waldwolf

As Firefoxx stated, you need to determine the true source of the problem.

Personally, I have seen many such problems with supposedly defective backlights or LCD screens actually caused by a crack in one or more of the printed circuit tracks of the ribbon cable, which runs between the main laptop case and the LCD/Backlight in the cover. Repeated opening and closing of the laptops cover eventually causes this cable to fail.

If this is the problem, labor & parts repair costs should be minimal, provided the tech knows what he's doing.

good luck

waldwolf

What about the external hard drive - it NEVER sounded like that before.

I have tried it out more today, and it sounds the worst starting up. It is as if it grinds into a halt and then tries again to get up to speed. Eventually it succeeds, but then after a while it will go back to squeaking/grinding again.

Could it be the bearings? It really does not sound like the fan, much more like the spinning action of the hard drive is not satisfactory. I tried to open it, but even with all the screws taken out, it was not very happy to be disattached. I think I will take it back to the shop where I bought it and ask what is as I dont want to mess it up any more by opening it myself.

The external harddrive case will have its own power supply and I assume it has a USB cable connection to the main computer.

With the high voltage shocks you got from the main computer, it is possible a ground wire in the USB cable to the external drive carried a high voltage/current to that drive, damaging the drive motor, drive electronics or the external power supply itself.

If the external drive is as noisy as you state, I would suggest you back up all data while it is still running, as its working life may be very short.

All harddrive motors and platters are sealed and unserviceable, except by professional shops with "cleanrooms" and specialized test equipment. In most cases, attempting to repair a HDD is uneconomical, unless critical data needs to be recovered. Cost to recover such data can run 5-10 times the cost of a new HDD itself.

good luck

waldwolf

If your house lights dim and anyone is getting shocks touching the computer case, you should IMMEDIATELY disconnet the system from all line-power sources, and call in that electrician friend to check your whole house for proper grounds, etc.

As far as the computer is concerned, you should have at least 2 fans in the case, one for the processor and one in the power supply. BOTH of these must be running or the corresponding items they cool will destroy themselves from excess heat. If your main power source (mains) is not properly grounded, or the voltage varies more than ±10 percent, the life of all your electrical/electronic equipment will be shortened. Appliances with motors (eg: A/C, refrigerators, fans, etc.) will destroy themselves, due heat, if the power is much less or greater than that specified by the manufacturer.

If you are also having problems with external hardware (eg: external drives) I suspect it is related to either the specific wall outlet your using or possibly the whole house wiring, effecting the various power supplies.

Take the computer back to the store you bought it from and make sure they connect ALL the fans and check the whole system, completely. If they failed to initially connect the fans, then they are responsible for any damage cause by an internal component failure.

Again, it is vital you have a professional check your home for proper wiring. Failure to do so could cause serious, even fatal shocks or burns.

DON'T WAIT...DO IT NOW !!!!

cheers

waldwolf

For Info:

Microsoft has released their official "fix" for the Metafile (WMF) Vulnerability which could allow remote code execution.

Patch details and application info here.

Download links are shown in above bulletin, or go direct to the Microsoft update link here.

cheers

waldwolf

One "trick" use by many recovery pro's to get a defective HDD working for a short time, is to place the HDD in a plastic bag, and put it in your refrigerator/freezer for an hour or so.

Prior to the old HDD reinstallation, be prepared to do an immediate backup of the most sensative data.

Unfortunately, cost of professional recovery runs very high.

good luck

waldwolf

That's right folks... to fix any problem on your system, simply go to such-and-such website, download an "unknown" executable, and install it on your system.

One would have to be completely naive to install suspect s/w apps from postings on a web forum.  But, it seems like there are suckers born every minute in this world.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Gumball:

In general I would agree with your statement, however in this case the WMF "patch" was developed and is being distributed by two very well known and respected software developers/security experts, namely Ilfak Guilfanov and Steve Gibson.

One also has the option of turning off their computer until January 10th., when Microsoft is expected to release their "fix".

cheers

waldwolf

How about a FREE laptop for every child.

- no batteries or external power needed.

- converts to an eBook

- cost: $100 (US) each (paid by local Government or donated thru private charities)

More info: here.

cheers

waldwolf

Hi Erwin1011:

All computers "beep", usually once on startup and twice on shutdown (varies with make/model, etc.).

What your probably hearing are "error" tones a computer gives out, when a problem is encountered during the POST (Power-On-Self-Test) every computer goes through, at startup.

To determine the exact problem you system has encountered, it would be necessary to know the make/model of computer and the make/model of your BIOS, then to count the number of beeps and type of beeps (dots & dashes).

While a little technical, the following website gives you a good explanation of what many of these beeps mean, based on the computers make/model/bios: Beep Codes

If the above reads like a foreign language, it may be best for you to find a friend or good computer repair shop, for assistance.

good luck

cheers

waldwolf

For info:

The following bulletin provides a year-end summary of software vulnerabilities that were identified by the US Department of Homeland Security, between January 2005 and December 2005: Cyber Security Bulletin 2005 Summary

Additional information, both technical and non-technical may also be found here

cheers

waldwolf

UPDATE (03-JAN-06)

For info, Microsoft has just announced they expect to release a patch to "fix" the WMF vulnerability in windows, on Tuesday, January 10th. 2006.

