Hardware Technical Support

Keep your laptop cool

2011-07-01T15:46:00.001+05:30

Keeping your laptop cool is essential to lengthening the machine's life. Laptops may overheat for several reasons, the most prevalent being because it is dirty or the fan has malfunctioned. Overheating frequently can cause internal damage to your laptop's motherboard and prevent the computer from functioning properly or at all. Implement these techniques to keep your laptop cool.

Steps to Follow

Place your laptop on a towel on a solid surface when it is on.
Alternatively, clean out any dust inside. Start by carefully removing the screws from the bottom of the laptop and setting them aside. Do not lose or drop them.
Remove the face cover from the unit's CPU . Set aside.
Using your pressurized computer air duster (or hair dryer), clean and blow out all of the dust inside the laptop. Make sure you get in between the blades of the fan and other hard-to-reach places. Screw the bottom of the laptop back on.
A third option is turning your computer on and setting a desktop fan next to the side of the computer with the vents and the internal computer fan. This helps keep the entire system cool.

Connect My Laptop to an Audio/Video Receiver

2011-06-21T05:00:00.001+05:30

Audio/Video receiver can be used to act as a media center for your home theater system. The improvement in cabling technology has made it possible to export the audio and video from your computer's graphics card to your external devices with just a single cable. The entire hook up takes only a minute or two and you can be enjoying your digital media files on your TV or sound system.

1). Find the "HDMI" port on the side of your laptop, and locate the corresponding "HDMI" port on the rear of your receiver.

2). Insert one end of the cable into the port on the laptop, and plug the other end into the port on the receiver.

3). Play a song on your laptop and press the "Source" or "Input" button until you hear the sound from your laptop over the receiver's speaker system.

Record Stereo to a Computer With GoldWave

2011-06-20T23:30:00.000+05:30

Most stereos have an RCA output that you can connect to the computer's sound card; if not, you can use the stereo's mini-plug headphone jack to send audio to the computer. After connecting the stereo to your PC, you can record its audio output using the GoldWave audio editor. GoldWave is capable of recording CD-quality WAV audio without any additional plug-ins, and a free trial version of the program is available from the developer's website.

1). Connect your stereo to the "Line In" port on the computer's sound card using the RCA-to-mini-plug or mini-plug-to-mini-plug cable.

2). Launch Goldwave. Press the "F11" key to open the "Control Properties" window. Select the "Device" tab.

3). Click the drop-down menu under "Device" in the "Record" section. Select "Line-In" from the menu. Click "OK."

4). Click "New" from the "File" menu. Click the "Sampling Rate" drop-down menu and select "44100." Type the desired length of time for the recording into the "Initial File Length" field, using the format "Hours: Minutes: Seconds." Click "OK" to create a blank waveform of the specified length.

5). Click the "Record" button in the GoldWave "Control" window to begin recording. Press the "Play" button on the stereo. When the recording finishes, click the "Stop" button in GoldWave and press "Stop" on the stereo.

6). Click the "Save" icon. Type a name for the recorded audio into the the "File Name" box and click "Save" to save the recording. Click "Play" to listen to the recording.

Steps to Upgrade a Computer

2011-06-17T23:30:00.000+05:30

The demands of computer software only rise with time, and if you have an older machine, you may no longer be as happy with its performance as you once were. It is time for an upgrade. However, the process of upgrading a computer can be daunting for those who do not do so regularly.

Locate Bottleneck

Analyze the performance of your computer to determine the component that creates a performance bottleneck. For example, the video card is the primary component that influences the performance of games, while the processor influences tasks such as video rendering and file compression.

Research Upgrade Process

Learn the process for installing the type of component that you are considering purchasing. Generally, the process of upgrading a desktop computer is similar from one computer model to another. However, notebook computers can differ greatly. Locate the service manual or disassembly instructions for your computer and determine whether the upgrade process is within your skill level.

Select Component

Perform research to select the brand and model of the component that you want to buy. Many processors, video cards, hard drives and other components are available to choose from. Narrow the search by first determining which components are compatible with your computer. For example, if your computer uses DDR-2 SDRAM memory, you can only upgrade the computer with DDR-2 SDRAM with the same rated speed or faster.

