The Digital Surgery

buksida · Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 8:40 pm Post subject:

Never seen an internet connection speed problem that's LAN card related (though no reason why a dodgy card shouldn't cause data transfer problems), the cards are rated 10/100 and your internet connection will probably be closer to 0.5. Try copying files across the LAN to test the speed (if you have another running PC) or try a different card (if you have one).

SMC is good kit, as is D-link.
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Luctor et Emergo

Super Joe · Ace Joined: 22 Sep 2006 Posts: 1650

Thanks all for help. will see what I can get and let you know outcome.

SJ

Guess · Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 1:23 am Post subject:

Super Joe · Ace Joined: 22 Sep 2006 Posts: 1650

Re: Boosting your wireless range, here's some other options I've read about. I don't know if they're compatable with Thailand signal frequencies or whatever the words are:

1) D-Link RangeBooster USB Adapter: is an 802.11n compliant wireless client for your desktop or notebook PC. It delivers up to 12x faster speeds and 4x farther range than an 802.11g network while staying backward compatible with 802.11g networks.
Connect your desktop or notebook computer to a wireless network and access a high-speed Internet connection, transfer files, and stream media from greater distances around your home or office.

2) Linksys Wireless-G Range Expander - The easiest way to expand your wireless network's coverage or extend the signal into hard-to-reach areas.
Unlike adding a traditional access point to your network to expand wireless coverage, the Wireless-G Range Expander does not need to be connected to the network by a data cable. Just put it within range of your main access point or wireless router, and it "bounces" the signals out to remote wireless devices.

3) 'Windsurfer' Ez-12 Parabolic Reflector - Make at home for free in 20 minutes.
How to make video Link - http://www.metacafe.com/watch/300405/free_wifi_booster/
Cut out template Link - http://www.freeantennas.com/projects/template2/index.html

SJ

richard · Ace Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Posts: 1869 Location: Hua Hin

A couple of dumbos from me again.

This time Outlook (2003) and it may be due to my rogue software supplier

When creating a new message and inserting a contact I quite often get a contact I've deleted. Even had one I never new existed. Could this be the skype link?

Most times I use " to get my @ sign and some times I need to use the @ sign key as shown on the keyboard

Any thoughts?
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Shine on you crazy diamond

Khun Richard of Yorkshire (Halifax) and Hua Hin

Guess · Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 11:48 am Post subject:

buksida · Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 1:08 pm Post subject:

Guess (or anyone), here's a weird one for you ... all of my USB ports have stopped working! - Yes that's all 6 of them at the same time.

I've tried re-installing drivers and the usual stuff but I think it maybe related to my power supply failure the other week, could have toasted part of the mainboard at the same time.

Currently downloading an Ubuntu CD to boot with and try - that will definitely determine whether its hardware or software. Unless you have any other suggestions.
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Luctor et Emergo

Guess · Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 2:00 am Post subject:

I too have had some USB problems after a power cut. but it only affects the two USB 1.0 ports at the front.

If the common component for all of them is the Motherboard interface then this or its drive is the most likely. I use a PCI card for supply of 4 ports + 2 firewire which is what you can do if all else fails. My approach would be.

Look at the status of drivers in Computer > manage devices. Sometimes there is a clue like "no compatible hardware found".

Switch off for 30 minutes to cool and when off clean around the main board with a paint brush.

Boot back up via CMOS config and ensure that the USB device is enabled.

Ensure that the current driver is the one that is know to work and test again. Download Everest Home and RadarSync and run both of them. Everest is just a super System Information that will give clues. Check conflicts but be aware that the higher numbered USB ports do share IRQs. RadarSync will interrogate your drivers and recommend upgrades if appropriate. It can even download them for you.

If all this fails you may have (or can download) a M/B diagnostics program.

If still nothing then now it is time for a PCI card. Under 10,000 Baht I think.
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Remember. A turkey is for life not just for Christmas

buksida · Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 9:32 am Post subject:

All software and drivers check out ok so far so do the BIOS settings - done all the usual stuff. I read a little online about SP3 having problems with USB 2 so uninstalled that but it made no difference. I haven't changed any hardware (apart from the power supply) or IRQ settings which show no conflicts.

The Ubuntu CD will tell me for sure whether its hardware or software related, it should finish downloading today. Meantime I'll have a look at your diagnostics programs.

I thought of the PCI card option but the mobo only has 2 free slots, one is carrying the sound card and the other is too close to the graphics card which is huge - so sadly that option is out.

Unless there is another way (maybe using the parallel or PS/2 port) to convert to USB it could be a new mainboard.

Cussing

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Luctor et Emergo

Guess · Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 11:45 am Post subject:

If it is the laptop, is it not covered by warranty?

I would think that PS/2 would slow things down quite seriously. Centronics (parallel certainly would. 9,600 Baud (bps) x 8, or 9,600 Bps I think.

Are there Firewire and LAN connections. I have definitely seen Firewire to USB adapters and I think UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) to USB adapters. There are plenty of USB to LAN/Ethernet devices. Possibly one of those could work.

http://www.fixya.com/Search.aspx?_s=ethernet+to+usb+conversion#anc_prod

The LAN option may be more expensive as some protocol conversion has to be done but it could support 2 x USB 2.0 at full blast with bandwidth to spare.

As for the root cause of the problem is concerned, I have remembered since yesterday that a hardware error (such as a short) on one port could easily bring all ports down that are connect to the same hub controller on the motherboard.

Is it possible to remove the complete USB assembly from the M/B?
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Remember. A turkey is for life not just for Christmas

buksida · Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 11:47 am Post subject:

Yep - its hardware failure, no USB ports in Linux either Cussing

Its on the desktop so it looks like a new mainboard, currently using shared folders on the LAN and transferring to USB drives from the spare computer.

Dammed annoying.
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Luctor et Emergo

Guess · Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2008 9:47 pm Post subject:

I would certainly look at the LAN options before forking out and shifting bits over to a new board. There are some hub/routers around that may solve the problem and give you some extra future expandability.
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Remember. A turkey is for life not just for Christmas

sessachief · Amateur Joined: 13 Mar 2008 Posts: 32

By using a Mac, does one avoid a lot of the PC problems? Is Thailand a good place to buy one or should HK be the place of purchase?

buksida · Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 12:45 pm Post subject: Re: Mac

Guess · Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 1:41 pm Post subject: Re: Mac