Info and forum posts by 'davidbrent'

Website Host

Hello. I am thinking of creating a website. I have got the name has anyone got any recommended websites for hosting. Thanks.

RE: Unmountable_Boot_Volume?!? Need Help Urgently...Please!

Guess what? After leaving the laptop for a week, I thought that before formatting the drive I may try and see if I can save the files for one last time. And, it worked! Spinrite definitely is some magic tool. I just wanted to thank all you guys for your help. My sisters are especially grateful as both some GCSE coursework and Uni assignments were saved.

I copied my Hard Drive (c:) to a portable Hard drive and installed everything on the computer. But, the laptop is definitely still corrupt as the blue unmountable boot volume came up again. But, I haven`t given up on it yet!

I was just wondering how much would a new hard drive cost for a Dell Inspiron 5150 Laptop?

Once again, I just wanted to thank you all for your help.
You are real stars!

RE: Unmountable_Boot_Volume?!? Need Help Urgently...Please!

Hi guys. Imagine my surprise when I saw three replies to this thread!
Lesson learnt: there is always hope

I bought Spinrite and it is definitely a good investment for the future because while I WAS able to get back through safe-mode to my desktop it was almost impossible for me to copy anything onto CD/Floppy/External Hard Drive. But, it was alot further than I expected. :)

When I do try and copy files the latop again brings up that Unmountable_Boot_Volume page. I still don`t want to give up as I know the info that I thought was lost must still be there. Any other tips are greatly appreciated.

Thanks again for all the help. Much appreciated.

Unmountable_Boot_Volume?!? Need Help Urgently...Please!

Hi everyone. Before I start I`ll just say if you can help you are truly a technical wizard but if not please do not worry about it.

The Old Problem:
The family`s Dell Laptop is coming up with a message of Unmountable_Boot_Volume when I start it up. We had this problem a week ago and I fixed it by going into chdsk /r (if you don`t know what that means then don`t worry I did not have a clue either until I scouted forums).

The New Problem:
I have tried t run chkdsk /r again but this time it states that it detects unrecoverable errors and just gives me the option to type in another dos command. Usually, when I do the chkdsk /r it goes off into its own mode.

The Plea:
I am just wondering is there any possible way I can fix this problem without damaging my bank balance to much. From the outset I too woudl think not as with an English GCSE under my belt I know what `unrecoverable` means?

But, I am really apprehensive of formatting because there are a wod load of photos that my sisters took of family occassions, new-born cousins, weddings, e.t.c
I did tell them last time I recovered the laptop to save all their stuff but if anyone knows what younger siblings are like i.e. they hardly ever listen to the advice you give!

Like I said, if you can`t help don`t worry about it.
This is my last shot.

All the best and have a good weekend.
Thanks for reading, much appreciated.

Wireless Security? Top Tips?

Does anyone know how I can protect my wireless network?
Thanks

I Can`t Believe It... I Did It! (Wireless Connection by DavidBrent)

Well, guys (and gals). I did it. I finally did it...

I created a wireless network and I am now sharing 2 computers and 1 laptop onto one internet connection! I just wanted to post to say thank you for the advice and encouragment that fellow posters gave in the past but I was too lazy to act upon!


Wireless Connections
by davidbrent



1. WHY NETWORK?
Why network? Well, I would not even have considered networking until I realised that in order for 2 or more computers in my house to use Broadband at the same time I had 2 options:
i) pay for an extra line (like I said we are a house of 3 students so this was not an option!)
ii) create a network

2. WHICH NETWORK?
I then started reading forums and realised that there are two types of networks a wired network and a wireless network.
i) Wired Networks use a wire (an Ethernet cable) to connect one computer from another. I have to say when I first heard the term ethernet I thought there is no way I`ll be able to create a network afterall I don`t even know where I`d put the damn thing! But, thanks to some users at this forum they eased my fears. Where is the ethernet socket? Well, look at the back of your PC/ side of your laptop and it is like a larger version of a phone socket. Easiest way to understand is to get yourself an ethernet cable (which hopefully you will get once you seriously consider a wireless network)
ii) Wireless Networks are amazing. Now that I have configured two I have to say they really show-off the capabilities of technology. You connect the router to your modem and connect a Wireless Adapter to the other PC. And, the two (Adapter and Router) communicate with one another.

