Forum Home
Press F1
Thread ID: 46728	2004-07-03 08:28:00	FAQ. Draft for picking over/on.	Murray P (44)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
249571	2004-07-06 14:17:00	I haven't checked this for size against the original post, it may be bigger, it may not be, it could be ;) There could be a few missing bits and some unecessary ones . It's pretty hard to trim or get everything into a general FAQ like this, pointing out other resourses like the PF1 FAQ's and Search function several times will hopefully cover most things . It's the old, damned if you do damned if you don't, suggestions are still welcome though . I haven't had much of a spell or grammar, alternative/better word(ing) check, suggetions . . . . . (think I broke OO spell check ;( HELP ;) ) No grizzles for the sake of it please, constructive comment . Thoight I'd get in first :D Go to it then, don't be shy . Mod ah! there you are, once this is all good to go, what then? Cheers Murray P FAQ # 101 . How To Get Effective Help on PF1 . Help Us Help You . Not the Pocket Version . If you have come here from the Sticky “How To Get Effective Help on PF1 . Help Us Help You . ” well done, welcome and read on . If you have found yourself here via the Press F1 FAQ page there is a much shorter version posted near the top of the forum message board which will give you a basic idea of how to get the most effective help from Press F1 and it's members . This FAQ is intended to help you ask the correct questions with regard to your computer related issue and therefore to get relevant replies in return . In order to accomplish this you will need to provide some information that, perhaps, you do not know right now but, hopefully will know where and how to get it soon . Please spend a little time reading and absorbing this FAQ . Feel free to print out a copy by going to your web browsers File menu and choosing the Print option . Some problems are hard to diagnose, in fact virtually impossible to do so without at least knowing what operating system you are using, what errors or error messages you are getting and most probably some basic hardware information as well . Links to software that will provide comprehensive information about your computer are located further down the FAQ . So, what do we need to know?: Your Topic Title (the subject of discussion) Try and make the topic of your post as specific to the problem or issue you want resolved . If a particular programme or hardware device is causing you trouble or you want to know something about it, put it in the topic title . For example: “Internet Explorer, Page Not Found” or “PC wont start, Invalid System Disk” or “Win XP Stop Error, You don’t need to include every minuscule detail, very few issues will require that all the information listed above is needed (straight off) . Just include what you think is relevant initially to keep people from nodding off reading your post but, if you can, have more information at the ready . The Question, Your Post: What operating system (OS) is installed on your computer? The operating system allows to interact with your computer, basically,it communicates with your hardware and software applications and you on a level that you can Internet usefully . There are many operating systems and versions of the within the same operating system . Examples of common operating systems are: Microsoft Windows (MS Win) - Windows 3x, Windows 95 A, B & C, Windows 98 & 98SE, Windows ME (Mellenium), Windows NT (lots), Windows 2000 and 2000 Pro, Windows XP Home and XP Pro . Note: Windows 95, 98, 98SE & ME are collectively known as Windows 9x . Windows NT <<is NT needed?>>, 2000 variants & XP varients are all based on NT (New Technology) Additionally to the above flavours of MS Windows there have been many Service Packs (SP) and patches issued by MS . These are identified by SP followed by a release number, for example Windows 2000 Pro SP 4 The least information needed is the major version as described above . If you can supply SP and patch information, absolutely fantastic as this information can have quiet a significant bearing on how your issue is approached . It is not too hard to find this information on a Windows based PC but, the method varies a little between some of the versions, with a little help it will become second nature: Windows 3 . x - >>> <<Can someone please provide this 3x info>> Windows, 9x, 2000 & XP - The Control Panel Method:Right click on My Computer choose Properties > System > General tab or click on the Start icon > Settings > Control Panel > System (or System Properties) . In Windows 98, 98SE & Me, to display all the Control Panel icons, you may need go to the Tools menu > Folder Options > View tab and make sure the circle or check box next to “Show hidden files and folders is checked . MS Info Method, For Windows Me only - Click on the Start icon > Run, and type MSINFO32 in the text box click OK or press Enter on your keyboard . >>> Windows NT <<is it needed? If yes, how?