Computer People -- HELP

[CrazyAce86]

forgive me for typing so horribly, but my shift keys only about half work and i'm not in the mood to fight with them.

okay, so my laptop fried. i tried to plug in my camera, as i have done many times, and according to the people in india that we get when call for assistance, that fried the motherboard.

i fucking hate hps.

anyhow...

i'm now stuck with my mother's shitty excuse for a computer. the shell and everything isn't bad, it's only about four or five years old, and i still have my internet, but everything looks absolutely horrible. i can survive on the sucky 800 x 600 resolution, although it makes me want to tear my hair out. unfortunately, it's stuck on 16 bit color and i can't change it. it's the only one listed.

plus i'm stuck running windows 2000 professional, which doesn't even have msworks... gah.

can anyone provide any help? i'm already downloading firefox again because there's no way in hell i'm running ie. but is there anything i can do to improve the color?

if not, i'll survive. i only have to wait two weeks for hp to "fix" my computer. this is the second time in the past year this has happened. it pisses me off. so please, people, i advise you not to get an hp. if not for the hardware problems, then for the customer service. i don't have a problem with it going to india. i have a problem with the fact that they have people with accents so heavy that you can't understand them. my mother had to take the phone and ask them to spell words out because we couldn't understand them.

and plus they wanted my mother to get a screwdriver and pry-- literally, as it was welded in there-- the ram out. wtf?

[/rant]

but seriously, any help would be appreciated. and again, i apologize for my lack of capitilization. i'm trying to keep the punctuation right, but it takes five or six tries to get the question mark to work... bleh...

[Kenshin]

Having only 16-bit color means that most likely the video card (or integrated graphics chip) drivers aren't installed.

When you try to change the colors and resolution, what devices do you get?
For example, I get: "Generic PnP monitor on Nvidia Geforce FX5200" which means my monitor's drivers aren't installed (not much of a problem), but the other ones are. If the drivers are generic ones, then installing the specific ones you need will probably help.

And yeah, your WTF comment? Seconded... how the hell does a technician ask a person to pry a RAM stick out??

[Nannou]

sometimes the Manufacturer (I'm not sure if HP in particular still practice this) will put big glue globs on the sticks of ram, and their slots (along with other things like IDE connections. That way they can snap you out on voiding your warranty.
Perhaps thats why they asked for it to be "pryed" out. But then again, you should never need to pry memory.... the slot has fulcrum levers that will do that just fine.

In other news, the only good thing HP makes are printers.

[Daishikaze]

Next comp you get, build it yourself, thats what my wife and I do.

[Jetsetlemming]

Check your hardware, and we can help you better. Right-click on the "My Computer" icon on the desktop, click "Properties", and in the window that pops up, click on the "Hardware" tab at the top, then click the "Device Manage" button. For starters, look for the "Display Adaptor" topic, expand it (click on the plus), and let us know what's under the category.
I'm fully expecting an integrated motherboard video chipset. With a video card brand name, I can link you to driver update websites. Depending on the age of your hardware and hardware brand, you might not be able to use the latest device drivers and you'll need to track down legacy drivers.

[CrazyAce86]

^ there isn't a display adaptor topic listed. this is what i have listed...

computer
disk drives
dvd/cd-rom drives
floppy disk controllers
floppy disk drives
ide ata/atapi controllers
keyboards
mice and other pointing devices
modems
network adapters
other devices
ports com and lpt
sound, video, and game controllers
system devices
universal serial bus controllers

those all have pluses, i just can't type them. oh, and i checked under other devices, but it wasn't listed there, either.

thanks for your help, though, i really do appreciate it.

and i'm not tech savvy enough to build a desktop. nor have enough money. question, though-- what is a good, relatively cheap laptop? cheap as in under $1000, if possible.

[Jetsetlemming]

Damn, what the hell... I guess it's because you don't have any software at all installed for your video device. :| Let's try this:
Right click your desktop, and click "properties". In the window that pops up, click the "settings" tab, then click the "advanced" button. Click the adapter tab in the new window that shows, and tell me what it says.
Another thing, if that doesn't show anything: Click "START", "settings", "control panel". In the control panel, double-click the "Add Hardware" button, and tell it to auto-detect new hardware.
On Dell's website, you can build a computer by selecting parts and options, and it'll give you a bottom line price. Usually pretty cheap for a computer, too. Of course, Dell sucks, but not as bad as HP. >_>;

[CrazyAce86]

it says...

adapter type

-picture of a chip- vga


adapter information

chip type - unavailable
dac type - unavailable
memory size - unavailable
adapter string - unavailable
bios information - unavailable

i had to change the way it was setup, so instead of the dash there's a colon and the 'unavailable' part is in brackets. don't know if that needs to be known, but i figured it couldn't hurt.

also, i did the control panel way, and it just gave me a list of things i already have-- i'm assuming. here's a screenshot.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/twylyght86/controlpanel.jpg

[CrazyAce86]

i feel kind of bad asking for more help, but if i went the dell route, what things would you recommend? i'd get a laptop most likely, so that's already going to cost an arm and a leg, but i like to do graphics and video work. i tried the make your own dell on their website and ended up with a laptop that costs over $2000. yipes. so what should i definitely get and what can go with the basic on?

also, it insisted i get windows vista-- there wasn't even an option for xp. bleh.