In the meantime, you may want to download and install Ilfak Guilfanov's patch, the link to-which is shown in an earlier post.

For more details on this nasty business, read the following ZDF online editorial at: http://blogs.zdnet.com/Spyware/?p=737

cheers

waldwolf

One of the better FREE cleaners is EasyCleaner, by ToniArts.

The Finnish developer, Toni Helenius, wrote the first version when he was about 14 years old, and it quickly became an international hit.

Full details and download links here.

cheers

waldwolf

Oh I see !!!!!!!!

Can we get someone to translate all of the aboves into English please and give us all a fighting chance 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi:

Yes, these type "problems" can get quite complicated.

Basically, someone has found a way to utilize a component of windows, to install and run a piece of software on your computer, without your knowledge or permission, simply by your viewing an "infected" website, email, instant message, etc. In other words, you can become infected by just viewing a website, instant message or email. (As of yesterday, more than 100 different pieces of malware have been detected online, which use this windows "Metafile" (.wmf) vulnerability to infect computers.)

Using Firefox, Opera or any other browser vs. Internet Explorer does not prevent you from becoming infected.

For a full discussion of this malware, download the pdf transcript file here (70kb) or the vocal discussion (podcast) here (6.5mb). (NOTE: To save the aforementioned material for later viewing/listening, right click on the "here" link(s) and use your "Save Target As" function.)

cheers

waldwolf

Ive just tried to open my Outlook Express address book, ( V. 5 ) and keep getting this notice...

The address book file has been locked by another application please close the other application and try again.

my problem is finding what the " other application " is....? any ideas please...

Thanks.......... Mumbo

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I assume your running Win98.

Have you tried opening the address book via the START>PROGRAMS>ACCESORIES>ADDRESS BOOK route?

Also, it may be wise to run a virus check on your system, as some malware attempt to "hijack" your address book data and use it to spread more virus's. If you don't have a virus checker installed, use one of the free online versions, such as Symantec, McAfee, AVG, etc.

Also check your STARTUP folder (START>RUN>(enter MSCONFIG in window and press OK) then click STARTUP tab. Make list and examine all programs with boxes containing check marks for "new" unknown names.

Post back your findings.

cheers

waldwolf

Within the last couple of days, a serious malware vulnerability effecting ALL windows systems, has been detected. This vulnerability may allow installation of virus's, spyware, keyloggers, etc on your system, simply by your viewing an infected website or via use of one of the "Messenger" utilities or through infected email.

All browsers, including IE, Firefox, Opera, etc. are effected.

This vulnerability involves exploitation of Microsoft's "Metafile" (wmf) file.

Yesterday, Microsoft released a temporary patch to disable the "Thumbnail" feature in Explorer, Viewer and Fax, however, a superior patch is now available on Steve Gibsons website, here.

Unfortunately, there is NO patch available yet for Windows 95/98/98SE/ME.

cheers

waldwolf

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

UPDATE

Ilfak Guilfanov (the patch author) has developed a "WMF Vulnerability Checker", which you may read about and download here.

waldwolf

Within the last couple of days, a serious malware vulnerability effecting ALL windows systems, has been detected. This vulnerability may allow installation of virus's, spyware, keyloggers, etc on your system, simply by your viewing an infected website or via use of one of the "Messenger" utilities or through infected email.

All browsers, including IE, Firefox, Opera, etc. are effected.

This vulnerability involves exploitation of Microsoft's "Metafile" (wmf) file.

Yesterday, Microsoft released a temporary patch to disable the "Thumbnail" feature in Explorer, Viewer and Fax, however, a superior patch is now available on Steve Gibsons website, here.

Unfortunately, there is NO patch available yet for Windows 95/98/98SE/ME.

cheers

waldwolf

mugopp - If you currently have a good working computer, laptop or desktop, I would personally suggest waiting a bit, as there are some major changes coming later this year which are expected to put considerable downward pressure on the pricing of current machines.

Changes such as:

- New 64 bit "dual core" and "multi-core" processors

- New 64 bit operating systems

- New brighter & lower cost LCD screens

- Larger and lower cost hard drives

- Faster wireless systems

......and an Apple running Windows and a PC running OX 10?

cheers

I believe part of the confusion here is one of terminology. For example, Visa basically have 3 types of "cards":

Visa Credit Card

Be it Classic, Silver, Gold, Platinum or whatever, most of us basically know how a credit card works.

More here

Visa Debit Card

This card is directly tied to one of your bank accounts, and when used, funds are electronically transferred from your bank account to the sellers bank account.

More here

Visa Cash Card

This is a "smart chip" card that is disposable or may also be recharged. You initially charge-up the card (in a specific currency), buy things, then when all the funds are spent, either discard the card or recharge it again.

More here

I believe from earlier posts by George and others working on this project, the "card" they are referring to is either a Visa or Mastercharge "Cash Card", and not a debit card such as described above.

