Computer stuff - Teh Forum

<body> <div id="header"> <span class="left"> <span class="back"><a href="lthread_list.php?webtag=DEFAULT"><span class="image mobile_back" title="Back"></span></a></span> <span class="image mobile_logo" title="Beehive Forum Logo"></span> </span> <ul> <li> <a class="reply_all" href="lpost.php?webtag=DEFAULT&reply_to=43007.0&return_msg=43007.1"> <span class="image mobile_reply_all"></span><span class="text">Reply to All</span> </a> </li> <li> <a class="navigation" href="#"> <span class="image mobile_navigation"></span><span class="text">Show messages</span> </a> </li> <li> <a class="main" href="#"><span class="image mobile_menu" title="Menu"></span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="menu main"> <ul> <li><a href="lthread_list.php?webtag=DEFAULT">Messages</a></li> <li><a href="lpm.php?webtag=DEFAULT">Inbox</a></li> <li><a href="lsearch.php?webtag=DEFAULT">Search</a></li> <li><a href="llogon.php?webtag=DEFAULT">Login</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="menu navigation"><a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=43007.1">1–10</a><a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=43007.11">11–20</a><a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=43007.21">21–22</a></div> <div id="page_content"> <h3 class="thread_title"><a href="index.php?webtag=DEFAULT&amp;msg=43007.1">Computer stuff</a> </h3> <div id="messages" data-navigation="43007_1_22_10"> <a name="a43007_1"></a><div class="message" id="message_43007_1"> <div class="message_header"> <div class="message_from"> From: william (WILLIAMA)<span class="message_time">17 Jan 09:57</span> <div class="clearer"></div> </div><div class="message_to">To: ALL<span class="message_count">1 of 22</span><div class="clearer"></div> </div> </div> <div class="message_links"> <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=43007.1">43007.1</a></div> <div class="message_body"> Sometimes computer dabbling can be entertaining for a while. Sometimes not. Because I had an i7 860 (2009 onwards) and 16GB (tbh) of DDR3 plus all the other bits to build a PC, I replaced the failed motherboard of my Plex box with an identical(ish) mobo, an ancient intel thing. This had some odd issues a year back to do with its SATA handling which I "resolved" by swapping one disk to USB. Now the SATA issues have returned to bite me in the backside. <br /> <br /> My method is to have copy drives for each of my plex data disks, so that if one fails I haven't lost several terabytes of films and TV shows. Of course, this isn't perfect, especially if the mechanism in charge of actually writing to the disks starts to get iffy. This seems to have happened now. First I noticed was that all the drives except for the boot drive were missing. I swapped things about but basically the mobo is fine getting to the BIOS, but will only recognise one SATA drive at a time. Plug two in and it doesn't see either. Time for a new mobo. This time I'm not going for 2009, I'll be aiming for a more modern era.<br /> <br /> As for the data drives. One was screwed, as in Windows said it had errors. After scan and fix, it had some data, but basically a load of bollocks. Half the films were zero bytes. Others claimed to be, say, Battlestar Galactica but when viewed were chunks of old Marx Brothers movies. The backup drive looks to be fine, as in a random check through and all the films and TV series appear to be there and working. Windows says it has errors, but there's no chance in hell I'm letting it fix them. <br /> <br /> So basically it's a rebuild, plus I've got to see if I can get the contents of the backup drive onto the original data drive. I'm thinking Robocopy is my best bet, although this is likely to take a wet weekend. The slightly better news is that my pair of 8TB drives (data and backup) seem to have survived intact.<br /> <br /> Oh, and as it wouldn't be a proper PC problem without some other annoyance, the new board has an 8 pin EATX socket which must have a corresponding plug to work, whereas my PSU, which I only bought 18 months ago! only has a four and a six. The six is plug compatible with the first part of the socket and the first two pins of the four are plug compatible with the remaining two, and as they're all just 12V and neutral I rather hoped I could wangle something, but I only get a few lights so, bugger it, a new PSU as well.</div> <div class="message_footer"> <div class="message_footer_links"><a href="lpost.php?webtag=DEFAULT&reply_to=43007.1&return_msg=43007.1" class="reply"><span class="image post"></span>Reply</a></div> <div class="message_vote_form" data-msg="43007.1"> <span class="rating">0/0</span> <span class="image vote vote_down vote_down_off" title="Vote Down"></span> <span class="image vote vote_up vote_up_off" title="Vote Up"></span> </div> </div> </div><a name="a43007_2"></a><div class="message" id="message_43007_2"> <div class="message_header"> <div class="message_from"> From: milko<span class="message_time">18 Jan 12:33</span> <div class="clearer"></div> </div><div class="message_to">To: william (WILLIAMA) <span><span class="image post_read" title="Read: 18 Jan 13:30"></span></span> <span class="message_count">2 of 22</span><div class="clearer"></div> </div> </div> <div class="message_links"> <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=43007.2">43007.2</a> In reply to <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=43007.1#a43007_1" target="_self">43007.1</a></div> <div class="message_body"> I think I've lost all patience for computer problem solving at the moment. my <em>fucking</em> printer wouldn't print properly and I was fairly close to fetching a hammer for it. Mind you, printers are uniquely frustrating items.