>> Other information on the System Properties, General tab includes, the computer name, registration key, Central Processor Unit (CPU) type and speed and the amount of installed RAM less any shared with onboard video if this applies . Most of the important system settings can be carried out from within the Control Panel, if you have issues you will most likely end up in there at some stage . If you cannot access the Control Panel and/or System (Properties) try the CD discs or manuals that came with the computer . Don't worry if you can't get all the information, you will still get help especially, if you have tried . UNIX, Linux & Mac, etc OS users, sorry not much specific info for you here but, the same general information requirements are the same . OS name, distribution, version, kernel version, hardware platform, etc . For Linux information see FAQ # 80: How To In Linux . Put you OS type in the topic title to attract the people with knowledge to help you . What do you think the issue is related to: Is it the operating system, a programme, hardware or a combination of both? Your not expected to know all the answers to this but, if you can include in your post, what you were doing at the time, what programme you were using and, if you know, what other programmes were running at the time . What hardware or device were you using at the time . This will most likely be related to the programme you were using or visa versa . For example, if you were playng a game that requires the game CD to be inserted in the CD player then, this is a hardware device that is worth noting, along possibly with your video/graphics card, sound card, etc, etc . Strange noises or a lack of the usual clicks, whir's and lights can point to a hardware problem or a lack of the commodity known as electricity (you have checked, haven't you) . If you do not know how to find out what start up programmes run, all the programmes and processes that are running on your computer guidance can be given . As per the game example above, what you need to find is probably specific to your particual issue . Which leads nicely to the next subject . What error messages are you getting, what is happening? Note down as much detail as you can about any error messages you receive . Is the error message in a little pop up dialogue box or is it a full blown Blue Screen of Death error (Windows’ famous blue background with white text error screen, a BSOD as it is known) . Does it have an application/programme name or is it a Windows error message . What happens? Does the computer re-boot spontaineously or does something prompt it . Does the computer lock up completely, does it hang momentarily or for a minute or two, does the programme you are using crash (shut down, back to Windows) or does it freeze but other things still work, does everything slow down or stutter? Is there a function missing or perhaps more than one (test it)? Any particular sounds, lights or lack of them . For Example, my printer does not print when I try to print a picture from Word 95 I get a Windows error message “not enough memory to render page” my printer is a . . . . . . This example will get you much further to resovling your problem than “Help, Urgent, my printer wont work, I've tried averything what do I do?” Well I don't know, buy a new one perhaps . What is your basic hardware configuration? It may only be necessary to relate what hardware device you believe to be causing the problem make model and as much other detail as you can provide . It would also be very helpful if you can include the, make and model of the computer and a bonus if you can provide, the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and it’s speed,hard drive size (make and model would be nice too) and how much free space you have left, amount of installed memory (RAM), CD ROM /DVD drive make and if possible model, video/graphics card model (is it onboard) and monitor (if the issue is related to your display, poor playing of games/picture, image editing), sound card (is it onboard?), USB connections/ports, printer, scanner as applicable . If you know your basic hardware as a mattter of course, please include those details . If you do not know, provide as much as you can . Finding the hardware details can be specific to the OS and software installed on your compute . If you have given the previous information regards OS, help on finding out hardware specifics is at hand . Thre are some links to software further down the FAQ that will lead you to handy software utilitys that will provide just about all the information you, and us, need to know about your computer . What is your configuration # 2 more detail, hardware and software? If your question is about a connection to the internet or a network, please include such things as, your internet browser (IE 6 . 