over the desktop and fings. :shock: :laugh:
-
Glad to hear it's all running fine :thumb:
Ok time for Big Brother :boogie: :boogie: :grin: :grin: :scoot:
-
So thats odd ............. it all went TU again!
Everything was fine, I hadn't loaded those driver files. Infact I'd done nothing, norton came up with a few things gone wrong - dunno why but still everything was working.
Until I booted up when I got in from work and .............. it wouldn't boot up? it kept restarting and doing a scan and the restarting, the scan found somethings which it corrected, but it still wouldn't boot up? Even safe mode got so far and then restarted, same with last known config.
So I put in the repair disc again........ :evil: And it started and when it did it said that the repair disc had repaired a problem with the registry ???
How on earth????????
So its okay again now, I think I'll just never turn it off lol
I think I'll run those drivers now, maybe its because those aren't in it got unstable.
OH AND ......... the display drivers have uninstalled themselves, they are not there anymore? So I have this big screen thing going on again?
Mesh (spit)
-
Are you sure you haven't got some sort of virus? When you installed Norton, did you get all the updates and do a full scan? It sometimes takes several runs of Live Update to get them all.
-
Michelle go into Sytem Properties (Windows key + Pause/Break) then Advanced, Startup and Recovery Settings.
Untick Automatically Restart.
Hopefully that will stop it doing the restart and scan each time for a minor glitch :)
Maybe you should be having a word with Mesh and telling them that you are having these unusual problems and that maybe somethings incompatible inside the pc ?
Dont tell them that youre a blonde though :shock:
-
Okay am gonna cry now :cry:
restalled some of the drivers - restarted ....... can't do a thing now!!
Once it came up with an error message 0x00000024 which seems to refer to the ntfs (is it) sys file ...... it says do a chdsk and it should right itself. So I did that, and now I don't get the error message but it still won't start up.
You know when its starting the reinstall it says press f6 if you have a serial sata to install the driver from a floppy. I took no notice of that cos mine is ata but it seems they are the same thing? So I've been looking for that driver the only thing I could find is that raid thing that you sent sandra, but when I installed that it said it already had it?
Does anyone have any idea's or is it time to ring technical @ £1 a min :shock: I think I might have to anyway cos I guess if they can't sort it they will then say I can bring it in for repair.
Oh on one restart it said something about a prob with registry too? so it seems to be telling me different things each time.
:cry:
ps I didn't see your message til it was too late sandra
-
Hi Michelle,
It does seem as if theres something seriously wrong with that pc :(
I wonder if you could demand your money back saying that it wasnt of merchantisable quailty and get a different pc from somewhere else :?
How long have you actually had it now ?
In the meantime have you tried doing the system restore from the dos prompt that we found out about earlier ?
You say that you have a serial sata, I think you are getting confused over the terminolgy.
All drives are ATA (without complicating things with SCSI :) ), the older types were parallel the newer ones are serial.
As there were only parallel ata ones they were simply called ATA, now that there are two kinds the newer ones are called SATA.
I cant see how it was working ok if you didnt have the SATA drivers installed but I have come across this :
Any rate you will need to extract the drivers from the support CD that came with the MB and put them on a floppy. During the install, it will say to press F6 to install any SCSI or 3rd party RAID drivers. This is where you will need the floppy with the drivers. You will need to load the drivers for the Intel ICH6R controller and the ITE 8212F RAID controllers for Windows to detect the drives.
We have already explored your cd so it looks like you may have to contact Mesh to get the motherboard CD, which hopefully wil have the drivers on.
I have had a quick look for them on the ASUS site but cant find them yet.
I will continue looking and if I find them give you the link :)
-
A question sandra?
since she has a legal copy of windows could she use a good but non legal copy to install windows and then use her registration numbers
they can be found that do have all the drivers
-
I dont think so Davy as it would need activating and I dont think that the numbers would match :?
MS really did complicate things when they introduced the security measures with XP.
