Computer Questions Not Worth Their Own Thread

[aimeeandbeatles]

Why do my speakers pop every time I copy text to the clipboard?

I know it's not a sound effect, as I muted the sound on the computer and it still pops.

EDIT: LOL! I was copying some stuff, and at the very moment I copied something, an airplane flew overhead. I went "WTH now?"

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

I didn't know where to post this, and didn't want to make a new thread, so I'll post it here.

I figured out what exactly happened to the Windows 95 that we had. My mom got it in '98 (not '97, as I thought.). Maybe in the spring. And it lasted three days before it died (I know the HDD died, but now I'm not so sure if the PSU also exploded. My mom says she remembers some smoke -- maybe the HDD got fried?) So she took it apart to see what was wrong. And couldn't put it back together, so she sold all the parts. And then sometime in the summer (or maybe fall) they sent us the Aptiva IBM, with the new OS called Windows 98.

Because I remember her saying something about taking one computer apart, but I thought that was a seperate one. Today I found out, through more questioning, it was the same one.

 

[Annex]

If I have an mp3 file and want to cut it up (say, only keep the first 15 seconds to 50 seconds of the file) what is the easiest way for me to go about doing this without creating an ACC version?

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

Audacity? You'll need lame_enc.dll, though.

 

[Mr. Keith]

I have been having problems with my web browsers on my new laptop. Both Firefox and Explorer will both randomly stop loading web pages for minutes at a time.

The issue is, there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with my internet connection. I use a wireless connection, but when I am having these problems, I still have excellent signal strength. Also, two other computers in my house able load web pages without any problem.

I know this is very vague, but does anyone have any idea what could be causing this?

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

Did you try renewing the IP? I think in command prompt, it's ipconfig/ release all, then ipconfig/ renew all. I can't remember exactly.

Also, different program? Maybe its a fussy security program.

 

[Mr. Keith]

I am not sure what you are asking me to try.

Another question: anyone know how to access a password-protected Microsoft Word document without the password?

 

[Turner]

Google 'Remove MS Word password protection'. There's a bunch of stuff out there, but most of it is going to cost you.

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

I am not sure what you are asking me to try.

http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/windowsnetworkin1/ht/renewipaddrwxp.htm

It often works when my internet slow.

 

[Mr. Keith]

Here is a screenshot:

That is Firefox. See how I am just getting a blank page even though I have a strong signal. I believe Firefox gives you an error message when there is no internet connection.

Thanks for the link A&B. I'll try that next time this happens.

 

[Turner]

Well, it says "Local Access Only". You'll probably have to figure out why your router is not giving you access to the internet.

 

[ainwood]

Well, it says "Local Access Only". You'll probably have to figure out why your router is not giving you access to the internet.

Bingo. I get this frequently, due to both my crappy router and crappy wireless card. Repairing the connection solves it, normally,

 

[Genocidicbunny]

If there are specific locations in the house where the signal is bad to nonexistent, you may be able to focus it. Look up on google on how to make directional antenna's for routers. It may help. Also see if you cant switch the channel the router is using. Its likely that if you live in a populated area that there is interference with other nearby routers.

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

A question -- how else do people isolate problems with computers?
For example, if I'm having trouble opening a file, I try another program to see if its the file or the program. Or, if I suspect the OS is doing something weird, I pop in a Knoppix disc to check it out. Or safe mode. Or inspecting crash dumps. Or VirusTotal (thing that lets you run a file through 30+ AVs)

I found these hardware flowcharts, which is pretty good, I'd consider buying the book if I were to go into computer repair --
http://www.fonerbooks.com/pcrepair.htm
The poster is pretty cool, too, but a) you have to take it into a printer shop to print properly and b) I have no room!

 

[Genocidicbunny]

google the problem, see what its related to, test that part. Check the error logs, etc. I just kinda go on intuition, it works most of the time.

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

I prefer to isolate problems before working on them so I don't waste my time or mess up things further.

 

[Abaddon]

Firefox:

Has an option so it remebers your open tabs, and reopens them all when you open and close firefox.

Somehow i've accidentally told it not to. Where do i look to re-enable this feature?

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

Firefox:

Has an option so it remebers your open tabs, and reopens them all when you open and close firefox.

Somehow i've accidentally told it not to. Where do i look to re-enable this feature?

I think it's called Session Manager, but I can't remember where it is. I googled it and got an addon.

 

[Abaddon]

Nah, its just a standard feature.. this is on college computers so i don't think i could add stuff anyway

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

http://support.mozilla.com/tiki-view_forum_thread.php?locale=en-US&comments_parentId=55062&forumId=1

1. Enter about:config in the Location bar
2. Type browser.sessionstore.enabled in the "Filter"
3. Make sure the browser.sessionstore.enabled preference is true.