TTC Shelbyville – Technical Blog

This error can be common if you have upgraded and not rebooted when suggested.  Reboot your computer.  Log on. Make sure you have a backup of your VDIs.  Reinstall VirtualBox.  Select Repair.

• Avoid close contact with people
• Cover your coughs / sneezes  – use tissue and discard
• Clean your keyboard, desk and tools
• Get plenty of rest
• Eat well
• Wash your hands frequently
• Stay home if you are sick

Follow the advice offered by the CDC and be aware of health awareness updates.

I wrote an article on shrinking (Optimizing Virtualbox) the vdis created in VirtualBox.  After Virtualbox’s update, it was lost.  Now the new 2.2.2 version has the VBoxManage modifyhd –compact feature restored.  See How-to Here.

Anytime you are using commands, there is always a chance that you may lose data.  Always backup your data.

If you have ever had an Microsoft Office installation fail, you know where I’m going.   The installation becomes impossible and you have to pick through the registry and delete files.  Here is a solution to remove Office 2007.  The product (free is called Remove Office 2007 from a website called Refuse to Suffer.  Link

Someone asked me how the other day….well this is generic…here you go!

Symptoms

If your computer is locking up or shutting down on its own, one of the first things to check if you know the computer is virus free and the operating system is stable is the power supply and CPU fan.   If you are comfortable with opening up a computer, you should open your computer case to do an inspection.  With the different makes and models of cases, opening the case can be different.  Usually a case is opened by removing the power supply cable for safety and then removing two to three screws in the back of the case.

When inside of the case, look for excess dust around the heatsink. The heatsink is the metalic (black or silver) fins underneath the CPU fan.   You can blow out the fan and heatsink fins with compressed air. Always blow outward if possible.

Be aware of ESD or Electorstatic Discharge (static shock) that can damage parts.  Use a grounding strap or ground your self by touching the case.  Again, make sure the computer is unplugged if you touch the inner components of the computer.   Many computer users fail to check for dust on a regular basis.   The dust can infiltrate the fan and cause the fan to fail.  If you feel safe, you can plug in the computer and avoid touching any components inside of the case and power the comptuer on to check the fan.  If the fan turns slow or fails to turn when the computer is turned on, the fan will need to be replaced.  Another quick check is to enter the system BIOS (Strike Del, F1, F10 – check your motherboard’s documentation if necessary) and see if your BIOS supports CPU Fan speed monitoring.  The CPU Fan speed should be above 2400 rpm as a minimum (this may vary depending on your motherboard).

If you have blown out the case and cleaned your computer, and the CPU fan is not functioning properly, check your motherboard to determine what CPU you have.   With the different sockets / slots available, it is important to determine this prior to purchasing a CPU fan.  With the custom fans that are available, you will need to also check the proximity of any components on the motherboard and the proximity of the power supply and case if you select a fan outside of the standard fan designed for the CPU on your motherboard.

The attachment of the fan on the CPU can also vary.  Many have a lever that holds the CPU fan on the CPU while others may have screws.  Working with any tools inside of a computer can result in damage to the motherboard if you are not careful.  All CPU fans require power and most have a motherboard adapter while some have a molex connector (standard large white connector inside of a computer).

Thermal Pad or Thermal Paste?

It is important to realize that in order to transfer heat, the CPU or fan when initially installed had CPU Thermal Paste or a Thermal Pad on the heatsink.  You will need to purchase Thermal Paste from a online, at a local computer or electronic store.

When you are ready with a new fan and paste, unplug the computer, remove the side and unplug the CPU fan.  Carefully, Carefully remove the fan and heatsink without forcing the the removal of the heatsink. The heatsink can stick to the CPU. Forcing the removal of the heat sink can cause the CPU to be pulled from its slot or socket. Make SURE the CPU is still seated.  Clean the CPU with a lint free cloth (old material may still be on the top of the CPU).  Prepare the new CPU fan for the installation.   Remove any plastic material (see through packing) from the bottom of the heat sink.  Do NOT touch any thermal pad or preinstalled thermal paste that may be on the bottom of the heat sink.  Carefully place the fan and heat sink on the CPU.  Make sure the heat sink is level on the CPU and fasten the fan appropriately to your motherboard.  Make sure the fan is plugged in.  Failing to do so will damage your CPU.  Double check everything! Make sure  wires and components are clear of the fan.

You can now plug in the computer (with the cover off) and test the CPU by powering on the computer.  If the computer fails to turn on, unplug the computer and double check your installation.  If the computer powers on, check the fan speed and temperature in the BIOS.

Here’s another idea, in my magic bag of tricks, I have an IR thermometer

that I can point at the CPU to monitor heat.  I also use this little guy to see HOT spots on a motherboard, power supply or hard drives…  Where to Buy – Geeks of course.