3. WHAT DOES A WIRELESS NETWORK ENTAIL?
There are no disadvantages to wired networking and don`t let anyone tell you differently because wired network has plenty of advantages (cost being one of them!) but wireless networking was more practical for us (we didn`t want wires running out of our ears!).
i)Router
I also knew that there were alot of routers (router is just a fancy name given to the piece of kit that is responsible for networking your computers. Don`t be put off by the networking terminolgy - embrace it) that had a built in modem within them. Because I had broadband I was looking specifically for a router with a built in ADSL modem and USB Adapters.
ii)Wireless Adapters
These can either be internal or external
Internal are cheaper but require you to open your PC (not an option for me :/ )
External are more expensive but are USB configured (Woo Hoo! :x )

I decided to go all out and bought the Netgear DG34... and the WG111 wireless adapter. A tip: If you buy from amazon.co.uk they chuck the adapter in for free!
However, in the end I went with my good friend ebuyer and bought their modem and two wireless adapters.

Getting started on a wireless connection...

4. WHY BUY A SPARE MODEM?

One of the reasons that I took so long to set up a wireless connection is the price of it not working and being without the internet would have proved a lot more expensive (we are a house of three students! Hotmail is our life :B
My suggestion - get a spare modem.
Why?

i) This way if you decide to give up half way through the day (a possibility) you can always go back to your trusty old modem.
ii)When troubleshooting you can check whether the problem is the modem or the router by swapping it around.
iii) Perhaps the most important, if you do encounter any problems then the computer connected to the router may be out of comission for internet but you can have another computer connected to the internet to visit the infamous DVD Reviewer forums :D

5. METHOD OF MY MADNESS
I would suggest the following if you have time and do not want to miss any trick that the networking task may throw at you:
i) Configure Internet on Both
ii) Configure The Router on Both
iii) Configure Wireless Adapter on both
iv) Finally Network
v) Cross Fingers and Pray ;)


I am not sure how useful the above info was but if it helps jus one person then I`m happy with that. Apologies for the `idiot`s guide approach`. Any suggestions made are just from my experience and you are more than free to ignore them. All the best and have a good weekend. Thanks again to all those users who encouraged me early on. Much appreciated! :)

RE: Calls from BT landline to Mobiles - 4p/min

Phone Bargains. My type of thread...

What I did with regards to mobiles.

1.Get a contract phone. Preferably BT contract as it is free whenever and whatever time to your landline number. Genius. You have just saved yourself a number of minutes for those quick calls home.

I know what you are thinking because I thunk it too! What about the minimum contract?
No worries, because...

2. Get a decent mobile. Sell it on ebay. For the latest you are looking at a minimum of £150. I sold my D500 for £180. You are on a minimum contract and I`m sure ReetsitMuttons (hope I got that right!) can help yopu out on what kind of cashback you can get with different companies. The money you have made from selling your phone can be used for reserve in paying your billls NOT for that PS2 down your highstreet :D

3. Stay with BT on your line rental. I have chopped and changed and for £12 a year it ain`t worth it. I`ve said it once and I`ll say it again BT customer service is second to none. And, before you ask? No. I don`t work for them.
The main reason to stay with BT is because once you are with them sign up to their call barring service and when your sweet angelic sister/brother/daughter/son says Bro/Dad/Mum `I can`t ring my friend`. Bingo. You haver found one sinner who you can convert immediately by buying them a new mobile phone and using that sim card from the contract mobile. I`d recommend Amazon`s Motorola with the 10pounds free credit.

4. Join TelecomPlus for their calls. Their is currently a promotion for 17.99 512K Broadband plus free calls any landline but at anytime. Impressive.

Sorry, for not including any links but if you are like me you are always suspiscious of bargain posts with lots of links. I have given the info. Surely, you can do the hardwork. :D

Hope thsi helps.

Networking Problem.

Well guys. I finally did it. I bought a wireless kit (Netghear DG384G + WG111 USB adapter). I have 1 computer and 1 laptop. I have connected the computer to the router succesfully via an ethernet cable and I had hoped to connect/share my internet connection with my laptop. But, the laptop is not connecting to internet even though the computer says the adapter is working properly. I am not sure what to do or to be perfectly honest where to start?

I am a pretty patient individual and would happily go through a step by step evaluation of what I may be doing wrong so if you are willing to check this thread on a regular basuis I would be very grateful.

Thanks Again.

Mozilla - Please Help

Hi Everyone

I just installed Mozilla.
(I know I am kinda slow with the trends...)

I just wanted to express a problem that I have had wiith it
(I know I am always complaining...)

It has happened twice now. I am writing a message e.g a reply message to an email and if b accident I use the mouse in the incorrect way I am taken to the previous page and when I press the forward button on the toolbar I am taken to a message with a blank vbox that previously contained my reply!

I know what the smart-alecs are going to say (because I am one of them! :B )
WHY DIDN`T I PRESS SEND MESSAGE!
It`s a good point. The truth is because I hadn`t finsished writing my message...

