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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.

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.