So I've had these two computer problems for a while...

[ashitaria]

One of them has been a problem since two years back I think, from when I moved to America. I have been able to access to web through web-browsers perfectly, but I have never been able to access to web via other programs (example, updating anti-virus, playing MMORPGs, etc.). I've tried disabling firewalls, putting exceptions, but nothing works.

Another one of them is much more recently, problem relating to sound. There hasn't been any sound lately, no system sounds, no random sound, no nothing. It happened since a month ago when after I disabled some start-up programs. Now I can't find which one allows sound.

I need help because these problems are killing me. Advice?

 

[ProxyAmenRa]

Format your hard drive and reinstall a localized version of your os.

 

[ashitaria]

How can I format it without using a C-D?

 

[ashitaria]

How can I format it without using a C-D?

Oh yes, and will I still be able to use on-going programs by just transferring the files and data? Will they start-up automatically?

 

[Dormouse]

Poor Ashitaria, his request for technical help overshadowed by the dramedy of a relationship thread.

That said, I can't help you.

 

[Sparrow]

System Restore...to a date where you did not have these problems?

 

[JUN]

Lol, 14 year olds and computers.

 

[y4r5xeym5]

I agree with Proxy. My first thoughts would go to the region settings on your software. You could try to open up your ports first though...that could solve the problem for you.

 

[ashitaria]

I don't have a system restore file, so I can't just magically system-restore and get shit done.

And I have tried opening ports through the fire-wall exception section but it hasn't worked yet.

As with region settings, how do I do that?

Off-topic stuff:

@Ran, from this point on, I'm ignoring you.

@Dormouse, I agree. All these stupid relationship threads reek of the bad old, "I'm handsome and smart but I can't connect with people because I'm too brilliant" bullshit.

 

[s0nystyle]

If you bought your computer from a large manf. such as gateway, dell, HP there should be a system restore icon in your start menu, or a system restore CD that shipped with your computer. This system restore program should be able to reset your computer to its factory settings which allows you to enjoy not having to deal with the BIOS and reinstalling all of your drivers again (trust me it is a SERIOUS headache). The whole process should take only about 30 min to 1 hour depending on how much crap it needs to delete etc.

If you build your own computer, then i guess you're out of luck . I remember there was an option in the "control panel" that allowed you to turn on or off the OS sounds, but i'll have to check again to find out where it is. What OS are you running Windows XP, ME, 2000, Vista, 7? OSX Linux? It would make things alot easier to for me to help you troubleshoot.

About your games, update dilemma, trying connecting to your router to see if there's a default firewall running. Normally it's 192.168.1.1 if you have a Linksys, but it might be different if you have a different router manf., i suggest searching online to find out.

Once you have access to your router (default password should be admin i believe if that doesnt work try reseting your router through the 'reset' button), check to see if it's running a default firewall. If it isn't and you're still having problems, have your router open up specific ports for your programs like WOW or something.

It should look something akin to: "starcraft.exe" open ports "6150" through "6150" "enable".

If you have some way of online communication i can troubleshoot you in real time if you'd like. just send me a PM

 

[ashitaria]

If you bought your computer from a large manf. such as gateway, dell, HP there should be a system restore icon in your start menu, or a system restore CD that shipped with your computer. This system restore program should be able to reset your computer to its factory settings which allows you to enjoy not having to deal with the BIOS and reinstalling all of your drivers again (trust me it is a SERIOUS headache). The whole process should take only about 30 min to 1 hour depending on how much crap it needs to delete etc.

If you build your own computer, then i guess you're out of luck . I remember there was an option in the "control panel" that allowed you to turn on or off the OS sounds, but i'll have to check again to find out where it is. What OS are you running Windows XP, ME, 2000, Vista, 7? OSX Linux? It would make things alot easier to for me to help you troubleshoot.

About your games, update dilemma, trying connecting to your router to see if there's a default firewall running. Normally it's 192.168.1.1 if you have a Linksys, but it might be different if you have a different router manf., i suggest searching online to find out.

