Posted on 12/17/2004 5:55:00 AM PST by GreatOne
I have 2 computer problems:
1) Compaq Presario 2140 laptop. XP Pro. Dial-up modem will not work - when I try, I get the "no dial tone" message. Phone line is securely in place. Phone line works, and desktop computer dial-up using same line also works. Any suggestions?
2) Dell 8400 Desktop. XP Pro. I have Spyware Blaster downloaded, but cannot get updates. When I try, message pops up saying problem reaching server, try back later, blah, blah, blah. Uninstalled and re-installed, but no luck. Then downloaded Spyware Guard. When first tried to download update, box popped up with 3 options (think it was Norton's but not sure). Chose first option, but now when I try to update Spyware Guard, I get the same message as with Spyware Blaster. So it appears that there is a setting that needs to be adjusted, but I cannot figure out what it is.
Appreciate the info. My big question with the desktop is why with the Spyware Guard update attempt my computer popped up with a box asking me what I wanted to do (I believe it was along the lines of connect, block, etc. like it would for an Active X prompt). After clicking "no", just to be safe, I get the same "can't connect to server" response.
You don't have to pay for manual updates for Spyware Blaster or Spyware Guard, only if you want automatic updates.
Unfortunately, I turned off my system restore (someone had recommended that be done, but can't remember what for). I presume that eliminates that option.
Thanks - believe me, I checked that out.
I have dial-up at home, but work glorious DSL.
That should be "at" work, glorious DSL.
I've actually had very good success with this machine (had it for over a year), and the Compaq Armada that preceeded it. I will say that the modem in the Armada blew out as well; maybe it's just a dial-up modem issue.
If it's a driver issue, how do I check/repair that?
You may have a broken Internet Connection - reinstalling Windows won't fix that. Download and run the LSPfix tool to fix your Internet Connection chain and then try to see if you can reconnect to the web. That may be why the modem doesn't dial into the Internet as it should. Good luck!
Wow. I'm impressed. Seriously. My first experience with a Compaq came when a friend's Windows system got corrupted. I tried using the Windows restore disk that came with that exact same system and the machine refused to recognize it at all. That disk worked on other systems--just not on a Compaq.
Pretty weird.
How do I download the LSPfix tool? What website is that located at, or is there a link on my computer. I really appreciate the advice.
To everyone who is trying to help GreatOne: I just wanted to say how much I appreciate all the smart computer people here who take the time to share their knowledge. And I think it's safe to say that I'm speaking for everyone here who is as computer-illiterate as I am. Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to ALL of you, even if you're not on this thread. YOU know who you are!
To anyone else who has computer issues: I'm collecting these cool threads on my links page. If anyone runs across other 'computer how-to' threads, I would appreciate a ping.
To anyone why may reply: I can't respond until later today. It's not that I'm ignoring you. :-)
See? I told you so. :-)
Logging off now...
Use your desktop to go to the compaq 2140 download page and see if they have a modem update. Hook your laptop to other lines and see if it works. Some modems have a hard time "hearing" the dial tone on a bad phone line. I just replaced a modem on a brand new computer for a relative because the oem modem gave a no dial tone message most of the time. The new modem works although it's slow.
Do you have a firewall, and has this spyware been given permission to access the internet? Norton's firewall is a virus, a real pain. Go into their programs section and check allow internet access at all times (or whatever) for these spyware programs.
Not that it probably matters, but my computer is actually a 2540, not 2140. Me is edumacated and reads good.
2570, darn it (not 2540). I type well, too, it seems.
used the same line I have for the desktop, which was working for that computer, but didn't work for the laptop).
Could it be that you are using the same line for both computers--but not the same connection point? I have my two computers on my home line but they are plugged in to two different wall connections. Try another connecting wire with different end connectors because sometimes they get bent. If the connection at either end, wall or to the computer, is not securely made, the laptop won't work.
If you eliminate the connections at the wall and at the computer as the problem, then it is somewhere in the laptop
System restore will restore spyware and viruses after you remove them because they are still in system restore files. Perhaps that's why you were told to disable it.
I think you're right that it was the spyware programs that told me to disable the system restore.
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