The Technology Troubleshooting Thread

[The Raven's Epitaph]

You're not making sense. You're saying when you speak directly to them in the game you cannot hear what they are saying, but when you upload a video of you speaking directly to them on youtube, you can hear?

I know it's hard to understand.

I can't hear them when I speak to them directly in the game, but if I record the footage and watch the video afterwards, I can hear them.

So..how can I explain it? In the game, it's like the character's are on mute. All my sound settings in the options menu are on the highest volume possible.
It's really confusing I know.

 

[Slyfox696]

I know it's hard to understand.

I can't hear them when I speak to them directly in the game, but if I record the footage and watch the video afterwards, I can hear them.

So..how can I explain it? In the game, it's like the character's are on mute. All my sound settings in the options menu are on the highest volume possible.
It's really confusing I know.

How are you recording the video?

 

[The Raven's Epitaph]

How are you recording the video?

When I recorded it, I just used Fraps. It converted it straight to WMV format. I could hear the characters when I actually viewed the footage, which confused me even more.

 

[Slyfox696]

When I recorded it, I just used Fraps. It converted it straight to WMV format. I could hear the characters when I actually viewed the footage, which confused me even more.

If what you're saying is true, then it probably is a problem with your computer. The fact you can hear sound when viewing the footage, suggests the sound is actually being put out by the game, but your sound card can't pass it on to you.

Try updating your audio drivers. You can find what sound card you're using by going to the Device Manager (I assume you're using Windows). You can get to Device Manager by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard at the same time you press the "Pause" button. Then search for Device Manager. It could be in a tab called Hardware, or just on the page (depending on OS). Find your audio device, and do a Google search for an updated driver.

 

[The Raven's Epitaph]

If what you're saying is true, then it probably is a problem with your computer. The fact you can hear sound when viewing the footage, suggests the sound is actually being put out by the game, but your sound card can't pass it on to you.

Try updating your audio drivers. You can find what sound card you're using by going to the Device Manager (I assume you're using Windows). You can get to Device Manager by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard at the same time you press the "Pause" button. Then search for Device Manager. It could be in a tab called Hardware, or just on the page (depending on OS). Find your audio device, and do a Google search for an updated driver.

Alright, I pressed the Windows Key and the Pause button, and it loaded up the system. On Device Manager it says 'Sound, video and game controllers'.

Apparently I have Realtek High Defenition Audio (Internal, Location 3) and Unimodem Half-Duplex Audio Device. Apparently that's coming from my modem.

Just in case, I'm on a 32bit OS. I'll do a search for a newer version of the Realtek HD Audio. Thanks for the help thus far.

 

[One Punch Doug Crashin]

Do you have an actual Soundcard? Also if need be you can update the Realtek Drivers through the device manager by right clicking the device and selecting Update Driver from the menu. Though that's probably not the best solution.

 

[Slyfox696]

Do you have an actual Soundcard?

I doubt it, but it's just easier to say.

Also if need be you can update the Realtek Drivers through the device manager by right clicking the device and selecting Update Driver from the menu. Though that's probably not the best solution.

I find that way usually fails. Much more likely to find it using a search, even if Realtek's site is terrible.

 

[The Raven's Epitaph]

I did a update search for the Realtek HD Audio and it said..

'The best driver software for your device is already installed'
(Version 6.0)

'Windows has determined that your version is up to date.'

Which is weird, because a program I just got called DriverBoost just gave me a list of about 8 things that needed updating (just java etc.) and my Realtek driver was one of them.

This is such a never-ending ballache of a problem.

 

[Slyfox696]

I did a update search for the Realtek HD Audio and it said..

'The best driver software for your device is already installed'
(Version 6.0)

'Windows has determined that your version is up to date.'

Which is weird, because a program I just got called DriverBoost just gave me a list of about 8 things that needed updating (just java etc.) and my Realtek driver was one of them.

This is such a never-ending ballache of a problem.

I don't believe I ever said anything about using Windows to update your driver. Why are you not listening to me? I could have told you that's what Windows would have said.

 

[The Raven's Epitaph]

I don't believe I ever said anything about using Windows to update your driver. Why are you not listening to me? I could have told you that's what Windows would have said.

