When I shutdown Windows XP the computer switches off and unless the computer is unplugged from the power point, after a few minutes the machine switches back on. A related problem is a second computer networked to the insomniac computer. If both are on, the second computer tells this one to connect to my ISP. On one occasion I was connected to my ISP for nearly four hours because the second computer switched itself on. (more…)

My computer is a Pentium II 233 MHz with 256 MB RAM and 20 GB hard drive running Windows ME. Recently when my computer boots the CPU speed is displayed as 133MHZ and on one occasion was displayed as 166MHZ. It runs very slow at these times, however, if I reboot, it occasionally corrects itself. If the CPU needs replacing can a 350 MHz CPU be fitted without causing any other problems, or should I stay with a 233 MHz? (more…)

Currently I am using a 7 year old computer which has been upgraded several times. Soon I would like to purchase a new computer. What advice could you give about types of systems? The computer would be used as a gaming and work machine and I would also like the ability to burn CDs and DVDs. (more…)

When my computer is turned on it goes straight into sleep mode. The machine is a Pentium II running Windows 98 SE. Can you help? (more…)

Until recently my computer behaved normally when switching on. Now, as the machine starts, the first page appears with the message ‘Floppy disk(s) fail (40)’. At the bottom of the page I am instructed to ‘Press F1 to continue’ and having dutifully pressed F1 the machine loads as normal. How do I get the computer to load without the fail notice? Second thing is when I download updates, particularly from Microsoft, the machine tells me that I have to reboot to get it all to work and asks whether I want to reboot now. When I click ‘Yes’ the machine shows a message that something illegal has happened and the computer will be closed down. After closing down I am never sure if the download has been successful or not as there are numerous occasions when the download has failed. Do you have any idea what the illegal action may be and how do I repair it? The computer ‘gets along alright’ according to a technician who recently replaced a part. (more…)