0, Mozilla 1 . 6, etc), your email client (same applies as for browser but please be specific Outlook Express [OE] is not Outlook and visa versa), network cards, modem (internal or external, USB or parallel), DSL/broadband modem (or router) and your ISP (Xtra Jetsurf, Clear Highspeed, Woosh, Paradise dialup, etc) . What office suite or major productivity applications do you use, MS Office, Open Office or Star Office, don't forget the versions please . What have you changed recently? Some things just wear out, an outside event or agent damages them or they just stop working for some inexplicable reason . Most problems though, are triggered by something you, your softare or hardware has done in the normal course of usage (I inclide most virus/malaware events in this as bay and large they are preventable, see FAQ #'s 8a, 8b, 8b Spyware, 16 & 18 theask some more questions if necessary Note: Some anti-spyware/adaware prgrammes advertised on the internet actually contain malaware themselves . Please ask advice before downloading anything not recommended on PF1 or do an internet search with the name of the programme “+ Spyware” or “+ Malaware” sans quotes . Have you installed or updated some software recently or perhaps you have put a new video card in (or got your friendly local computer tech to do it)? Is Windows Update set to Auto? Did you click on something while you were surfing the net (especially a pop up) or an attachment in your email client? Perhaps you have updated device drivers or firmware? You don’t need to include every minuscule detail, very few issues will require that all the information listed above is needed (straight off) . Just include what you think is relevant initially to keep people from nodding off reading your post but, if you can, have more information at the ready . What Have You Tried? Tell us what you have tried to fix the problem or what you have done so far to find out what you want to know . Have you checked out the other Press F1 FAQ's or used the Press F1 Search feature (3rd button from right, top of page) unless your looking for a specifc forum members posts the user name and ID are not required . Do use the date funtion unless you want lots of results going back many years, do have a play with the number of results displayed per page, I like 10 per page will laod fast but you will have to move on to the next page sooner, I like 30 . Don't enter too much information into the query box, you will either get too many unrelated returns or none at all . The KISS method applies . By all means have a play around to test it's capabilities . How can I interrogate my computer?: Apart from the Control Panel, Windows 9x (except 95a) & XP versions have a utililty called MS System Configuration or msconfig . To get to it click Start > Run and type into the text box “msconfig” sans quotes, the click OK or press Enter on your keyboard . There is a wealth of OS, software, system process and hardware information in this handy tool but, please, do not change any setting in there if you do not know what they do without first seeking advise . Generally all you will need to do is to click the + symbol next to an item to expand a list of that items properties, version and settings . You will also find a Start Up tab in there form where you can disable start up programmes and utilities, you may be asked to use this feature more often than not . Unfortunately, MS in their wisdom decided to leave this handy feature out of Windows 2000 . You can download the XP version from Inside Project Here ( . insideproject . com/showguide . cfm?guideid=31" target="_blank">www . insideproject . com) download it at the link near the bottom of the page, un-zip it and copy/move to your C:\WINNT\System folder or if you prefer you can get the Windows 98 version from Perfect Drivers Here ( . perfectdrivers . com/howto/msconfig . html" target="_blank">www . perfectdrivers . com), click on the download link to the version you want, this includes a version for Windows 95 if yours does not have it . Other Software There are some really handy utilities that can help you gather all this information and more into one place . You can even print off a report on your computers specification and configuration . What’s more, these system diagnosis and information utilities come in free downloadable versions . Get your copy of SiSoft Sandra Standard Here (ttp://www . sisoftware . net/index . html?dir=dload&location=sware_dl_x86&langx=en&a=) or Get your copy of Everest Home Edition Here ( . lavalys . com/products/overview . php?pid=1〈=en" target="_blank">www . lavalys . com) or Get you copy of Aida 32 Here ( . pcworlddownload . com/system-utilities/diagnostics/AIDA32-Personal-System . htm" target="_blank">www . pcworlddownload . com) You can also get pro or paid versions of diagnostic/benchmarking software but the ones listed above should suffice for most people . Posting Etiquette: Diagnosing computer problems are often a progressive Q & A and a process of elimination, unfortunately we can not see what you are seeing but, we have probably seen it before if you can describe it . Pleas avoid the use of txt, 1337 speek or other abbreviated/coded language . Please keep your questions related to your problem in the one topic thread . If you get no answers to your problem or it does not appear to be getting resolved DO NOT start a new thread on the same problem . Just add another post in your original thread to say that you still need help, maybe you need to add or modify the information to help people understand your problem . Not every problem gets solved but people here do have a good crack at what they can . You do not need to plead for help . Press F1 is a help forum so we are here to help mostly (see exceptions below) . Please don’t debase yourself and clutter up your post with extraneous text that will get in the way of putting your information across clearly and concisely . If the offered fix or fixes works, a quick post to that effect in the help thread you started would be nice but is not mandatory . If the suggested fix(es) don’t work post back with what you tried and what did not or in part did not work . More information may be required, be prepared, provide any new information you have discovered . Please read the Press F1 Forum Rules Here ( . pcworld . co . nz/thread . jsp?forum=1&thread=40651" target="_blank">pressf1 . pcworld . co . nz) and adhere to them . This FAQ is not rules it is a guidline to help you, and us . If you have a topic you want to post that is not directly or remotely connectes to computers, Type OT (Off Topic) in front of the topic title . Now that really wasn't too bad was it! Happy Posting . Cheers Murray P	Murray P (44)
249572	2004-07-06 14:22:00	good job Murray	Greg S (201)
249573	2004-07-06 14:28:00	> Windows 3.x - >>> <<Can someone please provide this 3x info>> Buy a new computer. Moving on...	kiki (762)
249574	2004-07-06 14:49:00	Thanks Greg, I appreciate that. :) Lol, kiki yes, maybe we should set up a fund to get people onto to win95 machines. If we all put in our old 1 & 2 cent coins, it should be heaps. Unfortunately I still need the info (can you do it?), I've probaly already upset those using QDOS, BEOS, SPARC, Minix, and whatever else is out there. Someone should write a FAQ on keeping your historic system going. Cheers Murray P	Murray P (44)
249575	2004-07-06 23:29:00	Hi Murray Can you send me an email address for contact to imnotreallysusanb at yahoo dot co dot nz I have a suggestion I'd like to make off-line. Cheers Billy 8-{) :D	Billy T (70)
249576	2004-07-07 03:37:00	There are some errors re msinfo32 which I will correct. Cheers Murray P	Murray P (44)
249577	2004-07-07 03:50:00	> Hi Murray > > Can you send me an email address for contact to > > imnotreallysusanb at yahoo dot co dot nz > > I have a suggestion I'd like to make off-line. > > Cheers > > Billy 8-{) :D Just keep it clean, Billy, that's all. :p :D	Susan B (19)
249578	2004-07-07 04:17:00	]:) :D	Billy T (70)
249579	2004-07-07 04:28:00	If I could remember by linuxquestions.org login details I'd post what they have... Sign up and begin to make a post - Beside the Subject header they have three examples: Bad = Good = Best = Might be worth looking at to get an idea.... They keep it short and sweet!	Chilling_Silence (9)
249580	2004-07-07 09:20:00	> There are many operating systems and versions of the within the same operating system . > Examples of common operating systems are: > Microsoft Windows (MS Win) - Windows 3x, Windows 95 A, B & C, Windows 98 & 98SE, Windows ME (Mellenium), Windows NT (lots), Windows 2000 and 2000 Pro, Windows XP Home and XP Pro . Note: Windows 95, 98, 98SE & ME are collectively known as Windows 9x . Windows NT <<is NT needed? > > , 2000 variants & XP varients are all based on NT (New Technology) > Additionally to the above flavours of MS Windows there have been many Service Packs (SP) and patches issued by MS . These are identified by SP followed by a release number, for example Windows 2000 Pro SP 4 The least information needed is the major version as described above . If you can supply SP and patch information, absolutely fantastic as this information can have quiet a significant bearing on how your issue is approached . Murray, you are going to have to include all these too ( . securityfocus . com/bid/10517/" target="_blank">www . securityfocus . com) . ;-) ]:) ]:) ]:)	Susan B (19)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8