Too many damn computer problems....

[Mr. Jollypants]

Okay I tried every scenario possible:

1. Unplugged the SATA and power cables from the Vista HDD (back-up). I got the NTLDR error.

2. Swapped SATA cables on the HDD's. It said windows could not boot up due to some hardware problem. I think the Vista HDD is bad. But what's weird is that I can access the files on the HDD if I boot up on the XP HDD.

3. Unplugged the Vista SATA cable from the mobo and the power cable from the Vista HDD and tried booting up. NTLDR is missing again. I thought maybe since the SATA cable was plugged in, it was trying to detect something that wasn't there. Figured it was worth a shot.

4. Left the 2nd SATA cable out, unplugged the power cable from the XP HDD, plugged in a SATA cable to the Vista HDD. Same hardware malfunction error.

I tried booting up without the mobo CD in when I got the NTLDR error.

I went into BIOS and it detects both HDD's and their capacities. I put in my XP CD and copied the NTLDR and NTDETECT file from the XP CD onto my main XP HDD in the windows folder and it didn't help. I don't want try windows recovery atm because if it f**ks something up, I won't have a working HDD and my Vista HDD doesn't have enough space to back up all my s**t.

And if my XP is corrupted, I really don't want to shell out ~$200 for Windows 7. I tried looking on newegg and 7 seems to be the only OS you can buy.

Your at a dead end by not wanting to do something. Figure out what you want to do.

What did the hardware error say exactly?

 

[JohnS.]

It was kind of a long ass message. Something like windows couldn't be loaded onto the hard drive. There's some sort of malfunction and to check to make sure nothing is corrupted.

It's not that I don't want to do something. I just don't want to spend a s**t load of money for a new OS when I don't need it. I would prefer to use XP for the rest of my life. My parents have Windows 7. I f**king hate it with a goddamn passion lol. I love XP.

 

[R3dline]

thread jack like a mother f**ker, but, im having the issue of my mouse freezing on the screen, and it wont do anything and i have to restart. anyone know of a fix for it?

 

[JohnS.]

Is it wireless?

 

[R3dline]

naw its a laptop

 

[Mr. Jollypants]

naw its a laptop

Is it certain spots or random?

 

[pmac193]

thread jack like a mother f**ker, but, im having the issue of my mouse freezing on the screen, and it wont do anything and i have to restart. anyone know of a fix for it?

I have this same problem. For me it happens typically when I am on the internet or when I'm moving the laptop around.

 

[R3dline]

Its just random mostly when i type

 

[Stickyittoyou]

Gigabyte:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128407

Sounds like you have hardware failure... especially since you are getting post messages from your motherboard.

1.) Unplug all unnecessary hardware... (your motherboard has on board video) are you using a PCI-Express Video Card at all? If so take that out as well. (Leave in one stick of ram and the the obvious things like the CPU)
2.)Try to boot up on one stick of ram, if it does not boot up try the other stick of ram; if neither work try slot #2 on both sticks.
3.) If the motherboard posts, and all you get is a Media Not Found (means that your hard-drive was not found) plug in one of your hard-drives and see if you can get further; if it beeps. Take out that hard-drive and replace with the other one.

I'll look up what your error messages mean for that particular model.


As for buying Windows 7, get an OEM version; it's cheaper than the tradition Market Version. Here you go $119 for Windows 7 Professional 64-bit ( 64-bit since you have 4 gigs of ram) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116758&cm_re=windows_7-_-32-116-758-_-Product

This is the Manual to your motherboard. Revision 1.1 (I need to know what Revision Number you have... if you go into this manual close to the beginning you can see how to found out with revision it is that way I can accurately give you the correct manual.)
http://download.gigabyte.us/FileList/Manual/mb_manual_ga-ma78lmt-s2(h)_e.pdf


A: The following Award BIOS beep code descriptions may help you identify possible computer problems.
(For reference only.)
1 short: System boots successfully
2 short: CMOS setting error
1 long, 1 short: Memory or motherboard error
1 long, 2 short: Monitor or graphics card error
1 long, 3 short: Keyboard error
1 long, 9 short: BIOS ROM error
Continuous long beeps: Graphics card not inserted properly
Continuous short beeps: Power error

 

[Mr. Jollypants]

Its just random mostly when i type

Could be driver conflicts, what brand is the laptop?

 

[JohnS.]

Sorry guys. I haven't forgotten about this thread, I've just been terribly busy. Helped a friend's family move from 9am until 9pm on Tuesday, then 8am until 8pm on Wednesday. f**kin whooped when I get home and don't have the drive to do anything. I get out of work at noon today and hopefully I don't have to do anything when I get home...

Sounds like you have hardware failure... especially since you are getting post messages from your motherboard.

