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I have files on two old hard drives on a computer that is no longer able to recognize a keyboard due to equipment failure. However the files, programs and data stored on the attached hard drives are required. How do I access these files and can I get these back? Your assistance would be most helpful.

You have a couple of options that are available to you. First, I’d like to ask if you have tried another keyboard as an option or booting up into “Safe Mode?” If not, then you might want to try that first. Otherwise, the following options are available to you.

Retrieving Hard Drive Data: Swap out the Hard Drive to Second Computer

One of the easiest options that you have is to remove the hard drives from the broken computer and place them into a second or borrowed computer. Once you do so, you can readily access the drives and transfer the data to another storage device.

Retrieving Hard Drive Data: External Hard Drive Case

When you have a hard drive with data that you want to get but the computer it is in doesn’t work, you can purchase an external hard drive case with a USB connection. An external hard drive case is designed to house a hard drive that has been removed either form a laptop or a desktop computer. They come with USB connections that make them easy to plug into another computer or laptop. They are designed to provide an additional means of adding a hard drive to a computer that doesn’t have room for another one. They are also designed to help computer users access data from a hard drive other than the one inside their computer. A hard drive stored in an external hard drive case should not be used to boot up a computer since it will not perform as well as an internal hard drive.

You simply remove the old hard drive (or in your case, both hard drives) from the non-functioning computer and place it in the external hard drive case. Now, you have an external hard drive! Once the hard drive is safely inside, you plug the external hard drive case into one of the available USB ports on the computer. Now, you should be able to access your files.

Other Options 

Will the computer work with a different keyboard? For example, if you are using a USB keyboard, have you tried the computer with a PS/2 keyboard? Will the Windows load at all? Can you use a mouse? If you can get the computer to function, other options would include uploading the data to an online storage site such as Mozy and then downloading the data to your new computer. 

I’m wondering if I can upgrade my desktop computer for under $300? Specs: 2.66ghz CPU, 512MB of ram, 80 GB hard-drive, Intel Celeron. Also when I bought it a few years back they said it could be upgraded and is a generic brand. Would just like to play most games like World of Warcraft.

System Requirements and Computer Upgrades

The first thing to consider when thinking about upgrading your computer system is the kind of programs that you are looking to run. In your case, using World of Warcraft as an example, there are specific hardware and software requirements.

Software and Operating System Updates

Whether you are running Windows XP or Vista, you should have all the available Service Packs installed. For XP there are currently three Service Packs, and one for Vista. You can pre-set Windows Updates to run on your system, downloading and installing the most recent software updates as they become available.

Upgrading Processors

As far as processors go, World of Warcraft requires a minimum of 1.3 GHz on an Intel Pentium 4, but manufacturers suggest a dual core processor like the Intel Pentium D. The Pentium 4 sells between $80 and $130 for 2 GHz according to an online price comparison. As with the rest of the components that you’re looking for, you can search online for deals or go into a local computer shop for some specific advice. To stay under your price point you might trade some features for others, and a technician can help you swap things around to personalize your system.

Upgrading Memory

For memory you are currently OK - your computer has 512 MB of RAM, which meets the minimum requirements, as long as you are running XP. For Vista, the minimum is 1 GB and the recommended is 2 GB, so there is definitely room for you to add more RAM.

Upgrading Video Cards

Another relevant consideration for your upgrade is your video card. In order to support the graphics on games like World of Warcraft, you need a good 3D graphics processor like the ATI Radeon X1600 or NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GT. These video cards also have special features like Vertex and Pixel Shaders and superior lighting capabilities. You can find out more about the video card in your computer by right clicking the desktop, then clicking Properties. On the popup screen, choose the Settings tab, and then click Advanced. You will see the model name of the video card on the top of the blue box - you can click Adapter for more information.

Can RAM from a Dell Dimension2400 fit into a Gateway E-4100?

In order for the Gateway to be able to accept RAM from the Dell Dimension, they need to have compatible motherboards. However, there are a few other considerations as well such as available slots and maximum capacity for RAM. Each memory slot is designed to hold a certain number of pins found in memory modules. If the motherboards between the two computers are identical or compatible, then the memory module slots probably have the same pin capacity. I’ll go over what you need to know to make your decision about placing the RAM from the Dell to the Gateway.