My query is:
Is there any way of disabling that Roll Mouse-Previous Webpage gimmick?

Once again, thanks if you can help.
And, if you can`t no worries. Just promise me one thing - You`ll be good this week!
:)

Spare modem, anyone?

Dear Administrators, please feel free to dump this thread wherever you feel appropriate (please give it some tome before you decide on the Trash Can :/ )

I am just wondering if anyone has a spare working broadband modem they would be willing to part with? Anyone? Well, I thought I`d give it a try?

Have a great week everyone.

RE: Wireless/Corded Internet Help

1. Thanks Splintercell, I will try connecting tonight.
I`ll let you know of my success...or more likely my failure

2. Blagging is something I tried with Bulldog but they were pretty darn adamant that if I wanted Wireless I had to pay for it!
Any ISPs you could rcommend?

3. Many of you will know that I have written about Telephone calls and the best way to go. My family just does not know how to use 18866 so I have decided to go all out with OneTel. £9.99 for Line Rental and £29.99 for the Broadband and Calls Package!
You can choose your friends but why can`t we choose our family...
they`re a decent bunch really. Hehe. ;)

4. I just got Viavoice 10 with Serif. I`d recommend it. I admit it doesn`t get every single word but you can always edit it once everything is on the page.
Does anyone know of any good Microphone/Headsets as the one from Serif is killing my ears!?!

5. Anyone know of any flatscreen monitors that you can hang on your wall like a picture.
I know it`ll cost... I am just curious.

6. One final thing...
Have a great weekend everyone!

RE: Wireless/Corded Internet Help

Yikes, it`s about 20m.
:(

Wireless/Corded Internet Help

I`ll try not to waste your time Higher Council, so here goes:

1 Laptop (with Broadband)
1 Computer (Internet not set up... yet)

1. Thought about wireless
2. Decided it would be easier (cheaper to go wired)
3. I have bought a 20m telephone extension lead
4. Plan is to connect a modem with the computer via the extension lead

Basically, I am curious to know if this will work.
I can`t see any forseeable problems (he says with the naivety of a young Jedi warrior)

If it won`t work, why not? Am I missing a huge gaping problem?

Thanks again for alll you help
Sorry for the silly Star Wars references just excited... :B

RE: BOGOF at sterlinghouse.co.uk

That is so crazy, I was looking for a bike and was going to post a thread for some advice and no sooner has the thought popped in my head than this comes along.

Once again, the best messageboard in town does it again!
Thanks burnt!

RE: Anyone Using EFH Broadband?

I have decided that BT`s Yahoo Package is extortionate and am also going to be chaging to EFH Broadband before this week. It says in the application page that if you are referrred please enter the name of the person/username. Anyone like an extra £5. I will use the person`s details who contacts me first whether this be by PM or by POSTING on the messageboard. Thanks again for the advice.

RE: 1/2 Price Topend PC`s

Quote:
I can`t believe no one thinks this is a good deal?
Try not to worry too much about it. I posted my first ever bargain post a while back and was greeted with...
ZILCH! :(

RE: EBAY 5p Listing Day... Tuesday 5th April

Hehe. They don`t do it on purpose but everyone knows that you feel better buying from a guy who has more ratings. They want to get their ratings high. It is actually interesting because when you have high ratings everything becomes easier. I remember one time buying a 100 dvd collection from someone who had little or no ratings on a Tuesday. They were leaving the country so needed to get rid of the items fast. I spotted the item. Emailed them. Once I was happy, I paid via Paypal. They posted. I received on Thursday. I relisted as a special one day sale saying I needed to get rid of my collection (please note no lies so far ;) ) I got paid via Paypal on Friday. I posted on the Saturday. I made a profit of £100!. Easiest money ever... :B

The Best VHS/DVD/ COMBO RECORDER?

Any ideas on the The Best VHS/DVD/ COMBO RECORDER?

And, if it is the best? Why?

Thanks for any help.

Main specs for me:
I`d like to record on both DVD and VHS.
I`d like for it to play DivX.
errrr... that`s it!

This item was edited on Tuesday, 5th April 2005, 06:47

RE: EBAY 5p Listing Day... Tuesday 5th April

Quote:
time to clear some crap
Hehe. That is just too TRUE in my case! :/
Thanks to the original poster.

A few more details here:
http://pages.ebay.co.uk/sell/050405SW5pLD/

My favourite part of these listing days...
Look out for the Feedback mercahants and watch how quickly their ratings zoom to over 50 and then...
Boom!
They are no longer a registered user
:D

RE: Help with networking

Sorry to hear that, splintercell. Hope the weekend goes well for you.

