Posts by jak0b

If you don't even get a beep, you probably have a short somewhere.

A very common error, is that you might have bent a pin in the cpu socket.
They are very tiny and is easily bend, so check if you can see if anything is wrong in the socket.

Another common error is that you might accidentally have damaged something (cpu or motherboard most probably) with ESD (electro static discharge), and if that is the case, you have to RMA the damaged parts.

I suggest you read this before doing any further:
http://support.necam.com/mobilesolutions/hardware/esdhandle.asp

The procedure now is that you have to isolate the damaged part(s).
You might need help from a friend, or you might have an old pc that you can use as spare parts for testing purpose.

First try to remove anything non-essential from the pc.
It will be able to boot to bios, with only a PSU, MB, CPU, 1 RAM stick, and a graphics card. (if all parts is working ofc.)
If you can get it to boot like this, you can very likely rule out both of the common errors in the top of the post. :)

If this is not working, you have to replace all the components one by one, and try to boot in between. Or test all of the components separately in another working pc if possible.

You can actually test the MB and CPU …

I agree that it is time for a new pc, with those specs. :)

I would probably buy something like this pc, if it was for my self.
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/lenovo-g570-15-6-laptop-black-10747085-pdt.html

What I think is important, is that you find a decent brand, and look for the processor model used.
Intel core i3 and i5 second generation series (like i3-"4 digit"M f.ex.), is currently my best advise. You get both low power, and good performance in that packet, and the embedded graphics is performing well enough for most purposes, as far as I have seen so far.
But you might want to ask a hardcore gamer for advise on the new intel-gpu, if you need to play gpu-intensive games. ;)

Edit:
I forgot to mention that intel 2nd. gen. core i# cpu's, have much better embedded GPU's than previous generations, so it is important to select one of those. Otherwise you might get disappointed.

Hi Owenbear

1)
It depends on how lucky you are :)
The thing that typically kills computer parts (when handling them), is electrostatic discharges (ESD).
Not necessarily at levels that can generate a spark, but more commonly is not even noticed. You can easily have a potential on a (few) hundred volts from left to right hand, which can kill a cpu instantly, if you discharge through it's pins.

So the question is - did you.?
My guess is as good as yours :) , so you have to test it, which brings us to

Question 2

I have tested several cpu's in various motherboards, without damaging the boards when the cpu's have been defective (as far as I know), but I can't give you any guaranties that it can't happen. (we are back to your level of luck I guess) :)

So my advice is to use a spare (old) board for that kind of testing, or at least a very cheap one, just in case...

If I am out of ESD safe bags, and need to store some computer parts, I usually use an old newspaper to wrap around it, as it will most likely not generate any ES by it self, and also usually will discharge any ES due to common humidity and its fibers.
I have (with luck) stored RAM blocks like this, for months without damaging them, but then again - it …

you just need the "Remote Server Administration Tools" on his machine.

Then he can manage the OU with the AD admin-tool. (just like you - except he have limited access, to that specific OU only)

It depends what you a going to use it for. (I assume the price is equal on the 3 laptops)

I agree with jingda that the lenovo is the best laptop for performance, since it have both a better cpu and a good quality dedicated graphics chip, but it will most likely affect, how long time it can run on battery.
So if that is an issue, you might want to consider one of the other options.

In regard to the Graphics (GPU), both Nvidia and ATI/AMD are well performing, when it comes to gaming and other "excessive graphics" demands. But if you are only going to use it for general office applications, you might never notice the difference to the intel GPU.

oh, and btw. Lenovo have a very good cooling solution, which in my experience work better than the competition, because it sucks the air in from the back, and blow the hot air out to the side - most other competitors rely on sucking air from the bottom (which is often limiting the airflow), or sucking air from the top (which usually is a little noisy). :)

I would not buy a server like this for workstation use, but rather buy some of the components, and assemble them in a chassis with lots of air vents, or maybe water cooling.

This server is build as two servers in one box, which is no problem as a server, since it will very likely be used as part of a cluster, running virtual machines.
But used as a workstation running an ordinary OS, you can't really benefit from the second half. It will just work as a second pc in the same box (a little simplified).

For an ultimate stand-alone workstation (mar. 2011), I would recommend a 48-core configuration, using one of these motherboards:
http://www.supermicro.com/Aplus/motherboard/Opteron6100/SR56x0/H8QGi-F.cfm
http://www.supermicro.com/Aplus/motherboard/Opteron6100/SR56x0/H8QG6-F.cfm

This CPU:
http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/K10/AMD-Opteron%206180%20SE%20-%20OS6180YETCEGO.html

and whatever else you like to add.

Both the MB's have 2x PCI-e 2.0 x16 slots (for gfx), and will probably run Windows 7 x64 ultimate, without any problems (you might have to search for some of the drivers, as they are probably not included on the standard dvd).

Also, I will remind you to buy a sufficiently strong PSU for such a configuration.
Thermaltake Toughpower 1500w would fit IMO, but you should calculate on the final configuration before buying (I have only estimated the power need).

HI Paddy

It appears that the install-block have created some "local security policy" rules.
I have two possible solutions for you

1. (the geek solution)
If you type "gpedit.msc" in the start menu

You get to a window with a huge tree-list of possible settings, in various sub's - I can't tell you which setting, or where to find it, but this is where it is hidden.
If you are lucky, the policy might be named as an "install-block" rule, or have "install block" in the comment.
But you will very likely have to spend some time searching for it (remember to read the comments before changing these settings).

There is a lot of possible settings here, and a great opportunity to get intimate with win 7, but also an opportunity to mess it up big time, so think carefully about what you do.

2. (the easy solution, or plan B if you fail on the first)

Boot from your Win 7 dvd, and select the repair option.

Good luck :)

I don't think the limits are with XP, but rather some of the old network adapters (or possibly the drivers).

Or you can get Hirens boot cd, and boot to mini XP with proper tools available - then you don't need to reboot, since the hdd isn't used by the system :)

I found this explanation on another site about write-caching to hdd's

Disk Write Caching is a feature which allows you to increase the performance of your Hard Disk. While this can improve performance, it comes attached with its own risk. If the system or disk loses power then there is every possibility that the data gets corrupted or lost in the event of a power failure. Depecnding upon the criticality of the data and the reliability of the power and power backups and UPS, enabling or disabling Disk Write Caching should be enabled or disabled.

You can see the System rating for your Disk changes before and after enabling/disabling Disk Write Caching

Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008, by default enables Disk Write Caching. However, to enable or disable Disk Write Caching,

1. Click Start, right-click Computer and select Properties.

2. In the leftpane, click Device Manager.

3. Expand Disk Drives and right-click on the disk where you need to enable or disable Disk Write Caching and click properties.

4. Click the Policies tab and check “Enable Write Caching on the device” to enable (default). To disable, uncheck the box.

I think you are looking for this little freeware :)
http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/Startup-Delayer/1088376249/1