I don't see why you can't drop a card into the free PCI slot. If it has both USB2 and Fire wire on the same card then the max speed will be governed by the PCI speed but that will not be a problem.

If you have a crowded PCI bus you could have to manually sort the interupts out but I would not expect problems.

Before you add a card, check your motherboard, it may well have a spare USB connector.

Optimist, thanks.

Not too PC-savvy. How do I use spare USB connector to add USB 2 ports?
PC currently has 4 USB 1 (or 1.1) ports.

Many motherboards, even as old as yours, have extra USB ports built in but not fitted with a USB socket.

All you need to do is buy the socket which will have a flying lead and plug it into your motherboard.

To check your motherboard use Belarc Advisor to get it's details and then go to the manufacturers site.

Having problems with my printer - I've got a Canon MP360, one of those all purpose scanner / copier / printers. Problem is printing in black. The print is uneven and smudged. Some lines of text are sharper than others, and none of it is really clear. There is a bit of a blank line in the print. I've tried all the print head cleaning options. Have been using compatibles, just replaced with genuine canon ink and prob still exists after two more deep head cleaning options. The colour ink printing is still as sharp as a nail.

I've been onto Canon's website, no info there. Still under warranty.

Any ideas anyone?

Send it back!

Yes, thought about that - but it's PC world online - they were the only ones with any stock! Suppose I'll have to though. Anyone anuy ideas for a cheap (and cheap to run printer) in the meantime?

My personel predudice is for HP printers. I've always found them to be adequate quality, good value for money and cheaper than most to run.

If you want to cut running costs then get a B/W laser and use your colour inkjet for the occasional colour print.

We're just about to replace our HP laserjets at work - nothing wrong with them, they have been fantastic, still working well but I'm going for HP's integrated fax / scanner / laser machines now. Think I'll nobble one of the old smaller laserjets for home. They have run and run and run for years without a hitch. Really cheap to run - I agree with you. Good idea.

Cant Get INCATEC AUTO REFRESH any more.Anyone know a page where i can get an auto-refresh tool?
Also after a 2nd hand laptop with wireless capabilities.Anyone here selling

Try YRefresher, you ca get it here http://www.snapfiles.com/get/yrefresher.html

Thats the ticket.
Cheers, as ever

How do you copy copywrite protected dvds.Are there programmes that remove the CSS.Im presuming so due to all the latest films being offered in my local.
Of course I wont be doing this.Im just curious :)

I have two 17" flat screen monitors, both Logix LGX174 (they are part of the Trader PC I purchased from Crocodile in 2002, God rest his soul).

I have been getting a case of fade and disappear on one of the screens (comes and goes like a loose connection) so I have swapped cables around. The lead from each monitor runs into its own D-Tech AC/DC adaptor (12v dc output) model no. DTA-XGA02. The mains cable plugs into this adaptor. Having tried all combinations of cables and monitors, it is clear that the problem is one of the AC/DC adaptors or its in-built lead that plugs into the monitor.

Your task, should you choose to accept it, is to advise me how to get a replacement! I have been round the internet looking for the right Logix or D-Tech websites or suppliers of such parts and rung up PCWorld Partmaster but I am having no luck.

I feel like I'm watching my screens with an eyepatch. Can someone help please? :)

Bones,could you take a phote of this power pack so I can see what you mean, also if it has stuff written on it could you post thah as well? Thanks.

Have you tried Maplins? They have a web-site. Do a googly for the URL.

Bones, as droogy says Maplin are your best bet. Ensure the adaptor is 'regulated' and the right DC voltage and wattage. Also the DC plug varies in size. If you're unsure it's best to take the monitor with you to a shop. They do a range of adaptors where you can set the voltage from a range of say 3V to 12V but if you use them ensure that you fix the slider control so that it doesn't move accidentally.

Thanks guys. It all seems double dutch on Maplins. There are AC adaptors but it is not clear to me what they connect to or are intended for.

Spaceman, picture of the beast:



The details on the adaptor are:

D-Tech
Display technology co Ltd
AC/DC Adaptor
Model name: DTA-XGA02
Input rating: 100-240Vac, 50/60 Hz, 0.8A
Output rating: 12Vdc 3A

There's a diagram that looks like a scale from (-) to (+) with a semi circle in the middle like a capital C and an O inside it.

The mains connection socket on the adaptor is a 3 pin affair shaped like the club on a pack of cards. The box itself is 110mm x 50mm approx and the piece that plugs into the monitor is 5mm diameter.

Hope that helps!

Thanks Bones, what are you like at DIY and soldering?? Do you have a Multimeter?

Bones, because of the 3 amps none of the Maplin ones would be suitable, but this one would be, a little expensive unfortunately:

http://www.eurobatteries.com/sitepages/power-adaptors-ac-dc.asp
item ad.15-3000-AC

Your diagram is to show that the outside of the connector (stylised C) carries the - pole and the inside (O) carries the + pole. When you get your adaptor ensure that you have set the polarity correctly otherwise bye-bye monitor!

Actually Bones your adaptor is 3A but check the label on the display to see how much it needs. If it is a lot less than 3A then you could go for a cheaper adaptor.