I have successfully installed XP, at last! All printers, modems, old docs and things reinstalled. Thanks to everyone who offered help. If I had known a 'clean install' would wipe out everything , requiring a complete reinstall , I don't know I would have done it. But I know should have something that will last another 6 months. A cheque has been sent to Glasgow University Medical School for use by their medical phantoms computer room, where they get to play with 3D body parts without doing any harm to humans in the process. It seemed appropriate and I hope all those who helped, approve.

Thanks again, everybody.

Does anyone have experience of the dell supplied 128MB ATI Radeon 9700 TX Graphics Card with DVI Dual Monitor Support and TV-OUT via S-Video - for using 2 monitors? (not the pro version)

I need some assistance with XP PRO problems, please :-)
My versions a Copy and I cant download any updates. Tried a KEYGEN download from "CRACKSRUS" Dont do this as when I opened it, it had a rouge programme which self loads and makes my toolbar have icons for porno sites. Plus it didnt generate a new serial number! The web address it generates is www.saom.com.Anyone had this prob and how do i get rid of it bar formatting my disk?Ive tried everything I can think off!
My other queries is can you install 1 copy of XP PRO on two computers or will one be barred from downloading updates from the "windows" site and where is the cheapest place to buy XP PRO?
Iain

Iain, XP license is hardware tied. 1 PC only I'm afraid. You'll also find MS has blocked nearly all so called "license cracks". Try DABS, Watford, Simply for cheap pricing.

Cheers Brian.Feared as much :-(

Iain

Check out Ebay.co.uk - Operating systems

'v.nzekwe' seems an OK seller and you can contact him quite easily to ask a few questions.

Re my earlier post - Does anyone have experience of the dell supplied 128MB ATI Radeon 9700 TX Graphics Card with DVI Dual Monitor Support and TV-OUT via S-Video - for using 2 monitors? (not the pro version)

skinny.
I Have a dell laptop with ati graphics chip,
I downloaded a compaq driver that supports dual display
(dell didn't do one)and upgraded to xp
plug a monitor in the back and off it went dual display !

ian

Thanks Kitch - I will probably specify it with the card they also offer the pro version, but I'm not sure what I get for the extra money - off to research!

There are lots of excellent "Computer Stuff How Tos and Tutorials" at

Student Desktop.com

And it's very "Where the rubber meets the road", if you get me?

My son's computer CD-Rom drive seems to have packed up. He's autistic and plays his games on it ritually, so it's a crisis!

When CDs are inserted, the green indicator light just flashes on and off rapidly as though it is trying to read the disc but can't. Consequently, the computer keeps saying that a disc needs to be inserted.

The computer is a Dell Dimension L700cx running on Windows 98. Might this be a case of re-installing a driver? I am a computer neanderthal generally so any help pinpointing the problem before I go to a computer shop would be most welcome and appreciated. My son's need is great!

Cheers
Bones

A, check the CD isnt scratched
B, The cd rails need some wd40
c, replace the cd drive (25)

Bones please send me your tel number david@ftsedow.com

Croc, thanks. Number is sent!

Bones

K - CD rom guys - cable might be loose - try opening it up pulling em out and putting in em back in again.

My problem,
I'm working on a spreadsheet.

I have Cell A1, I want to add X to that cell reference so I get (A1+X)

ie. if X is 6 I want to get cell reference A7

How do I do it ?

All help appreciated - Robmahan@hotmail.com

Do a search in google for "Indirect cell reference excel"

Here's one it turned up that looks useful

http://ca.geocities.com/b_davidso/Web_Page_Files/Excel/lookup_formula.html

thanks biffer

Im upgrading to a 2 Monitor system and have been offered 2 17" Samsung SM1715 Very cheap.Anyone any thoughts/experiences using Samsung TFT`s.
Iain

EDIT: 2025hrs
Just been informed by my 11 year old son that he has registered in my name on QXL and Placed a BUY on 2 Monitors!!!The message says i am now obliged to purchase said items.HELP!
I don`t want them.Ill try contacting someone.Till then any advice re legalaties etc.
Son for sale on QXL. ;-}
Extra Edit.
Sorted after nice chat with vendor problem sorted:-).It transpires you get an E-Mail with the details and phone number of seller.
Tonight i have leant a valuable lesson.Never tell your 11 year old to look at the prices of Things on the Internet for you, on Auction sites.

.

Just had an offer of 149 plus VAT (175.08) for a Mitac 15 AX LCD monitor from Simply Computers. Has anyone got one?
I'm slightly concerned as
a) I suspect it's a discontinued model from looking at Mitac's website,
b) Contrast is 200:1 whereas some better are 300:1
c) Brightness is 220cd, some are more like 250cd.
As it's going to have to last, I suspect I'd be better paying slightly more for a better model. Probably talked myself out of buying it now, but would be interested in people's experience of brightness etc with LCD monitors.

My IT guru tells me that you want as high a contrast ratio and brightness level as possible. Im not sure of values but comparing the Early Dell TFTs in work with current models there is a marked increase in user comfort on the current models so on that basis I would keep away from older models.

I guess you pays your money and takes your choice.

Neil