The fault really lies with Mesh and other pc manufacturers who dont supply a full version of XP and just supply teh restore ones. :roll:
They should really supply the motherboard and driver cds for all supplied equipment as a matter of course without having to request them :(
I think that this may be what you need Michelle, although I am not 100% certain and am not sure if it wil install at this stage but if you do get the F6 option as it reboots its probably worth trying.
http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scripts-df-external/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&ProductID=1809&DwnldID=8225&strOSs=45&OSFullName=Windows*%20XP%20Home%20Edition&lang=eng
Good luck :)
-
It was just a sugestion sandra i have a copy here with registration numbers that allows me to download from microsoft itself
thought it might work
-
It may do but as I said its so tied up with matching numbers usually that even if I have tried installing over the top with a legal version over a pirate or vice versa it seems to know and wont allow it :(
Also I think with Michelles mobo being a relatively new one that even a copy of XP inc SP2 may not have the drivers she needs, although they should have been on the windows update site I would have thought :(
-
Thanks sandra I'll try that - yes I was getting confused over the sata ata thing .... I still am!
The recovery option didn't work at the recovery prompt. I restored it the last time I actually got it working again, when I lost the drivers and it was fine until I added more drivers and rebooted.
okay I'll just try this other option before I ring them, cheers.
-
It may do but as I said its so tied up with matching numbers usually that even if I have tried installing over the top with a legal version over a pirate or vice versa it seems to know and wont allow it :(
Also I think with Michelles mobo being a relatively new one that even a copy of XP inc SP2 may not have the drivers she needs, although they should have been on the windows update site I would have thought :(
sometimes you can format in fat32 and after install you can change back to ntfs and it will allow it
You may be right ive seen a dell computwer that a new windows xp with sp2 from the store didnt have the drivers for
-
A question sandra?
since she has a legal copy of windows could she use a good but non legal copy to install windows and then use her registration numbers
they can be found that do have all the drivers
I dont think so Davy as it would need activating and I dont think that the numbers would match :?
Are you sure about that, Sandra? I have previously loaded a 'full' version of XP onto a machine which only had a recovery disc. I'm pretty certain it's the serial number which counts, and she has that, so she should be able to use any XP CD, providing it's the same version.
-
i have a combonation of two copies of windows xp on this computer and between the two it gave me all the drivers i needed even though it was dedicated to windows 98
I had to install both in fat 32 to get it to accept them and then i changed to ntfs and it allows me to download from microsoft itself
-
Maybe that it was because I was trying XP pro on an XP home one ?
I dont think she has a full version though legal or not, yet :wink:
-
Maybe that it was because I was trying XP pro on an XP home one ?
Probably. I think it has to be compatible, i.e., you can't use an XP-SP2 CD on a machine with an older version, if you see what I mean.
I dont think she has a full version though legal or not, yet :wink:
I'm sure she soon will have!
-
I couldn't get my floppys to take that download duh!!!! I gave up and went house hunting ..... no joy there either!
Will look at it again tomorrow.
No copies of XP at all ..... only this poxy repair thing "spit" gave me, although I may be able to get one.
Do you think that might help then? hmmmmm
-
I think, if you can get a full copy of XP (with SP2), and do a complete format and re-install, it may well solve all the problems. Michelle. The way things are at the moment, you have nothing to lose by trying it.
-
I downloaded the file and it formatted then wrote to a floppy ok Michelle ?
In case you got the wrong file somehow, (well you are blonde :P ), I have zipped it and emailed it to you :)
Maybe your download was corrupted somehow ?
-
nah I think these floppy's are dodgy :-)
Thanks though.
So 2 things to try cheers guys and gals :wink:
-
Okay ..................... do you want the good news or the bad news?
The good news? Okay..........
We set it all up, just like sandra said, and its been okay ....... tis working and most of the drivers are on. Two to go, and I've asked mesh what the heck they are. I've also told mesh that I want a refund if it goes TU again. But I think they will just offer to repair it again. Anyway I've restarted loads of times now and boots up lovely (fingers crossed)
The Bad News is ...............
Now I bet you are thinking she must be making this all up :lol:
Nooooooo its all true!
There seems to be a problem with .... WMI
I was setting up the network thing and it won't let me into somethings there is a message there saying
windows cannot display the properties of this connection. The windows management instrumentation (WMI) might be corrupted. Correct this by using system restore...blah blah blah.
Sooo now then? Whats that all about?
I've been searching the web but I've found nothing to help.