Swapping RAM

Reusing RAM is usually possible as long as it isn’t damaged or defective. The most important point to remember beyond that is the memory modules must be compatible with the computer that it is going into. Using RAM chips is a task that should be taken cautiously since they can easily be damaged if not handled correctly.

Dell Dimension 2400

First, you can check the type of motherboard that the Dell Dimension 2400 has since it will determine the type of RAM that is used with it. Once you have that information, you would also need to determine the type of memory module that is used. Typically, you can get by with knowing just the memory module information since the motherboards are probably similar if they are using the same type of memory.

In your case, the Dell Dimension 2400 is designed to take PC2100/PC2700/PC3200 DDR SDRAM DIMM memory modules. It has either Intel Celeron or an Intel Pentium 4 processor with 2 slots set up in the motherboard to take in additional memory modules. 

Gateway E-4100

The Gateway E-4100 is designed to take PC2700/PC3200 DDR SDRAM DIMM memory modules. It has an Intel Pentium 4 processor with 4 slots (2 sets or 2) set up in the motherboard to take in additional memory modules. It can only use a maximum of 4.0GB of memory, so you cannot exceed that amount. That means that you need to know how much memory you already have in the Gateway.

Swapping RAM from Dell Dimension 2400 to Gateway E-4100

First, you need to check out how much RAM you have on the Gateway so that you don’t exceed the allowable limit. To do so, right click on “My Computer” and select “Properties.” You’ll be able to see how much RAM you have near the bottom of the box that appears. Check your documentation on the Dell to see which type of RAM is installed. You cannot use the 2100 since it will not be compatible with the Gateway. However, if the Dell has either PC2700 or PC3200 DDR SDRAM DIMM memory modules, you will be able to swap. Alternatively, you can use a free memory checker application such as Aida32.

If I install a new upgrade memory module, do I have to back up everything on my computer or is it just as simple as removing the old module and installing the new one?

Memory Upgrades and Data

When completing a memory upgrade, it isn’t necessary to do a data backup. The data is stored on the computer’s hard drive, not its memory sticks. This includes your operating system, device drivers, documents, photos, and all other data. Therefore, you can remove the old memory module and insert the new one in its place. You can also insert the new one into an available slot next to the original memory module unless the original one is defective.

Memory Upgrade

One of the most important parts of adding memory is making sure to purchase the proper type for your computer. Refer to your computer’s documentation to see what type of memory you need to purchase.

Installing new memory can sometimes void a manufacturer’s warranty, so make sure that you check the status of your computer’s warranty.

How to Install Memory

When installing new memory, check the specific instructions offered on the memory package as well as those offered for your computer. Not all computers are designed alike, so the slots for installing memory might vary. In general, you will insert the new memory into the first slot or the one with the lowest numbers. However, this might not always be true, so you should also refer to your computer’s manual prior to completing your memory upgrade.

Follow these steps to install memory along with the directions from your computer’s manufacturer:

1. Turned off the computer and disconnect it from the power source. Allow the power to drain before you begin.
2. Ground yourself by touching something metal just prior to opening your computer tower. This will prevent a shock from occurring and damaging internal parts.
3. Open the cover of the computer tower carefully. Typically, this involves removing some screws.
4. Remove the old memory module now if you so desire. It should have a couple of clips that you can push that will release it from its place easily.
5. Open the new memory module. You need to grasp it carefully by the edges. Try not to touch the contacts as this will damage the module.
6. Insert the new memory module into the designated slot per your computer’s manual or if you are removing the original memory, place it in the newly vacated spot. It might be necessary to hold the module at an angle and then move it up in order to get it in. Make sure that the clips on the module are in the proper spot.
7. Check that the module is in securely.
8. Replace the computer tower cover.
9. Turn the computer on after you have reconnected all of the components.
10. Check that the computer’s OS recognizes the memory module by following this path: My Computer>Properties>General.