</div> <div class="message_footer"> <div class="message_footer_links"><a href="lpost.php?webtag=DEFAULT&reply_to=43007.2&return_msg=43007.1" class="reply"><span class="image post"></span>Reply</a></div> <div class="message_vote_form" data-msg="43007.2"> <span class="rating">0/0</span> <span class="image vote vote_down vote_down_off" title="Vote Down"></span> <span class="image vote vote_up vote_up_off" title="Vote Up"></span> </div> </div> </div><a name="a43007_3"></a><div class="message" id="message_43007_3"> <div class="message_header"> <div class="message_from"> From: william (WILLIAMA)<span class="message_time">18 Jan 13:46</span> <div class="clearer"></div> </div><div class="message_to">To: milko <span><span class="image post_read" title="Read: 18 Jan 14:57"></span></span> <span class="message_count">3 of 22</span><div class="clearer"></div> </div> </div> <div class="message_links"> <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=43007.3">43007.3</a> In reply to <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=43007.1#a43007_2" target="_self">43007.2</a></div> <div class="message_body"> They are aren't they.<br /> <br /> The printer is offline/in use/not found. And people who write stuff for printers don't help. Mrs WmA prints a lot from PDFs (she makes clothes and prints patterns) and PDFs can be pigs to print from, especially using a browser to read them. Then there are settings that override other settings so you end up trying to print "letter" size when everything you can see says "A4". It goes on.<br /> <br /> </div> <div class="message_footer"> <div class="message_footer_links"><a href="lpost.php?webtag=DEFAULT&reply_to=43007.3&return_msg=43007.1" class="reply"><span class="image post"></span>Reply</a></div> <div class="message_vote_form" data-msg="43007.3"> <span class="rating">0/0</span> <span class="image vote vote_down vote_down_off" title="Vote Down"></span> <span class="image vote vote_up vote_up_off" title="Vote Up"></span> </div> </div> </div><a name="a43007_4"></a><div class="message" id="message_43007_4"> <div class="message_header"> <div class="message_from"> From: milko<span class="message_time">18 Jan 15:05</span> <div class="clearer"></div> </div><div class="message_to">To: william (WILLIAMA) <span><span class="image post_read" title="Read: 18 Jan 23:31"></span></span> <span class="message_count">4 of 22</span><div class="clearer"></div> </div> </div> <div class="message_links"> <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=43007.4">43007.4</a> In reply to <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=43007.1#a43007_3" target="_self">43007.3</a></div> <div class="message_body"> Every creative or PDF app has its own printer settings, which sit on top of the manufacturer ones which sit on top of the Windows ones but me phrasing it that way implied a clearer hierarchy than anything can actually tell you for sure. I had one of those subscription inkjet things from HP, which was sort of fine in a "this is probably a rip-off even at the lowest price level" until one day it flashed lights instead of printing. Support amounted to "if you pay £50 we will have a technical support conversation with you" that I had strong suspicions would involve turning it off, on and then deciding it was dead. That's "boycott manufacturer" level to me. So I got an Epson and no subscription and it was fine but the ink is insanely expensive and it complains if you use 3rd party ink but I have at least finally got it to accept and print with it. But even printing (not printing! 3 failed 3rd party cartridges in a row) black text greyscale-mode test prints was running down the YMK cartridges! Then it wouldn't print anything at all until they got replaced as well! God I want to take a hammer to it again now just from reliving this.<br /> <br /> I'll probably go laser next time, if we ever want to print in colour we'll take it to a shop or school or something. That's what I almost did this time as well.