Any idea's please guys and gals.
Oh and I already did a restore cos it started acting up, then I realised it was the mouse?!? Wireless thing. - I plugged in a normal one and it was fine. :-)
:blush:
-
Not a solution, sorry! :( But probably you've passed by this page to understand the meaning of the WMI (http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/system/pnppwr/wmi/WMI-intro.mspx)
It's too much technical matter which confuses the mind (Especially to a blonde :wink: )
Have I been in your shoes, I would reinstall windows. But certainly Sandra will find a better solution. :)
-
I only reinstalled windows yesterday joudi :( for the 3rd time :lol:
He who laughs ........ is probably mad :shock: :D
-
Well Michelle, I'll try to translate from French. No doubt, you'll find what's equivalent to it in English:
Go to Control panel, and then to "Adminitration Tools", and take "Services".
You need to see if one of those two is desactivated. You'll need to reactivate it:
1 - Cards of WMI performace on manual. (Remember!!! I'm translating it from French)
2 - Extension of the Pilote WMI. (Maybe in English, instead of "Pilote" you'll find it as "Driver")
I hope that helps. :)
-
Found this Michelle. Can't be *rsed reading it all but it might be helpful to you.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/scriptcenter/resources/wmifaq.mspx#EGAA
-
I cant think why you should need WMI, it seems as if its for remote control/access of another pc rather than just a network, although I am not familiar with it :(
-
I agree with you sandra unless she has more than 2 computers in the home or she just wants to control another computer remotely its not a nessasary software
-
Well Michelle, I'll try to translate from French. No doubt, you'll find what's equivalent to it in English:
Go to Control panel, and then to "Adminitration Tools", and take "Services".
You need to see if one of those two is desactivated. You'll need to reactivate it:
1 - Cards of WMI performace on manual. (Remember!!! I'm translating it from French)
2 - Extension of the Pilote WMI. (Maybe in English, instead of "Pilote" you'll find it as "Driver")
I hope that helps. :)
Thanks Joudi - one of them was deactivated ..... I can't find the first one, but then second one was stopped. Nothing seems to have changed, maybe I need a restart.
Thanks for that lona, it looks very complicated, I tried one of the options but it won't let me make changes.
Sandra, it seems to affect a few things? I've never even come across it before .
-
Restart did nothing.
I tried downloading this but it wouldn't install :cry:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=6430F853-1120-48DB-8CC5-F2ABDC3ED314&displaylang=en
-
I came across this Michelle :
WMI Utilities
Download Microsoft WMITools. These use ActiveX, so must be run using Internet Explorer (not Mozilla/Netscape browsers) and active must be allowed.
Did you try it in IE and not mozilla ?
I still cant see why you should need it though :?
-
Try this Michelle, it may be that the XP built in firewall needs to allow it :
1. Click Start, click Run, type gpedit.msc, and then click OK.
2. Under Console Root, expand Computer Configuration, expand Administrative Templates, expand Network, expand Network Connections, expand Windows Firewall, and then click Domain Profile.
3. Right-click Windows Firewall: Allow remote administration exception, and then click Properties.
4. Click Enabled, and then click OK.
Also check that if you are using another firewall that its not that stopping it too, try temporarily disabling it and see if it works :)
-
I only reinstalled windows yesterday joudi :( for the 3rd time :lol:
In case nothing works Michelle, I still have this question:
those three times Windows reinstallation; were on clean HDD or you permetted XP to format it and reinstall in its' place?
If you've formatted your HDD by XP; I suggest that you use another thing for that. Because "Windows XP" doesn't clean it correctly.
I usually use "Partition Magic". Do you have it?
Try it, and probably you'll not regret. :)
-
okay .....
first - I was using AOL to download, which uses IE but I could try just going through IE I don't need AOL. Maybe I don't have activeX though? I have had to download shockwave and all of those types of things again.
second - gpedit.msc is not recognised in "run" but I have tried turning off the firewall see if anything is disturbed by it.
Thirdly - Not sure if this will help at this stage, but after I told mesh, if I have any more problems I am returning for a refund, they said they had "GOT HOLD OF" the motherboard CD ! And they are sending it to me.
Got hold of????? Clowns!