No, I tried Realtek's website aswell, but like you said, it's crap. It doesn't provide anything besides links to the driver that I already have installed.

 

[Slyfox696]

No, I tried Realtek's website aswell, but like you said, it's crap. It doesn't provide anything besides links to the driver that I already have installed.

Just do a Google search and find out what the latest driver is. Then you can begin the process of finding out where to download it.

 

[The Raven's Epitaph]

Oh, Slyfox! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
I can't express my thanks enough! Finally, I can hear my characters in the game!

I downloaded a 6.12 version of my driver from Realtek's website which uninstalled my old one, and installed my newest one. After a quick restart of my computer, eh' presto! It worked!

Thank you so much, Sly. You've done me a MASSIVE favour here! Thank you SO much!

Have some green rep you harsh life-saving bastard, you!

 

[Slyfox696]

No problem, glad it's working now.

 

[Muffin Top Merkley]

First of all, don't ever pay for website creation software. There are so many free alternatives out there, it's silly to pay for one.

Secondly, give me the URL to the current site, so I can get an idea of what you have, and how you can make it look like you've done a great job making it better. With websites, appearance is 75% of the battle (accessibility and usability are the other 25%) and if it LOOKS like the website you've created is much better than the old, then they will be very happy with you.

Sorry for my delayed response.

The URL for the website is http://www.leedsgrenvillefire.com

As you can see the overall look does is not very appealing.

Thirdly, you need to provide some information on what you're working with. Where is the website physically hosted at (where is the server)? Do you have access to a database (usually MySQL)? Do you have the ability to customize settings for your website?

As far as I know, the website has been donated to us by Ripnet, a local company that specialises is internet services.

I'm assuming/confident I would have complete access to everything I would need, however am not too sure how I would be able to access it as of right now.

[/quote]Finally, you need to tell me what kind of information you want on the site. There are different things out there, depending upon the amount and type of information you want posted.

I would like to make some additions to the current list of contacts, I would like an option to upload fire department pictures, information library for such things as the fire code, as well as a forum.

I know that's a lot of questions for someone who just got asked to do a website and knows nothing about them, but it's necessary. I'm the webmaster for my school's website, and it can be quite daunting at the beginning. Get me this information (especially of if you have access to a database) and I can get you set up quite nicely.

I appreciate you're response and again, sorry for the delay in my answering.

 

[Slyfox696]

Sorry for my delayed response.

The URL for the website is http://www.leedsgrenvillefire.com

As you can see the overall look does is not very appealing.

No, it does not. The website is terrible, no offense. Every link opens a new window (which is just fucking annoying), it uses tables instead of css for layout, the page is not balanced, it looks cluttered, and the background is an ugly fucking color. Hell, you have a link to a photo gallery from 2003, which is improperly linked to a location on a computer hard drive.

Terrible site. No offense.

As far as I know, the website has been donated to us by Ripnet, a local company that specialises is internet services.

I'm assuming/confident I would have complete access to everything I would need, however am not too sure how I would be able to access it as of right now.

If you can have complete access, take the site as it currently exists, and back it up (save it to a location that you'll always have it, just in case). The fucking gut the site and start over again from scratch.

Actually, you should start from scratch first and then gut the site. But you get my point.

I would like to make some additions to the current list of contacts, I would like an option to upload fire department pictures, information library for such things as the fire code, as well as a forum.

I recommend then, that you use a Content Management System (CMS). It takes a lot of the work out of creating the site (which is good for someone who doesn't know how to make websites), and it can be set up to be worked on by different people, if you so desire.

I'm currently working with the Joomla CMS. Since I already have a website for my school/job, I'm working on it as I go, just putting in a little time here or there, so it's not completely finished. However, I'll send you a PM with the link so you can kind of see what a CMS can do.

There are other popular CMS products out there. The United State White House uses a CMS called Drupal (http://whitehouse.gov). A LOT of people use Wordpress, since it's VERY easy to set up and maintain. Joomla, Drupal and Wordpress are all free programs. However, you need to make sure your website host has updated software for a MySQL database and for PHP scripting. Don't worry, you don't have to mess with scripting or understand how the database works.

