Choppy Sound or Video?

Has your video and sound become choppy? This could be because your IDE Primary and Secondary Channels have reverted back to PIO Mode instead of DMA Mode.

To see if this is your problem go to the device manager (right click "My Computer>Hardware>Device Manager) and expand the IDE selection. Right click the Primary and Secondary Drives and in the next box choose Advanced and look to see what mode it is in. (PIO or DMA) If it has reverted to PIO Mode then go to the following site and download the "reset DMA" script. Run it and if this was your problem it will be fixed when the computer reboots.

http://winhlp.com/node/10

Be warned that this could happen again. XP will revert back to DMA mode automatically after 6 CRC errors which could be caused by unreadable disks or files.

How To Remove a CD/DVD When Your Tray Will Not Eject

Sometimes for one reason or another, your CD/DVD tray may fail to open. In this case it is very easy to remove it manually.

• First, get yourself a paperclip and straighten it out.
• Next look at your CD/DVD and just below the tray you will see a pin hole.
• Insert the straightened paperclip into the hole and you will feel resistance but keep pushing. This should pop the tray open for you.
• Be careful as the disk could still be spinning at a high rate and could be dangerous.

How To Tell How Hot Your CPU Is Running

Many computers have a problem with their processor's running too hot which can be caused by a few things. Once the processor exceeds a certain temperature, the computer will shut down to prevent damage. Although if this happens too much there is a danger in damage to the processor. Every time the processor overheats, damage can be done.

If the CPU's heat sink is plugged with dust, this can be a cause of the overheating issue. In this case you would blow out the heat sink with compressed air. This can be done while the processor is on the machine but for best results I suggest the fan and heat sink be taken off the processor and cleaned out. When putting it back together, be sure to clean any old thermal grease off the heat sink and processor and add new thermal grease.

Another cause could be a faulty processor or case fan. Be sure all fans in your computer are functional and if not replace them.

Be sure there is adequate circulation in your computer. Make sure there are no open slots in the back of the case and if there are then fill them with a blank. Be sure that the inlets and outlets on the front and the back of the case are free from dust as air can circulate.

Sometimes no matter what you do, your processor will run hot. AMD's are notorious for running hot. Follow the steps above and if you are still running too hot then add additional fans to the case if need be.

If you would like to monitor your CPU's temperature, there are many free utilities that will allow you to do so. CoreTemp and Speed-Fan are two good utilities.

How To Use System Restore

System Restore is a useful tool. If for one reason or another your computer has begun to have problems. System Restore may be able to get you back up and running. It allows you to roll back to an earlier date before the problem started. To access System Restore follow the steps below.

• Click "Start", then "Accessories", then "System Tools", and finally "System Restore"
• The System Restore box will come up and just follow the on screen instructions to roll back to an earlier time.
• during this process Do Not interrupt the process. The computer will reboot when it is done and will notify you when the restore is completely done.

How to enter "Safe Mode"

To enter "Safe Mode" in XP/Vista/Windows 7 follow the below steps.

• Restart your computer
• As the computer boots up and you see your logo come on the screen begin tapping the "F8" key. You should get a black screen with white lettering
• Now using the up and down arrows on the keyboard move to "Safe Mode" or "Safe Mode With Networking" (if you need to access the internet while in "Safe Mode"

"Safe Mode" is a useful tool when diagnosing computer problems. It only loads the minimum required drivers and will allow you to further repair or diagnose your system.

How To Unhide Files In XP

Cant find files on your computer or can't access system files because they are hidden? Follow the steps below to unhide your files and see what you have.

Open Windows Explorer or click on "My Computer". Click on the "Tools" button at the top and then select "Folder Options".

The folder options box will appear. Click on the "View" tab.

Now scroll down and click "show hidden files or folder"

For Operating system files, scroll down a little more and uncheck "hide system files and folders"

To hide these again, follow the steps in the opposite order.

How To Turn Off/On System Restore In XP

To disable or enable “System Restore” in Windows XP, follow the steps below.


Step1

Right click on “My Computer” and left click “Properties” (either on the desktop or under the start button or you can also access it through the “Control Panel” then select system)

Step 2
You should now see the System Properties box.

Step 3

Click on the “System Restore” tab.



Step 4
Uncheck the box to turn off system restore on all drives to disable and do the opposite to enable.