How to know/identified you laptop model

It isn't hard to find your driver if you know the model to find the model of your laptop is not difficult: look at the picture below. Normally for laptop you will find white stickers on the back of the laptop and there you can find the model. So by refer to the picture below your model is no 1 arrow.

example for compaq laptop.

1	Model Number (shown in area below the bar codes)	dv9095xx	The Model Number is unique to the hardware components, and is the most useful for finding drivers and support content.
2	Product Number (p/n)	RQ877AS	When using the Product Number to find a part or driver, enter only the letters and numbers before the # sign.
3	Product Name (Product)	HP Pavilion dv9000	The Product Name (also seen on the front of your notebook) is not useful, as there may be duplication across several PC models.

source of this post:HP support

Installing xp and vista - guide and comparison

If you need to install both vista and xp on the same machine, how to geek has provide a great article how to do it with the pictures and guide, impotant thing here is you need Vista installed first before install windows xp. normally when you buy a laptop it already had vista installed and you have two options either to remove vista and install XP or you may want to have both. Also you will have more then one partition and vista will be in C:/ partition and xp will be on D:/ partition.

Read the GUIDE HERE(installing vista and xp)

partition: when you click on my computer/computer, a new windows will open and you will see label C: and D:, in simple terms we call it c partition and D partition, (its not the real definition but to give you some idea if you dont know about partition.

There are several things i like on vista even XP still my best OS.
-Virus which attack xp system mostly javascript like autorun can't affect Vista, you can open and remove it directly.
-firewall, better but sometime annoying.

Things that i don't like.
-lack support for software, sometimes can't install several software.
-high memory usage and affect games performance.

How to open and replace Laptop/Notebook keypad/keyboard

So you want to replace your keyboard and so far based on my experience different laptop requires slightly different way to open it. Here i will list references to open your notebook and replace the keypad/keyboard.

Apple notebook.
You can read the PDF guide here.
http://eshop.macsales.com/Tech/FTP/pbpismo/pbfw-kybd-cip.pdf
to download this pdf just right click and select save target as...

Sony Notebook.
Mike hardware site have post a great brief description with the picture as the guide. Just click on the image to enlarge it,
You can read it here:
http://www.mikeshardware.com/howtos/sonyhdswap/

Driver FAQ - the common problems about installing drivers

There are several reason why your driver installation unsuccessful, the most common thing we know that the driver is not compatible with the hardware, most of us know about that, what i will discus here is base on my opinion and not the right theory, i never receive any formal education and training about hardware. i just like to experiment with software and hardware, and here i would like to share most common problems that cause you unsuccessfully install your driver.

1.Wrong driver for OS.
This is essential, vista and windows xp from what i know is running is different platform, and installing vista driver for xp will not successful unless for certain driver but from my experience driver that work with vista only less then 1% work with xp. So if you going to search your driver make sure you also include the OS, for example via 4326 XP Driver.

What is OS: I use OS for short term of Operating system. Operating system is program that run on compurters and there are three of them from what i knew;windows(95,98,2k,XP,Vista,7), Mac nad Linux)

2.Your Hardware.
Sometimes this happen, for example the driver running well and after formating your laptop and you try to install it don't work well as before, there are many ways to check either the driver is broken or not. First you may go to device management, by right click on my computer select manage and select device manager, if there are unidentified devices there(with yellow sign) mean your driver still ok but not necessarily, because if the device brioken, it may appear on device management but cause the installation failure or you might experince the most famous blue screen of death. My option to check if the devices working or not is to replace it with the same devices and check the performance/change, it another same device work then you can start planning to but the parts. maybe this option not practically effective for you because you don't have part, i work to repair laptop and desktop, sometime i got some parts from it and i use them as tools to diagnose problems.

3.Corrupted Windows.
Windows corruption is my second thought if the device stopped working, my first option is to perform system restore. system restore for me is my big weapon to solve not baout driver problems but any changes that happened to my system. Usually i use this if my system affected by virus or my software or driver stop working.

