So, here's the thing: I started up the computer today only to find my display settings bumped down to the lowest levels. Thinking that was weird, I reset them how I like, and went about my business. But I then I saw that, while "browsing," my "browser" seemed to be redrawing the screen in fits and starts, instead of cleanly and smoothly. I've noodled around with various settings, to no avail. What's the deal?
What, details? Uh, I've got XP. An old Compaq 150i monitor. Oh, and every so often I'll start up the computer and the monitor refuses to come to life; it has power, but seems to receive no single until I shut down and jiggle the cable a bit. I've assumed the connections on my motherboard were starting to rust away, since my USB ports don't work.
Oh, and I thought it might Firefox's problem, so I tried IE, but the same thing happened, and then I tried a large text file, and, once again, madness.
So what's the easy and cheap solution?
Posted by Sol System (Member # 30) on :
Oh yeah, one other oddity. When I went to shut it down, and indeed even now, where I should be presented with three options (restart, shut down, stand by), I only get the first two, with the stand by button faded out, mocking me.
Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
The first problem sounds like a graphics card issue. You could fiddle around with various settings, but it'd be easier to just download and install the latest drivers. What graphics card is it?
The second sounds like your Advanced, er, thingie settings aren't working. The things that first appeared with ATX cases way back in the dim and distant mid-90s. ACPI, I think. Check your BIOS and make sure it's turned on. And also check the AGP settings while you're there, making sure that they're set to AGP x 2 or 4 or whatever the highest that they'll go is.
Oh, and check Device Manager and make sure there are no yellow exclamation marks after anything.
Posted by Sol System (Member # 30) on :
It turned out I did, in fact, have one of those unhelpful Alert! You're Screwing Everything Up! exclamation marks, for my, uh, "ALi M1541 PCI to AGP Controller." It claimed a driver was missing or broken. I searched, found, downloaded and installed what claimed to be the right driver, and Device Manager congratulated me on my hard work. Nothing, however, has been fixed, re scrolling.
Here's where I sound very, very dumb. I don't know what kind of graphics card I've got, and Windows is not telling me. My smarter, savvier friend asked me if I wanted the video card he, for all I know, took off the corpse of some Chinese infowar grunt. It is a Geforce 2 or something, which impressed me because I haven't bought computer hardware since the 20th century. And you'd think, like, shouldn't that be listed there too? Because that's totally what I thought. In fact, I am 100% sure I have asked my computer exactly what sort of card it is in the past and gotten an answer, somewhere, because I tried downloading a new driver for it but it didn't work.
Today I stopped by an ATM on my way to the theater only to discover that it thinks I have much less money than I think I have. So is it possible that I'm just not cut out for this sort of thing? Where this sort of thing is life after the Spanish-American War?
I will go fiddle with my BIOS, though, and if I ever return, will tell you what happened.
Posted by Nim (Member # 205) on :
Download Hwinfo32 (runs in Windows), install, start, post the specs. It will at least tell you the model and make of the card.
It's probably either ATI, Intel or, like, Netelligent. Either of which has updates on the net, I should think.
Posted by Sol System (Member # 30) on :
Huh. I fixed it. POSSIBLY VIA MAGIC. But no, like, so for a lark I right-clicked on my desktop and selected properties, and noticed that, while I had reset my screen settings through the control panel earlier, when I got to that very same screen this way, it gave me a different set of options. Like, the first way I could resize my screen way up to, well, up to a large size, but this way only let me get up to 1020 or whatever by 7-something. Which is, in fact, where I like it. (After what seems like, and could have indeed been, years of snarky "Are you still at 800 x 600 like a dumb nearsighted caveman?" from you, good sir.)
I have perhaps not explained this very well.
Posted by Sol System (Member # 30) on :
The you in that message is directed towards Liam, written as it were before Nim stole in underneath the civil air patrol. I have, in fact, some variety of NVIDIA GeForce 2 MX/MX 400, apparently, it says. Yet in the past my attempt to acquire the relevant drivers (you would not believe the sorry frame rates I get in, no fooling, Jedi Knight) has ended in sorrow. Solve that problem for me, Flare, and I will throw you a party. Imagine if my computer could finally run, say, Star Trek: Voyager: Elite Force!!!
(I used to be able to just fine, and this computer is faster than ever before, so I'm certain it's a driver issue, but I'll be plumbed if I can figure out the deal.)
Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
1024 x 768 is probably the maximum resolution you could get your screen up to with your graphics card, so if it was showing more earlier on then something was wrong. Which is now better.
Did you restart your computer after fixing that driver problem, then? And are you getting "standby" coming up et?
Anyway, to point you in the direction of the easiest to find graphic card drivers on the intramaweb:
1/ Go to www.nvidia.com 2/ Click on the cunningly named "download drivers" 3/ Click on "graphics drivers", then "Geforce and TNT 2", then whatever your OS is. 4/ GO!
Wasn't the GeForce 2 MX out in the 20th century? You are old school, and not in a good Undertaker style way.
Posted by Lee (Member # 393) on :
So, just to confirm, this is our future, stratching out a meagre living in the online wateland that is a world without Trek?
