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Re: Desktop sfw

By: lkorrow in CONSTITUTION | Recommend this post (0)
Mon, 13 Aug 12 5:26 AM | 77 view(s)
Boardmark this board | Constitutional Corner 		Msg. 19291 of 21975
(This msg. is a reply to 19276 by micro)
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Hi Micro, thanks for that info.

I'm most definately going to try the battery trick. But not tonight, as I am still reeling from an overt attack on my PC earlier today. I'll get into it in another post. I remember using a pencil erasor on new (non-computer) batteries to improve the connection.

I'm pretty sure I have a gig of memory, system properties says 1.00 GB of RAM and that's what I thought I bought. I should pull out the invoice. I think I'll call them to inquire on the memory and let them tell me what can fit. I have never upgrade memory before, so I will have to see what it looks like to upgrade it. I have done other stuff inside, so it shouldn't be a problem.

The power supply is something I never thought to clean! Smile

I'd rather not buy a new PC now if I can avoid it, but what brand PC do you recommend? I have had two dells, I went with them because they were a corporate brand and I was very happy with the one I used at work. I had an Optiplex first, then went with the Dimension 8 yrs ago; yes, since it was cheaper and a little more souped up. I wanted SDRAM and settled for RD, if I recall which was which. I don't know what's in vogue now, but I'm stuck with what I've got at this point. If this system drives me crazy enough, I'll have to reconsider.

Many thanks,
Linda




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The above is a reply to the following message:
Re: Desktop sfw
By: micro in CONSTITUTION
Sun, 12 Aug 12 3:25 PM 		Msg. 19276 of 21975

Linda,

Here is what that stuff means.

Memory: It appears you have 1/2 a GB of memory.

That is NOT NEARLY ENOUGH.

The great news is that you identified the speed of the Front Side Bus, which is 533 which makes a difference when purchasing additional RAM.

Low Voltage: The only place the system gets voltage from is the power supply.
Those can and do go bad. I have had to replace mine several times for various reasons.
The GREAT news is that a decent power supply for how your system currently is configured is inexpensive.

IF I lived nearby I would simply tell you to purchase TWO parts and I would install them for you in a matter of a couple of minutes.

BUT that is not the case.

I can tell you this: This is what you need>

1. Memory: http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Dimension-2-512MB-RDRAM-Rambus/dp/B000Y989S2/ref=pd_bxgy_pc_text_y

2. Power Supply: FIRST try cleaning it out by using some cans of AIR. They do get dirty and dusty inside which will make them less functional.

IF a good dusting doesn't do it, Then you can replace that power supply with something like this:

http://www.cputopia.com/replace-480w-dell-dimension-8250.html

or this upgrade from NewEgg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817338009

EITHER would work.

BEFORE replacing, try this first:

open the case, and locate the BATTERY.

(Turn off computer first)

Take your finger and PRESS DOWN HARD ON THE BATTERY.

Replace side cover and boot up computer. A lot of people have had that same message and this seems to work a lot of the time. I think it has to do with the battery making a good "seated connection" is all I can figure out.

It is worth a try because I suspect your power supply is really okay.

Lastly, when you get weary of that Dell, let me know.

Do not buy another one. They build more "stuff" into these computers to try to make them idiot proof and like anything else, it is just more things to go haywire.

Yes, they are CHEAP. But it would be better to get a different brand if you want to buy a computer out of a box.

Good luck with that battery Linda! I hope it works.

the best,

micro....

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