Speed tests. A couple of points I've found (I'm on BT broadband for my sins).
1. I can't get the adslguide site to work on my pc. I've removed Java and re-installed and Java site says I'm up to date & everything AOK but still stuck with the grey screen on adsl site.

2. When I've been having problems with slow speeds I've also used the BT wholesale site (thanks to Kayak I think it was).
http://speedtest.btcentralplus.com/cgi-bin/home.page.pl
I find it gave me accurate results but the BT helpline plonkers in India refuse to use it and they say it is inaccurate.

3. Try the Speakeasy speed test. Very pleased with it. I like dials 'n things!!
http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/

bolshi, in Control Panel/Java/Advanced window, check that 'Internet Explorer' is ticked under '&ltAPPLET&gt tag support'. That makes IE use the new Java rather than MS Java, so you will notice minor differences in other web pages. Personally I prefer MS Java.

The BT wholesale speed test has known problems when trying to measure speeds higher than 3 or 4Mb/s I think. Also it only measures performance at the exchange and not the performance of your ISP, even if the ISP is BT retail. That is why it may look more consistent. It is only measuring part of the connection.

You should however use a speed test based in the UK as otherwise you are measuring transatlantic fibre congestion as well as your own line.

Kayak. Thanks again for help. The IE box wasn't ticked. Now works fine when speed testing via IE (still doesn't work via BT/Yahoo browser but not important). So how come the BT 'experts' didn't know about it?
My usual payment of a few grubby 5 notes is now being sent to you via the internet ether. It should land on your C drive soon. Thanks again.

Speakeasy test - yeh I know it's via Yankland but those dials are kinda cool aren't they?

Did someone around here say they were using Opera as a browser?

If so I'll fire a question.

TP

TP: Fire away. I may even know the answer :)

Ah, good, it's you, MM.

I may need to progress this tomorrow as it is my office PC, where I upgraded to the version 9 something where the problem has arisen.

In this version 8.52 I still have the top line reading File, Edit, View etc. That no longer appears on the office upgrade, which makes printing and finding the bookmarks much more hit and miss.

Also in this version a right click produces a box of about 13 options. On the upgraded version that box contains some plus signs and other signs, but very little text.

With no top list of drop downs I don't even get access to the Help.

Any clues? My first thought was a Java conflict, but I'm guessing.

I am not going to be able to try anything you suggest today, so foregive me for not following this up until tomorrow.

Thanks in anticipation.

TP

Got a problem with a friends PC.
Error message on startup saying cmos battery low/wrong cmos size.
Put in new battery but still getting both error messages
Board: Matsonic MS8308E
Bus Clock: 66 megahertz
BIOS: American Megatrends Inc.

TP:

Odd -- that should be there by default.

While running Opera, F1 will take you to Opera help (on their site via the Web).

CTRL+F12 will take you to "Preferences"

Look under the "Advanced" tab and make sure that "Opera Standard" is selected for both Toolbar setup and Menu setup.

Shift+F12 will take you to "Appearance", which may also be worth checking out.

Sorry to be somewhat vague, but I'm not certain how you toggle that menu bar.

MM

Thanks MM.

Lots to try when I get into the office.

Hope I can report positive progress.

TP

I have upgraded Opera to version 9 and have none of the problems above. If you want access to the top menu try 'Alt'.

MM and Haystack,

My CTRL F12 looks like this


My Shift F 12 looks like this


Any clues?

TP

Aaarrrgghhh! (If that's how you spell it.)

Looks like you should re-install Opera, TP.

If that doesn't cure it, Uninstall then Install afresh.

Sorry, slightly lame advice again, but it really looks like the installation is corrupt.

MM

OK, MM,

I'll download a new installation file.

Could be the file itself is faulty.

What is the bore is finding where it dumped the last bookmarks. Not in Opera from what I remember last time.

TP

MM,

That solved it. In my defence I have to say I did a re-install a while ago. But this time I used a fresh download file.

Anyway it looks fine - and it kept the bookmarks.

Now to get my Updata NASDAQ feed tidied up.....But what else are Mondays for?


TP

TP,

Great, I'm glad that sorted it out. You're on your own with your Updata NASDAQ feed :)

MM

The Updata problem is about six NASDAQ .eod files that have bad sectors. I have renamed the folder and started again with a new download of files. These duff files refused to delete.

Chkdsk says the old files have problems. I am leaving the /f til our techie comes in as the system now works at its normal speed and if it ain't broke........ let someone else break it (!).

TP

If you cannot delete them then you might be able to rename them.

H.

Re-naming the folder has quarantined them for the mo. I guess I should move it from within the Updata folder in case I need to do a re-install.

What is the Win2000 equiv of chkdsk? I thought I ought to run it on the whole disk. Chkdsk I ran from the cmd box on that little folder I'd called BAD.

However, whatever I do I'll back up the whole disk in case it is developing bad sectors.

TP

Dell to recall notebook batteries - "Under rare conditions, it is possible for these batteries to overheat, which could cause a risk of fire," the statement said

Go to http://www.dellbatteryprogram.com and determine if your Lithium battery is subject to the recall.

"Run" had disappeared from my start up programmes any ideas how to get it back?