Messages

1

General Computer Support / Re: 'Blocky' closure of individual windows

« on: March 08, 2013, 01:29:33 pm »

I'm getting a little out of my depth here, Shane! 

Armed with all the information you have given me I will make a tour of all the local computer stores and outlets.  I have tried a few web sites, but with so many options I really need to see items, and ask questions.

Providing I don't blow up the computer in the process I will let you know the results later.  I'm very glad I found your forum.  All courtesy of an article in a UK magazine, 'Computer Active'  which ran an article including a section on your Windows Repair.

Again, many thanks for your time and help.  All the best from the UK!

Roy

2

General Computer Support / Re: 'Blocky' closure of individual windows

« on: March 08, 2013, 12:06:27 pm »

Hi Shane,

My computer was an end of line sale item, (marketed under the 'Vulcan'  brand name)  in one of our UK stores - John Lewis. It is now about 11 years old but still doing all I want. (apart from this unresolved problem)   

I managed to get a screen shot of the motherboard spec, from Piriform Speccy program which shows an 'Unknown slot' designated as AGP.  It shows it as 'In Use' but I don't know what uses it.  I have attached the screen shot here. 

It doesn't mean anything to me but it may give you the information you need.

I really appreciate your advice.  I have been trying for a month or more to get to the bottom of this but no one else has got so far. Many thanks.

Motherboard
   Manufacturer   MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD
   Model   MS-6378(VT8361) (Slot A)
   Chipset Vendor   VIA
   Chipset Model   Apollo KLE133 (VT8361)
   Chipset Revision   00
   Southbridge Vendor   VIA
   Southbridge Model   VT82C686
   Southbridge Revision   40
      BIOS
         Brand   Award Software International, Inc.
         Version   6.00 PG
         Date   18/12/2001
      PCI Data
            Slot ISA
               Slot Type   ISA
               Slot Usage   Unknown
               Bus Width   16 bit
               Slot Designation   ISA
               Slot Number   0
            Slot PCI
               Slot Type   PCI
               Slot Usage   Available
               Bus Width   32 bit
               Slot Designation   PCI
               Slot Number   1
            Slot PCI
               Slot Type   PCI
               Slot Usage   In Use
               Bus Width   32 bit
               Slot Designation   PCI
               Slot Number   2
            Slot PCI
               Slot Type   PCI
               Slot Usage   In Use
               Bus Width   32 bit
               Slot Designation   PCI
               Slot Number   3
            Slot UNKNOWN
               Slot Type   UNKNOWN
               Slot Usage   In Use
               Bus Width   32 bit
               Slot Designation   AGP
               Slot Number   4

3

General Computer Support / Re: 'Blocky' closure of individual windows

« on: March 08, 2013, 05:50:27 am »

Hi Samson.

Thanks for the Freecycle address.  Am a bit wary of it for things like graphics cards, as there are so many variables.  Most of them seem of a higher spec than I can use.  Apparently, the only suitable ones for my OS are 32 bit and most nowadays come with much higher values.

An interesting site, though. 

4

General Computer Support / Re: 'Blocky' closure of individual windows

« on: March 08, 2013, 01:20:11 am »

It is an old tower, Shane.  In computer terms - antique!

Using Piriform Speccy I find that I do have a spare pci slot.  Checking on Amazon UK I find there are hundreds of types of video cards ranging in price from (UK pounds) 12 to well into the hundreds!

I may just try one of the cheap cards and hope for the best.

Many thanks for your help.  As an octogenarian I find that I can still learn, with the right support. Thank you.

Roy

5

General Computer Support / Re: 'Blocky' closure of individual windows

« on: March 07, 2013, 01:07:21 am »

Good Morning Shane,

I downloaded the two items you mentioned and tried to install them, but got the message  'Cannot install, wrong OS or OS version'.

It looks like it could be one of those things that I just have to live with, until I can upgrade!!

Thanks for your efforts.

6

General Computer Support / Re: 'Blocky' closure of individual windows

« on: March 06, 2013, 02:02:54 pm »

Thanks for your reply, Shane.

I will try those downloads tomorrow, it's getting near bedtime in this part of the world!

Will report back afterwards.     

7

General Computer Support / Re: 'Blocky' closure of individual windows

« on: March 06, 2013, 01:46:44 pm »

Hi Shane,

That's where I got the 'Via Tech VT8361/VT8601 Graphics Controller' from. it's the only thing mentioned.

8

General Computer Support / Re: 'Blocky' closure of individual windows

« on: March 06, 2013, 01:33:36 pm »

The only mention of video that I can see is 'Legacy Video Capture Devices'   Is that the one?

My technical knowledge runs to clicking on your 'Windows Repair' and letting it get on with it!!

Thanks for your patience!

9

General Computer Support / Re: 'Blocky' closure of individual windows

« on: March 06, 2013, 01:17:02 pm »

I think you are probably right, Shane, when you suggest video drivers. 

It is an old System with XP SP3.  It has a Via Tech VT8361/VT8601  and although I have tried to find an update it all gets very confusing and technical for me.

I am just trying to keep going with minimum expense!!

10

General Computer Support / Re: 'Blocky' closure of individual windows

« on: March 06, 2013, 12:56:40 pm »

Thanks, Shane, for that. 

I never tried it in Safe mode before but just have done.  Although there were only a very small number of files available they all closed as they should do, without any 'blocks'.    Once back in normal mode, however, the problem still persists.

Thanks for the reply.

11

General Computer Support / 'Blocky' closure of individual windows

« on: March 06, 2013, 04:15:50 am »

When I close, or minimise, a window of any program or file, there is a flash as if the window has closed normally, but then the window closes in a series of four or five blocks starting from the top of the screen.  All the desk top icons disappear until the window has fully closed and then reappear.  I cannot open any other window or program for about 10 seconds after clicking to close or minimise the first window.

Not a desperate problem, but very annoying and frustrating.  Would appreciate any help, preferably not too tecky!!