</div> <div class="message_footer"> <div class="message_footer_links"><a href="lpost.php?webtag=DEFAULT&reply_to=43007.4&return_msg=43007.1" class="reply"><span class="image post"></span>Reply</a></div> <div class="message_vote_form" data-msg="43007.4"> <span class="rating">0/0</span> <span class="image vote vote_down vote_down_off" title="Vote Down"></span> <span class="image vote vote_up vote_up_off" title="Vote Up"></span> </div> </div> </div><a name="a43007_5"></a><div class="message" id="message_43007_5"> <div class="message_header"> <div class="message_from"> From: william (WILLIAMA)<span class="message_time">18 Jan 23:48</span> <div class="clearer"></div> </div><div class="message_to">To: milko <span><span class="image post_read" title="Read: 23 Jan 15:40"></span></span> <span class="message_count">5 of 22</span><div class="clearer"></div> </div> </div> <div class="message_links"> <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=43007.5">43007.5</a> In reply to <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=43007.1#a43007_4" target="_self">43007.4</a></div> <div class="message_body"> The mire of my own IT failures gets deeper. Got my new Plex machine up and working (as a PC, not as a Plex machine just yet) and was pleased to see how Windows 10 happily switched hardware which isn't what I like to do, but it was just a test. Then Microsoft stepped in. You can reactivate through the MS site following a major hardware change. At first it presented a dialog to sign into an MS account from where you pick your MS account linked machine to reactivate. If the machine's not listed eg because you have another MS account and pcked the wrong one (like I did) thn it's a case of trying again. Except the MS activation server went down. MS recommended a restart, only when I did, they had changed the actual PC login from a choice between PIN and local password to PIN and MS account. The wrong one. So I had to switch my account settings back to what they were, just to allow me to log in to the right MS account to reactivate.<br /> <br /> Then my boot drive began to fail.<br /> <br /> I've also been printing. </div> <div class="message_footer"> <div class="message_footer_links"><a href="lpost.php?webtag=DEFAULT&reply_to=43007.5&return_msg=43007.1" class="reply"><span class="image post"></span>Reply</a></div> <div class="message_vote_form" data-msg="43007.5"> <span class="rating">0/0</span> <span class="image vote vote_down vote_down_off" title="Vote Down"></span> <span class="image vote vote_up vote_up_off" title="Vote Up"></span> </div> </div> </div><a name="a43007_6"></a><div class="message" id="message_43007_6"> <div class="message_header"> <div class="message_from"> From: CHYRON (DSMITHHFX)<span class="message_time">22 Jan 11:07</span> <div class="clearer"></div> </div><div class="message_to">To: william (WILLIAMA) <span><span class="image post_read" title="Read: 22 Jan 15:25"></span></span> <span class="message_count">6 of 22</span><div class="clearer"></div> </div> </div> <div class="message_links"> <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=43007.6">43007.6</a> In reply to <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=43007.1#a43007_5" target="_self">43007.5</a></div> <div class="message_body"> These aren't *your* IT failures, they are IT failures, full stop. IT as a totality is a spectacular, catastrophic, epic fail that we are completely unequipped to even cope with, let alone 'fix'. Anyway, it has provided a bit of amusement. So there's that.</div> <div class="message_footer"> <div class="message_footer_links"><a href="lpost.php?webtag=DEFAULT&reply_to=43007.6&return_msg=43007.1" class="reply"><span class="image post"></span>Reply</a></div> <div class="message_vote_form" data-msg="43007.6"> <span class="rating">0/0</span> <span class="image vote vote_down vote_down_off" title="Vote Down"></span> <span class="image vote vote_up vote_up_off" title="Vote Up"></span> </div> </div> </div><a name="a43007_7"></a><div class="message" id="message_43007_7"> <div class="message_header"> <div class="message_from"> From: william (WILLIAMA)<span class="message_time">22 Jan 16:21</span> <div class="clearer"></div> </div><div class="message_to">To: CHYRON (DSMITHHFX) <span><span class="image post_read" title="Read: 22 Jan 17:50"></span></span> <span class="message_count">7 of 22</span><div class="clearer"></div> </div> </div> <div class="message_links"> <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=43007.7">43007.7</a> In reply to <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=43007.1#a43007_6" target="_self">43007.6</a></div> <div class="message_body"> Indeed, point taken. Actually, it's all working now with the one exception that Windows won't activate, and I'm not completely sure whether I'm entitled to activation or meant to buy a new license. In the old days, you upgraded your computer either by choice or because of some parts failure and tried your license again. If it didn't work you phoned some poor sod in a call centre who took your story and (99% guaranteed) would generate a new number for you.<br /> <br /> Now Microsoft have<em> improved</em> things. If your computer is associated with an MS account, you can simply use the activation troubleshooter, pick your device off the list and Bob's your Mum's brother. Except when it isn't listed. If I log into my MS account through a browser, there's my PC listed as one of the devices associated with my account. I think it's pukkah too: a Windows 7 device, full retail license, upgraded legitimately to Windows 10. However, if I go via the activation troubleshooter, it isn't listed. All my other devices are there, including some that don't exists anymore. So my next step is MS support. After the usual attempt to fob me off with totally unrelated web-articles and topics, I'm waiting for a call-back. No idea when. If it ever comes, and I won't be amazed if it doesn't, it will probably be while I'm in bed, or out walking with no access to pen, paper, or PC.