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I’m not sure if it’s the software but there is a vertical black flashing bar on my monitor. Sometimes it goes pitch black and it’s really annoying. Can you help me, please?

Troubleshoot your Monitor

The monitor distortion you are seeing could be a result of a monitor failure. The easiest way to approach the problem is by trying another monitor on your computer to see if it works. If you can connect and use another monitor without a problem, then the issue is most likely your monitor, and it might need to be replaced. You can go one step further and connect your monitor to another computer as well and see if it works there.

Refresh the Screen Resolution

You can also try troubleshooting the monitor resolution and see if that takes care of the lines.

1. Right click on the desktop, then choose Properties
2. Next, click the Settings tab, and then Advanced
3. Choose Monitor
4. When you see the Screen Refresh Rate listing, click the arrow for the drop down menu
5. Choose either 60 Hertz or the Monitor Default
6. Reboot and see if there in an improvement

Update your Drivers

If the monitor isn’t the problem, it could be a video or graphics card issue. The easiest way to troubleshoot hardware devices like monitors is through the Windows utility Device Manager. To open Device Manager, follow these directions.

1. Click Start, then Control Panel, then System
2. Select Hardware and then Device Manager

Now, using the device manager listings, scroll through and look for your video or graphics card entry. You can click the + beside the listings to expand them. When you find the listing for your video card, right click it to display more details about your card. You can click Update to get the latest results. You might also want to remove the drivers first and then reload them. If you can’t get the latest drivers with the Windows Updater, you can also go to the manufacturer’s website and look on the downloads and drivers page. You can also repeat these steps to update the monitor drivers, which could also be the problem. I hope this helps. If you go through these steps and are still having the same problem, write us again and we can go from there. Good luck!

I received a core i7 965 for my birthday but need advice on the rest of the hardware needed to build it. I want this: 1. Top grade hardware for each hardware category. 2. Top spec cooling system to handle all the heat. 3. All components have to be compatible with each other and must be able run at peak efficiency. 4. Money is not a issue.

These questions are so subjective and a lot depends on what you want to use the computer for. You are definitely starting on the right track with the Intel core i7 965. Here is a build that is designed for the serious gamer.

For the motherboard, a good choice is the Asus P6T Deluxe. It is based on the x58 chipset from Intel and has a host of features including 6DDR3 slots with support for up to 12GB of memory and 7.1 onboard audio and 14 USB2.0 ports.

A computer like this is going to need a good cooling system - one to recommend is the Asetek LCLC (Low Cost Liquid Cooler) Self Contained Liquid Cooling system. It is perfect for high-end gaming applications with a self-contained waterblock and radiator that mounts to any 120mm fan spot and requires zero maintenance.

You have a variety of graphics cards to choose from, but this build has a HIS ATI Radeon 487Ox2 1GB CrossFire X. It supports 1GB of 6DDR5 on each card with a core clock of 750MHz. It features 956 million transistors on a big, heavy system.

For memory, we recommend the Kingston HyperX 3×1GB 1800Mhz3 DDR3. The triple channel Hyper X has speeds up to 1800 Mhz with latency timing of 9-9-9-27 and three sticks of 1GB memory with a heatsink for each.

The hard drive on this build is the Western Digital VelociRaptor 10,000 RMP SATA. It will support SATA at 3.0 GB/sec and has a capacity of 1.6TB, which will hold the equivalent of 375,000 hours of MP3s.

Recommended optical drives are the Sony Optiarc AD-7201A DVD+RW which is good for DVD burning and the Lite On DH4-1S 4x Blu-ray drive.

You will need a good, cooling case, and for this we recommend the ThermalTake Spedo Advance Package Full ATX case. It is a full tower with big fans, snaplock trays to hold hard drives and an innovative cable management system that keeps the case free of clutter.

All of these components aren’t cheap, but if you are into power and gaming they are a good place to start. Good luck and have a great time building your dream system.

We have the good luck of getting a server free. What can we do with it? Can it be used as a normal PC?

Server vs Desktop 

If a desktop PC is a Honda Civic, then a server is a Hummer - the real kind, not some tiny street model.  Built like a tank, a server can do many things that a PC can’t, but you can use one as a normal PC, you just won’t use all of the features. Most often, this question comes the other way around - people want to know if they can use a PC as a server, and the answer to that is yes, but it isn’t a good idea. Using a server as a PC is fine - even better if you can get one for free.

Server Benefits  

Server components are generally designed for round-the-clock duty, and are a lot tougher than their desktop cousins. Servers generally allow for hot swapping of power supplies, fans and disks and usually come with 2 or 3 NICS, one of which will be attached to a card with CPU that is designed for remote monitoring. A server will have a faster processor and lots of RAM with room for more in most cases. It will have a top-of-the-line hard drive and a more powerful cooling system, as the unit will tend to run a lot hotter.

Server Pitfalls 

On the downside, a server will run more loudly, and that might be a problem depending on where you put it in your home. It will also have only rudimentary sound and video capability as is. All you should need to do is to install the operating system of your choice - Windows XP or Vista or Linux . You shouldn’t have to replace any of the hardware unless there is a problem with a specific component. You may also need to download updated firmware drivers and BIOS from the server’s manufacturer. In some cases, there is no port on the server for a mouse or keyboard, but you can simply get USB devices for these.