I have a Samsung monitor and the ‘brightness’ window pops up without me doing anything, stays there and then disappears again. What can I do so it does not continuously pop up?

Check your Monitor Settings

While it’s unlikely, you might want to check that your monitor brightness key isn’t stuck on the keyboard. At the top of the keyboard there is a row of keys. You should see one that looks like a sun getting bigger. Check that the key isn’t stuck and that the monitor popup screen works when you try to adjust it.

Failed Hardware Component

Unfortunately, this might be a hardware component problem that requires technical expertise and a part replacement. According to Samsung, this is a known problem with some of their monitors and is related to a faulty chip on a circuit board that needs to be replaced. The part is inexpensive - around $20 - but the repair is sensitive and, unless you are a trained technician, you should probably let an expert do the work.

Send your Monitor to Samsung for Service or Take it to a Technician

If you want, and if you can spare your computer for a few weeks, you can get in touch with Samsung and they will send you a repair label that you can use to ship it to them for service. Otherwise, get in touch with the dealer you bought it from, especially if your computer is still covered by warranty.

Monitor Troubleshooting Tips

If you want to try some troubleshooting steps before you send your computer to a repair dealer, here are some things to try.

Update your Monitor and Video Card Drivers

You can start by updating your monitor drivers to make sure that there isn’t a software update you are missing.

1. Click Start, then Control Panel, and then System and Maintenance
2. Choose Device Manager
3. If you are asked for an administrator password, provide one or press Enter
4. Find the monitor listing and double click it
5. Choose the Driver tab, and then Update Driver
6. Follow the on-screen directions to complete the update
7. Repeat the process for your video or graphics card

I hope these steps are useful. If you are still struggling with your computer, you might want to consider contacting a remote technical assistant. At Filetonic we recommend the services available here. A remote technician will work through the problem with you step by step and help you determine the cause of the problem. Good luck!

I just recently bought a refurbished Sony VAIO VGN-SZ3XWP/C.  First, there are some pre-installed software (trial or otherwise) that I want to remove to reclaim disk space. Is the uninstall function in CCleaner enough to remove this, or is there a better, more permanent way? Second, Sony’s website states max RAM is 2GB. Is this definite, or is there room for an upgrade? Third, I would like to have access to Ubuntu on this laptop. What is your opinion on dual booting (considering it’s a Sony AND loaded with XP)? Or do I just keep on loading the CD and use Linux direct from the CD to protect my Windows partition/installation? Lastly, what options do I have on upgrading the CPU and hard disk on this laptop model? Can this model take SSDs? Any other upgrade options I missed?

This laptop is a few years old, so it can be a little difficult to get information on this particular model, but I think we got most of it covered. Let’s take each question one at a time.

Uninstall Programs

By all means, use the CCleaner to uninstall unwanted or trial programs. It works a lot like Windows Add/Remove programs, but can often be a bit more thorough. If you want to go the standard route, you can do it manually. Go to Start and then Control Panel. Choose Add/Remove Programs. You will see a list of currently installed programs. Click the program you want to remove and choose Remove. You will get a question confirming this is what you want to do. Confirm and the program should be gone.

Max Ram

As Sony says on their site, 2GB is the maximum RAM for this machine. It ships with 1GB installed but will support up to 2GB. It has two banks of one socket each for a total of two memory sockets. This Sony will support up to two individual RAM modules.

Dual Boot with Ubuntu

You should be able to dual boot with Ubuntu although there is an unusual partition setup with three partitions on the drive. You may need some help in installing the Grub bootleader. There is some dual boot information on linuxquestions.org and full instructions on an XP/Ubuntu dual boot on Ubuntuhelp.com . That should give you a head start in the installation.

Upgrades

You can replace the original hard drive with a 200GB or 250GB hard drive. You can also use a 7200 RPM rather than the 5400RPM to speed it up. You will need a SATA drive, as this laptop doesn’t support parallel ATA. You may want to think hard about upgrading your hard drive because apparently you have to take a good deal of the machine apart to do it. There are step by step directions on this laptoplogic website.  The jury is out on SSD - some users say yes and others say no. I’d contact Sony directly to hopefully get a definitive answer.