Could someone help me with a computer?

Murdok09 · Post by **Murdok09** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 8:02 pm

Hello everyone, I'm back, and I have a new project (well sort of).

I have an HP desktop replacement laptop. Nice model. The only problem is that it is slow, has viruses, and it doesn't charge...much.

Basically, I was wondering if I could "purge" my operating system, use the motherboard with an alternate power supply, and upgrade my ram.

First of all, could someone point out the ram I could/should buy? It is a ZX5000, but that is about all I know, I can find out later if needed.

Secondly, how could I rig a power supply? The charging pin is broken and I have to move the power cable around in the laptop to get it to charge. I was wondering if I could use an ATX power supply or somehow rig it to work of wall power (with TONS OF RESISTORS, etc.).

Lastly, how can I purge the system? Can I? I want to start over with no programs, no folders, nothing; just an operating system and a clean slate.

Extra:
I have flipped the monitor around so it rests on the keyboard and hangs on a wall. Do you guys think it would be worth it to do the following?:
1)Buy an external DVD drive (Is there one that can play and record and use USB power?)
There is a ton of stuff I don't need on the dang paperweight (all in one card reader, speakers, keyboard in general).
Also, there's a ton of stuff I do need (OS, usb ports, monitor, mobo).

In conclusion (I promise), could I make/find some sort of "extension cord" for my monitor to PC? It has a VERY small cord, but I wondered if I found the same colored wires, could I solder them on and solder the connection to the end of those?

Please help, and thanks!

Post by **bicostp** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 8:18 pm

RAM:: Here's what Kahlon has to say:
http://kahlon.com/result.asp?modelid=608554

Power plug: If the physical connection is the only problem, why not rig it up with new connectors? You can get decent, matching ones at Radio Shack. That would be easier than hacking in an ATX power supply... also smaller.

Purge the system: You want the "Compy Refresher Plan". It's not too difficult, but completely reinstalling with an XP disc is best. (The System Restore CDs that most likely came with the OS have a bunch of unnecessary/crippled trialware.)

First, uninstall everything you don't want. Then, download the following tools. (You can download them at www.majorgeeks.com ):

Ad-Aware 2007
AVG Antivirus
AMUST Registry Cleaner
CCleaner

Install and update them, then run them in safe mode. AVG will remove viruses, Ad-Aware removes adware and rootkits, AMUST will get rid of program debris, and CCleaner purges the temporary files and cache. Now disable System Restore and reboot. All the old System restore points will be gone. Next, click Start -> Run and run "msconfig". There's most likely a bunch of stuff in there like the Quicktime taskbar tool and some Adobe stuff in there that you can un-check. Uncheck stuff you don't think you need. (If a program breaks you can go back into safe mode and enable it again.) Now create a new user account for yourself, making sure it's an Administrator account. Log out. Log in with the new account, and delete the old account. Let it delete the old user's junk. Now error-check the disk, defragment, and reboot again. You should now have a fixed-up Windows install.

But like I said, if you have an XP install disc, use that instead. (But not a system restore disc. They are made of fail.) Reinstalling is easier and faster.

Murdok09 · Post by **Murdok09** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 4:12 am

Well I have a problem. The power plug on the mobo isn't sold separately (at least to my knowledge). It is a foxconn 3aaba piece, and I can't find it anywhere. I was told to buy an entire mobo by two places, but I only want one little component...any ideas?

timmeh87 · Post by **timmeh87** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 2:16 pm

You can probably find a generic replacement. Measure it and hit digikey.

Bibin · Post by **Bibin** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 2:19 pm

You forgot SpyBot S&D. It's all I use and I've been virus free for 5 years.

Post by **bicostp** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 2:31 pm

Bibin wrote:You forgot SpyBot S&D. It's all I use and I've been virus free for 5 years.

If this was 2005 I'd recommend it, but it's failed to keep up with new threats like rootkits. (It won't do anything against viruses, either.)

Felino · Post by **Felino** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 3:41 am

About the power supply, i don;t think a atx could even supply te right voltage, and the laptop already has a dc-dc anyway.

hack124x768 · Post by **hack124x768** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 10:05 pm

I know I'm digging up a somewhat dead topic, sorry.

I have the same laptop, and I fixed mine by taking apart the laptop, and soldering the power plug on a short chunk of wire to the mobo. This made it so the plug wasn't putting stress on the solder points when I plugged it in.

Opening the thing is a female of the dog species, there are about 20 screws on the bottom, then you flip it over and do abput 15 on the top, then the case is off. Next you need to remove all the shielding and the CPU cooling stuff. Thats another 20 or so total screw on both sides of the board. It is worth it though, as with new ram, that generation of laptop can keep up with modern ones quite well. I'm running kubuntu on it, and that runs much better than xp did.