[Jetsetlemming]

The "unavailable" part tells me definitely that your video hardware isn't installed at all. If only I knew the name of what it was, I could link you to drivers. :( ...hm, looking at the image you have, you see there, near the top, "video controller (VGA Compatible)"? Select that, and see what it has to say. Pretty sure that's your video card. The yellow exclaimation point warning sign thing next to it means there's something not quite right with it, almost certainly there because you don't have it installed. The other marks are probably similar reasons. Do you have sound at all, btw?
I really really really don't recommend Vista. >_>;
I'll go on Dell's site, build a sample computer, and test the waters a bit.

[Jetsetlemming]

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=DNCWEA1&s=dhs
Specifications:
Model: Dell Enspiron E1505 Dual Core
CPU: Intel Core Duo 1.73 Ghz
RAM: 1 GB 533 Mhz DDR2
OS: Vista Home Premium
Hard Drive: 80 GB SATA
Optical Drive: 24x CD/DVD-RW
Screen: 15.4 inch widescreen LCD
Video: Intel GMA 950 (integrated video, uses your main system ram and CPU)
Audio: Integrated system (absolutely fine for almost anything you'd want, really)

Base price is $799, more if you upgrade any of it's parts. All of it's base items are fine, besides the hard drive and video. Unless you plan on playing Crisis or Halo 2 on your laptop, the video is fine; it's more than enough to handle Photoshop/Windows Movie Maker/Aero Glass theme/etc. What I would really recommend upgrading, if you're willing to spend more, is the HD, which defaults to 80 GB. That's a respectable amount, but more is always better. :) I recommend the 120 GB, adds $55 to the price. You MAY want to get the first video upgrade, a 128 MB ATI Mobility Radeon. The default, an integrated Intel setup, uses your main system RAM, so you'll really have 128 to 256 MB less system RAM than normal. That's another $49 extra, though.
If you get the two options upgraded, it would come out to a total of $903, plus tax. You MAY want to look into their battery upgrades, but I'm not gonna get into that.
Overall, damn good for a new laptop with current grade hardware.
On the Vista thing, you'd be wise to find the Windows XP disc of your last computer. >_> If you got one, of course. Computer companies lately have been engaging in the fucked up habit of not including the original OS install disc, or including it as a disc image file on the hard drive.
....I want this computer now. x_x Thanks CrazyAce, now I have e-penis envy for a product you haven't even seen yet. ;P

[Stephy]

>_>; Darn. Well, hope it gets fixed but I'm worried now. I bought an hp laptop not too long ago. <_<;

[setrict]

http://kb.iu.edu/data/ahwa.html

Scroll down to the part about using debug.

If you don't like to read just do this:

Start->Run, type cmd and click Ok
You should have a Dos box up
type debug and hit enter
type d c000:0 and hit enter

Look through the gibberish in the right hand column for something that looks like a manufacturer name, and/or model number. If you don't see anything, just keep typing d and pressing enter until you do. It took about 10x before my video adapter showed up, so don't give up too early.

With that information you can find a driver on driverguide.com

[CrazyAce86]

The "unavailable" part tells me definitely that your video hardware isn't installed at all. If only I knew the name of what it was, I could link you to drivers. :( ...hm, looking at the image you have, you see there, near the top, "video controller (VGA Compatible)"? Select that, and see what it has to say. Pretty sure that's your video card. The yellow exclaimation point warning sign thing next to it means there's something not quite right with it, almost certainly there because you don't have it installed. The other marks are probably similar reasons. Do you have sound at all, btw?
I really really really don't recommend Vista. >_>;
I'll go on Dell's site, build a sample computer, and test the waters a bit.

okay, i did that and now i'm up to 256 colors. significantly better, but i wouldn't mind getting it higher if possible. is it possible? if not, i'm happy.

and yes, i have had sound. it's turned down-- i keep clicking on things wrong and making it beep because i'm not used to using a mouse :meh:.

ooo, thanks for the dell help. i'm going to mail that link to myself and print it off next time i get a chance. hopefully i'll find a job soon and manage to save up enough to get it.

thank you so much!

[Lan]

Jet's an expert with proprietary computers xD

But um...I don't know if it's so great to be going from HP to Dell. Apple is proprietary, but in a much more appealing way. A lower level iMac should still allow you to do graphics and video work, if you have a spare XP key lying around. BootCamp does work quite well.

[Jetsetlemming]

That's a good start. That means your computer now, at least SOMEWHAT, recognizes your hardware. Now do the steps I've already posted in this thread to try again and get that card's brand and model.
I'm a master at all low tech things, Lan. :D You know, I'm not sure, I would regularly recommend a Windows comp over a Mac any day, but with Vista..... If she's got a XP disc still, I'd still recommend going with the windows machine. ;)

[CrazyAce86]

okay, it says the display adapter is-- and i'm going to fight with the shift key here-- Intel(R) 82810E Graphics Controller.

that took five minutes to type. i really need to get another keyboard.