Purchase Component

Buy the component after locating a merchant that sells it at a reasonable price. If you can find the component at a local shop, you can purchase it and upgrade your computer without delay. However, if you search for merchants online, you may be able to purchase the same component at a lower price.

Print Upgrade Instructions

Print the service manual or disassembly guide for your computer before beginning the upgrade, unless you have a second computer that you can view the instructions on. If you have only one computer, you may otherwise experience frustration if you encounter a problem during the upgrade and cannot view the instructions.

Perform Upgrade

Install the new component in your computer. Open your computer only with the power turned off. If you have a notebook computer, remove the battery as well. Follow the disassembly instructions carefully, and avoid touching any component that you are not familiar with.

Differences Between Regedit and Regedit 32

2011-06-15T23:30:00.005+05:30

Microsoft's Windows NT-based operating systems include two utilities for editing the registry, Regedit.exe and Regedt32.exe. While each performs essentially the same functions, there are subtle differences between the two that may have varying levels of importance depending on the specifics of your administrative computing needs.

Compatibility with Different Versions of Windows

Regedit is available in all versions of Windows since Windows 95, while Regedt32 is only available in Windows NT, 2000, Windows XP, and Windows 2003. Also, Regedit is a 16-bit Windows application, while Regedt32 is a 32-bit Windows application.

Value Type Handling

Both Regedit and Regedit32 handle simple value types, such as REG_DWORD, REG_SZ and REG_BINARY. But Regedit32 also handles complex value types, such as REG_EXPAND_SZ, REG_MULTI_SZ, REG_RESOURCE_LIST,

REG_FULL_RESOURCE_DESCRIPTOR and REG_RESOURCE_REQUIREMENTS_LIST.

Importing and Exporting of Registry Files

Regedit allows for importing and exporting of text-based registry files, while Regedit32 permits only exporting of text-based registry files, but does support importing and exporting of binary registry files.

Executable File Location

The executable file location for Regedit is at %WinBootDir%, which is typically in the Windows directory on the "C:" drive. The executable file for Regedit32 is located at %SystemRoot%\System32, usually in the winnt\system32 directory on the "C:" drive.

Security

Regedit32 offers the option to support Read-Only and Permissions security modes, while Regedit has no security options.

Key and Value Searches

Regedit supports both key and value searches, but Regedit32 only permits key searches -- it does not allow value searches.

Barebone Kit

2011-06-15T18:30:00.002+05:30

A barebone computer is a partially assembled platform or an unassembled kit of computer parts allowing more customization and lower costs than a retail computer system. They are available for desktop computer, notebook and server purposes, and in nearly any form factor. Manufacturers are also able to produce systems of a specialized or non-standard form factor, since the system is sold as a pre-built unit, with the motherboard and power supply already installed.

Standard Barebone Components

Barebone kits usually consist of the components necessary to build a basic computer. These include: motherboard, graphics card (if one is not integrated on the motherboard), system processor, heat sink and cooling fan, memory, case, power supply, hard drive, optical drive, cables and mounting hardware. When assembled, these pieces constitute a basic computer. Unfortunately, they do not constitute a functional computer.

Other Essentials

Basic input and output methods are necessary to interact with a computer -- in this case, a keyboard and mouse for input and a monitor for output. In order to get the computer to do anything, you will also need an operating system. While several Linux distributions are available at no cost, any version of the Windows operating system requires an additional investment.

Some Assembly Required

Remember, this is a kit. A few simple tools and labor are required. In most cases, assembling a barebone computer kit is simply a matter of mounting the motherboard in the case, inserting the system processor, mounting the cooling fan and heat sink and installing the RAM. Once these components are in place, mount the hard drive and optical drive.

Advantages

Building a computer from components allows you to reuse older compatible components. When the motherboard from an older computer fails, there is no need to throw the entire computer in the recycling bin. Other components may still be usable in the new case. Drives, graphic cards and memory are all components that can be given new life on a compatible motherboard. Customization is another benefit of building your own computer.

Reset a Dell Axim Password

2011-06-14T18:30:00.001+05:30

Reset a Dell Axim Password

Password reset in Dell Axim can be done by hard resetting the PDA. Doing a hard reset wipes everything in the device, including the password. Once you complete the hard reset, the phone is a blank slate. You can set a new password on the Axim, and restore the data from your computer using the synchronization software that came with the device.