1.) Unplug all unnecessary hardware... (your motherboard has on board video) are you using a PCI-Express Video Card at all? If so take that out as well. (Leave in one stick of ram and the the obvious things like the CPU)
2.)Try to boot up on one stick of ram, if it does not boot up try the other stick of ram; if neither work try slot #2 on both sticks.
3.) If the motherboard posts, and all you get is a Media Not Found (means that your hard-drive was not found) plug in one of your hard-drives and see if you can get further; if it beeps. Take out that hard-drive and replace with the other one.

I'll look up what your error messages mean for that particular model.

1) Yes, I use a PCI-E card. I'll try taking it out.
2) Which slot should I use? The one closer to the processor or the one further away?
3) Does it matter which SATA port I use on the motherboard? I think I use 2 and 3 for the HDD's right now and BIOS reads them so I'm assuming it doesn't matter which one I use.

As for buying Windows 7, get an OEM version; it's cheaper than the tradition Market Version. Here you go $119 for Windows 7 Professional 64-bit ( 64-bit since you have 4 gigs of ram) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116758&cm_re=windows_7-_-32-116-758-_-Product

This is the Manual to your motherboard. Revision 1.1 (I need to know what Revision Number you have... if you go into this manual close to the beginning you can see how to found out with revision it is that way I can accurately give you the correct manual.)
http://download.gigabyte.us/FileList/Manual/mb_manual_ga-ma78lmt-s2(h)_e.pdf


A: The following Award BIOS beep code descriptions may help you identify possible computer problems.
(For reference only.)
1 short: System boots successfully
2 short: CMOS setting error
1 long, 1 short: Memory or motherboard error
1 long, 2 short: Monitor or graphics card error
1 long, 3 short: Keyboard error
1 long, 9 short: BIOS ROM error
Continuous long beeps: Graphics card not inserted properly
Continuous short beeps: Power error

As Mr. Jolly pointed out, I'll just get the Windows 7 Home 64-bit 1-pack system builders OEM version for $100.

How do I install a new BIOS? I didn't even know you could that . I'll get you my BIOS version later when I'm home (if I remember ) when I go to boot my computer up.

And the problem with the beeps I have, is that it doesn't match up with any beeps the manufacturer has. It's 1 short followed by 1 long. So I guess it could be a memory or motherboard error but the beeps are backwards for that, according to the manufacturer.

Thanks a lot for the input guys. I'll keep you updated.

Also, I posted on a tech forum and one guy recommended that I get the 64-bit Windows 7 Home AND this processor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103871&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3946032&SID=skim2305X575088.
This is my mobo if you forgot:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128407&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3946032&SID=skim2305X575088

He said my mobo is fine for my needs and the new processor and windows 7 should run more efficiently than my current setup. He checked Gigabyte's CPU compatability list and said it should work.

If I didn't mention it already, I have 32-bit windows XP. According to him, 32-bit XP is limited to using only 3.25GB total memory which perfectly explains why WoW runs so shitty. 4GB of RAM sticks and 1GB from my video card and it's only utilizing 3.25GB? Makes perfect sense to me now. I didn't know 32-bit XP was limited to that little memory.

edit - I forgot to check if WoW works with Windows 7 64-bit... I know my friend has W7 and loves it but I forget if he plays WoW on that computer or if he does on another one. I'll have to ask him.

 

[Mr. Jollypants]

1) Yes, I use a PCI-E card. I'll try taking it out.
2) Which slot should I use? The one closer to the processor or the one further away?
3) Does it matter which SATA port I use on the motherboard? I think I use 2 and 3 for the HDD's right now and BIOS reads them so I'm assuming it doesn't matter which one I use.

1. Try it, but I have a feeling it won't fix the problem.
2. Use the first slot, the one closest to the processor.
3. No, technically it shouldn't make a difference, but you could use SATA port 1 for first hard drive, 2 for the second. Try that and see if it helps.

As Mr. Jolly pointed out, I'll just get the Windows 7 Home 64-bit 1-pack system builders OEM version for $100.

Good.

How do I install a new BIOS? I didn't even know you could that . I'll get you my BIOS version later when I'm home (if I remember ) when I go to boot my computer up.

Don't even attempt it. If you reflash your BIOS and screw up, you now have a completely dead motherboard.

And the problem with the beeps I have, is that it doesn't match up with any beeps the manufacturer has. It's 1 short followed by 1 long. So I guess it could be a memory or motherboard error but the beeps are backwards for that, according to the manufacturer.

Some say memory problem, some say CPU issue. I'm not exactly sure, Gigabyte isn't the best when it comes to documentation.

Also, I posted on a tech forum and one guy recommended that I get the 64-bit Windows 7 Home AND this processor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103871&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3946032&SID=skim2305X575088.
This is my mobo if you forgot:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128407&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3946032&SID=skim2305X575088

He said my mobo is fine for my needs and the new processor and windows 7 should run more efficiently than my current setup. He checked Gigabyte's CPU compatability list and said it should work.

I don't know why he suggested a different CPU
That's the least of your worries at this moment.