[Kenshin]

Hmm, from the screenshot you took, it seems like all the motherboard drivers are missing.

Try downloading this:
http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scripts-df-external/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&ProductID=861&DwnldID=8264&strOSs=19&OSFullName=Windows*%202000&lang=eng

It will check the chipset of the board you have and point you to the correct drivers, or at least identify it so you can get the drivers for it.

[Jetsetlemming]

Ah, I know how to get your video drivers, as well as the neccesities for your other stuff!
http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scripts-df-external/Product_Filter.aspx?ProductID=798&lang=eng
Your video drivers. :D Just follow the prompts, download it, and run the program it gives you.
Now, for your other stuff:
Run a manual windows update. Click START, Settings, Control panel. Double click on the "Automatic updates" icon. There's a link to the windows update page on the dialog that pops up. Click it, and it'll open in IE (you WANT this in IE. Firefox isn't very compatible with manual updates). When it asks, pick manual/advanced instead of auto. In the sections of updates, there's a "hardware, optional" section. Under that SHOULD be your drivers. This may not work if windows can't recognize your hardware, so you might want to go through the steps you went through to get 256 color from your video with the other pieces of hardware with a yellow !.

[CrazyAce86]

i tried that, but it won't let me do it. the website says i need to update, and when i click on it, it takes me to an error page.

i tried with the yellow symbols, but i only have two things and it says neither drivers can be found, even on the update site. it some kind of multimedia thing and something called pci.

my mother just said, 'oh, there's always been something wrong with video card.'

gee, thanks for tell me that now.

i'd still like to see if i can fix it if possible. any other ideas?

[CrazyAce86]

well, what do you know. i tinkered a bit and somehow got it working. must've picked up some your mojo, jsl.

i still have a broken keyboard, but i can fix that. thank you for all your help!!! -hugs-

[Lan]

xD Go Lacey!

@ Jet: I was thinking, if she had to buy a new computer ;D Since you two have made this one good, there's nothing else for me to say =D

[Jetsetlemming]

So you've got the full color and resolution now? Great news, congrats. :D
Oh, and PCI is a slot in the motherboard you can plug a videocard, sound card, modem, etc. in. It's an older format, replaced by AGP, and then PCI-E. Your video card is built into the motherboard though, not an externally connected device. I guess that the error thing for PCI is the PCI controller. I dunno, considering your sound and video and internet works, I wouldn't worry about it...

[Fumi]

In other news, the only good thing HP makes are printers.
I'll take a Proliant over a PowerEdge any day now.

If you think HP service is bad, just wait till you call up Dell. I had to literally teach them what is wrong with the crap they sold us when all I need is someone to come and pick them up for service.

[Jetsetlemming]

My experiences with Dell customer service was pretty good, actually. They have this sorta-IM customer service thing. The guy answered everything I asked, and even offered me info I didn't ask about, like how to install a video card, and stuff like that (I was calling to ask about the Dell BIOS and if it supports the videocard I want and if the power supply in my Dimension was strong enough for a videocard. Older versions of the Dell Mobo BIOS only have a small set list of video card models they'll detect to install.)

[Fumi]

I called them twice, once for 15 monitors that died within the same day, the other time for a server that blew out its hard disks.

Apparently they have a list of tests that you must complete before they will service the hardware. I had to fiddle with all sorts of adjustments with the monitors when all I have is a blank screen, and they wanted me to check for Windows errors when I wasn't even running Windows on the server. And this is supposed to be corporate service.

When I have hard disk problems with HP I just call them and they'll show up with the drives next day, no questions asked.

[CrazyAce86]

Well, drat. The sound's not working now. *sigh* Guess I'll fiddle with that now. On the off chance I can't get it working, do you have any ideas?

EDIT: Never mind, I fixed it. Had to download the driver from Gateway. :rolleyes: The PCI thing still isn't working, should I bother with that or leave it be?

[Jetsetlemming]

Not if it isn't causing you a noticable problem. >_>;
I say this because I don't know how to fix it.

[CrazyAce86]

Ah, I'm not going to mess with it.

Oddly, my speakers only work well when my headphones are plugged into them. If I take them out, even if all the volumes are jacked up, I can just barely hear. It's all messed up, but it's working and I'm happy.

Thanks for help. I really do appreciate it.

[Jetsetlemming]

Have you tried other speakers? That doesn't sound like anything the computer controls, but just the speakers themselves are old. :P

[Riinuka]

Double click the sound icon, and make sure that the levels are up for all of the sliders, not just a few of them.

I wish I had been on this past week or so... I know exactly how to fix all of this, having just gone through it myself with this piece of junk I'm posting with. *laughs*

Best bet is to look up the motherboard you have + chipset, and then download the drivers for that combination.

The "PCI" thing is your PCI host adapter. Unless you are going to be using multiple cards that need to share bandwidth with devices that act similar to cards (on the board itself), don't bother.

Ah well..

[CrazyAce86]

Don't have any other speakers. I'm fine with using my headphones, I usually do anyhow. (Blocks out other unwanted noise, such as my mother bitching about everything in sight.)