Computer help thread

[Lanya]

I got a new hard drive, and when I finished downloading the 75 or so windows security updates, the PC repair guy said I would have sound.  I don't.  He's off today, and we can't figure out what's wrong.

My son looked under System Information--->Multimedia--->Sound Device, and it is blank.
 
Further down, I looked under "Problem devices" and it says Mutimedia Audio Controller: The drivers for this are not installed.

Is that the problem? And if so how do I fix it? 
Any help appreciated.

[BT]

You should have a driver disk that came with either the motherboard or soundcard. These need to be installed. And they should have been installed by your tech. But since that is not the case, in devicer manager there is an option to reinstall drivers. Do it for the sound card.

[Lanya]

Thanks, BT.  I really appreciate the help.

[yellow_crane]

Not to be opportunistic, but I took my computer in and was told half the ram was shot.

Tech reformatted windows and said I would have more power.

Trouble is, since i got it back, I find that my lower bar will not retain more than one window.

What I mean is, if I am in here, I retire the window to the bottom bar by pressing the reduction square between _ and X, then  click on a search engine on my icons, the engine window replaces the 3DHS bar, rather than putting another new one beside it.  I cannot keep more than one window open.

Is that a wrongful fixing, or are there settings that I can do to increase the number?

[BT]

What browser are you using? Explorer or firefox? and what is your preferred search engine?

[yellow_crane]

Explorer.

Dogpile.

[BT]

Explorer.

Dogpile.

If i understand the situation correctly, the easiest way to solve this problem is to open two instances of explorer.

Open copy one by clicking on the blue E. Minimize it, click on the blue E again. minimize it. you should have two copies of explorer on the bottom bar. Just toggle between the two to search and or post.

[yellow_crane]

Explorer.

Dogpile.

If i understand the situation correctly, the easiest way to solve this problem is to open two instances of explorer.

Open copy one by clicking on the blue E. Minimize it, click on the blue E again. minimize it. you should have two copies of explorer on the bottom bar. Just toggle between the two to search and or post.

Works.

Thanks a lot.  I appreciate it.

[BT]

you are welcome

[Amianthus]

What I mean is, if I am in here, I retire the window to the bottom bar by pressing the reduction square between _ and X, then  click on a search engine on my icons, the engine window replaces the 3DHS bar, rather than putting another new one beside it.  I cannot keep more than one window open.

Actually, that bottom bar is explorer. Even if the icon is missing from the bottom bar, you should still be able to switch to any active applications by using Alt-Tab.

[yellow_crane]

What I mean is, if I am in here, I retire the window to the bottom bar by pressing the reduction square between _ and X, then  click on a search engine on my icons, the engine window replaces the 3DHS bar, rather than putting another new one beside it.  I cannot keep more than one window open.

Actually, that bottom bar is explorer. Even if the icon is missing from the bottom bar, you should still be able to switch to any active applications by using Alt-Tab.

I wish I understood this.

[BT]

I wish I understood this.

A computer is a tool. Use it as you need it. And if you aren't sure, ask.

[Amianthus]

I wish I understood this.

Have more than one application open. Then hold down the Alt key and press Tab. A selection window will pop up that lists all of your open applications. As long as you hold the Alt key down, you can continue to press Tab to cycle through the apps. When you get to the one that you want to switch to, let go of the Alt key, and you will be switched to that app.

I use the Alt-Tab combination a lot. It saves time from taking my hands off the keyboard to use the mouse.