Monday, October 20, 2003		Dr Tribune

Q I have a branded HCL PC with the following configurations: P4, 2 GHz 52 x CD ROM, 40 GB HDD and 128 MB RAM. I am using Reliance mobile Internet connection. I want to know how could I dial phone numbers with the help of dialer.

A Reliance India mobile phone lets you connect to the Internet through its own software, which allows you to dial only Reliance India Internet number. In general, since WLL phones are programmed for dialing out the telephone numbers through specific software only, so I think it would not be possible to dial numbers from the phone dialer. However, you can seek more information from Reliance Infocomm on this matter.

Q I have an assembled PC with the following configuration: Intel P-III/Xenon processor, 800 MHz, 4.3 GB hard disk with three partitions — C: (1.34 GB), D: (1.34 GB) and E: (1.62 MB), 128 MB RAM, Windows’98 OS, Samsung 52X CD ROM, HSP 56 internal micro modem and luminous UPS. My problem is that sometimes the computer restarts without any reason or the red light indicating the hard disk goes off (The CPU fan continues to run in this case and the power button has no effect so I have to disconnect the power supply from the UPS and reconnect it again to get the computer started). Scandisk runs with the message, ‘Because Windows did not shut down properly, one or more of your disks may have errors on it. To avoid seeing this message always shut down from the start menu.’ ‘This happens specifically in the middle of working with some program on pressing any key or clicking the mouse. This problem also popped up while playing games like Deltaforce, EA-Sports FIFA 2002, when the logo of the EA Sports showed up. But I never encountered this problem while playing games like Tomb Raider. I have uninstalled FIFA 2002 but the problem still persists. Please help.

A This problem has nothing to do with the programs mentioned and it could be a matter of chance that you did not encounter any problem in programs like Tomb Raider. This problem is essentially due to weak condensers of UPS, which reboots the system in the normal switching process. If you are sure that the CPU fan continues to run despite power shutdown in the PC, then you can blame SMPS of your computer. To troubleshoot this problem, I would suggest you to start the PC without the UPS. Try running it for a while. If the same problem crops up again then get the SMPS (power supply) checked for errors. Else you should get the UPS checked for weak condensers. I think the solutions lies on these two things only.

Q I have a P III computer (Vintron). Since last few days whenever I try to shut it off, it hangs. As a result, I have to switch it off and on restarting, it goes through the scanning to check any errors. Please advice.

A I would need information about your operating system to solve the problem. Because if it is Windows ’98, then the solution would be different vis-`E0-vis other operating systems. However, in general the problem mentioned clearly indicates that some of shutting down files of Windows has got corrupted, which may cause the problem. Try and recall if this problem has started occurring after the installation or uninstallation of some software as this is the most common cause of this problem. In the absence of information required, generally speaking this problem could be best solved by reinstalling operating system on the same location without formatting.

Q I am interested to buy an assembled PC having P4 with HT, Intel motherboard. I need to know what is the difference between Intel 875 P and D 865GBF motherboard and which one is better for using CAD software like Pro-engineer or ideas? Both motherboards support Dolby 5.1 channel sound. But how can I connect 5.1-channel speaker system with CPU? Do I need extra software/hardware? Please help.

A Rather than the hardware, the choice of operating system is more important in your case. All P4 motherboards are more than capable to handle requirements. However, I would advice you to focus on RAM and the choice of operating system, which you would buy. As far as Dolby query is concerned, all you need is appropriate sound drivers, which would enable the hardware to deliver the correct output. You do not have to connect speakers to the CPU and it would be connected ordinarily.

Q I have an assembled PC-P3710 MHz with 64 MB RAM, 20 GB hard disk drive, 810E Tomato motherboard 56Kinternal modem, Win ’98 and Win XP (where I use the Net). I have BSNL connection. My problem is while using the Net an error appears. "Shut down has been triggered by NT authority system save your program." A note is also given, "remote procedure call service terminated suddenly."