Once you have access to your router (default password should be admin i believe if that doesnt work try reseting your router through the 'reset' button), check to see if it's running a default firewall. If it isn't and you're still having problems, have your router open up specific ports for your programs like WOW or something.

It should look something akin to: "starcraft.exe" open ports "6150" through "6150" "enable".

If you have some way of online communication i can troubleshoot you in real time if you'd like. just send me a PM

I bought my computer from Toshiba but I don't see a restore option, and this computer was given to me by my school, so no help there. Even worse, this is a tablet pc, and the re-format CD is reserved by the school's IT support (which is in Singapore), so I can't restore everything unless I fly all the way back to Singapore.

I'm using Windows XP Tablet PC Edition.

As with the rest, I'll be trying them out.

Btw, my respect for you have increased five times.

EDIT: Everything works fine on my mom's computer though, so I don't think it's the routers fault. I think it is more likely to do with my computer...

 

[s0nystyle]

http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/...skIris&searchString=system+restore+CD&x=0&y=0

Information:


Toshiba notebook computers ship with one of the following types of CDs for recovering / restoring the software configuration on the hard disk drive of the computer to the state it was in when it left the factory.
Restore CD

Recovery CD

Reconfiguration CD

Configuration Builder CD (CBCD)

These CDs are very valuable, and should be kept where they will be safe and easy to find. Should you encounter a computer problem that requires professional service, you may need one of these CDs to fully recover / restore your computer back to the state it was in when it left the factory.

Recovering / restoring your computer to its factory configuration should be done only after careful consideration, as the procedure reformats the hard disk drive, removes the operating system and all applications, and deletes all of the data stored on the hard disk drive. Before starting a recovery / restore process on your computer, verify that you have a good working backup copy of both your applications and your data files. Once you have completed the recovery / restore process, you will need to re-install any software applications that were not pre-installed at the factory, as well as your data files.

CAUTION: Once you have started the recovery / restore process, do not attempt to stop it in any way. You may seriously damage your system.

If you see a "Wrong Machine" error message when trying to use your Recovery CD, please see our Support Bulletin "Wrong Machine" error message when restoring pre-installed software.

Replacement Recovery/Configuration Builder CDs

Toshiba's third party software suppliers / licensors impose severe restrictions limiting Toshiba's ability to replace lost or damaged Restore, Reconfiguration, Recovery or Configuration Builder CDs.

If you have lost, misplaced or damaged the Recovery Configuration Builder CD(s), you may elect to recover the system manually (see below) or you may have the recovery performed by the Toshiba repair depot, for a nominal service charge.

Toshiba Depot recovery service
For notebooks that are still within the warrantee period
The service charge for recovery is $75.00, which includes shipping and any required packing materials. Payment may be made via credit card or cashier's check.

For notebooks that are out-of-warranty
The service charge for recovery is $75.00, which includes shipping and any required packing materials. There is also a $35.00 charge for the initial call to the Toshiba Call Center. Payment may be made via credit card or cashier's check.

Toshiba Depot contact information
Once you have decided to arrange for recovery at the Toshiba Depot, call 800-457-7777. Choose the option for "non-technical concern".

Manual recovery: You can manually reinstall the operating system on your computer. A retail edition of the Windows operating system may be purchased from a computer retailer. You can download the correct drivers and utilities for your computer from the Toshiba Service and Support website at http://www.pcsupport.toshiba.com

Important notice:
While Toshiba makes many device drivers and Toshiba applications available via the Internet, Toshiba's third party software suppliers / licensors restrict Toshiba's ability to deliver many of the bundled application titles via the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to DVD player applications, office productivity applications, and entertainment applications.

$75 is kind of steep for a recovery disk, but im sure you can find one for cheaper online. If u want, theres always the possibility of finding your computer model's BIOS online->hose the hard drive ->reinstall windows. Sorry i couldn't be of more help

Edit: Oh yeah, if you're strapped for a ver of Windows, i'd suggest getting a ISO image of XP and copy it to a disk. If you're lucky the serial# is still slapped to the side of your tablet .

