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(940) 565-2387

Hardware Alerts

nVidia SLI Alert Balloon Popup Fix (8/2006)

Newest AGP FX5200 Video Card and Dual Monitor Setup (11/2005)
Multiple Monitor Setups (9/2005)
Limited Support for ZIP Drives (12/2003)
Memory Registration Limit in MS OS (12/2003)
Atech Flash Pro 9 Multi Format Card Reader (9/2003)
Sound Capabilities of 865 Based Motherboards (6/2003)
DVD Format Compatibility Reference (2/2003)
Dual Head Video Card Information (12/2002)
Windows 9x/ME Memory Limitation (6/2002)
Pentium 4 Driver Install Sequence (1/2002)
Imation Discontinued Production of the LS-120 SuperDrive (5/2001)
Working on Late Model Computers (3/1999)

This balloon pops up on boot into Windows XP when using 9x.xx series of video drivers for the optional nVidia cards available on some MMS computers. If you wish to disable this feature, please follow the directions supplied by the manufacturer here:

SLI Balloon Fix

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Newest AGP FX5200 Video Card and Dual Monitor Setup

The AGP nVidia based MSI model # MSI FX5200-TD128LF MS8998Z01 requires a digital connection from its DVI connector and cannot be converted to analog. This means that dual monitor setups are only possible with at least one LCD monitor supporting a digital input. This would include the latest ViewSonic 19" VP930B and 20.1" VP201b and VP2030b monitors. 17" and smaller/older models do not have the required connection.

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Multiple Monitor Setups

utilizing the onboard video capability of 945 based systems and/or the MSI NX6600 TD128E Lite Video Card and the  PNY Dual Monitor PCI FX5500 based Video card

When using the MSI AND PNY cards, cancel any installation of drivers requested by the OS and manually install the latest Nvidia drivers for correct function. Using one each of these cards will allow up to 4 monitors to be used simultaneously.

Below is a matrix showing the number of possible monitor combinations with available video cards

*BIOS settings, jumper settings and/or the inherent capabilities and limitations of the motherboard will determine this number.

When using the onboard (Intel GMA900) video solution and the PNY card, the machine shows post on the PNY card and reverts to the onboard when entering the OS. Installation of the Microsoft driver for the PNY card is allowed but needs to be replaced by the latest nVidia driver after startup. Change display settings using the Settings tab from Desktop/Properties rather than the Intel application. Using the PNY card and the onboard solution will allow up to 3 monitors to be used simultaneously. The nVidia driver used for these tests was 78.01.

Also be aware that adding multiple monitor support will increase noise and heat levels in either of the machines they are added to.

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Limited Support for ZIP Drives

The Microcomputer Maintenance Shop will continue to support these drives until our repair stock is depleted. At that time we will no longer be able to replace a defective drive. If you have any questions or concerns please call x2387.

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Memory Registration Limit in MS OS

In systems utilizing 4GB of memory on the many Intel chipset motherboards, Microsoft has identified a reporting/utilization limitation. This KnowledgeBase Article has additional information and try here for more specifics.

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Atech Flash Pro 9 Multi Format Card Reader

The Driver that allows certain functionality in Windows98 MUST be installed PRIOR to the installation of the hardware. This is not required in WindowsXP, Windows2000 (SP4 only) nor WindowsME. Please contact MMS (x2387) with questions regarding this issue.

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Sound Capabilities of 865 Based Motherboards

The Intel D865PERLK motherboard used in the new Tower systems has a substantially improved sound system integrated over previous versions. The capabilities, in most instances, are equivalent to or transcend those of the Soundblaster Audigy series.

Please be aware that using the Audigy Soundcard instead of the built-in capabilities negates the use of the front-mounted audio connections.

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DVD Format Compatibility Reference 

Write once and re-writable DVD's come in several formats. Each format has specific attributes. DVD ROM and DVD Burner drives available from MMS have varying abilities to read and write in these different formats. The chart below details those abilities. Please note that these capabilities assume the latest firmware revisions from the different manufacturers and results vary with different BRANDS of media.

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Dual Head Video Card Information 

It should be noted that Dual Head video cards can function in the same manner as two separate video cards. The card's resources are divided when used with dual monitor configurations. The application required to correctly configure Dual head cards is included with the NVidia drivers.

Instructions for implementing dual monitor capability are included HERE

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Windows 9x/ME Memory Limitation 

Microsoft has confirmed that these Operating Systems can operate reliably with no more than 512MB of memory installed. Please refer to Microsoft Knowledge Base article Q253912 for the cause and Microsoft Knowledge Base article Q181966 for a workaround. Please note that this workaround effectively limits the ability of the OS to see any more than the amount of memory chosen (512MB) no matter the amount installed. It is our recommendation that no more than 512MB of memory be installed on any machine running these Operating Systems. Also note that this limitation does not apply to Windows 2000 nor XP.

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Pentium 4 Driver Install Sequence 

Please refer to the following link for information regarding the correct installation procedure for drivers for these new machines:  http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/d850mv/inffirst.htm

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Imation Discontinued Production of the LS-120 SuperDrive

See the Imation web site http://www.imation.com/ for more information. 

From the main menu, pick: - Products - Diskette Storage - SuperDisk Technology 

The Microcomputer Maintenance Shop will continue to support these drives until our repair stock is depleted. At that time we will no longer be able to replace a defective drive. If you have any questions or concerns please call x2387.

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Working on Late Model Computers

The most recent generation of computers built by the Microcomputer Maintenance Shop fall into a general class called ATX. For all ATX systems there is always power going to the computer even when the machine is off. It is not safe to disassemble the machine in this state. 

It is very important that the computer be completely disconnected from its power source before any mechanical procedures are performed. Also disconnect any telecommunications links, network cables, or modem cables. Failure to do so could lead to personal injury or equipment damage. 

There is a power-on connector on the motherboard that connects to the “pushbutton” power button located on the front of the computer case. When the pushbutton is pressed it sends a signal to the motherboard which in turn notifies the ATX power supply to turn on to full power. 

The new ATX power supply is different from an older style AT power supply. It uses a logic circuit on the motherboard to power up the computer. A toggle switch is located on the ATX power supply on the back of the computer case. Some of the original ATX power supplies do not even have this switch. When the switch is turned on, the ATX power supply sends a 5V 720MA current to the motherboard through a lead on the power connector. That current is for WOL (Wakeup On LAN), WOM (Wakeup On Modem) and power on circuits. 

The Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) specification defines this global machine state as G2/S5 Soft Off “a computer state where the computer consumes a minimal amount of power. No user mode or system mode code is run. This state requires a large latency in order to return to the working state. The system’s context will not be preserved by the hardware. The system must be restarted to return to the working state. It is not safe to disassemble the machine in this state.” 

Use one of the two following options to completely disconnect the computer from its power source: 

1) Turn the ATX power supply toggle switch to the off or “0” position. This option will ensure that there is no power to the motherboard but the machine will remain grounded to earth. 

2) Completely remove the power cable from the ATX power supply. The machine will no longer be grounded to earth so precautions against electrostatic discharge must be strictly followed. 

For either option always wear an anti-static wrist strap and attach it to any metal part of the computer case when working inside a computer.

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Please send any comments or suggestions to Susan Pierce.
Last modified on 11/06/2007