Need some 'puter help....

tonyb

westmassguy wrote: »

I don't think Tony will mind. If he does, he'll just go after your family

We don't do those things anymore. Much easier to just extort money than finding places to dump bodies.

Yeah, I just use my desktop for surfing, not much else. That's why I won't put too much time and effort into the bugs.

gimpod

@tonyb Sorry to hear you got sucked into the "Forced" Win 10 upgrade when all you needed to do was a clean install of win 7, I just went through the same thing with the "Forced" upgrade but instead of upgrading I just wiped the boot drives (120gb SSD's, For the os only, with windows always keep just the os on a small boot drive) and did a fresh install of Win 7 SP1 and immediately disabled & turned off all updates.

It seems like for the past couple years every time I update Win 7 it breaks more stuff than it fixes, So it's back to SP1 and no updates. Win 10 is a non starter as it doesn't come with or support WMC. So I'll be using Win 7 past 2020 or until I'm forced to upgrade hardware that doesn't have support for or works with Win 7.

Bit of a Rant here:

Funny thing is: Computers were suppose to make life easier and bring us closer together. HA!! IMO just the opposite, I think we're more cutoff and isolated from one another than ever before. Look at the young people on the most part from what I see they would spend all there time on there i-whatever's texting, tweeting, cruising facebook ..etc then spend time in the real world interacting with real people.

Have computers really made life easier? Take the massive amount of paperwork you have to deal with compared with 40 years ago (It seems like I get at least 5-6 pieces of mail every week that require some action on my part to be deal with). Due to computers it seems like we produce more paperwork in one year than that produced in all of human history up to 40 years ago. And if paper wasn't bad enough how much time do you spend dealing with E-mail's all the time hoping you don't get infected with some nasty virus that will brick your system. Every year seems to be worse than the year before.

How many Usernames & Passwords do you have/need and how do you keep track of
them all? Personal Security? With the push towards cloud computing and having all you data in the hands of corporations (they have such a stellar record of keeping your data safe that is if they aren't selling it) this is most likely going to get worse before it gets better.

And then there the constant never ending software/hardware update/upgrade cycle. It seems like every time you get something new be it software or hardware you no more than get it plugged in/installed only to find out it's been replaced by a newer version or needs to be updated. It's enough to make you throw it all out the window and beat it to death with a 50lb flogging maul but you don't because you've been made to believe that you have to have this stuff so you just keep at it until you slowly go bald and insane from it all.

JMO, I could be wrong it's been known to happen.

End of rant!

tonyb

Good points Tony.

I hear ya on the fresh install, but I no longer had the key for my 7 and plus I didn't want to lose the roughly 400 cd's downloaded into it. I 've had the same thoughts as you, only I restored way back, turned off all upgrades and B.S. they like to thrown in that eats up ram. After a while, the 'puter starts acting up and I'm forced into doing upgrades to cure that, which it did, for a period of time. Seems like every 6 months I go threw this....no matter which version of windows I'm on. So now I just let it notify me so I can pick and choose what pertains to me and what doesn't. Amazing how many "security" updates need to be done in a few months time.

I can see why apple lovers love that product over a windows based system. Not as much B.S. to deal with, but they have their own sets of problems too.

Nightfall

gimpod wrote: »

Have computers really made life easier?

Oh yeah. You can order almost anything you want to buy online without getting dressed, getting in your car, driving through traffic (gas, wear and tear, $), going to the store, waiting in a line, and driving back home again.

That's just a single example, there are literally hundreds if not thousands. Not that I'd be able to think of them all.

tonyb

Eh, those things you buy online....are they things you NEED or things you simply WANT ? Everything usually comes with a double edged sword. I often tell the wife at times I wish the internet would blow up.

I know many of us can complain about the social issues from the internet, but what about productivity ? One can certainly make the case for an increase in productivity that the internet created, but we can also make the case for less from those who spend the majority of their day, hours at work even, surfing the net or social media.

tonyb

Well, the same problem has resurfaced in both windows 10 or Explorer browser. Lets say I'm on Polk's forum, I can click on anything within the forum, but if I move outside like to the top or lower bars, the mouse is dead. Can't click on favorites,mail, hit the X to close the page on top, or any icons in the lower bar. Anything within the page and site I'm on is ok. WTF ??