Let me know how deeply you wish to do this website, and I can REALLY hook you up. I'm not a programmer or a scripter, but I know how to do basic website creation very well.

I appreciate you're response and again, sorry for the delay in my answering.

No problem at all, I love doing stuff like this. Check your PMs.

 

[Muffin Top Merkley]

No, it does not. The website is terrible, no offense. Every link opens a new window (which is just fucking annoying), it uses tables instead of css for layout, the page is not balanced, it looks cluttered, and the background is an ugly fucking color. Hell, you have a link to a photo gallery from 2003, which is improperly linked to a location on a computer hard drive.

Terrible site. No offense.

None taken at all. Aside from being a member to the Association, I had zero connection to the site before I was told/asked to take it over.

If you can have complete access, take the site as it currently exists, and back it up (save it to a location that you'll always have it, just in case). The fucking gut the site and start over again from scratch.

Actually, you should start from scratch first and then gut the site. But you get my point.

This is my intention. I figured it would be much better to start fresh then try to take what is currently there and attempt to work with it.

I recommend then, that you use a Content Management System (CMS). It takes a lot of the work out of creating the site (which is good for someone who doesn't know how to make websites), and it can be set up to be worked on by different people, if you so desire.

I'm currently working with the Joomla CMS. Since I already have a website for my school/job, I'm working on it as I go, just putting in a little time here or there, so it's not completely finished. However, I'll send you a PM with the link so you can kind of see what a CMS can do.

There are other popular CMS products out there. The United State White House uses a CMS called Drupal (http://whitehouse.gov). A LOT of people use Wordpress, since it's VERY easy to set up and maintain. Joomla, Drupal and Wordpress are all free programs. However, you need to make sure your website host has updated software for a MySQL database and for PHP scripting. Don't worry, you don't have to mess with scripting or understand how the database works.

I don't really understand this. Sorry.

I have contact with the previous webmaster, as well as the Association executive, so if there is any questions you need me to ask, or further information you need, let me know and I'll try to do some investigating.

Let me know how deeply you wish to do this website, and I can REALLY hook you up. I'm not a programmer or a scripter, but I know how to do basic website creation very well.

For starters, I want to make it appealing and user friendly, then I can build on that.

My handicap is that I have zero experience in where to even start and because of such I almost need a list saying exactly what programs I should get.

 

[Slyfox696]

None taken at all. Aside from being a member to the Association, I had zero connection to the site before I was told/asked to take it over.



This is my intention. I figured it would be much better to start fresh then try to take what is currently there and attempt to work with it.



I don't really understand this. Sorry.

I have contact with the previous webmaster, as well as the Association executive, so if there is any questions you need me to ask, or further information you need, let me know and I'll try to do some investigating.



For starters, I want to make it appealing and user friendly, then I can build on that.

My handicap is that I have zero experience in where to even start and because of such I almost need a list saying exactly what programs I should get.

I sent you a PM with some additional information. Here's what you need to ask the people who host your website. Do they have up-to-date versions of MySQL and PHP? You don't even have to know what that is, just ask.

 

[Rhonda Rousey's Sports Bra]

My name is Blue Cardinal, and I have a problem.

My laptop got hit with a virus from Facebook(I think) I have AVG 9.0 but a scan didn't work. The virus keeps me from doing anything period in normal mode, I could only do the scan starting up my computer is safe mode. What it does is (aside from not letting me do anything)change my desktop to a big message that says something to the effect of Your're(yes it's spelled wrong) computer is in danger. Everything you do is logged and your boss, kids, and wife can see everything you do.

Basically it wants me to buy this spyware (the icon pops up on my desktop with a combination lock picture and it's called Security Tool) and it locks everything.

 

[Sparky]

Until someone with actual knowledge signs on and has a better idea, remember the day you got the virus and then do a system restore to a point just before that. It works for me.

 

[Dave]

My name is Blue Cardinal, and I have a problem.

