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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.

I just bought the pieces for a Novatech computer. It is an Asus M3N-HT Deluxe/HDMI AM2 Motherboard - DDR2 - Nforce 780a Sli. G.Skill PK 4GB (2×2GB) DDR2 PC2-8500C5 1066 MHz Dual Channel Kit. The motherboard information says it supports 1066 MHz ddr2 RAM, but it won’t run stable at 1066mhz, so I put it on 800mhz and it runs. Because it does say it will run at 1066 MHz I sent it back to Novatech and they sent it back supposedly repaired, but it still runs at 800 MHz and they say they have changed the motherboard. I don’t want to deal with Novatech - how do I sort this out?

I’ve edited down your questions to just the details - if I have missed anything important, please let me know. Even if your motherboard can support 1066 MHz of RAM, there may be other reasons why it is still showing 800 MHz.

Often, when you put in 1066 MHz RAM, your computer will automatically see it as 800 MHz rather than defaulting right to 1066. You often have to go into the BIOS and tweak around to get it working the way you want. Is there anything on your system that you can disable - things like energy savings features or things in the BIOS that might be down-clocking the CPU? How does the BIOS list the normal operating frequency? What happens when you try to adjust it to 1066? Does it just stay at 800, or does the system crash?  Have you set up the timing and voltage as recommended - others have set it at 5-5-5-18 2.2v?

Flash BIOS

It seems that you have just gotten this motherboard - if so, then the BIOS should be updated. If this is an older motherboard, updating the BIOS may help you increase it to 1066 MHz.  Flashing the BIOS is not without its perils, so be sure that you have everything you need and your system backed up before you try. We have an article that will show you how to flash the BIOS here on our site.

RAM Timing

Have you checked the RAM timing one by one? Try taking one stick out and booting with one stick of RAM. Check the RAM timing - you may have to set the timing manually. If that RAM works, put the other one in and see what the timing says. Doing it one by one will let you troubleshoot any issues individually.

Is this a deal breaker for you? You may find that 800 is working fine for your needs. If you do want to get the full 1066 out of your system, to know exactly what you may need to tweak in the BIOS you might need to contact the manufacturer and explain your problem. It sounds as if they have given your system the ability to support 1066, and now you just need to figure out how to get there.

I have a SONY VAIO VGN-17C and I cannot read memory cards. I also lost the installation disk. How to get on the web something to fix up this mess?

Sony VAIO Laptops

Sony manufactures a dozens of VGN laptops for consumers around the globe. I was unable to find specifics for the VGN-17C though I did stumble across a VGN-TX17C model. Nevertheless, my advice is the same no matter what the model number happens to be. It sounds as though the built-in memory card reader is not working. The first thing to try is to see what the Device Manager has to say about it. The second thing to try is to go to Sony’s Web site and find updated device drivers for your model.

Device Manager

The Device Manager is a useful tool when your computer’s hardware malfunctions. Not only can you view error messages related to your devices, you can update the device drivers which often solves the problem. Right-click My Computer and choose Properties. If you have Windows XP, click the Hardware tab followed by Device Manager. If you have Windows Vista, click the Device Manager link.

Once inside the Device Manager window, find the Memory Technology Driver category and expand it by clicking the plus sign next to it. I’m betting that you will see a yellow warning icon by the Integrated Flash Media Controller. Double click the device and view the error message. Most likely, the driver for the device is missing or corrupt. If so, click the Driver tab followed by Update Driver. Allow Windows to search for the device driver automatically. If Windows finds an updated driver, it will install it. You must reboot your computer for the update to complete.

Another trick is to uninstall the memory card reader while in Device Manager (right click the device and choose Uninstall) and then reboot the computer. Windows will detect the new hardware when it reboots and should automatically load the correct driver for it. Again, a reboot may be necessary.

Sony Support

Sony offers online support for its products. Choose the correct Sony support site for your country and then find the Drivers and Software section. Enter your model number into the form field. Double-check your model number by looking at the sticker on the bottom of your laptop to ensure that no letters are missed. If your model appears, you’ll then see a list of downloads for your computer. Make sure to first select the operating system so that the software listed is for your specific operating system. Look for memory card reader/writer, memory card, or memory stick in the category list. Download and install any updates.  

I have a USB memory device and yesterday, my laptop stopped recognizing it. When I plug it in, the light on it comes on, but the laptop doesn’t make the noise it used to. When I go on “My Computer,” it doesn’t show up. It used to be drive E, but when I tried to “System Restore,” it said this: “Changes made to drive E: after this point cannot be reversed because the drive was either excluded from system restore monitoring, or was turned off or removed.” My USB doesn’t have an off switch. And when I tried it on my home computer, the same non-response happened.

You’ll need to do a bit of troubleshooting first to make a determination as to whether your USB port or memory device is shot and needs to be replaced. Just go through the suggestions here one at a time.

Troubleshooting Unresponsive USB Device: USB Memory Devices

USB memory devices are susceptible to problems that cause them to cease functioning. Taking a USB device out improperly can result in its failure to work. Some USB devices need to be taken out carefully or they no longer work. You can try the USB memory stick in another computer and see if it works there. If it doesn’t, then it is possible that it is broken. You can also try it in another port if you have one available although a completely different computer would offer more definitive results.

Troubleshooting Unresponsive USB Device: Power Source

The first step to take is to disconnect the power to the laptop and let the power drain. This will clear out any residual power that exists in the laptop’s motherboard and hopefully, restore your USB ports. Unplug the laptop and take out the battery. Allow it to sit that way for at least five minutes. Replace the battery, plug it back in, and reboot. Check to see if your USB port and memory device work now.

Troubleshooting Unresponsive USB Device: Safe Mode

Since “Safe Mode” uses the fewest programs and drivers, it offers a better chance for troubleshooting problems. Boot up in “Safe Mode” using these directions:

• Boot up the computer by turning it on and pressing the “F2″ key. You might need to use “F8″ or “F12″ depending on your laptop’s set up.
• Select “Safe Mode with Networking.” Since you might need to install or update USB drivers, it’s important to have that access to the Internet.
• As soon as the laptop boots up, access the “Device Manager” and look for the section on USB. If anything is still wrong, you should see the tell-tale yellow icon that shows you where the problem is. Follow any suggestions to restore it.

Troubleshooting Unresponsive USB Device: USB Support

It is also possible that your laptop’s BIOS is not set to enable USB support for you. It is easy enough to check this and restore it if need be. Boot up your laptop and begin to press the “Delete” key immediately. Now, look in the BIOS for USB support and make sure that it has been enabled.