1). Turn on the Dell Axim.

2). Press and hold the power button while pressing the reset pinhole on the back of the unit. You can use the end of the stylus or a bent paper clip.

3). Release the buttons at the same time, and wait for the screen to show "To Clear all Data in the Memory."

4). Press the "Contacts" button to reset the phone; press the "Mail" button to cancel.

5). Restore the data by connecting the Axim to the computer where you have the data saved.

6). Plug the USB data cable that came with your Axim into the device's charging/data port. Plug the other end of the cable into an open USB port on your Windows computer. The computer will launch Windows Mobile Device Center automatically.

7). Click "Set up your device" and select the types of data you want to restore.

8). Click "Next" and follow the on-screen prompts.

9). Click the "Finish" button when the synchronization is complete.

Use a Webcam As a Remote Security Camera

2011-06-14T11:00:00.011+05:30

You will need to wirelessly connect the webcam to your computer. A USB wireless transmission kit can join together the webcam to the computer at distances that are not possible using a USB cable. You can get the kit from an electronics store or from a computer store. Neither the webcam nor the computer will be physically modified to work with the USB wireless transmission kit.

1). Decide where you want to place the webcam; typical locations would be facing a door or window in a part of a home where someone could enter without being seen. Place the webcam on a flat surface. For example, use a table so that the lens on the front of the webcam faces toward the area to be watched.

2). Place the USB wireless transmitter next to the webcam. Plug the transmitter power supply power cord into an outlet. Plug the power port of the power supply into the transmitter power port. Plug the end of the USB cable that is attached to the webcam into the USB input, or one of the USB inputs, on the transmitter.

3). Angle the antenna on the transmitter, if there is one, so that it faces in the general direction of where the computer is located.

4). Place the USB wireless receiver next to the computer. Plug the receiver power supply power cord into an outlet. Plug the power port of the power supply into the receiver power port. Insert one end of a USB cable into the USB receiver USB output. Insert the other end of the USB cable into a USB port on the computer.

5). Angle the antenna on the receiver, if there is one, so that it faces in the general direction of where the transmitter is located. You can now use the software that worked with the webcam when it was directly connected to the computer to view the video from your remote security camera.

Change the Screen Resolution on a 27" iMac

2011-06-13T18:30:00.006+05:30

The 27-inch iMac comes with a high-resolution LED backlit widescreen display with a maximum resolution of 2560 by 1440 pixels. You can change the screen resolution of your iMac computer using the native option available on the Mac operating system. Higher screen resolution provides more room for opening multiple applications.

1). Click on the "Apple" menu in the top left corner of the screen, and then click "System Preferences."

2). Click "Displays" under the "Hardware" category.

3). Click the "Display" tab on the top. All of the resolutions supported by iMac are listed under "Resolutions." Select the resolution you want by clicking on it.

Add Additional CPUs to the SLES

2011-06-10T23:30:00.001+05:30

Adding support for a second CPU to a Suse Linux Enterprise Edition requires upgrading the Kernel. The kernel is the part of the operating system that deals with the low-level interaction with the hardware.

Here are the steps:

1). Turn the computer on after having upgraded the hardware configuration to a dual core or a dual processor.

2). Open your browser and log in to your Novell account. Where XXXX is the kernel version, navigate to the "Kernel" section and download the latest "kernel-smpXXXX.rpm" if you are using less than 64GB or RAM or "Kernel-bigsmpXXXX.rpm" if you are using more than 64GB of RAM.

3). Download the "kernel-symsXXXX.rpm" file.

4). Press "CTRL + ALT + F1" log in as administrator on the system.

5). Type "rpm -Fvh kernel-symsXXXX.rpm kernel-smpXXXX.rpm" or "rpm -Fvh kernel-symsXXXX.rpm kernel-bigsmpXXXX.rpm."

6). Type "lilo" to reconfigure the boot loader and type "shutdown -r now" to reboot the computer with the new kernel.

Fastest Xeon Processors

2011-06-10T18:12:00.003+05:30

The Xeon family processors focus more on multi-tasking capacity than on maximizing processor frequency ratings. Xeon processors feature support for large level-3 data caches, multi-processor support and additional processing cores. These features enable servers to handle the large numbers of concurrent programs and processes that server-grade computers typically run.