A Unfortunately your PC is suffering from virus attack by some of the latest viruses, most likely MSBlaster. First of all you would need to scan the PC for virus with a standard Virus scanner. Then you need to download the security patch from Microsoft’s Website on a clean media and then apply this patch. Then you would be required to download the specific virus removal tool from the Website of Symantec or McAfee and after reading the instructions clearly for removing the virus, you will apply this virus removal tool to dig out and kill virus.

Q I have a P3, 1GHz, 815 motherboard based system running WinXP, WinMe and RH Linux. My problem is every time I boot the system an error message is displayed stating "CMOS checksum error-Defaults Loaded. Press F1 to continue Del to enter setup." If I press F1, the system boots up normally.

A It appears CMOS battery situated on your motherboard has gone weak, which is causing this problem. You would need to change the battery to solve this problem. However, before changing you can also try to load the default settings in the BIOS feature setup to solve this problem. You can enter BIOS setup by hitting Del at the startup and then choose the option to load either fail safe settings or default settings. If this solves your problem, then there is no need to change the CMOS battery. But if the problem still persists, then you will have to change the battery to solve this problem.

Q I want to know the best extra settings in modem to optimise my Internet speed. I have Conexant’s 56 KBPS internal modem, ATX motherboard, using Windows ’98 SE.

A Normally the default settings are the best settings for the Internet connection and the extras settings come into picture for handling specific problems or requirement. Nowadays with latest modems, modem settings are not detrimental to the Internet speed as the latest drivers take care of fine-tuning modems. So for optimising the Internet connection, I would suggest you first ensure good quality of telephone line coming your home and then make sure that it is free from cuts and joints and unnecessary extensions and gadgets. Do not put your telephone line near electricity wire as in some cases it may cause problem. In the modem settings, you should make sure that you have chosen the correct com port speed, which could be the maximum available.

Q I have Celeron system with D-link motherboard and 1 GHz processor. I have 128 MB RAM. My problem is some days ago, my PC restarted automatically. When I start the PC, it restarts automatically three or four time and then starts off normally. What is the cause of this problem?

A There could be many reasons for such problem. Right from loose connections to fault in the UPS or faulty SMPS, anything is possible. First of all, check all power connections on your computer. Since loose power connections often cause this problem, chances are that checking the power connections would solve the problem. If it does not then you will have to check the UPS and the best way is to run the PC directly on the main power supply without UPS for testing only just to identify the problem. If the problem persists at this level too, check the SMPS for any probable faults. I hope taking care of these will solve your problem.

Q I have P III, 866 MHz machine, 810e Vintron Motherboard, 256 MB SDRAM. My problem is my system crashes in between and restarts. It sometimes hangs and when I try to restart it through power button, it gives a long beep. It also shows blue screen of death with the following message:

"An error has occurred. To continue: Press Enter or return to Windows or press Alt+ Ctrl + Del to restart. You will lose any unsaved information in any open application.

Error: 0E:016F:0000001

Press any key to continue. Is there any problem with the mainboard?

A Three main areas of problem could be on your system. First could be the bad sector on your hard disk. Presence of bad sectors often reflects the symptoms mentioned by you. So as the first step run scandisk in thorough (DOS) mode and figure out if there are bad sectors on your hard disk. If bad sectors are reported, then you can blame them for your problem. However, if bad sectors are not found on your system, then you can try changing the RAM on your system. This kind of problem may also occur due to faulty RAM and your symptom of long beep is a classical symptom of error in RAM. You can either choose to boot your system with a new RAM or with one chip of 128 RAM in Bank1 (if you have two chips of 128 MB RAM thereby making it 256 MB RAM). If the problem is solved, blame the RAM for this problem or else check another RAM chip. Ninety per cent chances are your problem would be solved. However, if the problem persists, you will have to get your motherboard checked for any possibility of errors or burnt components on it.