I've always built my own PC's, but now it seems far cheaper to buy from someone like Dell, Gateway, or HP. The hardware list looks really good on the higher end machines (Dell 8400 and XPS, Gateway 7200 series). Question is, do these machines perform as well as it looks like they should? I'm always...

Hi there! I mounted a D-Link DWL-520+ wireless networkcard (PCI) in my new Dimension 8400 with XP pro SP1. It works flawlessly, except it seem to make the Dell not shutting down cleanly and gives a blue-screen message: ***Hardware Malfunction Call your hardware vendor for support NMI: Parity...

The specs for the Dimension 8400 say it has heat dissipation (fully loaded, without monitor) of 460.7 BTU/hour. The specs for the Dimension 4700 say it has heat dissipation (fully loaded, without monitor) of 853 BTU/hour. What does this mean? Does it mean the 8400 produces less heat, when in...

On the Dell Forum board there are NUMEROUS problems with the Phillips 8631 DL that comes bundled with the computers. This past week Dell finally got a firmware file uploaded. Anyone having a problem which most are can dl it and see if it helps.

Hi, I have a Dell SmartStep 200N NOTEBOOK - Windows XP Pro When I plug the AC Adapter (9t458) into the notebook, the screen fades to very dark (not black). I can still be some images on the screen, it doesn't go 100% black. When I discconect the AC adapter from the notebook, the screen...

Hi All, I'm considering buying a new computer, probably Dell Dimension 4600 or 8400. Does anyone have info or opinions on the noise level of these models, compared to other Dell models or other manufacturers like Sony, Gateway, or HP? Is there a website with noise ratings for...

My 4100's bios does not honor my setiings. I change the boot order (cdrom, floppy , hard drive) and does not try and boot from cd-rom. I have reflashed the bios (a11) then change the order but still does try cd-rom. Took battery out and tested it (3.5 volts) ... any suggestions ??? Thanks so much...

I have an Inspiron 8100 which I purchased new about 2.5 years ago. It has always worked well, but I noticed today that there was a line vertical going from the top of the screen to the bottom. It's not all that noticeable except when the background is certain colors. Is this the same thing as...

Hi, I have just upgraded my Latitude CPx from a 450MHz CPxH motherboard to a 750MHz CPxJ. That was fine and it all works well. On the new motherboard I noticed a small socket near where the sound ports are, which looks like it's labelled 'JMDM'. Any idea what this socket is for?

Has anyone installed SP2 for WinXP on a Dimension XPS400 with BIOS A13? Any problems? Thanks! George

Curious if any one is still running an old Dell 4100 system. If so, I would like to hear the upgrades you made to it over the years. I started out with a Dell XPS D266 (LX MB). Along the way I popped in a Dell 4100 BX MB back when Dell was unloading them for under $100.00 Regards Steve C.

My laptop just arrived and I must say that I am very disappointed with the screen quality. I upgraded to the top of the line WUXGA Ultrasharp screen, expecting something to rival Fujitsu's Crystalview or Sony's xBrite quality but it looks like a regular XGA screen. If you are considering a DELL...

I have an Inspiron 8000 with windows XP professional. I am trying to hook up a serial device, and old GPS, that had worked on my old IBM with windows 98. When everything is hooked up the computer does not recognize that the GPS is connected. The port settings are correct, the bios seems to be set...

Beer wrote: I'm looking for an inexpensive replacement for an older iBook. I can't believe Dell is offering the Inspiron 1000 and 1150 right around $700. That's pretty incredible. Can anyone who owns either model give me some insight? Publishers like to skip the inexpensive models so...

I want to take out the CPU from the Dell dimension 2400 and use it on another motherboard. But it seems so hard to take out the two pieces of green plastic that are securing the heat sink. Is there a procedure on how to take out the cpu? Thanks for the info.

How is it different from a native XP CD? I want to reinstall XP without all the extra stuff that Dell put on the pre-built machine. What is the difference? There seems to be a Dell cab file in an OEM directory on the CD. What is this?

I have a releative with a Dell 4600 and want to add a card reader. The problem I have is that the when I connect the card reader in place of the front panel I/O cable the PC refuses to boot. Does anyone know what the pin layout is on the motherbaord so that I can change the card reader cable to...

I reinstalled XP on my wife's bosses Dell 2400 and when finished I can't find the model and numbers for the devices so to get the correct drivers.. All paper work is missing on this computer and in Device manager is doesn't give for example which video card is installed, need to know all devices...

Can the secondary modular battery (not the main battery) from a Latitude D800 be used on a Precision M60 laptop? Dell has slightly different part numbers for them but they physically look the same. TIA Bogdan

I need to educate myself on cd/dvd burning. We have tons of digital image files that need to go on discs and the new computer is coming. Can anyone direct me to a site where I can learn more about burning CD's and DVD's??? The Dell we just ordered has a 16 x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/- RW) with...