The Official Computer Tech Support Thread

[Burning Down]

Originally Posted by Burning Down

Thank you both. I'll let you know how it goes.

Worked fine, thanks again!

[[MERIT]]

I just tried it the way that website directed and it worked for me an a 120GB external drive.

[debaserr]

I'm looking to set up the cheapest possible VOIP configuration possible. Is anyone familiar with this?

[[MERIT]]

Originally Posted by eric generic

I'm looking to set up the cheapest possible VOIP configuration possible. Is anyone familiar with this?

Are you looking to do it on your PC, Mac, or on a specific mobile device?

[debaserr]

Windows PC, hopefully I have a 56k modem somewhere.

EDIT: I want it to behave just like a land line. I don't want to bother with anything on the computer to make or receive calls.

[debaserr]

I've got an issue with one of my hard drives. Up until a few days ago it worked perfectly.

Now, whenever I open it to explore the contents etc, it takes like 3-5s to load up the files. It's extremely annoying and I'm not sure what is causing it.

[Freebase Dali]

Originally Posted by eric generic

I've got an issue with one of my hard drives. Up until a few days ago it worked perfectly.

Now, whenever I open it to explore the contents etc, it takes like 3-5s to load up the files. It's extremely annoying and I'm not sure what is causing it.

I know this is obvious, but I have to ask... have you tried defragging the drive?

[debaserr]

Yep it defrags daily.

[Freebase Dali]

Hmm.. Well, hard-drives being mechanical and all, the armature for the read/write head is usually the first thing to go. Is it an old drive? If not, there may be some sort of defect. The fact that it seems to have started up so suddenly is concerning.
Another idea is updating the drivers for the motherboard's SATA controller. Basically, updating all your drivers, if possible, is a good idea regardless.

As far as any other physical aspect, it could be possible that the SATA (or IDE) connector on both the drive and the motherboard need to be cleaned of any corrosion and/or reseated. Software-wise, I can't really think of anything that would cause such a slowdown besides shotty drivers unless there's some third-party at play. Have you done the obligatory virus scans and all?

Overall, I'd suggest first updating all your drivers, as that will be the easiest to do. The ones you need to be concerned with are your computer's chipset driver, and any SATA controller drivers. And while you're at it, you can update your NIC, Audio and Graphics driver just out of good practice. If all your drivers are up to date, and your comp is free of viruses and all that, then you might look at the physical side of it

[debaserr]

OK, that gives me a lot to work with. I just purchased the drive around six months ago so I hope it isn't physically busted. I will update the drivers then check if the cables are all firmly connected and see if that does it.

thanks