Xeon E7-8870

The most powerful model is the 8870. This processor has a base operating frequency of 2,400 megahertz, supports server systems running up to eight processors and has 10 processing cores. It supports 10 level-2 data caches rated at 256 kilobytes each and a 30-megabyte L3 data cache. This processor also supports hyper-threading, allowing each processing core to calculate two processes at once.

Xeon E7-8860

The Xeon E7-8860 provides many of the same features found on the 8870. The 8860 also supports turbo-boost, hyper-threading and multiprocessor systems with up to eight processors. The 8860 and 8870 both utilize a 3200 MHz QPI front side bus. The main features of the 8860 that set it apart from the more powerful 8870 are its lower processor frequency rating and smaller L3 cache. The 8860 has a processor frequency rating of 2267 MHz that can reach 2400 MHz using turbo boost.

Xeon E7-4870

The 4870 is designed for smaller servers using fewer processors. The 4870 only supports systems using four processors or less. This processor has a base operating speed of 2400 MHz and provides a 30 MB, level-3 data cache with a 3200 MHz QPI front side bus. The E7-4870, 8860 and 8870 all require a system board capable of providing up to 130 watts of power.

Xeon X7560

The X7560 is the most powerful processor available in this family. It has a base operating frequency of 2267 MHz that increases to 2667 MHz using the turbo boost feature. This processor provides a 3200 MHz QPI front-side bus and supports eight processing cores and multiprocessor systems using up to eight processors.

Install on a SanDisk Cruzer

2011-06-09T23:30:00.008+05:30

The Cruzer flash drive plays and stores any files that are also commonly stored on a computer's hard drive. This means that the Cruzer will run programs. In order to do this, however, a program needs to be installed as a custom installation.

Following steps show how to install a program on a Cruzer Flash Drive:

1). Slide the SanDisk Cruzer into a USB port on the PC.

2). Download the program's install file from the program's official website.

3). Open the program's install file by double-clicking it.

4). Click "Custom" for type of installation.

5). Select the SanDisk Cruzer as the destination. Click "Next" and "Finish" to install the program to the Cruzer.

Repair a Raw Drive

2011-06-09T18:00:00.002+05:30

When a new hard drive is not formatted it is called raw hard drive. These drives do not have the ability to retain files or operating systems. If you would like to repair a raw drive and give it the ability to house files or use it as a primary operating system drive, you will need to format it. Formatting the drive can be done through the Windows Disk Management application that comes with Windows operating system.

Here are the steps to format a hard drive in windows 7:

1). Click "Start" and then the "Control Panel" option in the menu.

2). Click "System and Maintenance" and then "Administrative Tools."

3). Click the "Computer Management" icon and then the "Disk Management" icon, located under the "Storage" header.

4). Right click on the raw drive from the list of hard drives and click "New Simple Volume." Click the "Next" button when the New Simple Volume wizard appears.

5). Leave the drive size alone, since you are not partitioning i,t and accept the default drive letter. Click the "Next" button.

6). Click the "Next" button to format your drive in the next window and then click "Finish." Wait for the drive to be formatted. This could take up to 20 minutes, depending on the size of your drive.

7). Click the "Close" button when prompted to exit the window.

Change Trays in HP M3035

2011-06-09T05:00:00.007+05:30

Hewlett Packard's LaserJet M3035 printer is a multi-function device combining black and white laser printing capability. It has two built-in paper trays, both of which can hold most major paper sizes, including letter, legal and A4 size. The only change that is possible with the M3035's trays is to add an additional 500-sheet accessory tray.

1). Switch off your HP LaserJet M3035 printer by flipping its power switch to the "O" position.

2). Place the additional paper tray on a surface, facing up.

3). Lift the printer and lower it down onto the tray. The tray is the same size as the printer, so it should sit directly under the printer taking up the same footprint as the printer. Ensure that the two pieces in the front of the tray's top panel and the piece in the back of its top panel fit into the corresponding slots on the printer.

4). Pull the paper drawer out of the paper tray by simply sliding it forward and, if necessary, lifting slightly upwards.

5). Remove the packing materials and packing tape from the inside of the accessory paper tray. Expect to find a number of pieces of tape, some of which will be securing Styrofoam blocks.

