Built my PC! But I have some Qs regarding stuff . . .

[akwok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by romesaz I've got a 9700Pro, and everytime i install the new drivers, I get errors. However, in my case, its the catalyst desktop thing that causes the problem. Open up settings, add/remove software, scroll down till you find Catalyst, and uninstall it. It hasnt hindered my performance really, at least nothing noticable with everyday use, and I dont get errors on boot up. Also using and MSI board, but mine's a lot older thn yours lol

You need the .Net framework for the new Catalyst control panel to work.

Kirosia :

Are you behind a router?

The thing with most cable ISPs is that they hold onto the router's/network card's MAC address. You might have to wait until it expires, which could be anywhere from a day to a week. If you're on a router, though, there really shouldn't be an issue. Alternatively, you could phone up Comcast and get them to flush what they have.

Have you tried installing the MSI onboard network drivers?

In response to your computer locking up after installing Win XP Pro.. you might want to check up on your temperatures. Try out Motherboard Monitor 5, and then use Prime95 to stress test the CPU. Did you use the stock heatsink+fan? It would be greatly appreciated if you could post the stressed CPU temperatures..

If the temperatures are alright, you might want to try testing your memory to see if it's alright or bad. Try Memtest86.

When does it usually lock up? When you do something stressful? Or is it random?

If you wish, you can contact me via MSN through adriankwok@hotmail.com and I might be able to help you a bit more..

 

[Kirosia]

You may want to be careful writing your email in public (spam)

Well, I'm getting temps of around 97-100 degrees F when the computer isn't doing anything. Course, the case I'm using is said to have horrid cooling.

Still trying ot get it to work. I'm not behind a router, I think. I have installed the msi networkd drives. Hey! Do you think If I removed the ethernet card from this PC and added to the new one, it might work?

 

[akwok]

Spam isn't an issue.. since I've had the account since 1996 and I get around 200 emails a day anyways. It's just for MSN.. so far, around 3000 unread messages.

Hmm. It might.. since the current network card is holding the MAC addy. You could always try, I guess.

Temperatures are fine.

 

[Kirosia]

Quote:

Originally Posted by akwok Spam isn't an issue.. since I've had the account since 1996 and I get around 200 emails a day anyways. It's just for MSN.. so far, around 3000 unread messages. Hmm. It might.. since the current network card is holding the MAC addy. You could always try, I guess. Temperatures are fine.

Hmmm . . is there a way to transfer the mac address? Or input this address into the new PC?

 

[skiingemt]

Since you don't have a router, make sure you have two IP's from Comcast. Your service might only come with one, like mine. I have to pay for an extra one for my phone. The best way to find out would be to connect only the new computer to the cable modem, fully reboot the cable modem, and then start up the new computer. If that is the problem, you could buy a router, or just be lazy like me and pay your cable provider monthly for an extra IP.
I'm assuming you've copied all your connection settings exactly from your old computer to the new one.

Good luck!

G

 

[Kirosia]

Quote:

Originally Posted by skiingemt Since you don't have a router, make sure you have two IP's from Comcast. Your service might only come with one, like mine. I have to pay for an extra one for my phone. The best way to find out would be to connect only the new computer to the cable modem, fully reboot the cable modem, and then start up the new computer. If that is the problem, you could buy a router, or just be lazy like me and pay your cable provider monthly for an extra IP. I'm assuming you've copied all your connection settings exactly from your old computer to the new one. Good luck! G

I tried copying the files using the files transer and settings wizard, but it tells me I have to manually configure/install the connection. I only plan on using the internet with the new PC.

 

[Born2bwire]

Basically, you have to register the computer's MAC address with Comcast. Generally, the provided software will simply automatically route you to a specific URL where you register the computer and its MAC address. Sometimes when I connect an unregistered computer, the browser will link to this page but most of the times I need to type in the URL. So you probably just need to find out what the URL is and register your computer. When you want to use the old computer, you will have to go through this same process since you are paying for only one IP address. If you want to have both of the computers using the internet at the same time, or you do not want to have to go through this process every time, buy a router and register it. The router will allow multiple computers to use the same IP address.