If I am wrong, perhaps George or someone will set me straight. I'm sure the "management" isn't going to waste their time on some trivial scheme, which benefits no-one.

cheers

desi - You may wish to read the following comments concerning a recent tests of air filters by the non-profit organization Consumer Union and specifically comments concerning ionizing air cleaners, such as the Sharper Image Ionic Breeze line.

Do You Need an Air Filter?

Ionizing Air Cleaners May Pose Health Hazard

Ionizing air cleaners get zapped

Danger: Ionizing air purifiers impure

It is easy for all of us to guess at what may be causing your condition. Only a medical professional can rule out a medical conditions caused by diseases such as Leukemia or viral infections like Dengue or Yellow Fever.

If you'll forgive my being rude, stop wasting time. Go see your doctor NOW.

Please keep us advised as things progress.

good luck

bdenner - Before you ran the last test, did you turn off (disable) the Norton AntiVirus and other anti-spyware utilities? If not, turn them all off then check that the Windows XP firewall is also turned off (see instructions below), then run your tests again.(DO NOT disable or turn-off ZoneAlarm.)

To disable the Windows XP built-in firewall:

1) Click START > CONTROL PANEL

2) Click NETWORK and INTERNET CONNECTIONS

3) Right click the desired connection, PROPERTIES > ADVANCED tab

4) Under the heading INTERNET CONNECION FIREWALL, uncheck the box labeled "Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet".

More info here (Note: While your currently running SP1, be aware if/when SP2 is installed, the built-in firewall will be automatically activated.)

Please post back results.

cheers

From the American Lung Association:

Some air cleaners (called ozone generators) use an electrical charge to generate ozone.

Although ozone (also referred to as trivalent oxygen or saturated oxygen) is a necessary part of the upper atmosphere (10-30 miles above us), in the part of the atmosphere we breathe, ozone is a potent lung irritant. It can have damaging health effects, especially for persons with asthma and other lung diseases, children and the elderly.

It is produced directly by ozone generators and indirectly by ion generators and some other electronic air cleaners. The FDA has set a limit of 0.05 parts per million of ozone in indoor air. Ask whether any electronic air cleaner you are considering buying has been tested for ozone production.

The American Lung Association suggests that ozone generators not be used.

More info here and here

bdenner - As francois and others have stated, ZoneAlarm only blocks what you tell it to block. I suspect your problem may be with either your browser (security and/or privacy settings) or with an antivirus/spyware utility.

I assume your running Windows XP(SP1 or SP2) and are using IE6 as your default browser. If this is correct, proceed as follows, otherwise STOP and post back details of your system, OS, browser and antivirus/spyware software in use.

Check that the Windows XP built-in firewall is turned off (disabled). (DO NOT turn off or shut down Zone Alarm.) Next, turn off any antivirus or anti-spyware utilities you have running in the background.

Using Internet Explorer (IE6) as your browser, check the following:

1) Close all IE windows

2) Open one (1) IE window and click on TOOLS > INTERNET OPTIONS

3) Click the SECURITY tab

4) In Security window, highlight each item (starting with "Internet") and click the DEFAULT button. Then go to next item in window, repeat process until all items have been reset to their default status.

5) Next click the PRIVACY tab

6) Check to see, and if necessary, move slider so it reads MEDIUM

7) Click OK to close window.

8) Close IE browser completely.

Now reopen IE and see if you are now able surf to secure sites previously blocked. Do you see "https://" in the browser's address window and a "closed" padlock in window at bottom right of browser?

Post back all findings.

cheers

devel_dog - Take a look at "Second Copy 2000" here

cheers

For info:

Ever wanted to talk to Microsoft about that one feature you wished they would add or change on a product or Web site?

The Usability Research Group at Microsoft is interested in talking to you! All participants will receive a software gift for participating in a study. Whether your a first time computer user or an IT Professional, Microsoft has a study you can participate in. (Note: Children under 17 are also invited to participate, but are required to submit a consent form.)

More info and enrollment form(s) here

Have fun

Mumbo Jumbo - What do you plan to do with this new Apple? (There a big difference between the G5 and a Mini G4, both in price as well as performance.)

By the way, are you aware Apple will be switching to Intel processors in all their computers, starting next year? (Now don't breath a word of this, but my sources tell me Apple will have their first Intel laptop on the market in January. It will use the Centrino M processor. )

Re: the additional memory, for best price, suggest you negotiate same at time system is purchased. (They may throw-in the additional memory as a bonus.)

Take the time to study all your options, before making a decision.

good luck

Wanderer - I assume your running Windows XP. (If your running OS10x on a G5, forget the rest of this post and start praying. )

Have you tried XP's "System Restore" function, to take you back to the day before your troubles started? If not, check these links for instructions:

Use System Restore to Undo Changes if Problems Occur

How to restore the operating system to a previous state in Windows XP

If you did encounter a virus or other malware, it may have damaged the video card driver. If your current card was the original card supplied with your system, try reinstalling that driver from the disk which came with your system or go to the manufacturers website and download the latest version. If it was a later add-on, check that makers website for a new or replacement driver.

If you still have problems, and you have your original Windows XP disk (or can borrow one from a friend) run the Windows XP System File Checker (SFC) to look for damaged or missing dll's. Details here.

Good luck