The computer is turned on but there is no image on the monitor. What should I do?
Make sure the power switch on the front of the monitor is on. Check the back of the monitor for a power switch and make sure that one is on, too.
Make sure the monitor is plugged into a functioning turned-on surge protector/power strip.
Adjust the brightness and contrast controls on the front of the monitor to make sure they are not darkened.
Make sure the video cable is plugged into both the system and the monitor. Tighten the thumbscrews on the cable's connection to the system.
Unplug the video cable and make sure the pins on both ends are straight and not bent. Correct any bent pins with the tip of a pen or screwdriver, then reconnect the cable.
Carefully open up your system's case and make sure the video card is securely fastened in its slot.

What does the "Non system disk error" message mean and how do I fix it?
This error message occurs when your computer can't find the information it needs to boot up and load the operating system. The culprit is usually a floppy disk left inside the drive. Eject the floppy disk and then restart the computer. If you see this error message and there are no floppy disks or CDs currently in any drives, your hard drive may be corrupted. Contact technical support for assistance.

Why is my computer so loud?
Noise is a subjective measurement, so what sounds loud to you might not be loud to others. Keep in mind that you will notice fan noise more if you are upgrading from a system that is 2-3 years old because modern components require large fans to run properly. With that in mind, here are a few things you can do to reduce noise:

Wait for your system to fully boot up. Fans sometimes spin at higher RPMs when the system starts up; they will settle down to normal rotational speed within a minute or two.
Also, dust buildup creates turbulence and noise around the fans, and you would need to do some cleaning maintanance in your pc.
Upgrade your CPU's heatsink/fan combination. The stock fans that come with the CPU are sufficient, but several companies make heatsink/fan combinations that lower noise as well as improve cooling. Micro Media systems carries such products - should you wish to upgrade, call us (356) 21 313777.

Can I change the operating system on my computer?
Yes, you can change your operating system depending on the computer system you have. Some systems require you to upgrade some parts inside the computer to be compatible or to run smoothly the operating system you desire. You may speek to our support department to book an appointment for a free technical reccomendation.

How do I flash my motherboard's BIOS?
It should be noted that flashing your motherboard's BIOS is not a regular maintenance procedure and should only be done under necessary circumstances. With that said, you can get the latest BIOS updates at your motherboard manufacturer's website. Check the Manufacturer's Links page for the information.
Warning:
Flashing your bios with a wrong code may cause severe problems to your motherboard. If you are not sure about this issue, refer to a qualified technician.

Where can I get the latest drivers for my system?
Visit our Support Downloads Page.

I have a virus. What should I do?
If you haven't already done so, purchase a copy of a virus scanner like McAfee's VirusScan, Norton, Kaspersky or AVG. Update the virus definitions and then thoroughly scan your system, cleaning what you can. If you have a specific trojan or worm, visit the anti Virus online Information page to see if there is a removal tool you can download. Further, you can contact us and let us handle the job.

What brand or type of parts do I have in my system?
Refer to your invoice for a detailed listing of the parts in your system and what their specifications are. You can also check in device manager (click start, control panel, system and device manager) . If you're stuck, call us to have a representative send you a list of your system parts.

How do I upgrade my computer?
Upgrading your computer can be a simple or complicated process, depending on the part you wish to upgrade. If you don't feel comfortable upgrading your system by yourself, Micro Media Ltd offers a comprehensive upgrade package for its customers.

Will installing new hardware void my warranty?
Yes, you are not authorized to open the case or any product within warranty. This procedure is a precaution to avoid messing inside the computer by unqualified people.

What is a refresh rate?
The refresh rate is a measurement of how often the image on the monitor is drawn, or "refreshed." For example, a refresh rate of 75 Hertz (Hz) means the monitor is refreshed 75 times per second.

How do I change the resolution and refresh rate on my monitor?
First, check your monitor's manual to find the desired resolution / refresh rate combination. Using unsupported settings can damage your computer.

Resolution: Right-click on any empty area on your desktop. Select "Properties". Select the "Settings" tab. In the lower left-hand corner you will see an area labeled "Screen resolution" - drag the slider across until you reach your desired resolution.

Refresh rate: Follow the above steps until you get to the "Settings" tab. Select the "Advanced" button in the lower right-hand corner. Select the "Monitor" tab. Select your desired refresh rate in the drop-down box.

What do I need to network two computers together?
For a wired network, you need two computers with Ethernet ports and a hub. Check if your system already has an Ethernet port built into the motherboard, eliminating the need for a separate network card. For a wireless network, you need two computers with the appropriate wireless cards and wireless hub. Companies like D-Link, Netgear, and Belkin sell packages with all the hardware you need to network computers together. If your network has six or more computers, you'll need Windows XP Professional - XP Home only allows networking of up to five computers.

Why does my computer beep when it starts up?
A certain number of beeps are healthy and normal sounds for a computer to make when booting up. The trouble comes when the computer hangs or does not display an image upon boot up. In these cases, the motherboard will beep a certain number of times depending on the problem it is encountering. Refer to your motherboard manual and look for the "Beep Codes" section which will translate the number of beeps into a problematic area. This effort will help technical support diagnose and fix your problem easier.

My system's time keeps losing accuracy. How do I fix it?
The time is stored in a battery on your motherboard. Certain software programs or hardware devices can interfere with the battery's normal operation. If you recently installed a piece of hardware or a software program, try uninstalling or removing it and see if that fixes the problem. If that doesn't work, try replacing the battery, which is just a regular watch battery you can get from any hardware or electronics store. Be sure to check your motherboard's manual to find out the type of battery you need.