 

[ashitaria]

http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/...skIris&searchString=system+restore+CD&x=0&y=0

Information:


Toshiba notebook computers ship with one of the following types of CDs for recovering / restoring the software configuration on the hard disk drive of the computer to the state it was in when it left the factory.
Restore CD

Recovery CD

Reconfiguration CD

Configuration Builder CD (CBCD)

These CDs are very valuable, and should be kept where they will be safe and easy to find. Should you encounter a computer problem that requires professional service, you may need one of these CDs to fully recover / restore your computer back to the state it was in when it left the factory.

Recovering / restoring your computer to its factory configuration should be done only after careful consideration, as the procedure reformats the hard disk drive, removes the operating system and all applications, and deletes all of the data stored on the hard disk drive. Before starting a recovery / restore process on your computer, verify that you have a good working backup copy of both your applications and your data files. Once you have completed the recovery / restore process, you will need to re-install any software applications that were not pre-installed at the factory, as well as your data files.

CAUTION: Once you have started the recovery / restore process, do not attempt to stop it in any way. You may seriously damage your system.

If you see a "Wrong Machine" error message when trying to use your Recovery CD, please see our Support Bulletin "Wrong Machine" error message when restoring pre-installed software.

Replacement Recovery/Configuration Builder CDs

Toshiba's third party software suppliers / licensors impose severe restrictions limiting Toshiba's ability to replace lost or damaged Restore, Reconfiguration, Recovery or Configuration Builder CDs.

If you have lost, misplaced or damaged the Recovery Configuration Builder CD(s), you may elect to recover the system manually (see below) or you may have the recovery performed by the Toshiba repair depot, for a nominal service charge.

Toshiba Depot recovery service
For notebooks that are still within the warrantee period
The service charge for recovery is $75.00, which includes shipping and any required packing materials. Payment may be made via credit card or cashier's check.

For notebooks that are out-of-warranty
The service charge for recovery is $75.00, which includes shipping and any required packing materials. There is also a $35.00 charge for the initial call to the Toshiba Call Center. Payment may be made via credit card or cashier's check.

Toshiba Depot contact information
Once you have decided to arrange for recovery at the Toshiba Depot, call 800-457-7777. Choose the option for "non-technical concern".

Manual recovery: You can manually reinstall the operating system on your computer. A retail edition of the Windows operating system may be purchased from a computer retailer. You can download the correct drivers and utilities for your computer from the Toshiba Service and Support website at http://www.pcsupport.toshiba.com

Important notice:
While Toshiba makes many device drivers and Toshiba applications available via the Internet, Toshiba's third party software suppliers / licensors restrict Toshiba's ability to deliver many of the bundled application titles via the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to DVD player applications, office productivity applications, and entertainment applications.

$75 is kind of steep for a recovery disk, but im sure you can find one for cheaper online. If u want, theres always the possibility of finding your computer model's BIOS online->hose the hard drive ->reinstall windows. Sorry i couldn't be of more help

Edit: Oh yeah, if you're strapped for a ver of Windows, i'd suggest getting a ISO image of XP and copy it to a disk. If you're lucky the serial# is still slapped to the side of your tablet .

I don't have a windows CD, and there's alot of serial numbers strapped at the bottom of my Tablet PC (not side sorry) and I don't know which one to pick.

I searched online and I found out how to reformat without any disks, but I don't a windows XP CD to reinstall with, and I'm scared that I'll screw up the system. Anyway:

http://grownupgeek.com/reformat

 

[s0nystyle]

like i said before, just download an ISO image of the CD and copy it to a disk. I think you can do it with Daemon tools or Alcohol 110%

edit: is it ok if i give him a dl link to it or is that against the forum rules :X? i'll upload my own copy if thats ok

 

[walfin]

Have you checked your sound drivers? Device manager. Remove if sound adapter present and detect again to reinstall driver. Or try remove, disable in BIOS, reenable.