If I didn't mention it already, I have 32-bit windows XP. According to him, 32-bit XP is limited to using only 3.25GB total memory which perfectly explains why WoW runs so shitty. 4GB of RAM sticks and 1GB from my video card and it's only utilizing 3.25GB? Makes perfect sense to me now. I didn't know 32-bit XP was limited to that little memory.

WoW doesn't run shitty because of your memory. I ran WoW on 1GB and 128MB video card just to test and I didn't have much issues. WoW is a videocard and CPU intensive program. That's why you see guys with 300 dollar video cards still have FPS problems when they get into extremely popular cities.

Your confused.
It's only recognizing 3.25GB of your physical RAM, not video ram. Programs load into your physical memory for faster access.
Video memory is used differently. Video games load textures into your graphics card memory. This is why with 1GB video cards you can really bump up your draw distance as it's storing the textures and other things it needs for faster access.

edit - I forgot to check if WoW works with Windows 7 64-bit... I know my friend has W7 and loves it but I forget if he plays WoW on that computer or if he does on another one. I'll have to ask him.

It'll work on Windows 7.

 

[JohnS.]

He was saying that if I don't get a faster processor, my current one is bottle necking my potential performance. So getting just the OS is still pointless and getting the quad core with the OS would definitely free up some performance.

And I can't do video for s**t on WoW. With EVERYTHING turned off / on low, I'd be lucky to get 100fps while questing and stuff. If I turn up view distance to even "fair" (2nd lowest), the lag drastically changes. Good is more noticeable and so on and so forth. I max out at maybe 30-50fps in cities, less if they're busy. My friend has the $200+ video card with a quad core and all that fancy stuff. He can get 100+fps in cities even when they're jam packed. Hell, he gets like 2-300fps outside the city.

 

[Logan98036wa]

Buy a mac!!!

 

[JohnS.]

Hell to the no.

 

[Mr. Jollypants]

He was saying that if I don't get a faster processor, my current one is bottle necking my potential performance. So getting just the OS is still pointless and getting the quad core with the OS would definitely free up some performance.

And I can't do video for s**t on WoW. With EVERYTHING turned off / on low, I'd be lucky to get 100fps while questing and stuff. If I turn up view distance to even "fair" (2nd lowest), the lag drastically changes. Good is more noticeable and so on and so forth. I max out at maybe 30-50fps in cities, less if they're busy. My friend has the $200+ video card with a quad core and all that fancy stuff. He can get 100+fps in cities even when they're jam packed. Hell, he gets like 2-300fps outside the city.

There's no point in having a quad core just for gaming and everday use. Your best bang for the buck is going to be a dual core, or if you want more up-to-date triple core. No games have taken full potential of quad cores yet, it's just a waste of money.

Your brain can't see anything more than 72 frames a second, so wanting 100 is a waste as well. If I'm maxing a game out at 150+ FPS, I'll up the quality and look for an average of 70FPS, 70FPS is a great average for gaming. It gives you plenty of overhead for a low FPS of 30.

Maxing out at 50 is good, dip below 30FPS and a game becomes choppy.

 

[JohnS.]

I'll admit, my regular game play isn't bad. 50+fps isn't bad when you're questing and just hanging out. But in cities, and when it takes over a minute to fully load, or when I'm raiding with 25 mans and I drop to 5 fps because graphics get so intense, that's what starts to bother me. My friend plays on the highest setting and he still easily gets 100+fps and loads everything fast, wherever he goes. I'm not looking for huge gains. I just want something more stable and consistent.

 

[Mr. Jollypants]

I'll admit, my regular game play isn't bad. 50+fps isn't bad when you're questing and just hanging out. But in cities, and when it takes over a minute to fully load, or when I'm raiding with 25 mans and I drop to 5 fps because graphics get so intense, that's what starts to bother me. My friend plays on the highest setting and he still easily gets 100+fps and loads everything fast, wherever he goes. I'm not looking for huge gains. I just want something more stable and consistent.

Get an ATI 4870 or ATI 5770.

 

[JohnS.]

My processor or OS won't be bottle necking a new card?

Yikes an XFX 5770 is $150? Well out of a new processor, W7 64-bit OS, or 5770, which do you think would do me the best? Not for graphics but overall performance.I wasn't originally planning on spending much. $200 for 2 things would've been good for me. Obviously I'll sell off my old card for a little money. I bought it new for $125 so I'll probably get $70-$90 out of it, max.

 

[Mr. Jollypants]

My processor or OS won't be bottle necking a new card?

Yikes an XFX 5770 is $150? Well out of a new processor, W7 64-bit OS, or 5770, which do you think would do me the best? Not for graphics but overall performance.I wasn't originally planning on spending much. $200 for 2 things would've been good for me. Obviously I'll sell off my old card for a little money. I bought it new for $125 so I'll probably get $70-$90 out of it, max.

Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103872
Video card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121390

It's over your $200 budget, but this should get you great performance increases.