<br /> <br /> I suppose I don't actually <em>need</em> a license. I'll still get updates, it will still work fine as a Plex and backup server. And as I run it headless nearly all the time, I don't care about nags either. </div> <div class="message_footer"> <div class="message_footer_links"><a href="lpost.php?webtag=DEFAULT&reply_to=43007.7&return_msg=43007.1" class="reply"><span class="image post"></span>Reply</a></div> <div class="message_vote_form" data-msg="43007.7"> <span class="rating">0/0</span> <span class="image vote vote_down vote_down_off" title="Vote Down"></span> <span class="image vote vote_up vote_up_off" title="Vote Up"></span> </div> </div> </div><a name="a43007_8"></a><div class="message" id="message_43007_8"> <div class="message_header"> <div class="message_from"> From: CHYRON (DSMITHHFX)<span class="message_time">22 Jan 17:53</span> <div class="clearer"></div> </div><div class="message_to">To: william (WILLIAMA) <span><span class="image post_read" title="Read: 22 Jan 18:29"></span></span> <span class="message_count">8 of 22</span><div class="clearer"></div> </div> </div> <div class="message_links"> <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=43007.8">43007.8</a> In reply to <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=43007.1#a43007_7" target="_self">43007.7</a></div> <div class="message_body"> If you need a cheap license, <a href="https://www.kinguin.net/c/15019/windows">https://www.kinguin.net/c/15019/windows</a> worked for me last month for Win10.<br /> </div> <div class="message_footer"> <div class="message_footer_links"><a href="lpost.php?webtag=DEFAULT&reply_to=43007.8&return_msg=43007.1" class="reply"><span class="image post"></span>Reply</a></div> <div class="message_vote_form" data-msg="43007.8"> <span class="rating">0/0</span> <span class="image vote vote_down vote_down_off" title="Vote Down"></span> <span class="image vote vote_up vote_up_off" title="Vote Up"></span> </div> </div> </div><a name="a43007_9"></a><div class="message" id="message_43007_9"> <div class="message_header"> <div class="message_from"> From: william (WILLIAMA)<span class="message_time">22 Jan 22:46</span> <div class="clearer"></div> </div><div class="message_to">To: CHYRON (DSMITHHFX) <span><span class="image post_read" title="Read: 22 Jan 23:39"></span></span> <span class="message_count">9 of 22</span><div class="clearer"></div> </div> </div> <div class="message_links"> <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=43007.9">43007.9</a> In reply to <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=43007.1#a43007_8" target="_self">43007.8</a></div> <div class="message_body"> Thanks. I've actually got a spare license I bought for something else that never materialised, so I may use that to keep things tidy. Having had no call back yet, I went on a google road trip to find out. The fastest I found was an hour. The slowest (apart from never) was 7 weeks. There's no contact route other than general phone numbers for your region. And that's for "free" support. Came across people shelling out £500 for one-off support requests and then... nothing, nada, for days, weeks. </div> <div class="message_footer"> <div class="message_footer_links"><a href="lpost.php?webtag=DEFAULT&reply_to=43007.9&return_msg=43007.1" class="reply"><span class="image post"></span>Reply</a></div> <div class="message_vote_form" data-msg="43007.9"> <span class="rating">0/0</span> <span class="image vote vote_down vote_down_off" title="Vote Down"></span> <span class="image vote vote_up vote_up_off" title="Vote Up"></span> </div> </div> </div><a name="a43007_10"></a><div class="message" id="message_43007_10"> <div class="message_header"> <div class="message_from"> From: CHYRON (DSMITHHFX)<span class="message_time">22 Jan 23:39</span> <div class="clearer"></div> </div><div class="message_to">To: william (WILLIAMA) <span><span class="image post_read" title="Read: 23 Jan 16:55"></span></span> <span class="message_count">10 of 22</span><div class="clearer"></div> </div> </div> <div class="message_links"> <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=43007.10">43007.10</a> In reply to <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=43007.1#a43007_9" target="_self">43007.9</a></div> <div class="message_body"> Ugh. I can't imagine paying for it.</div> <div class="message_footer"> <div class="message_footer_links"><a href="lpost.php?webtag=DEFAULT&reply_to=43007.10&return_msg=43007.1" class="reply"><span class="image post"></span>Reply</a></div> <div class="message_vote_form" data-msg="43007.10"> <span class="rating">0/0</span> <span class="image vote vote_down vote_down_off" title="Vote Down"></span> <span class="image vote vote_up vote_up_off" title="Vote Up"></span> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="message_page_footer"> <ul> <li class="right_col"><form accept-charset="utf-8" method="get" action="lmessages.php" target="_self"><input type="hidden" name="webtag" id="webtag" class="bhinputtext" value="DEFAULT" dir="ltr" /><input type="hidden" name="msg" id="msg" class="bhinputtext" value="43007.11" dir="ltr" /><input type="submit" name="submit" id="keep_reading" value="Keep reading…" class="button" /></form></li> </ul> </div> </div> </body>