6). Adjust the blue paper alignment guides by squeezing the tabs and pushing outwards. Put paper in the tray, and then adjust the guides so that they are flush with it. Ensure that you do not fill the tray above its top line, denoted by a label with a dashed horizontal line below three downward-pointing triangles.

7). Reinsert the paper tray in the printer by pushing it in, first with a downward motion, and then by pushing it straight back.

8). Turn the printer on by flipping its power switch to the "On" position denoted by a single vertical line.

9). Print to the new tray by selecting "Tray 3" as the paper source in your software program's printer driver.

Connect Inspiron 1525 Notebook to Lexmark Z2490 WiFi Printer

2011-06-08T23:30:00.007+05:30

Lexmark's Z2490 WiFi printer can be connected to a wireless network and the computers connected to that network can print from it without needing to connect via a wired Ethernet connection. This allows you to print from a laptop with wireless capabilities, such as the Dell Inspiron 1525 Notebook. The Lexmark software has to be installed first.

1). Click on the Network icon (it looks like a computer or group of bars) in the lower-right corner of your desktop. Click on the network with the Lexmark printer on it, then click "Connect."

2). Insert the Lexmark Z2490 WiFi printer installation CD into the Inspiron's CD drive. Wait for the Welcome screen to appear on your computer.

3). Click the "Install" button on the welcome screen.

4). Click through the prompts that appear on the screen. Do not change anything.

5). Click "Finish" at the end to connect to the Lexmark printer.

Computer Won't Power on But the LED Power Is Lit on the Board

2011-06-08T18:30:00.001+05:30

When the computer won't turn on, but still LED light lit on the motherboard, here are the potential causes. If there is beeping sound while starting the system, reference the motherboard manual; those beeps will indicate the problem.

RAM

Improperly seated RAM will cause the system to not turn on. This is because RAM is integral to the computer's operation. Turn off the system and unplug the power cord, then re-seat your RAM modules.

CPU

Reseat the CPU. Make sure no pins are bent and that it's sitting properly in its slot. CPUs lock into the motherboard. Reapply any thermal paste before remounting the heat sink.

Motherboard

If all else fails, the problem could be the motherboard. Getting a faulty motherboard is not unheard of. This is typically the last resort; this should be done only if all the above steps are exhausted.http://hardwaretexpert.blogspot.com/2010/10/different-types-of-rams.html

What Causes Error 633?

2011-06-08T05:00:00.000+05:30

Error 633 is an error message that typically appears when attempting to set up or connect to the Internet with your computer's modem. Although it can prevent you from accessing the Internet, the issue is well documented.

Indications

An error message is displayed that reads either: "Error 633: The modem is not installed or configured for Dial-Up Networking. To check your modem configuration, double-click the Modems icon in Control Panel" or "Error 633 - the modem (or other connecting device) is already in use or is not configured properly." Windows will usually list the device as installed and working properly, but the error message is displayed when the modem is used to dial out.

Possible Causes

A missing or damaged Telephon.ini file or an absent or corrupted Telephony Application Programming Interface service provider registry entry can cause error 633, according to Microsoft. The error also can result from users attempting to establish more than one simultaneous broadband connection with a single modem, or other applications like fax or voice software using the modem. Error 633 is also caused by outdated software, conflicting with Windows XP modem drivers.

Solution: Repair missing/corrupted files and registry entries

To resolve a 633 error, first check to ensure no other applications are using the modem. Press "Ctrl," "Alt" and "Delete" to enter the Task Manager and scan the list of running programs. Terminate any that might be using your modem. Find out if the Telephon.ini file is missing or damaged by clicking the "Start" menu, selecting "Find," and checking the box labeled "Files" or "Folders." Enter "telephon.ini" into the Search field and click "Find." If the file is present, rename it to "telephon.old." Click the "Start" menu, select "Run," type in "tapiini.exe" and hit "Enter." Restart the computer.

If the error message persists, use the registry editor to determine the status of the TAPI service provider entry key. Click the "Start" menu, select "Run," type "regedit" and press "Enter." Navigate to the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\ Telephony\Providers

Find the ProviderFilename0 value and change it to "TSP3216L.TSP". Save the changes, exit the editor and restart the computer.

