I think that some of the ODBC stuff is not updated via Windows Update, so it might be worth searching for downloads on the Microsoft site if he's not already done this.

Embarrasing question from a computer idiot: how do I check that my machine has a network card? I'm about to register for SDSL wireless broadband (no broadband land link available here) and the providers say it will connect to any computer with a network card and that no router or modem is required.

TOK, have a look at the back and see if you can see a ocket that looks a bit like a telephone connector, its about 1 CM wide. Here is a picture of what they look like (The one on the left) :-

What sort of PC and what operating system do you have?

Hi Spaceman

Can't see anything like your picture at the back of my ageing (but working well) machine.

TOK, as you have belarc have a look at the Communications section, that will tell yo if yo have a network card.

Its is likely that you do not as the is a P3 PC and they were not as common in home pc's then. If this PC is a Desktop it is easy to add a ethernet card if you have a spare slot in the PC, they cost about 10-20 pounds max. But if its a laptop (and it might be) its not so cheap and might not be practical.

As I am sure you know this is a very low spec PC in todays terms and its not worth spending much money on it.

Hi again Spaceman

It's a desktop and from the Belarc survey it doesn't appear that there is a network card.

Time for a new machine, methinks.

TOK, not sure what that eicon device is but it looks like a mixed analogue modem and ISDN adapter. Its vaugly possible that it includes Ethernet but I dont think it does. So it looks as though you need to buy an ethernet card, as above you should be able to get one for about 10-20 or less.

But as you say its probaly worth thinking of a newer PC soonish... ;-)

Good luck.

Spaceman/Kayak

Thanks for your response. I have narrowsd it down to a TNS problem that occurrs on Win2K but not XP. I'm now going to try to find what it means.

TOK

I suggest that you fit a network card to your existing computer.

When you buy a new one you will need the network to transfer data and after that you can use the old comp to backup data on.

Spaceman - Many thanks for your time and help. The wireless link isn't likely to be operational until September so I've a little time to plan for the replacement.

Optimist - Worthwhile point noted. Thanks.

These seem very cheap am I missings something?

http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/compare.aspx?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&id=dimen&l=en&s=dhs

Probably a silly question but...I recently had a wireless card (and wireless router at home) for my laptop. I think this means I can connect to these wifi locations when I'm out and about e.g. I was in an airport yesterday and the card "site survey" showed three means of internet connection. My card icon showed a link had been formed but I couldn't connect. Any ideas?

hi...pc problem

Keep getting the blue screen..pc being shut down etc.

talks about dump of physical memory..dump complete
tried to restore to earlier time..again the blue screen
an attempt was made to write to read only memory

for the tech minded says

stfs.sys adress f840709c base datestamp 3d6de5cq !!

Help anyone

Foale, a bit more info please, what operating system? when does this happen, any pattern?

I dont know what stfs.sys is, do you have any special devices in your machines?

I have 2 computers in the same room.?
How can I have internet connection on both at the same time, I have a Broadband connection, Xp home.

AB. either use internet connection sharing or buy a cheap router and link them via that. You will need an ethernet card in each PC.

Ok folks a bit of help please.

Somehow I have managed to change the normal/blank document in Word. So when I start a new document it comes up with text already in it.

Damned if I can work out to change it to get it to open the way I want.

I could just create a new template and do file/new and pick my new template but I like to just hit the New Blank Document button.

Any ideas please.

Regards
M

Martin, its years since I looked after word but isnt that held in Normal.dot?? try renaming normal.dot (search for it probably in template folder) to normal.xxx (or similar) and see if word recreates a blank one.

If not post back and I will have another think.

Mr Euro,

Just had a peep. Yes, cheap but you try and price them once you've added useful stuff like CD rewriter etc and the cost goes up. I also believe Dell use their own versions of hardware so upgrades tend to be a bit cearer. However, if you have a network then they look to me to be very good buys if you can back up on another machine.

Spaceman
Nope no match!