Nightfall

I'd do a full wipe and fresh install of the OS.

lightman1

Nightfall wrote: »

I'd do a full wipe and fresh install of the OS.

I feel fresh after a full wipe. Goes both ways, J.

Nightfall

Back to front only, give your PC another virus.

mrbiron

Sounds like user error....maybe your mouse is dead.

tonyb

mrbiron wrote: »

Sounds like user error....maybe your mouse is dead.

LMAO....maybe, but why would hitting control/alt/delete bring it back ?

We Italians know "dead", and this 'puter is destined to get buried under a bridge in Chicago....if I can find room that is.

westmassguy

tonyb wrote: »

Good points Tony.

I hear ya on the fresh install, but I no longer had the key for my 7 and plus I didn't want to lose the roughly 400 cd's downloaded into it. I 've had the same thoughts as you, only I restored way back, turned off all upgrades and B.S. they like to thrown in that eats up ram. After a while, the 'puter starts acting up and I'm forced into doing upgrades to cure that, which it did, for a period of time. Seems like every 6 months I go threw this....no matter which version of windows I'm on. So now I just let it notify me so I can pick and choose what pertains to me and what doesn't. Amazing how many "security" updates need to be done in a few months time.

I can see why apple lovers love that product over a windows based system. Not as much B.S. to deal with, but they have their own sets of problems too.

Tony, use this program to find your lost Windows and or Office Keys:
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
If it's a retail key, you can just enter it when re-installing windows. If it's an OEM Royalty Key, you'll need to extract the Digital License File. The OEM Key and Digital License require installation via a command prompt.
In any case, you must install the exact same version of Windows 7 you have now.
BTW, have you tried using a different mouse?

gmcman

Tony, how old is your computer? What does it have for hardware?

If It's a laptop and you don't have a SSD drive, get one because they are cheap and will completely transform your system.

gmcman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjsSr3z5nVk&list=RDfjsSr3z5nVk#t=35

gimpod

westmassguy wrote: »

Tony, use this program to find your lost Windows and or Office Keys:
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
If it's a retail key, you can just enter it when re-installing windows. If it's an OEM Royalty Key, you'll need to extract the Digital License File. The OEM Key and Digital License require installation via a command prompt.
In any case, you must install the exact same version of Windows 7 you have now.
BTW, have you tried using a different mouse?

A new or different mouse is the first thing I'd try, I had one do the same thing awhile back after years of use the little micro-switches for the buttons and/or the mouse it's self gets filled up with dead skin and junk. Seeing how mice are not really made to be cleaned I find one I like then buy a 5 or 10 pack. I would suggest picking up a cheap-o usb basic mouse just to test with it takes no drivers so just plug it in & see if it works.

Also if the software @westmassguy (Thanks David ) suggested doesn't work time to spend some money, Seeing how Win 10 is a POS I would jump over to Amazon and order a new Win 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit, System Builder OEM DVD 1 Pack or the 32bit version before there gone as Microsoft no longer sells it but there are OEM versions still in the pipe. BEWARE There are a lot places that are selling a download version and e-mail you an activation key that doesn't work or they don't e-mail one at all. Buy from a known outfit.

tonyb wrote: »

Good points Tony.

I hear ya on the fresh install, but I no longer had the key for my 7 and plus I didn't want to lose the roughly 400 cd's downloaded into it. I 've had the same thoughts as you, only I restored way back, turned off all upgrades and B.S. they like to thrown in that eats up ram. After a while, the 'puter starts acting up and I'm forced into doing upgrades to cure that, which it did, for a period of time. Seems like every 6 months I go threw this....no matter which version of windows I'm on. So now I just let it notify me so I can pick and choose what pertains to me and what doesn't. Amazing how many "security" updates need to be done in a few months time.

I can see why apple lovers love that product over a windows based system. Not as much B.S. to deal with, but they have their own sets of problems too.

@tonyb May I suggest the following to future proof (as much as you can)

1. Find/Get your Win 7 key back, If you can't, get a new OEM System Builders version before you can't.

2. Buy a small (around 120gb) SSD or a laptop HDD to use as a boot drive. So the next time windows takes a dump and it will (all win versions do this from time to time) you can wipe the drive and do a clean install with out losing your music.