Thirdly - So the only thing I can't seem to do - right now is set up sharing on the network - the network help page I was using has ceased to be as he said it was too expensive to keep up. So maybe I've put in the wrong numbers in the set up, I had to fill in the DNS server and the Gateway with my IP address I think, but the page I'm looking at isn't as clear as the last one. :(
And last but not least.
Joudi - The last time we deleted the partition and created a new partition before we installed. I don't have partition magic no.
-
OOh I went into control panel and windows firewall to see if I could see anythink like sandra said, and on advanced it says.
Your network settings have become corrupt please click reset settings to correct this. This well delete your settings for windows firewall and might cause some programmes to stop working.
Should I click it? :?
I couldn't stand it, so I clicked it and I have back the settings in networking!!! All set up now :-)
HOW ODD IS THAT !?!?!
SO PANIC OVER ....... thanks sandra and everyone for that one........ lets see whats next lol xxxxxxxx
-
Hopefully it will be ok for a few days now Michelle :)
-
Hopefully it will be ok for a few days now Michelle :)
You think that long Sandra, cool :-) - Put your feet up for a few days then :laugh:
I might try installing a few programmes :shock:
-
Hopefully it will be ok for a few days now Michelle :)
Yes, if she doesn't switch it on! :roll: :wink: :laugh: Michelle, if Mesh had a shop window, I would have thrown it through it days ago! :grin:
-
<<<<<<<< still workin! :?
-
<<<<<<<< still workin! :?
I think you owe Sandra some hair dye, Michelle. She has gone grey in the last couple of weeks. :wink: :wink: :wink:
-
<<<<<<<< still workin!
does that mean you are still working or your comp?? :-) :?
-
:lol: lona shall I send her some blonde hair dye for a laugh :laugh:
hehe sam - I meant my computer.
:D
-
thought I'd not written on this thread for a while - so while I am probably tempting fate I thought I'd just give you an up date.
My computer still works! :laugh:
They sent me the motherboard CD and that all went on fine, I still have one driver aparently missing its that network controller one, which appears to be the wireless network one (belkin) which I downloaded but it says its not the right one, it is according to my records so thats odd. Seeing as I'm not using it, it doesn't really matter right now though, but I must sort it out.
oooh big lightning there, wonder if I should turn this off ? eeek
-
It's always advisable to switch off and unplug your PC from the mains and telephone socket during lightning, due to possible power surges.
-
I did just as you advised while it was overhead, I think its gone now thank goodness - I was getting withdrawal symptoms,.
Note to self - Buy surge protectors.
-
Note to self - Buy surge protectors.
You haven't already? :rumad: Don't wait until it's too late!
-
helllooooooooooo long time since added to this thread which I should rename ......... dear diary lol
news update.
It lasted just under 2 weeks, when the problems started happening, various blue screens and messages, but it would start after a few goes.
Today was the final straw - in about 10 trying to start it up I had 10 different messages - from disc error, to blue screens. then it started up but didn't have my ati driver loaded, restarted again and it started up but with modem errors, I'd already been on the phone with MESH (PAH) telling them I wanted a refund, when all of a sudden it all started working.
Anyway to cut a long story short - customer service talked me into talking to tech support (for free) and they took down all the problems and said they would get someone to ring regarding the refund.
Next call I get is tech support saying they know what it is, its a hard drive fault ...... I have 2 options, [I can take the hard drive out and they will pick it up and repair it?!?! or they will pick up machine and take it back to repair. With me paying carraige charge as it is out of the 10 days they allow for free carraige.
I said ...........I WANT A REFUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (plus other things)
So guess what, am waiting for a 3rd person to call me back.
I guess if they offer me free carraige and take it away to repair I may succumb.
:roll: :shock: :? :(
-
Michelle, with all the aggro you've had with this, you deserve a FULL REFUND!! Stick to your guns, girl. They have sold you a product not fit for the purpose for which it was intended, and I'm sure you must be entitled, by law, to a refund. The very least you should accept is a new hard drive, fitted and tested in your own home, fully at their expense.
-
I think that the correct phrase is :
"I reject this pc as its not of merchantisable quailty and I demand a full refund"
Do not let them attempt to repair it as I think you lose your rights to reject it after an unsuccessful or bodged repair.