Posted by Nim (Member # 205) on :
Actually newer drivers from the manufacturer can make a card go faster by utilizing it better.
For your card, that would be the newest and best without going to modified Nvidia-drivers, which although sometimes are even more powarful, are not as safe.
In your case, since you seem to have a "seasoned" windows-install, I would suggest downloading the above, removing your current Nvidia-software in the "Install/Remove software" thing in control panel (this is encouraged by Nvidia to people who have had problems since sometimes a remnant of an old driver can remain even if you install a newer one over it), rebooting and installing the new shit.
After the last reboot, you will still need to go into Graphics settings and choosing what you want (I would say 16bit 1024x768 for your little 15":er :-) ).
Now you should get better stamina in games.
Posted by Sol System (Member # 30) on :
The "Stand By" option is still grayed out, yes.
I will try the rest of all this later.
But, to Lee: are you somehow implying that solving my diverse problems doesn't make for an enjoyable afternoon? Because, I mean, I find solving my problems endlessly satisfying, and don't see any reason why everyone else shouldn't feel the same.
Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
Worryingly, I do actually find it more enjoyable than my job. Which is suppossed to be the same thing, but tends more towards the rather dull "I've accidently deleted a file". Maybe it's because I don't know them. Or maybe it's just because getting paid for something always seems to make it less fun.
Posted by Sol System (Member # 30) on :
Not to mention how great it is to help all your awesome (and attractive) friends from across the globe, right?
Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
Have you gotten yourself a decent haircut yet, because we're not talking until you do. Take Jeff with you, as he also needs one.
Posted by Sol System (Member # 30) on :
This reminds me that I need to get my Texas pictures developed, including one of me hopefully looking cool in San Antonio.
Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
The world holds it's breath.
Why are you up at this time, anyway?
Posted by Cartman (Member # 256) on :
"Wasn't the GeForce 2 MX out in the 20th century?"
No, unless you are one of those aberrant freaks who thinks the 20th century ended in december 2000 instead of in december 1999, in which case anything you say from now on is null and void until such time as you abjure, curse and detest every argument you have ever held on the matter. In public.
Posted by Lee (Member # 393) on :
quote:Originally posted by Cartman: unless [Psyliam is] one of those aberrant freaks who thinks the 20th century ended in december 2000 instead of in december 1999
One would hope not, since that would mean he and Tim agree on something, and in which case the universe will shortly fold in on itself.
Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
Or Tim would fold in on the universe. Either is possible.
But no, I don't. So we're all okay. Although Cartman's apparently photographic memory with regards to everything I've ever said is scary.
Posted by Lee (Member # 393) on :
Yes, he does do that, doesn't he? Unless he's merely TEH FLARE SERACH FNUCTION KING!!!
Posted by Sol System (Member # 30) on :
My sleep schedule is highly erratic.
Posted by Toadkiller (Member # 425) on :
quote:Originally posted by Lee: Yes, he does do that, doesn't he? Unless he's merely TEH FLARE SERACH FNUCTION KING!!!
Hence the need for fancy net spellings -- it slows him down. Suddenly the last decade makes sense.
Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
Well, most things. Jeff's haircut is still inexplicable, inexplainable and inexcusable.
Posted by Lee (Member # 393) on :
Um, remind me, which Jeff, and what exactly are these tonsorial irregularities he possesses?
Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
Dear-killer Jeff. And his haircut has bought much shame to his family, so terrible it is. Avert thine eyes!
Posted by Nim (Member # 205) on :
Dear, sweet Jeff. Legs that would go all the way up, headlights that would burn a hole right through your soul.
Posted by TSN (Member # 31) on :
Both inexplainable and inexplicable? Wow.
Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
Intolerable, too.
Posted by Lee (Member # 393) on :
Incredible?
Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
Most certainly not.
Posted by TSN (Member # 31) on :
Inconceivable!
Posted by OnToMars (Member # 621) on :
You know, I'm actually tremendously curious to know what Sol System looks like.
Posted by Sol System (Member # 30) on :
Just some nerdy runt, is all.
Posted by Siegfried (Member # 29) on :
Sol System is an Adonis. Yes, he's a little nerdy what with the aviator sunglasses, the dressing all in black, the working on the farm, and the book-learning he does. But that nerdy fa�ade is a powerful undercurrent of raw, animal sex appeal and studly charm. Sol System is the unsung, unappreciated fourth member of Flare's Sexified Foursome.
Posted by Home Decor and Gardening (Member # 239) on :
That is disturbing.
These threads remind me of 1999! Should't like, you guys all be like 35 now and be on like, the Stair! Home Improvement Forums or like doing golf?
I've read that at least one of you has managed to produce a baby, and while I don't condone it in the least, nor wish any of you others to attempt the same, it seems to be what y'all should be trying to do, anyway.
There are no uteruses in the control panel, is all I am saying.
Posted by Sol System (Member # 30) on :
I don't really dress all in black, though. At the moment my jeans are black, sure, but they have, like, goofy red lettering down one side. My shirt is white, and has a cartoon image of an anthropomorphic bull on the front, standing beside his pickup, which has "Dallas or bust" written on the tailgate. He has apparently recently been or is on his way to fish, judging by the equipment visible.