My laptop got hit with a virus from Facebook(I think) I have AVG 9.0 but a scan didn't work. The virus keeps me from doing anything period in normal mode, I could only do the scan starting up my computer is safe mode. What it does is (aside from not letting me do anything)change my desktop to a big message that says something to the effect of Your're(yes it's spelled wrong) computer is in danger. Everything you do is logged and your boss, kids, and wife can see everything you do.

Basically it wants me to buy this spyware (the icon pops up on my desktop with a combination lock picture and it's called Security Tool) and it locks everything.

Do me a favour and press control, Alt and delete and bring up your task manager.

Hit "new task" and then type in "explorer"

Hopefully, that should bring up your desktop. If not, keep up the task manager and go to the processes tab. Look for something that shouldn't be there. Of course, I cannot see it myself, so you are going to have to do your best at finding it. Either that or take a screen-capture if you can and upload it here. Try and get all the processes in.

To get rid of this virus, you need to kill the process first and then you can download Spyware Doctor or something similar to remove it.

So yes, processes.

 

[Slyfox696]

My name is Blue Cardinal, and I have a problem.

My laptop got hit with a virus from Facebook(I think) I have AVG 9.0 but a scan didn't work. The virus keeps me from doing anything period in normal mode, I could only do the scan starting up my computer is safe mode. What it does is (aside from not letting me do anything)change my desktop to a big message that says something to the effect of Your're(yes it's spelled wrong) computer is in danger. Everything you do is logged and your boss, kids, and wife can see everything you do.

Basically it wants me to buy this spyware (the icon pops up on my desktop with a combination lock picture and it's called Security Tool) and it locks everything.

You're in luck, I've actually dealt with this virus twice in the last week, so I know exactly how to kill it.

1. You need to download a couple of programs, and one anti-virus definition. One is called RKill and the other is Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE), and the virus definition is for MSE. Either download these programs on a different computer (and burn to a CD, you don't want to use USB drives when you have a virus) or download them in Safe Mode with Networking on your computer. Either way should work.

RKill: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/anti-virus/rkill
(download the file that says "iExplore.exe download link)

Microsoft Security Essentials: http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

Anti-Virus Definition: http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-update-microsoft-security-essentials-mse-offline/

2. Download those three programs and if you're not already, go into Safe mode and copy the files onto your Desktop.

3. Go into your Add/Remove Programs and uninstall AVG 9. We're going to use MSE, and I think MSE is better anyways.

4. Restart your computer into regular mode.

5. If you have not done so already, there should be an icon for System Tools 2011. Delete the icon completely, including from Recycle Bin.

6. Once your computer comes up, run RKill. RKill will terminate all running processes of malware (which System Tools 2011 is).

7. After running RKill, install MSE.

8. After you've installed MSE, it SHOULD update automatically before scanning. If for some reason MSE cannot update, you have the updated definitions that you downloaded. Either way, get your MSE up-to-date.

9. Once MSE is up to date, run a scan with it. MSE has found this virus both times I've used it, and several times it's been noted on the web. Clean any infection MSE finds, restart your computer, and you should be free and clear.

10. Just to be completely safe though, once you've restarted your machine, run RKill again, and run Malwarebytes once, just to make sure your system is totally clean.



I'd recommend printing out these instructions before you start the cleaning process. Removing this nasty little bug is fairly easy, just takes time to do all the scans. Also, you can try removing this program with AVG, I just know MSE works for sure.

Do me a favour and press control, Alt and delete and bring up your task manager.

Hit "new task" and then type in "explorer"

Hopefully, that should bring up your desktop. If not, keep up the task manager and go to the processes tab. Look for something that shouldn't be there. Of course, I cannot see it myself, so you are going to have to do your best at finding it. Either that or take a screen-capture if you can and upload it here. Try and get all the processes in.

To get rid of this virus, you need to kill the process first and then you can download Spyware Doctor or something similar to remove it.

So yes, processes.

This virus disables the ability to use Task Manager. Normally, though, that'd be good advice.

 

[newc868]

Hey Slyfox (or anyone else for that matter) could help me with a problem my laptop's OS seems to be having.

