Strange goings-on when I attempted to start my computer this morning. Windows wouldn't open. The process seemed to be going round in a loop with the screen getting as far as the DEL and F9 Dos screen, then shutting down and then doing the same again. Switching everything off and starting again did no good so I switched off and went for breakfast. On re-start everything worked OK. But why? Any ideas please guys? Same thing happened previously about two weeks ago. What's going on? Something wearing out? Help, please.

TOK

I suspect that something is overheating somewhere.

Check the CPU fan -unlikely IMO in this instance but easy to check.

Reseat the memory chips just in case.

I've also known similar problems caused by printers etc connected to the machine stopping it booting. Removing the devices during boot solved the problem but it was really a U/S motherboard.

A shot to nothing is to replace the BIOS battery.

Thanks Opti. I'll do some checks

I have been wanting to find some software that would tell me about any unusually large folders lurking in my Vista system and backups.

I do a lot of photography and some of my software builds up caches in most improbably places. Even when I find and delete them my Replicator back up is set not to delete files on my backup disks (so I can recover files I accidentally delete myself).

I have found this software .

It does what I want - and is also quite pretty!

Oh, and it's just found me 8 gig.

TP

Thanks for that link TP

On a similar line, check out Free tools from JGoodies. It seems that they have not been updated for a while, but they are fast, very pretty and integrate into Windows Explorer.

Also, have a look at Treesize Personal, or the Pro version if you need it.

Great program, but has I feel become a tad pricey

Thinking about one of these Acers as a cheap and cheerful network workstation, any idea how I'd install XP pro (or home - doesn't matter) as it doesn't have a CD drive. I've got an external usb CD drive so guess that's the way.

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/167153#

I'm not sure about XP and Vista but Windows 7 can be installed from a USB flash drive.

BTW I've recently installed Win 7 on my Aspire 1 netbook. I had avoided a Microosoft OS on that because it is so low powered but Win 7 is faster than the original Linux OS.

Do you just copy the files over onto your USB stick from the DVD lock, stock and 2 smoking barrels?

You can buy them with XP already on them.

OK, only thing is I already have a copy of XP I want to use :-)

SC

I can't remember where I sorted it from, but this site looks a likely candidate. If you 'Bing' "install windows from usb flash drive" then you will find plenty more info.

I have seen suggestions that the PC is more suitable to Windws 7 and Vista.

OK, thanks Optimist & Haystack. I can't wait for Windows 7, as the machine is needed now, so think I'll just have to have a go.

If you are referijg to the Acer PC that SC was thinking about, that is essentially the same as my Aspire 1 without a screen. I never tried XP on it because I didn't think it could handle it, I'm certain that nit couldn't handle Vista but was very pleasantly surprised at how well Windows 7 Ultimate runs on it.

SC

One problem with the original Aspire 1 was that it is a major warrenty voiding project to upgrade the RAM fr4om 1GB to 1.5 GB. Although the motherboard supports 2GB, this is virtually impossible as the 2nd RAM chip is soldiered in.

I don't know what the options are on the PC model, but you might do well to buy one with upgraded RAM.

I thought you could buy a 2GB model. I am sure I have seen it advertised.

Hmm, thanks, I assumed it would be possible to upgrade the ram. The hunt goes on ....

I was reffering to the original Aspire 1 Netbook. Although it was availible with different omounts of RAM, it was a main dealer job to upgrade. This may have changed on the later models, but they do seem to like to keep to the same platfor for as long as possible.

SC

If you want a cheap workstation, have a look at the HP ML110G5 It's about the same price as the Acer and I know it's a server and a bit bigger but you would have a far more capable machine.