Fix Problems With EXE & CDD Files

2011-06-07T23:30:00.005+05:30

There are tools on your Windows operating system that can restore CDD and EXE files to normal with relative ease. EXE, or executable files, are basically programs and cannot be read like data files. CDD files belong to the ConceptDraw Pro program, which allows users to create flowcharts, technical drawings and conceptual diagrams. These files can also contain scripting language in the ConceptDraw Basic application.

1). Press "Ctrl," "Shift" and "Esc" at the same time to open the Task Manager.

2). Click "File" and click "New Task (Run...)." Type "cmd" in the open field and click "OK."

3). Allow the Command Prompt to launch. Type the following command at the prompt and press "Enter":

"sfc /scannow"

This will run the System File Checker and repair any problems with the CDD and EXE files on your system. Exit the Command Prompt.

Make a Computer Brighter Than the Maximum Brightness

2011-06-07T18:00:00.009+05:30

Maximum of LCD computer monitors have a maximum brightness of around 300 nits or 300 candelas per square meter. Higher-end LCDs are capable of 400 nits; however this still may not be sufficient when working outdoors in direct sunlight conditions. Some professional-grade screens are capable of producing 1000 nits or more.

Here are the steps to increase the monitor brightness:

1). Launch the main control panel for your graphics accelerator by right-clicking the manufacturer icon located on the taskbar, then select "Properties."

2). Click on the "Video Settings" tab or button and then select the "Color Control" tab.

3). Adjust the various slider bars to modify not only maximum contrast and brightness, but also color saturation and hue. This is especially usefull if your monitor has a specific tint, or tendency to lean toward a specific color.

4). Click on the drop-down menu beside "Preset Profiles" (if equipped) and choose an option from the available list. For example, 'Brighten Movie" will automatically increase brightness when a movie is played. Click "OK" on the open display properties windows to save settings.

Stream TV on VLC

2011-06-07T05:00:00.003+05:30

The VLC player is a free and open-source media player designed to support DVDs, VCDs, varying formats of audio and video codecs as well as streaming video or tv. If you have a TV capture card installed on your computer, you can set up your VLC player to display streaming TV to view at your convenience.

Follow the below steps to configure the VLC to play the TV streaming:

1). Double-click the VLC Player icon to launch the program.

2). Click "Media," "Open Capture Device." Click "Video," "Refresh List."

3). Click the TV capture card from the menu displayed. Click "Audio," "Refresh List."

4). Select the computer's installed video card from the menu list.

5). Click "Media," "Streaming," "Settings."

6). Place a check mark in the box next to "MMSH" under "Output Methods." Enter "1234" into the "Port" field. Click the button next to "ASF."

7). Locate "Transcoding Options." Place check marks next to "Video Codec" and "Audio Codec."

8). Place a check mark next to "Play Locally." Click "OK" in the "Settings" and "Streaming Media" screens to exit. Click "Play." You will see TV stream on your VLC player.

Convert an Old LCD to DVI

2011-06-06T23:30:00.002+05:30

As the technology evolves so quickly that often old hardware that is still fully functional obsolete by the latest equipments. Such as few years back all LCD monitors were shipping with a blue VGA connector. Current monitors favor new DVI technology and new computers are responding to this by phasing out VGA ports. If you have an old VGA monitor, but only DVI ports on your computer, don't rush out to replace the hardware.

Here are the steps to convert old LCD port into DVI port:

1). Connect your adapter to the DVI port on the back of your computer. Slide the adapter firmly into place and tighten the two thumb screws to hold the adapter in place. Failing to tighten these screws can cause the bulky adapter to fall out of the port during use.

2). Connect your VGA cable to the old LCD monitor by pushing the connector firmly into place and tightening the two thumb screws.

3). Connect the monitor to your computer by pressing the monitor's cable into the VGA port on the DVI adapter. Tighten the thumb screws to hold the cable in place.

4). Press the power button on the LCD monitor and the computer. You will not need to install software of any kind; the monitor will work as soon as it’s plugged in.

Fix a Blurry Widescreen Monitor

2011-06-06T18:30:00.001+05:30

Main reason behind widescreen monitor blurriness is a lack of necessary RAM (random access memory) to run your computer's programs, although a number of monitor settings under your operating system may need to be tweaked in order to fix this problem. Fortunately, no specific computer expertise is required in order to troubleshoot and fix a blurry widescreen monitor.