Basically twice I've had to format my laptop due to a mass of viruses infecting it and leaving my laptop nearly useless (every 3rd click - pop up) but now it's been fine for about 3-4 months or so but there is one persistent problem with Vista (among the many others) and the updates. It's refusing to update my OS and no matter how many times I try to update - it won't work.

It's left my computer feeling kind of ancient and it likes to have long sessions of slow down every now and again. I was just wondering if there's anything I can do for it or should I just wait for it to die and then get a new laptop?

Thanks, newc868.

 

[Slyfox696]

Hey Slyfox (or anyone else for that matter) could help me with a problem my laptop's OS seems to be having.

Basically twice I've had to format my laptop due to a mass of viruses infecting it and leaving my laptop nearly useless (every 3rd click - pop up) but now it's been fine for about 3-4 months or so but there is one persistent problem with Vista (among the many others) and the updates. It's refusing to update my OS and no matter how many times I try to update - it won't work.

It's left my computer feeling kind of ancient and it likes to have long sessions of slow down every now and again. I was just wondering if there's anything I can do for it or should I just wait for it to die and then get a new laptop?

Thanks, newc868.

First advice: quit using Vista. Either upgrade to Windows 7, or go with a Linux box (which would solve your virus problems).

Second, if you insist on using Vista: have you made sure your copy of Vista has been activated? If you do not activate your copy of Windows, you won't be able to update past 30 days from when you first install. You can check activation by pressing the Windows button on your keyboard and the Pause button at the same time. It should bring up your system details, and just scroll down where it gives you Activation status.

Third, if activation is not the problem: I need more information about why it won't install updates. What does it say, what happens. Simply telling me "it doesn't work" isn't enough information. Give me more.


If you would rather convert to Linux, I recommend OpenSUSE 11.3 for Windows converts and when it's time to install, use the KDE desktop. I think it's the best I've used for people new to Linux, converting from Windows. I hear PCLinuxOS is good too, but I haven't used it yet.

 

[newc868]

First advice: quit using Vista. Either upgrade to Windows 7, or go with a Linux box (which would solve your virus problems).

Second, if you insist on using Vista: have you made sure your copy of Vista has been activated? If you do not activate your copy of Windows, you won't be able to update past 30 days from when you first install. You can check activation by pressing the Windows button on your keyboard and the Pause button at the same time. It should bring up your system details, and just scroll down where it gives you Activation status.

Third, if activation is not the problem: I need more information about why it won't install updates. What does it say, what happens. Simply telling me "it doesn't work" isn't enough information. Give me more.


If you would rather convert to Linux, I recommend OpenSUSE 11.3 for Windows converts and when it's time to install, use the KDE desktop. I think it's the best I've used for people new to Linux, converting from Windows. I hear PCLinuxOS is good too, but I haven't used it yet.

I recommend the same thing to everyone else but I'm too broke to afford Windows 7. *facepalm* As for Linux, that's free, right? Would be a much better option. What's it like with software and programs?

The system says that Windows is activated. As for what the specific problems are - the system recognises them and recommends I install them but when I try to install them it pops up with "Installing - out of 19" but then when I turn the computer on again - it's telling me I need to install the very same updates and it keeps doing this over and over. It seems to largely affect Windows stuff like Office and Media Player for updates/activation. Although I'm ok with using Open Office/Real Player for these at the moment.

 

[Slyfox696]

I recommend the same thing to everyone else but I'm too broke to afford Windows 7. *facepalm* As for Linux, that's free, right? Would be a much better option. What's it like with software and programs?

It depends on what distribution of Linux you get, but most are free. The one I recommended was. As far as software goes, you probably won't be able to go to the store and buy a box of software, but there's plenty of software out there. What are you wanting to do with the machine?

The system says that Windows is activated. As for what the specific problems are - the system recognises them and recommends I install them but when I try to install them it pops up with "Installing - out of 19" but then when I turn the computer on again - it's telling me I need to install the very same updates and it keeps doing this over and over. It seems to largely affect Windows stuff like Office and Media Player for updates/activation. Although I'm ok with using Open Office/Real Player for these at the moment.

When do you install the updates? Right before you're turning off the computer? Or do you run them while your machine is active. Do the updates ever actually install, and then uninstall whenever you turn your machine back on?