Quote from: Papyrus on January 20, 2015, 08:11:53 PM
I've been having similar problems to Bob. I have Vista on my laptop, which generally I am quite happy with, but videos are very jerky and the sound is crackly. I've been considering upgrading to Windows 7 to see if that will solve the problem. Is this likely to help or would I be wasting my time?

Hi Chris.
I think it depends on how old your computer is. There is a Windows 7 compatibility advisor app http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=20 which should tell you if you are going to have any issues with your hardware or installed software if you upgrade to Windows 7. Why don't you give it a try and see what it comes up with. If your computer is not too old it usually indicates that some drivers may need updating or that some software needs to be uninstalled and reinstalled after the upgrade.
If you go the upgrade route you need to back up any important files like, photos, documents, movies, spreadsheets, rail layouts etc. first.

Quote from: austinbob on January 20, 2015, 07:04:06 PM

Quote from: N Gauge Bob on January 20, 2015, 06:44:57 PM
No back up discs sadly, but my thoughts are going back to XP would be a good idea.
I'll try and see if I can find a copy somewhere.
Never tried Linux. Always used Microsoft so think I'll stay there.
Cheers
N Gauge Bob

Linux, for some people, rings their bells but most of the support and applications out there are for Microsoft. In my opinion Linux is an enthusiasts toy and not generally suitable for people like you and I who just want to buy a computer and use it without faffing about.
Enough of this rambling - best to find a way to reinstall XP IMHO.

Golly Bob I am anything but an enthusiast or geek just a bloke that enjoys trouble free computing the way it should be, the latest Linux Mint 17 receives 5 years of security updates and is like a much refined version of Windows XP.

I agree there are a percentage of geeky types that use Linux but there are also many business people that use it, one example is my Sons Prudential Company, he has a staff of over 10 people and uses Linux Ubuntu as a network system, like most Linux OS it is compatible with Windows 

Linux Zorin, OS is designed to help people that have used Windows in the past, the Zorin desktop can be set to Windows XP or Windows 7 at the click of a button, hardly geeky stuff 
Sadly people are afraid of something that they are not sure about but Linux is the best thing I ever did with computers 

Plenty of help out there for Linux users as there are thousands that belong to help forums, like model trains the users provide the best support, as a matter of fact I consider Linux support is way better than that offered by Windows  also over 37,000 mostly free software programs available that can do everything but make you a cup of tea.

Quote from: longbridge on January 20, 2015, 09:12:50 PM
Golly Bob I am anything but an enthusiast or geek just a bloke that enjoys trouble free computing the way it should be, the latest Linux Mint 17 receives 5 years of security updates and is like a much refined version of Windows XP.

I agree there are a percentage of geeky types that use Linux but there are also many business people that use it, one example is my Sons Prudential Company, he has a staff of over 10 people and uses Linux Ubuntu as a network system, like most Linux OS it is compatible with Windows 

Linux Zorin, OS is designed to help people that have used Windows in the past, the Zorin desktop can be set to Windows XP or Windows 7 at the click of a button, hardly geeky stuff 
Sadly people are afraid of something that they are not sure about but Linux is the best thing I ever did with computers 

I didn't mention anything about Geeks longbridge and I respect anybody's wish to use whatever operating they choose. I have used various versions of Linux Ubuntu in the past for technical interest and found it to be pretty good. But, it has its faults and difficulties like any operating system.
I know that many people knock Microsoft but, like a very large percentage of computer users, I have always found that the range of applications and support for Microsoft operating systems leaves anything but Mac OS standing. I think the majority of people go with Microsoft or Mac for that reason alone.
That doesn't mean that Linux is not an excellent operating system - its just a minority preference and not for the masses.
The fact that it must be around 99% of users have Windows or Mac OS must confirm that. (that's a guess by the way so please don't come back with exact figures on how many use Linux).

Quote from: Papyrus on January 20, 2015, 08:11:53 PM
I've been having similar problems to Bob. I have Vista on my laptop, which generally I am quite happy with, but videos are very jerky and the sound is crackly. I've been considering upgrading to Windows 7 to see if that will solve the problem. Is this likely to help or would I be wasting my time?

I have no experience with Vista, but I would guess that a later operating system is going to slow things down if anything. Is there any evidence that any Microsoft 'upgrade' has ever reduced the amount of bloat in the system? As I said earlier, my wife's Windows 7 system - with much faster hardware - is no faster than my XP. Do the maths ;-}

Thanks guys..that was an interesing few hours 
to everyone.