My system is slowing down. What can I do to speed it up?
Normally system slows down due to software overloading, Viruses or Spyware. Click here to see our online documentation regarding viruses and any other useful information.

Why is my monitor's image distorted?

Make sure the video cable is plugged into both the system and the monitor. Tighten the thumbscrews on the cable's connection to the system.
Unplug the video cable and make sure the pins on both ends are straight and not bent. Correct any bent pins with the tip of a pen or screwdriver, then reconnect the cable.
Use your monitor's On-Screen Diagnostics (OSD) tool to change the Pincushion ratio. Check your monitor's manual for details.
Check your system's resolution and refresh rate. Right-click on the Desktop, select Properties, and select the Settings tab to find the resolution. To find the refresh rate, select the Advanced button, and select the Monitor tab. Check your monitor's manual for optimal resolutions and refresh rates.

My mouse cursor movement is jumpy, erratic, or not functioning.

Wipe off the bottom of your mouse to clean the optical lens.
Clean and dry your mousing surface. Make sure your surface is smooth for your mouse.
Make sure Windows has the correct drivers for your mouse. Right-click on the My Computer icon, select Properties, select the Hardware tab, select the Device Manager button, and select the "Mice and other pointing devices" text. Make sure there are no yellow exclamation points next to any devices in this menu. If there are, refer to your mouse's manual for instructions on reinstalling the drivers.

How to install Web Camera device driver ?
First thing you should do is uninstall any prvious drivers you installed.
Do not plug in the camera USB cable to your computer yet.
If this is the first time you are installing the driver, insert the supplied cd in your cd drive, wait for a pop up **menu to appear and click install or setup.
** If the menu dont pop up automatically, double click my computer, locate your cd drive and right click on the icon, and click open. Search for a setup or install icon.
After the install / Setup procedure, reboot your computer. When windows boots up, plug your camera usb cable to your computer. New hardware found window will appear, click next, till a finish button appears. It is possible that windows recognizes this driver as UNSIGNED, and asks you if you still want to install to your computer, in this case click CONTINUE ANYWAY. Your camera is ready set up, locate the installation folder and open the software of your camera (AMCAP).

How To clean the cartridge carrier contacts on the printer
Power off the printer and remove it from the mains supply.
Open the printer lid so that you have access to the cartridges.
Pull gently on the ribbon cable connected to the carrier until the carrier is accessible.
Remove the cartridges.
Using a dry, clean cloth, wipe the contacts of the carrier gently from top to bottom.
Repeat Step 5 on the second carrier slot (where applicable).
Reinsert the cartridges and close the lid.
Reconnect the printer to the mains supply and turn on the printer again.


How to Install the Printer Driver Using the CD for the Lexmark Printers
Close all programs that are open.
Make sure the printer is turned on and connected to the PC via the USB cable.
Cancel any Add New Hardware Wizard screens that appear.
Insert the Installation CD and wait for the Installation screen to appear on your computer.
Click on Install Now. The installation will run through a series of screens. Note: This will take a few minutes.
When the File Installation Complete screen appears, you will be prompted to align the cartridges. Select Print Alignment Page and click Continue. The alignment page will be printed.
Enter the appropriate values and click Continue.
If you want to create a shortcut to the Solution Center, select Place an icon on my desktop, then click Continue.
On the registration screen, you can register your printer online or print a test page.
If you want to exit the program, click Finished.

Why has my browser homepage changed?
If when you start your browser it loads a different web site instead of your normal homepage, it is possible a malicious program has hijacked your browser and set a different homepage.
To change it back, click on the Tools menu then Internet Options. On the General tab, under the section Home page you should see an Address box. Type in the address of the site you want (or click Use Current for the site you are currently viewing) and click OK.
If you find your homepage keeps changing on its own, you will need to use an anti-spyware program.

How can I stop getting spam in my email?
You cannot completely remove the possibility of receiving spam but there are steps you can take to help reduce the number of unwanted e-mails you receive.
When you do get spam mail, never reply or click a link offering to remove you from their mailing list. This will only confirm your address is real and you will then get even more spam.
Never sign up for any spam e-mail opt-out lists, these are just another attempt to get your email address or money.
It is important that you have up-to-date anti-virus software. If a virus infects your PC it may try to use your address book to spread itself through e-mail spam to all your contacts.
Visit www.getsafeonline.org for more advice about spam prevention and security online.

Opening Attachments Safely
You should be very careful when opening any file attached to an e-mail. This is one of the most common ways for viruses to travel on the Internet and if you are not careful your PC may become infected. There are some simple rules to follow to keep yourself safe:
- don't open any e-mail attachments you're not expecting especially if you don't recognise the sender's address
- don't assume that because it's from a friend's address it will be safe
- always download the file to your computer first then virus check it before opening it
Hotmail automatically scans all attachments for viruses although it is still possible some infected files will come through. When you click on an e-mail with an attachment, if it is a picture file it may automatically open and appear along with the message.
If you want to save any type of attached file on to your computer, click on the name of the attachment under the Subject heading at the top then click Download File.
If it is a picture file it may be opened in a new window, if so right-click the image and select Save Image As.. to save to your computer. For other types of files, after you click Download File, choose Save To Disk to save to your computer.
Once saved, you should scan the file with your virus checker before opening it.

How to Save a web page picture ?
To copy a picture from a web site on to your computer, right-click the image and select Save Image As or Save Picture As.

How do I get rid of a program I don't need anymore?
To remove a program you need to uninstall it from your PC:
Click on the Start menu then Control Panel. Click on Add/Remove programs, select the program from the list and click Remove.
Alternatively, go to your Start menu and in your programs list, find the entry for the particular program and click on the link to Uninstall the program.