4.Update bios.
this is my last options, i cant describe about this since i never done this excet once and its didn't help a lot. sometimes if you just want to play around and update bios just don't do it except you know what are u doing. My friends done this and just make thing worse. I'm not discourage you to update bios but that options just not my priority. i prefer other way and put this as my last options.

well i share my secret, forum is the best place to find drivers=)

All About Vista Loader 2.1.2 problems

One of the most frequently problems when installing vista is Vista loader 2.1.2, after successfully installed vista into your machine, restart and black screen with..

Booting window vista

Vista loader 2.1.2....

and it stop there and you will unable to log in into windows. The main reason this happen is vista loader is a version of crack/hack tools use to activate pirate version of vista or in other whether the vista DVD you have is not genuine.
I read several forums and all the discussion end with buy the original. Is that any other way to avoid or fix it without buy an original? I can't really tell because so far i always suggest all of my friend not to use the pirate copy of essential software such as Operating System. Of course there are good reason if you said that you want to try it first, because you might worried to waste money for something you don't really like.
There are some site that provide downloads for the loader, i don't want to do that, or this site will be farm of the spam,=p and in addition i can't practise that... i mean as a blogger, small blogger.
Have i ever try it, yes and i try two copies of them and it work for some computer but not for all computers, i also have genuine one and no problems with it, if you afraid that the one you buy is genuine price but not the genuine one, buy it from the trusted site or trusted store. If you planning to buy laptop with vista and came along with genuine vista DVD, i suggest Dell Studio, what i can tell their support are excellent, 9/10 from me. But i still use XP Pro genuine, it is more stable then the pirate one, but its from my point of view, everyone have its own opinion. Right..

"sometimes we just get free stuff and it really not worth for someone work hard to make it"
"And..sometimes we trutes them to give best services with a

7 Unknown Devices Compaq Win XP Driver

There are a lot of driver missing when downgrade from xp to vista and 7 unknown devices is quite a popular topic discussed. And there are also other driver such as co processor. When downgrading for me the essential driver is chipset, sound, vga, wireless, bluetooth and card reader. So what to do with missing driver, for me if nothing wrong with your laptop no need for you to update the driver because you already have the essetial.

Download 7 unknown devices for Compaq cq mostly for CQ

Direct link
Download

Miror
Download (filefactory)
Download (mediafire)

Fix ahcix64 file corrupted problems

This post is base on itapac crew comments after he failed 5 times to install windows XP using slipstreaming method and success after he knew the the problems make the process failed.

here is the original comments or you can read the original comments here.

Hye guys,

I'm using Compaq Presario CQ40-406au (AMD). I need to downgred my OS from Vista to XP and everybody in here really helping me. Thanks. I just want to share my problem so maybe next time if there is anybody else getting same problem as mine can solve it easily.

First time i create bootable XP using nlite it's failed. Error "...ahcix64 file corrupted..". My mistake here is selecting x64 from my sata driver. I'm suppose to select x86. But after i realize my mistake, i tried to create another bootable cd and selecting x86 but still the same error appeared. After wasting 5 of my dvd, i realize that i'm not suppose to use the same folder of win xp that i copied to my harddrive because nlite will copy and change all the setting effecting the original file of windows xp that i copied before.

Use the fresh file of winxp if u want to create another bootable cd. I already installed Xp in my compaq cq40-40au and i really want to share this with everybody. :)

The main thing i want to stress after read this comment is.

1. When slipstreaming - any guide you found on the internet will tell you to create a new folder to store the windows XP files, so when you slipstream and failed, you should create another folder, don't load any previous session, create a new folder and repeat the same method.

2. The most important is to know your windows XP bootable CD/DVD, either 32-bits or 64-bits.
If 32-bits use AHCIX86 and if 64-bit use AHCI64, both type of opereating system is different even both are windows XP. If you don't know if it is 32-bit or 64-bits you can find further information here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Windows

Downloads Drivers For Windows XP and Vista Guide

Intro

Not a formal knowledge or based on true definition, i just write out this post to let you who don,t really understand what is driver and how to find your own driver. This due to high search that resulting user can't find proper driver for thier computers.