If I was you then I would get the cash back, see the CAB or a solicitor if necessary Michelle and wait for Aldi or Lydl to get one of the Medion PCs in again.
They seem to get them every few months at one or the other store and seem to be very good value for money and up to the latest and fastest specifications, al that with a decent 3 year warranty thrown in for free too :)
-
I think that the correct phrase is :
"I reject this pc as its not of merchantisable quailty and I demand a full refund"
I think it's actually 'merchantable', but yes, you're entitled to a full refund, Michelle.
Not sure what happens once they've tried to repair it. I would have thought that your consumer rights would still stand, providing you haven't allowed a third party to attempt to repair it, if the vendor's attempt fails.
I would do as Sandra says. If you don't get anywhere, demand to speak to the managing director, or the highest authority on the premises, and start talking about CAB, or better still, Trading Standards. That usually gets their attention.
-
Have a look at this Michelle :
http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/your-rights/fs_c04.shtml#3
Reading that it looks like you should be able to claim a full refund as it went faulty almost straight away didnt it ?
I would definately try and get the cash back and not accept a replacement or a repair.
If they wont make a full refund then as Simon says contact the local trading standards office, a solicitor or the CAB.
Make a list detailing when you ordered it, the date it should have arrived, the date it actually arrived and the first time it went wrong.
Mention the lack of CDs that should have been included which delayed you being able to attempt to fix their faulty PC yourself and cost you a considerable amount of money trying to contact them by phone.
Also that you had to ring Sandras Help Line at X pounds per minute :wink:
The subsequent need to reinstall XP, is it 3 times in total now ?
The present problem, which by their own admission appears to be a faulty component, ie the hard drive.
I think that even if you ended up in the small claims court that they would find in your favour after so many mishaps and failings on Mesh's part.
-
I think that even if you ended up in the small claims court that they would find in your favour after so many mishaps and failings on Mesh's part.
To be honest i think the small claims court would find they are trying to sort the problem in an acceptable way by offering to exchange the HD if they have identified that to be the problem.
This should be done at their expense and you should push for them to do it "on site" but then it may not be convenient for you to be there the day they say they will turn up So if they are willing to pay postage then that may be the best way to go.
I knew of a case where a guy had a separates music system and it was playing up so he bought a new one and pushed to get his money back on the faulty unit, Well the judge ruled that it was acceptable for them to replace the identified faulty "separate" unit and his refund was only on that part :wtf:
Also remember it could take you 1-3 days off work to go the court way and you may end up with a solicitor bill :horror:
-
Its been a faulty pc from the start Cammy and I ams ure that Michelle has lost confidence in it, I know that I would have done :(
In the small claims court it only takes an hour at the most, usually far less and no solicitors are involved.
It costs a certain percentage of the amount you are claiming plus a fiver I think, which you get back if you win your claim.
Its not a complicated procedure and they help you fill the original claim form in if you are unsure about how to do it :)
-
Thanks for all the replies everyone.
Still waiting for the phone call, how ever there was a call from a "no number" this afternoon, but no message.
I don't think they can refuse a refund, they admitted that it is a faulty hard drive, which would have been faulty from the start. And luckily it wasn't very long before I informed them that I was having problems. Thanks for that link sandra, on reading that, it seems they could offer me a replacement, but as you say I wouldn't really want anything from them now.
I'll keep you informed.
-
Best of luck Shell :wave:
To be honest i think they being a big company will come good and i'd call them on that free number now and see what they are saying :thumb:
-
I think the THREAT of action in the small claims court might be enough, and unless they dispute the claim, most cases are actually dealt with on paper, without you needing to attend a hearing. I really can't see that they have a leg to stand on in this case. You have had problems with the PC right from the start. What I would say is, get everything IN WRITING. Phone conversations are no good when it comes to producing evidence, unless you happened to have recorded them, in which case, you have to have notified the caller that the conversation is being recorded.
One other thing - did you pay by credit card? It might be worth a phone call to the credit card company, as some of them offer consumer protection for purchases over a certain amount. I'm not sure this would cover faulty goods, but it might be worth a try, and would be an extra round of ammunition for you, if they would support you.