EDIT: Everything works fine on my mom's computer though, so I don't think it's the routers fault.

Maybe router specifically allows her MAC address? Worth a check.

Would they have a vested interest in preventing you from playing games?

 

[ashitaria]

Sony, I would really appreciate it if you do. It would be great, you've been so much help.

Walfin, I've already tried everything you mentioned except for the MAC address thing. May I ask how to allow that?

 

[JUN]

Here's food for thought, do you have full access to everything in your computer ? As in, do you use your full administrator account ? Sometimes windows blocks MMO's access to the interwebs as well as Antivirus' updates due to microsoft douchebaggery.

If so, google "grant admin full control" and that could possibly solve some of your problems. Another solution would be that your don't really have the windows firewall turned off.

If this fails, prepare for Re-installing OS. Also, the sound related situation is clearly because you fucked up when deleting programs in the start-up... Another thing you can do is pick up terms related to your problems in google, for example:

"your internet service name" + "your OS" + "can't play games online"

That always works.

 

[ashitaria]

Here's food for thought, do you have full access to everything in your computer ? As in, do you use your full administrator account ? Sometimes windows blocks MMO's access to the interwebs as well as Antivirus' updates due to microsoft douchebaggery.

If so, google "grant admin full control" and that could possibly solve some of your problems. Another solution would be that your don't really have the windows firewall turned off.

If this fails, prepare for Re-installing OS. Also, the sound related situation is clearly because you fucked up when deleting programs in the start-up... Another thing you can do is pick up terms related to your problems in google, for example:

"your internet service name" + "your OS" + "can't play games online"

That always works.

Yes, yes, and yes.

I've already tried everything except for re-installing OS which I am currently discussing. Thanks for the help though.

 

[Claverhouse]

$75 is kind of steep for a recovery disk, but im sure you can find one for cheaper online.

I find the idea of paying for an operating system quaint and old-fashioned --- like paying for healthcare or toll roads as in the early 19th century --- but recovery disks for Lenovos are $19 here. Obviously you couldn't use that, but you may find Toshiba variants elsewhere for about that price.

Otherwise you might try a network install --- the link is 404ed from this page, Tablet PC Buzz forum, however, instructions are given here:
http://forum.tabletpcreview.com/toshiba/3090-reinstall-windows-xp-tablet-pc-edition-recovery-cd.html

and here:
http://home.allegiance.tv/~joem298/


It's pretty horrible... After installing linux it usually takes about three days to get sound working, which is boring but doable; but crap like this makes me realise why I am lucky never to deal with Windows again.




Claverhouse

 

[s0nystyle]

im a little busy writing a eulogy for myself in my speech class, so i suggest trying to torrent the ISO. I don't really remember how to rip CD images to a new CD, but i know how to mount the ISO, sorry i couldnt be of more help.

 

[ashitaria]

I can't access internet through programs remember? So I can't torrent, only download through web-browsers.

 

[Claverhouse]

Yet an unscrupulous person might set a discreet and unseen torrent to run on their mother's computer, burn the iso to a cd, then delete all trace of the torrent program.

BTW, I assumed this ex-school computer was a Toshiba: apologies if mistaken.




Claverhouse

 

[ProxyAmenRa]

Yet an unscrupulous person might set a discreet and unseen torrent to run on their mother's computer, burn the iso to a cd, then delete all trace of the torrent program.

BTW, I assumed this ex-school computer was a Toshiba: apologies if mistaken.




Claverhouse

Just use a vpn or proxy and deleting a program does not remove it off the hard drive; you may want to write over the section or sections that the program inhabited.

 

[ashitaria]

I'll try. But I have yet to find a Windows XP Tablet PC iso yet...

Keep trying...

Sigh.