When I setup a computer, the order that I install everything is usually:
1. OS
2. All the motherboard drivers and any extra RAID drivers
3. Graphics card drivers and software
4. Soundcard drivers and software
5. Misc. drivers like mouse
6. Install any desired software (games, utilities, etc.)

You generally want to get the motherboard setup first and then the graphics card. For the most part, the order doesn't matter but it seems to help make everything run more smoothly.

My recommendation for eye candy is Far Cry and Half Life 2. Doom 3 is good but the dark environments tend to make the great graphics and effects more subtle than the bright situations in Far Cry and HL2.

 

[skiingemt]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirosia I tried copying the files using the files transer and settings wizard, but it tells me I have to manually configure/install the connection. I only plan on using the internet with the new PC.

Make sure you check "Automatically detect settings" in your LAN settings, and open your TCP/IP settings windows on both computers and make sure all the settings match. Then disconnect or shut down your first computer, connect and shut down the new computer, reboot your cable modem, and start up the new computer. If that series of events doesn't get your new computer online, I doubt the cd from comcast will help. The only other thing I can think of is manually entering a known DNS server if everything else seems to be right and it still isn't working.

G

 

[Kirosia]

Woooooooo I shut off the modem a few minutes ago, then restarted it, then rebooted the PC, and it somehow worked! I've tried a few times, and nothing happened til now. 800th time is the charm!

Got another Q, is there anyway to increase the volume of the PC? I've maxed out the sound settings, and it's freakin anemic. Do I need an amplifier? My speakers ran crazy loud on the old PC . . .

 

[skiingemt]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirosia Got another Q, is there anyway to increase the volume of the PC? I've maxed out the sound settings, and it's freakin anemic. Do I need an amplifier? My speakers ran crazy loud on the old PC . . .

Yeah... Use headphones! (sorry...

)

Glad it's working!

G

 

[Kirosia]

Quote:

Originally Posted by skiingemt Yeah... Use headphones! (sorry... ) Glad it's working! G

eh, speakers or die!

 

[XxATOLxX]

I believe you need a burn in, my Athlon 64 rig right now used to freeze when its loading something but now that never happens. I think its the CPU's wiring not being used to the currents going through it yet.

Heres what I think you should do:

1. Install the networking drivers for your motherboard off the cd.
2. Install the AMD Athlon 64 Drivers
3. Once you get your internet running, download your video drivers from the ATI website.

Download all the drivers you need from the website, the cd drivers may be outdated and won't work as well as the newer more stable ones.

http://www.msi.com.tw/program/suppor...UID=637&kind=1

 

[akwok]

Sorry ATOL.. there are no CPU drivers .

And CPUs don't really burn-in.. you might have been lucky

. Or something else offsetted the locks.

 

[Kirosia]

it's okay now, it hasn't locked up in awhile. Still wonder why the volume output is so low . . it's annoying. Doesn't even reach comfortable levels. And damnit, Someone gimme a freakin' giant crt!

I can say one thing, the video quality is real nice. Running the desktop 16x12 and things are smooth. But the fan tends to spin faster at this res when I do something. I'd go bigger, but I still wanna be able to read words.

I do need to upgrade the drivers for everything though. Already got catalyst and realtek ac97 on the desktop.

 

[Imyourzero]

What are you using for audio, the onboard sound? Also, where did you adjust the volume level? Did you go to Control Panel --> Sounds and Audio Devices, or in a utility that came with the drivers?

BTW, I'm surprised you chose that BenQ burner over the NEC 3520A which seems to be the most recommended burner. I've heard the BenQ has better write quality, but the NEC is certainly no slouch in that department and it has frequent firmware updates that constantly improve it. Seems like a great drive!