Regarding Linux...Mr Linux actually lurks in these pages....Morning Alan 

I have used Microsoft for so long I think I will adopt the attitude of the devil you know...I don't do change...still trying to get used to the electric handbrake on the car after a year 

The choices as I see them are twofold.
1......Replace the current graphics card with one from eBay...at the price this would be a cheap alternative.
2......Revert to XP.
I think what I will do is the above in that order. Try 1 and if that fails do 2.

I'll let everyone know what transpires.
Again many thanks to all...I love this forum 
Cheers
N G Bob

Bob, I was a high school teacher for most of me life, and my advice for exams was, "Always stick by your first decision... it's usually right."



George

Quote from: Railwaygun on January 20, 2015, 05:45:53 PM

Quote from: N Gauge Bob on January 20, 2015, 04:55:12 PM
t gave me the choice of two monitors despite the fact I only have one!!!

HPw19 wide LCD Monitor on Radeon 9000 family
(default monitor) on Radeon 9000SEC family XDD

Then asked which is main monitor?
Extend desktop onto monitor?


Bob

do not "tick" extend monitor

either monitor setting should be OK

what video card does it see? - there should be a named card ( hopefully yours!)

latest drivers for Radeon 9000 are here:

http://support.amd.com/en-us/download/archive/radeon-prer300-xp
nr

Forgot to say thanks, and I tried this. The installation could not proceed. Came up unable to install...corrupt item.
Guess that confirms the board is duff!!

Cheers
Bob

One last question..promise....
Would this do the job?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ATI-1026670201-Rage-XL-8MB-AGP-Graphics-Card-Board-109-66700-00-/111236164500?pt=UK_Computing_Computer_Components_Graphics_Video_TV_Cards_TW&hash=item19e6312b94

Cheers
Bob

Quote from: N Gauge Bob on January 21, 2015, 09:59:44 AM
One last question..promise....
Would this do the job?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ATI-1026670201-Rage-XL-8MB-AGP-Graphics-Card-Board-109-66700-00-/111236164500?pt=UK_Computing_Computer_Components_Graphics_Video_TV_Cards_TW&hash=item19e6312b94

Cheers
Bob

That's a very old card Bob and I think your existing card is well up to the job and probably not the problem - what do others think?

Quote from: austinbob on January 21, 2015, 10:14:26 AM

Quote from: N Gauge Bob on January 21, 2015, 09:59:44 AM
One last question..promise....
Would this do the job?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ATI-1026670201-Rage-XL-8MB-AGP-Graphics-Card-Board-109-66700-00-/111236164500?pt=UK_Computing_Computer_Components_Graphics_Video_TV_Cards_TW&hash=item19e6312b94

Cheers


Bob

That's a very old card Bob and I think your existing card is well up to the job and probably not the problem - what do others think?

My card is definitely the problem. I have found a friend locally who has been able to drop my graphics card in his computer, and guess what....same problem as on mine. This coupled with the fact that Radeon ATI cannot download the drivers stating that then card is bad would suggest it really is the card.
Problem solved now. I found an old computer on ebay which works and cost next to nothing so that will do and I'll consign this one to the tip tomorrow!!!
Cheers
Bob

Quote from: N Gauge Bob on January 21, 2015, 11:59:47 AM

Quote from: austinbob on January 21, 2015, 10:14:26 AM

Quote from: N Gauge Bob on January 21, 2015, 09:59:44 AM
One last question..promise....
Would this do the job?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ATI-1026670201-Rage-XL-8MB-AGP-Graphics-Card-Board-109-66700-00-/111236164500?pt=UK_Computing_Computer_Components_Graphics_Video_TV_Cards_TW&hash=item19e6312b94

Cheers


Bob

That's a very old card Bob and I think your existing card is well up to the job and probably not the problem - what do others think?

My card is definitely the problem. I have found a friend locally who has been able to drop my graphics card in his computer, and guess what....same problem as on mine. This coupled with the fact that Radeon ATI cannot download the drivers stating that then card is bad would suggest it really is the card.
Problem solved now. I found an old computer on ebay which works and cost next to nothing so that will do and I'll consign this one to the tip tomorrow!!!
Cheers
Bob

Glad you've established its a bad card and found a replacement computer at a good price.