 

[Claverhouse]

http://www.torrentz.com/search?q=Windows+XP+Tablet


At a quick glance I would assume this is one of those multiple rar ( zips ) types of torrent: usually one ( having got Winrar or similar unzip programs ) right clicks on the first file ( or any, really ) and chooses 'extract here' and the whole file extracts. The torrent is under a GB so downloading ought to only take a couple of hours.




Claverhouse

 

[walfin]

It's pretty horrible... After installing linux it usually takes about three days to get sound working, which is boring but doable; but crap like this makes me realise why I am lucky never to deal with Windows again.

Unless, of course, you're one of those unlucky chaps whose onboard sound is unsupported by ALSA.

Not all of us want to fork out money for a dedicated sound card.

Walfin, I've already tried everything you mentioned except for the MAC address thing. May I ask how to allow that?

All I can tell you is go to the IP address of the router through the web browser. From there on you're on your own (just read the manual/documentation on the router). I assume you have the admin password of the router.

Are you using onboard sound or dedicated sound? If the former: AC97 or HDA? If the latter: what card?

 

[s0nystyle]

i know opera has a built in torrent dl'er, im not sure about Firefox or IE though

 

[ashitaria]

Thanks for all the advice guys!

When I have time this weekend, I'll be checking everything out. In the meantime though, I'll sit and wait.

Hopefully, this will all turn out alright.

 

[Claverhouse]

Unless, of course, you're one of those unlucky chaps whose onboard sound is unsupported by ALSA.

Not all of us want to fork out money for a dedicated sound card.

I am one of those unlucky chaps. Asus M4A78T-E seems to dislike most of my other hardware, and OpenSUSE; and the onboard sound was non-existent. Even my previous Creative card which had worked perfectly with the previous computer and the same OS version didn't work. Eventually I bit the bullet and bought a $10 card...

However, linux sound is generally a mess no matter what you get to work: there are too many layers, and Pulse is a layer too far.




Claverhouse

 

[walfin]

Eh I've never had problems with Creative (well, I've only tried Audigy & later) on Linux. Even jackd/Rosegarden works (always have problem with Onboard MIDI on Linux).

But supporting Creative is a matter of national pride for some of us. After all, it's supposed to be the only Creative company

I think ALSA has done a good job of getting rid of sound API hell confusion (how the **** does a newbie understand what to set the sound backend to in kcontrol audio configuration?).

As an aside, has ash tried any *NIX before?

 

[Claverhouse]

Eh I've never had problems with Creative (well, I've only tried Audigy & later) on Linux. Even jackd/Rosegarden works (always have problem with Onboard MIDI on Linux).

But supporting Creative is a matter of national pride for some of us. After all, it's supposed to be the only Creative company

I think ALSA has done a good job of getting rid of sound API hell confusion (how the **** does a newbie understand what to set the sound backend to in kcontrol audio configuration?).

Note it was not linux which had a problem with the Creative Audigy ( although Creative is not renowned for being linux-friendly --- and how the **** does anyone first realise that to get sound off an Audigy you first must MUTE the Analog/Digital Output Jack then run alsaconf ? Particularly as a/ with some Audigies you UNMUTE that and b/ you are not supposed to run alsaconf post OpenSUSE 11.1 ) but the mf motherboard...


Generally, if you can get OSS, it works fine: Alsa works with a bit of effort; but Pulse is awful.




Claverhouse

 

[s0nystyle]

http://www.amazon.com/SteelSeries-S...et-White/dp/B000V9AU6Y/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_2

i'm lazy and use external soundcards

 

[NeverAmI]

You said it shows as fine in Device Manager? (No yellow exclamation mark)

You should attempt to find the audio chipset and download the drivers, reinstall them and see if that re-introduces sound.

And you said you can access the internet with programs other than simple web browsers on your mom's computer on the same network/internet connection, right?

If that is the case, it has to be some sort of port/socket issue on your comp. Try using a bittorrent cient and setting it to use port 80 or port 443.

Can you access https (port 443) sites? https://www.gmail.com for example. What about FTP (port 21) ftp://adeskftp.autodesk.com/.