-
Threaten to write to ComputerActive magazine Shell. They have a consumer lawyer who highlights cases such as yours and always gets results. Mesh advertise in the magazine and you can say that's where you saw the advert in the first place. All companies hate bad press.
-
After all the stress of today with the Bombs I was reluntant to call, as this office is in london. But I had another missed call on my phone so I called it back.
And guess what, they are refusing to give me a refund because I didn't tell them right away, it was over a month before I emailed them that there was a problem. And you have to tell them within 2 weeks ( or she said she would allow 1 month) She said she was the most senior person on the floor. After voicing all of my opinions and threats - she "who couldn't give a monkeys basically" kept to her story of its "too late". Oh and besides who told me it was a hard drive fault when obviously they would have to have it back to determine that! I told her who and she said they were wrong to diagnose that over the phone. And it could be the software that I've put on it that caused a problem.
Sooooooo on realising she couldn't care less what I said, I asked who was her boss and his boss and i asked to speak to them, but of course they were unavailable. (which I expected, even without a bomb disaster)
She suggested I write a letter but they will only say what she has said.
Which is send it back for them too decide what is wrong with it. (with me paying carraige costs)
PS after getting 2 different blue screens it started up today and everything works, when it started on tuesday it didn't load some of the drivers, but I left it on as I could use what I needed. So it has to be the hard drive doesn't it?
-
well surely they have to provide a waranty for so long even if you dont tell them about the problem immediately?
-
Looking at the spec on one of their £1k games machines it looks like you'll have to return to base thats if your terms are the same...
* AMD Athlon? 64 X2 4200+ Dual Core Processor
* Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition
* 512MB DDR 400 RAM (PC3200) Memory
* 200GB Serial ATA (150Mb/s) Ultra Fast Hard Drive
* 128MB ATI Radeon X700 - PCI Express, TV-Out, DVI
* 17" TFT Flat Panel LCD Monitor
* SONY 16x Dual Layer DVD-RW (R/W all standard formats)*
* Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS
* Creative Inspire P5800 - 5.1 Surround Speakers
* X-treme4 Games Bundle (see below for details)
* Internet Ready V.92 56Kbps data/fax/voice modem
* Network Ready integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet
* Logitech Cordless Keyboard and Optical Mouse
* ASUS WiFi 54MBps IEEE 802.11g PCI Card
* FREE Microsoft Works 8.0
* MESH ATX Mini Tower Case - Click for more details
* Classic Warranty - 1 Yr Parts & Labour (Back-to-base)
Thats pretty poor and although their machines look like "pure sex" i wont be buying one off them again :laugh:
Damn annoying aint it Shell? :roll:
-
Michelle, I would make an appointment with your local CAB, to discuss taking them to the small claims court. THIS WEBSITE (http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/onelife/legal/rights/consumer.shtml) has some useful info on consumer rights, from which I quote:-
One of the most important laws governing your rights as a consumer is the Sale of Goods Act 1979. Like many laws it has evolved to keep up with changes in society so the Act now includes the 'amendments' the Sale and Supply of Goods Act 1994 and the Sale of Goods (Amendment) Act 1995.
This is a wide-ranging piece of legislation that applies to both new and second-hand goods.
It protects consumers by ensuring that:
* Goods are of 'satisfactory quality' - products must last a reasonable time and be free of defects
* Goods are 'as described' - a trader or advertisement must honestly describe the product. If, for example, you buy a CD that turns out to be counterfeit then you have a case against the trader that sold it.
* Fit for purpose - products must do what the supplier says they do.
If you buy something that doesn't meet any of the conditions stated above, it's your right to demand your money back from the trader (the person/shop who you bought it from), not the manufacturer, wholesaler or importer.
[/size]
YOU ARE ENTITLED TO A REFUND BY LAW!! Don't let them fob you off!! :wink:
-
yep it sure is annoying.
Thanks for that Simon, I have emailed and posted online, that to the General Manager Tony Riccardi who I was told by the way was actually the MD ! Lol great that customer svs. And I have asked for him to look into my case. Probably won't hear anything but at least I have it on record.