PS I decided to stay safe and buy everything from BT. :)
Thanks for all your help.

RE: Help with networking

Thanks Splintercell.

It is good to know I am not the only one who decided not to lie in today... ;)

RE: Help with networking

I`m thinking about going with the BT Voyager 2100. Does anyone have suggestions for Adaptors? I want to go the USB route. I have one PC and one Laptop.

RE: 076 Numbers...

Thanks Unicorn, I`ll give that site a whirl.

RE: The Matrix Revisited - under 2 quid - Tesco

I appreciate what you are saying J; it is probably just me who wavers along the lines of stupidity :B Have a great holiday everyone!

RE: The Matrix Revisited - under 2 quid - Tesco

Do not buy the Matrix Revisited!!!! (:¦
This is a cheap documentary.
They are trying to get you confused with the Matrix Reloaded

Trust me, I made an expensive mistake to find out via eBay.
:(

076 Numbers...

Hi everyone. Does anyone know of a way to get round phoning numbers that start with this prefix so that it doesn`t cost 25.5p per minute. Any help as always appreciated. :/

(I should add that this is for my uncle who wants to phone his GP but they have now introduced this number for him and other patients to call during office numbers!)

This item was edited on Tuesday, 22nd March 2005, 07:30

Casio Exilim S100 £160 inc shipping, 2 year warranty, 1 year Advantage card + cashback

Woo Hoo. My first proper post - the receiver now becomes the giver :D

Feel free to ignore the following 4 lines if excitement:
I was looking for a camera. I chose to get the Casio Exilim S100. If you have the Exilim S2 (like me) while you will have defended it with all your honour it`s one drawback is the 2mp. No longer. The S100 is the same size, some would say sleeker but 3.3mp. More than enough for me. Anyway, I`ll stop rambling.

Join Greasypalm. www.greasypalm.co.uk
Oh the temptation to put a referral link but got to keep strong. :/

Visit Pixmania.co.uk via Greasypalm 0.5% cashback
Buy the Casio Exilim S100.

It will automatically add a Pixmania Advantage card for £7.
Keep it. It means Free Delivery on all purchases from Pixmania for a year!

Continue, continue, until you get to a page where it says update price.
Add the following promotion code:
camerabuyer0105
Your order just became £10 cheaper! :D

I removed the Zen Agreement but if you want to keep it that is up to you.

Is this a good deal? The way I always check is I visit eBay.
Guess what... this way is cheaper.
Amazon...2-3 weeks delivery! :$

Woo Hoo. My first bargain post. It feels good...

PS Moderators, if I have made a mistake or the code is illegal please let me know I will remove it immedaitely as I don`t want to get you guys in trouble. :¦

RE: Free DVD from screenselect

I`d just throw this out in the open as I am unsure whether this happened to just me. I joined Lovefilm in October for a free trial. I cancelled before they charged. They were very good. But, then out of the blue 3 weeks ago I received 3 DVDs from them. I couldn`t understand it. I checked my account (which hadn`t been used for almost 4 months!) and the 3 DVDs I received were the 3 from the top of my list. My first port of call was to check my payment date... it said November 2004. At this point, I just thought wow Love Film must be trying to entice me back. I watched the DVDs and then returned them. But...no more DVDs. I thought to myself that was some short trial :/ . And, now they are emailing me asking for £14.99. :o

I am unsure what to do in this situation. I`ll be honest, I am happy to ignore them because the debit card I used originally has now expired :D. (It was so funny in their last email they were pleading for me to find out what was wrong.). I like to think of myself as honest and upstanding (please don`t ask my family!) but have I done something wrong, am I committing wrong? I know I should contact them but when I use the reply button a message comes back saying the address is invalid, I have to go through their website. Frankly, I don`t want to. Their mistake, they can come knocking on my door. Right?

I know this is a bit of a strange message (and maybe it is because I am feeling poorly) but I just want to throw this moral dilemma out there and ask for advice. Is it okay to ignore them? I don`t mind if they phone me but I have no intention of ME chasing THEM up. Does this make sense?

Thanks for listening.

RE: Internet question...How do I get rid of all my previous search words when I click on any search

Whose been a naughty boy then?
:B

RE: Phone that only receives calls. Prevents child from making calls.

Thanks SlipperySam that was the website I was looking for as I visited it before but did not recall the name of the website. (How stupid am I?!? Please, do not answer that.)

Thanks random_username I am urging my family to use 18866 for Daytime Calls. I feel like I am fighting a battle.

How hard is it to dial 5 numbers beforehand?!
The answer in my family is very hard...

Who was it who said you can choose your friends but you can`t choose your family. :)

Does anyone know of a way to dial the number automatically?