Why Computers need driver?

driver is essential to connect your system and hardware. Basically i will define a computer is combinations of hardware and software.

hardaware - is something that you can touch like monitors, cpu, mouse, keyboard and etc.
software - is something that you can't touch such as windows xp(operating system, simplified as OS), microsoft office suite, adobe photoshop, nero and etc.

A computer need both hardware and software to connect to each other so it can works properly.
As a computer hardware combined and became a comlet set of computer, it need an OS tthat is operating system, such as windows Xp, Vista, and etc.

After you have the opertaing system installed on your mchine, you need driver to conect between the operating system such as audio (sound chipset and speakers), keyboard, graphics and etc.

How to find the proper driver.

The key to find the proper and right driver is based on this aspect:

1. Operating system:
If Microsft operating system you should know weather it is windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 or the other OS such as Windows Me and etc. Then suppose you have windows Xp you should know weather it is 32-bit or 64-bits. after that you need to find the appropiate model.

2. Specific model number + OS
Weather you choose to find a single driver (audio, webcam etc) or complete set you need to identify the specific model number or product. such as
Gigh definition Audio codec=device type,
v.3.2.2.1= specific model/product number
Windows Xp = OS (sometimes you dont need to enter 32-bits because they will inform for 32-bits or 62-bits)

for the complete set:

specific model+ OS =
compaq presario =model
CQ40-406 = specific which you can find at the bottom of the laptop od elsewhere, they should have that on any laptop produced.
Windows Xp = OS (sometimes you dont need to enter 32-bits because they will inform for 32-bits or 62-bits)

so thats all anything else you need to know just leave your comments and i try to share what i know, besides i would like to learn more if any of you know more about this topics. Gud luck

Vista Recovery Disk Free Download

Before Downloading i really stress you to read the the description below.

this review is Quoted from:http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,71039/description.html

It looked like Microsoft was finally going to do the right thing. Beta versions of Vista SP1 came with a modern equivalent of the old Windows Boot Floppy--a Start Menu option called "Create a Recovery Disc" that burned a Windows PE-based emergency CD. Alas, Microsoft removed that feature before SP1 shipped, but not before NeoSmart turned the disc into an .iso file and made it available on their site.

Running on the Vista version of Windows PE, the Recovery Disc is basically a Vista installation disc minus the install files. It even has an "Install now" button that asks for a Product Key before failing. You're better off clicking the Repair your computer button. Among its Vista-only options are a tool for diagnosing and fixing startup problems, a version of System Restore that uses restore points on the hard drive, the restore portions of Vista's backup program, and a memory diagnostic tool.

Note: This link takes you to an external Web site, where you can download the latest version of the software.

--Lincoln Spector

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

DVD writer no detected (eror in device manager)

Often the devices not detected is because some files are missing or corrupt so the best option we use is system restore.
Sometimes when system restore not hel to solve the problems we use to repair windows which require up to 1 hour or sometimes more to repair our windows file.

I find a easy solution which found on this forum:
http://club.cdfreaks.com/f3/help-need-driver-hl-dt-st-dvdram-gsa-4040b-95889/
and it works, since the material are free but copyight, i just give the forum url and there you will find a software suggest by members with the link to download.

the software is:

XP_CD-DVD-Fix.exe - Restore CD/DVD Drives to Explorer
Version 1.1
© Doug Knox - 2002-2007

cedits to:http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/xp_cd_dvd_fix.htm

Webcam Crash Problems MSN Messenger (SOLVED)

Before continue reading the entire post, I would like to stress this post is specific for Compaq laptop but you can also apply for other type if you know to choose your driver. I made this post because i got an email asked about Webcam crashed using MSN Messenger and she report back that its work for her. SO here is my original reply to her email and hope help you too, if you still having trouble( Especially different models) leave your comments.

here some suggestion that may help you:

first update your youcam driver:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?softwareitem=ob-55812-1&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&os=2093&product=3675225&lang=en

restart and if it still crash follow next step:

first download and istall the update below:

windows vista service pack 1 update: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=90E2942D-3AD1-4873-A2EE-4ACC0AACE5B6&displaylang=en

then web quickplay update:
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=321957&prodSeriesId=3752105&prodNameId=3786352&swEnvOID=2093&swLang=13&mode=2&taskId=135&swItem=ob-70555-1

Installing Windows 7: Part 2

Windows XP Mode For Windows 7

Ok here a short brief about windows XP mode in windows 7.