Enjoy your good luck with your free server, install your operating system and get the peace of mind that comes from knowing it will be that much harder to run this unit into the ground.

I have an eMachine computer. When I turn on the monitor it says ‘video cable connected’. What does this mean?

Video Cable Connected Error

There are a couple different possibilities for the Video Cable Connected message. It could mean that the video or graphics card isn’t connected properly or is burned out. Or it could mean that your computer monitor is dead. Either way, the message means that the computer can’t communicate properly with the monitor.

Test your Monitor

The easiest and least expensive way to start troubleshooting this error is by testing your monitor. The easiest way to do this is by connecting it to a functioning computer tower. If you don’t have another computer to try it on and can’t borrow one, you can take it in to a computer shop and they will probably try it for you for little or no charge. In this case, just ask the tech to check if the monitor works.

Update your Graphics/Video Card

If it doesn’t, then you will need to replace it. If it does work, then you can test the graphics card on your computer. The first step is to update the graphics card driver.

1. Right click the My Computer icon, then choose Properties
2. Choose the Device Manager tab
3. Scroll through and find the Display Adapters listing. Click the + beside the listing to expand the contents
4. Note the name and manufacturer of your video or graphics card
5. First, right click the device and
   1. Choose Update, this might be sufficient to update the driver OR
   2. Choose Remove and go to the video card manufacturer’s website and look for a downloads and drivers page, or check under the support option
      1. Choose the correct driver for your model
      2. Follow the offered instructions to download the driver - save it to the desktop
      3. Click twice on the desktop icon and follow the instructions
      4. Turn your computer off, then reboot

Reseat your Graphics/Video Card

This might do it. If not, you can open the computer and take the video card out and then reposition it. Sometimes this process, known as reseating, is sufficient to reset the card. Before you open your computer, unplug it from the power source and take steps to ground yourself to protect against static electricity. Use your computer user’s manual to locate the video card, then open the computer and reseat the card. I hope that this works for you. If you need more help, let us know. Good luck!

Why does the door to my system’s unit keep opening and closing by itself continuously?

I’m not sure which door you are referring to but I suspect it’s the tray to the CD or DVD. This is a fairly common problem with several possible causes ranging from mechanical and software issues to a prank. Let’s take a look.

Mechanical Causes to Random Ejects

If there’s a mechanical problem, such as a broken part or a piece of debris lodged in the device, the tray may malfunction. Inspect the drive for damaged gears or debris. A can of compressed air is helpful for clearing debris. Depending on the physical damage, replacing the drive is often the fastest and cheapest solution.

Software and Device Driver Issues

Another possibility is that the software or the device drivers are to blame. Update your operating system first. Windows Update often updates CD and DVD drivers, so your computer may stop opening and closing the door after an update. If not, go into Device Manager and find the affected drive in the list. Right-click it and choose Uninstall. When you reboot the computer, Windows will detect the drive and reinstall it using the appropriate device drivers from Microsoft’s database.

If you prefer not to uninstall the driver, you can also use Device Manager to update it. Double-click the device in the list and see if any error codes display in the General tab. If so, the error may tell you what to do to resolve it. To update the driver, click the Driver tab followed by Update Driver. Use the Automatic option to search for updated drivers online. You will need to reboot your computer to complete the process.

Jokeware

This could also be a form of malware often referred to as “jokeware.” Some developers enjoy playing harmless pranks on unsuspecting computer users. It’s possible that your computer has fallen victim to a program that instructs your computer to eject the CD tray. This is the least likely possibility. However, it won’t hurt your computer to run a complete anti-virus/anti-spyware scan so plan on doing so just in case.

I have an IBM Thinkpad laptop and one of the buttons has come off. How can I fix it?

I’ve been there myself. When my son was about two, he used to pry the keys off of my daughter’s laptop. Turns out, there’s quite a bit of engineering beneath the keys of a laptop. In my case, I was usually able to find all of the missing pieces and re-assemble them. It’s tricky because each tiny piece must be fitted back together in a specific manner and then carefully “popped” back into position on the keyboard.

Find All Key Pieces

Each key on your keyboard is connected to it with several interlocking hinges and tabs. You will need the missing key and its related pieces. Depending on your exact model, you will have several parts including the key cap, clips, and hinges. The internal components of the key fit together much like a folding lawn chair. These clips and hinges move up and down, giving your keyboard its “springy” feeling.

Putting these pieces together is a bit like putting together a puzzle. It takes patience and a steady hand. If you search the Internet for pictures of IBM Thinkpad key replacements, you should be able to find images showing you how the pieces should look once assembled. If you’re willing to deal with two key replacements on your Thinkpad, you can also gently pry another key off of your keyboard, taking care not to fully disassemble it.

Order Replacement Keys

If any of the key’s internal components is missing, you will need to order a replacement key. These internal pieces are extremely small and nearly impossible to find once dropped onto the carpet.  Go online and search for “replacement laptop keys.” You should find several vendors selling replacement keys for your Thinkpad.

Not all keys are made alike. Notice how your laptop keys have different shapes and sizes? When ordering a replacement key, you’ll need to specific your exact model of Thinkpad as well as the exact key that needs to be replaced.

Once your parts arrive, carefully assemble them into position on the keyboard and snap the key cap into position.