3. Buy a 4tb external usb2.0/3.0 HDD to copy at least your music to.

4. Once you've copied your music wipe your HDD and install the small drive as your boot drive, Install the os on it then install your drivers & software to it then format your old drive (use it as a data drive only) and copy your music back to it.

Now your set for the next time windows takes a dump, You can do a clean install and not worry about losing your music. I just did this on my HTPC that has about 10tb's of music and movies on it. I end up doing a clean install about once a year or whenever windows takes a dump. Oh and I never update it as doing so seems to make things worse or breaks something else.

Something else about windows, Doing a version upgrade on top of an earlier version never really fixes anything. Most I.T. guys who know there stuff will tell you it's best to do a Clean Install instead of an upgrade if possible.

FYI: Many years ago a guy who worked for PC Magazine (I think) wanted to know how long windows 98 would run continuously without puking it made it 48 days! Today I think it might be up to maybe 12 mouths max!

YMMV.

tonyb

I think that's the ticket Tony, get an external HD for the music. Pretty much the only thing I care about on the 'puter anyway.

Any suggestions for a decent one ? 4TB is huge, my current collection only takes up 5 GB's.

gimpod

400 CD's in 5GB's? Compressed flac?, 4TB's is more cost effective. You can get a Seagate or Western Digital 1TB USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive for around $60.00 or spend around $120.00 and get 4TB's plus it gives you room to grow and uncompressed music files ..etc, your call.

gimpod

One more thing, I wouldn't use an external hard drive to play music from (access may be too slow) but only use it to backup music and data to for safe keeping.

westmassguy

gimpod wrote: »

One more thing, I wouldn't use an external hard drive to play music from (access may be too slow) but only use it to backup music and data to for safe keeping.

USB 2 has more than enough bandwidth for FLAC or WAV files Tony. USB 2 is typically between 20-30 megabytes/second. Music, regardless of format, is far less.

gimpod

David your right about the typical USB 2.0 bandwidth, For me I've found the bandwidth consistency to be somewhat lacking along with the connectors losing contact over time, So I chose not to stream from USB external drives, funny thing is I don't have the contact problem with my mouse or keyboard, go figure

tonyb

The mouse issue doesn't effect my streaming. The 'puter only has to be on, no mouse clicks needed.

Problem again, just checked and I have no open USB ports. Wireless card for the router, mouse, and printer take them all up. Scratch that idea.

I could however just unplug one, plug in a hard drive and download the music, unplug and store away. Anything wrong with that train of thought ?

westmassguy

tonyb wrote: »

The mouse issue doesn't effect my streaming. The 'puter only has to be on, no mouse clicks needed.

Problem again, just checked and I have no open USB ports. Wireless card for the router, mouse, and printer take them all up. Scratch that idea.

I could however just unplug one, plug in a hard drive and download the music, unplug and store away. Anything wrong with that train of thought ?

No, but you can also pick up a USB Hub, and add more ports.

westmassguy

gimpod wrote: »

David your right about the typical USB 2.0 bandwidth, For me I've found the bandwidth consistency to be somewhat lacking along with the connectors losing contact over time, So I chose not to stream from USB external drives, funny thing is I don't have the contact problem with my mouse or keyboard, go figure

Most aren't designed for heavy usage as you would expect. I've found DeoxIT Gold usually keeps them going.

gmcman

When I upgraded to win 10, I had to update all my drivers for my desktop...everything, graphics card, sound card, ethernet ( this was important), motherboard, LAN, you name it.

gimpod

gmcman wrote: »

When I upgraded to win 10, I had to update all my drivers for my desktop...everything, graphics card, sound card, ethernet ( this was important), motherboard, LAN, you name it.

That's the problem with upgrading windows since XP, you end up upgrading everything. I ended up doing the same thing when I went from XP to 7.

@tonyb Only 3 USB ports? are they even 2.0, If not might it be time for a new one? Just saying.

afterburnt

Tony I didn't read all of this thread but I know winblows pc's seem to die a slow death of bloat before they die of old age. At any rate 5 years is about getting your monies worth although the next pc you buy will be virtually worthless once you drive it off the lot. Back up, reinstall and repeat.

tonyb

I think burying it under that bridge is becoming more and more the solution. Or just use it as a music server and buy something else for surfing.