What is Windows XP mode (in Windows 7)?

It is a Virtual OS which you can run it on windows 7. Its is free and allow you to install games and software which incompatible with windows 7. Windows XP for me still the best OS, so it may be one of the step from Microsoft to make user upgrade to windows 7 with this utilities.


Can Your PC Run Windows XP Mode?

Windows XP mode is only limited to PC which the processor support the Virtualization technology. If your processor doesn't met the requirement you can't install this program.

How do i check?

You can check either your processor support virtualization technology or not by downloading Intel® Processor Identification Utility and also Microsoft® Hardware-Assisted Virtualization Detection Tool

Installation:
You must install Windows Virtual PC first and then Windows XP Mode

Download here

After installing both programs you may need to restart, after all installation finish.
Click start - programs - select XP Mode and lets it run the configuration, your win xp mode is ready.

Installing Windows 7: Part 1

SETTING BIOS - PART 1 - PART 2

Ok, if you finish read part one i consider you already set the BIOS order to boot from CD/DVD. Here in part one it will cover boot from CD and customizing hard disk and partition for Windows 7 installation.

Installing Windows 7: Part 1

1. make sure the Windows 7 DVD already in your DVD Drives.

2. Start you PC/Notebook and wait until it prompt "PRES ANY KEY TO BOOT FROM CD/DVD..." (figure 2), now press any key (it will only wait about 5-6 second, if you have new laptop that have no operating system it will automatically boot from DVD).

(figure 2:images from: http://www.microsoft.com/)

3.Then this screen will appear.

just wait untill it finish loading files.

4. After that the screen (figure 3) will appear. Here just click next ( i recommend new user just left the setting default)

figure 3

5. After click next you will see the screen below (figure 4). Select Install Now

figure 4

6. Then select agree by checking the box. click next.

figure 5

7. When you arrive here (figure 6), you can select upgrade or costum:
UPGRADE: recomend to those who already have VISTA installed.
COSTUM : For other version such XP, 98, 2000, Me

here for both vista and XP i suggest custom for fresh installation

figure 6

8. After select custom installation select the partition you wish to install (select C drive recommended) and hit next and skip no 9 and 10.

If you have new HDD select advance driver option.

figure 7

9. For creating new partition only! select new.

figure 8

10. Choose the capacity for your new C drive then apply. (figure 9)

(below recommended for end user, advance user=u know which better rite)

40GB: set to 20GB for c(20000MB)

80GB: set to 30GB for c

160GB: set to 60GB for c(20000MB)

250GB: set to 60-80GB for c(20000MB)

others (for c normally min 50 and max 100)

figure 9

11. Then click next, now just wait and let it finish the installation.

figure 10

figure 11

at this point your PC/Notebook will restart, and you have to do nothing here.

How to enable microphone after install windows XP

Some laptop model or PC will not detect the microphone after install windows XP because by default the MIC volume is mute. If you can listen to music using your PC and Laptop that mean basically your mic will work.

FIRST STEP:

Enable your microphone volume

1. Right click on your volume icon and select Open Volume Control.

2. Then click on OPTION.

3. Select PROPERTIES.

4. On the list, make sure the MICROPHONE box is Check, if not, click to check it.

5. Then press OK. After that you will back to the VOLUME CONTROL again. Here you will see the microphone panel appear.

So if the MUTE BOX under Microphone Panel check, uncheck it, and it will look like this:

6. Increase The mic volume as you like and you're done.