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

Thanks Neil, suspected you get what you pay for. I think this is only just discontinued but visual comfort is very important to me - as my username might suggest, so will wait for the newer models to srop in price, as I can cope. Interestingly, a few years ago paid 450 ish for a iiyama 17" monitor, thought is was dear but a good investment. Look at the price of them now!

Seymour

I've got a 15" NEC 1535vi. The 1535/1550 model seemed to do well in lots of comparisons but the vi was the higher spec version with better contrast, brightness and angle of view. I paid @350 but of course they've come down since. Certainly v. happy with it and I'll have another when I next decide to treat myself.

Regards
Rob

I'm having problems accessing L2 'the normal way'. Spoken to am and they think it could be a prob with Norton Internet Security 2003 as I had it set to ban pop-ups. I have disabled everything except anti-virus but still get white screen if attempting to access via L2 tab. Using XP, IE6. Could anybody proffer suggestions, please?

further to vasey's comment:

Having tested using the exact URL for level2, it works fine, there is something, possibly with javascript somehow being disabled or blocked from working...

J.

I need a dual Head video Card.
Any clues as to the best model to buy?
Cheers Iain.

Iain - I use a matrox G550. Easy to set up and never had a problem with it.

Cheers Robb.
Iain

A little help on Win 2000 please.

Can anyone (you know who you are :) ) tell me whether a copy of win2000 Pro that was originally distributed with a new Compaq pc, is likely to install on any other PC brand?

I know for example that a similar Dell version works only with Dell.

Thanks very much.

Robb, Thanks for post 168, will have a look

Seymour, if you are still after a TFT screen. Ebuyer.com are doing a Sharp LL-T15G3B 15" in black with a contrast ratio of 350:1 and brightness of 260cd. It'll cost you any extra 35 though.

Neil