Incidentally, both these items were gifts.
Posted by Siegfried (Member # 29) on :
I was only twenty back in 1999. I suspect that's true for a good number of regular posters here. Besides, some have moved on the full embrace of adulthood. Lee is married and has a daughter. Jay has a daughter. Aban's getting married.
Besides, uteruses are not the end all and be all of life, is all I am saying.
Posted by Home Decor and Gardening (Member # 239) on :
I'd imagine if you got into technicalities, they might very well be.
Posted by TSN (Member # 31) on :
Well, from the description, and the fact that the image is in Simon's Flare Upload folder, I'd guess he looks something like this.
Posted by Sol System (Member # 30) on :
I'm certain those frames are going to be in style next spring.
So I went to NVIDIA's website, and downloaded their GeForce/TNT driver for Windows XP, and then I thought, hey, I'll play a little Diablo II, and then my computer hilariously crashed, and then it crashed again on the reboot, so I junked their driver and deleted everything. Well, this is what happened the last time, so I am more or less resigned to it.
But, like, remember how earlier I couldn't find any "display adapter" listed in that there device manager? Now I can. What's the deal here? Because in the absence of evidence to the contrary I am going to assume that the box is filled with pure voodoo.
Posted by Cartman (Member # 256) on :
"Yes, he's a little nerdy what with the aviator sunglasses, the dressing all in black, the working on the farm, and the book-learning he does."
And the leafy posing. I bet that was his own idea, too.
Posted by Sol System (Member # 30) on :
God.
Posted by WizArtist II (Member # 1425) on :
quote:Originally posted by Siegfried: Besides, uteruses are not the end all and be all of life, is all I am saying.
And yet....where would we be without them?
Posted by Siegfried (Member # 29) on :
I have a very cynical and sexist answer to that.
Posted by Jason Abbadon (Member # 882) on :
quote:Originally posted by Sol System: God.
Yes? I really wish you people would be clear in your requests- I've got quite the backlog just now.
Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
quote:Originally posted by Home Decor and Gardening: That is disturbing.
These threads remind me of 1999! Should't like, you guys all be like 35 now and be on like, the Stair! Home Improvement Forums or like doing golf?
I've read that at least one of you has managed to produce a baby, and while I don't condone it in the least, nor wish any of you others to attempt the same, it seems to be what y'all should be trying to do, anyway.
There are no uteruses in the control panel, is all I am saying.
This post would make a lot more sense if you actually weren't, y'know, around all the time.
And in my defense, I am trying to learn to play golf.
Posted by Jason Abbadon (Member # 882) on :
Hey, I'm always at least trying to get laid.
...and golf is a sissy game. All golf courses should become housing for the homeless.
You Liam, are the root cause of all of society's problems, what with your Mario Cart and games of leisure.
Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
You have just lost 2000 points and go to the bottom of the list of people here who get responded to. Even below MrNeutron.
Cart, indeed.
Posted by Nim (Member # 205) on :
quote:All golf courses should become housing for the homeless.
Yes, and vice versa.
Posted by WizArtist II (Member # 1425) on :
The only sport that exceeds the stupidity of Golf is Baseball.
You're standing there with this big stick and some guy, who obviosly doesn't like you, hurls this spherical cannonball at your head at 100 MPH.
Now, an intelligent person would first take his big stick and hit that offender's buddy sitting all toad like behind you just waiting to tackle you from behind. Then he would go to that little hill and perform an act of retribution upon the offender. After all, he has already expended his arsenal with his initial attack. But NO.... what do these idiots do? First, they THROW away the big stick, THEN they take off for that little hill. Usually about halfway there, they get tackled from behind. And these guys make hundreds of thousands per year!
Golf? You basicly are playing fetch... with YOURSELF.
Posted by Sol System (Member # 30) on :
Your intelligent person seems to not be intelligent enough to figure out the concept of a game.
Also, tackled?
Also, hundreds of thousands? Maybe 90 years ago.
Posted by Captain Boh (Member # 1282) on :
quote:Originally posted by WizArtist II: The only sport that exceeds the stupidity of Golf is Baseball.
You're standing there with this big stick and some guy, who obviosly doesn't like you, hurls this spherical cannonball at your head at 100 MPH.
Now, an intelligent person would first take his big stick and hit that offender's buddy sitting all toad like behind you just waiting to tackle you from behind. Then he would go to that little hill and perform an act of retribution upon the offender. After all, he has already expended his arsenal with his initial attack. But NO.... what do these idiots do? First, they THROW away the big stick, THEN they take off for that little hill. Usually about halfway there, they get tackled from behind. And these guys make hundreds of thousands per year!
Golf? You basicly are playing fetch... with YOURSELF.
I didn't realise that intelligent people went around clubbing others.
Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
Let's go clubbing!
Posted by AndrewR (Member # 44) on :
Baby Seals? You monster!
Posted by Balaam Xumucane (Member # 419) on :