Follow the below steps to resolve this issue:

1). Check your widescreen monitor under different situations. If the monitor only appears blurry in certain situations and not others, the issue may not lie with the monitor itself. There must be enough free RAM available for your computer programs and games to run smoothly and without blur.

Try closing certain unneeded programs and testing your monitor's performance.

2). Use the Task Manager in Windows to check on your system's performance and view what applications are open and which may need to be closed in order to free up enough memory to eliminate blur on your widescreen monitor. Press the "CTRL" and "ALT" and "Delete" buttons simultaneously on your computer's keyboard to bring up the Task Manager. You may select the "Performance" tab under the Task Manager to check your applications' memory usage.

3). Ensure the latest version of Direct X is installed on your computer.

4). Right-click anywhere on your desktop area if blur problems continue on your widescreen monitor. Select the "Personalize" listing from the menu that appears after right clicking, then select "Display Settings." Choose the "Highest" setting option within this Display Settings window.

5). Change the refresh rate of your widescreen monitor to 60 hertz. This also can be altered under the "Display Settings" menu and by selecting "Advanced Settings" and "Monitor."

6). Right click on your desktop again if problems persist and the fonts exclusively appear to be blurry. Select "Personalize," then choose "Windows Color and Appearance." Choose the "Effects" listing from the pop up box. Select the "Clear Type/Standard."

7). Allow Windows to choose the correct settings to improve blurriness if all other attempts fail. Right click on the "My Computer" icon on your desktop. Choose "Properties" and "Advanced System Settings." Under the Advanced Settings tab, select "Advanced" and "Performance Settings." Choose the "Let Windows choose what's best for my computer" option under the "Performance Settings" listing.

Troubleshoot NVRAM

2011-06-04T05:00:00.003+05:30

Non-Volatile Random Access Memory, a type of memory that retains its contents when power is turned off. One type of NVRAM is SRAM that is made non-volatile by connecting it to a constant power source such as a battery. Another type of NVRAM uses EEPROM chips to save its contents when power is turned off. In this case, NVRAM is composed of a combination of SRAM and EEPROM chips.

1). Put the Windows 7 installation disc into your computer's optical drive and power the system on.

2). Click on the language that you speak from the menu that appears and then click "Next."

3). Click on the "Repair your computer" option from the menu.

4). Choose the Windows 7 operating system from the menu and then click "Next."

5). Click on the "Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool" from the menu and then wait for the scan to complete.

6). Wait for the system to restart with your NVRAM repaired.

Test the Life of a Laptop

2011-06-03T23:30:00.001+05:30

If the laptop fails unexpectedly, you could lose years worth of pictures, documents and personal files. Testing the condition of your laptop components from time to time is one of the best ways to protect you from the possible loss of data.

Following are the steps to test the life of your laptop components:

1). Shut down the laptop and wait for it to power down completely. Press the power button and watch the screen closely.

2). Press the appropriate key to enter setup mode. This hot key varies from laptop to laptop, so watch the screen for a message saying "Press XXX to enter setup."

3). Wait for the setup menu to appear, then arrow over to the advanced menu. Scroll through the list of options until you find the available hardware tests. You should see both a fast and a thorough hard drive test, and perhaps a memory test as well.

4). Run all of the available tests from the setup menu. The results can tell you a great deal about the health of the laptop, from the condition of the hard drive to the quality of the memory.

System randomly crashing, rebooting, freezing?

2011-06-03T18:30:00.004+05:30

Is your system randomly crashing, rebooting, freezing, etc? Then here are the right steps to resolve the issue:

1. Consider the make & model of your computer system. A cheap, generic or underspecified computer system can be the cause of many stability-related issues or even damage other components.

2. Have you tried running Memtest86+ overnight? Download it, burn it as a CD, and boot to it. It'll automatically start testing your RAM. Even one memory error is too much and will cause system instability or even data corruption. This could indicate faulty memory, voltage irregularities, incorrect timings, overheating, or even a problem with the CPU or motherboard.

3. Capacitors, or caps for short, are like small batteries. They can also fail in the same ways; swelling, leaking out of the top or bottom, or even exploding in severe cases. This can cause voltage irregularities and system instability. Unless you are already skilled at electrical repair, it's almost always best to just replace the entire component.