Looking on other websites, there does seem to be alot of cases of faulty HDs' hmmmm
-
Someone rang me at work yesterday ops I'd left my phone on, so I didn't get to talk to them much and I was in a bit of a panic (had to run out of the classroom lol ..........They were very apologetic and they said of course I wouldn't have to pay carraige, we will send you some labels out. I said I still want a refund but send them out and I speak with you later.
I got two letters this morning, one with the labels and one from a PA to the director saying they are sorry that it has been brought to the attention of the general manager and someone will deal with my request.
so I'm a bit lost to where we are now, lol
So I sent another email to the general manager, asking for them to send packaging (cos I dumped mine not having any space to store it!) and can I have in writing that I will get a refund when they receive the unit back. With a copy of my original email.
I think that quote from the CAB got them going.
-
Well, it seems obvious they were trying to fob you off. I would now give them a couple of days, Michelle, and as you have requested, get it in writing that they are going to refund you, before you send the machine back to them. You must also make sure you get proof of dispatch when you send it, but I'm sure you would do that anyway.
-
News update ...... lol
Okay the swines said I could send it back for a refund, but they would have to test it first ! and I'd have to be very careful how I packed it, seeing as I didn't have the correct packaging as it might arrive damaged! How clear was that message!
They couldn't send me packaging aparently so I said - okay I'll bring it there personally. No Problems with that. So yesterday I went up to Edgeware Road, scarey enough in itself but reassuring with loads and loads of police everywhere especially all around victoria.
So I arrived, called the bloke who has been dealing with it who said let me know when you get here and guess what, he wasn't available!
So another chap took us round to returns, who said, and u won't believe this...... we can't accept that without the correct packaging! By the way I was surrounded by empty boxes just like the one it came in. I was looking for Candid Camera!
Anyway after demanding to see the manager, he came down and eventually accepted it and signed very reluctantly that it was all received in good condition. Blood and Stone come to mind!
So now I wait for a phone call to say it was a software error and they've fixed it, I told them to not go replacing parts and tell me it was a software error, I don't want it anymore. Software errors do not cause banging noises! (I only had that once but once is enough) And due to it being an intermittant error they said it might take longer than the usual 2 days to confirm a hardware fault????
So now I am on my old computer all installed in its rightful place, crap but working ! LOL
-
What a cowboy outfit! I would be seriously considering contacting one of the big PC Magazines, Michelle. I'm sure they would take great pleasure in crucifying them for this. No one should accept being treated the way you have by any retailer.
-
Gawd what a hard time your having with that Shell :?
Lets hope you get your money back and can then go and buy a bargain on ebay :twisted:
:wink:
-
Thanks for all your support with this Guys and gals.
Oh I did email computeractive but I got an auto response saying they don't deal with emails on the subject. You have to write in I guess.
-
Michelle, if you buy this week's Computeractive you will find that on Page 14, someone else has written in to complain they are having a similar problem as yourself. And yes, it's a Mesh! It will be worth you buying a copy (only £1.35)
-
Oh damn I should have written in too then! Did I say I sent them an email, but they said they couldn't deal with it.
By the way ........... Over a week has gone by and not one phone call, nothing, I'm purposely leaving it as I am going to go mad at them next week, when it has been two weeks. For one thing then I will be moved and more focussed.
I'll have to get that then, thanks clive.
-
Having been on the wrong end of Mesh's legendary customer services i wouldnt touch 'em again. If you get your money back i'd go somewhere else. I've just found Kustompc's site which looks good, loads of choice (too much in fact !). Also Evesham seem to get a better press tho' they are a little more expensive. :D
-
Just wanted to say, thanks for all your help - everyone, on this one. You've all been fab! Especially Sandra who as usual has spent alot of hours with me on it! Cheers.
What a ride we've all had with that Mesh system. Hopefully thats the end of it now.
Just incase anyone else stumbles accross this section and is having the same problems, I recently found someone who was going to look into it all for me, and who is on the mesh hunt.
Paula.Anderson@brent.gov.uk
Trading Standards.
Very nice lady, who is waiting to hear if I get my refund when I have been told I will get it.
-
Have a quiet word with the Chuckle brothers and see if they can fix you up with something :wink:
You should get a fantastic hand picked components pc for that kinda money :nerd:
-
Keep us informed Michelle! :laugh: