atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Computers & Programming Computers, Software, Accessories Is this possible?

(Make a note of the date and time...Hal agrees with me.)


The funny thing about my situation was that during the random scans, I tried to figure out what was going on by checking the usage window after hitting CTL ALT DEL, and I could not see the scan taking place.


Hal, (or anyone) can you recommend a free anti-virus program that I could download that would not slow my machine down? What's AVG? I am operating right now without protection.

AVG Free virus program

They make you work to follow the free install, but it's worth it. I've been using is for several years.

Panda is good too, as I have used them more recently than AVG. I still like AVG


https://www.pandasecurity.com/homeusers/solutions/activescan/

It sure could! I had a boot-up problem on a Windows '98 machine years ago that was so flaky I didn't know up from down and it all came down to a loose memory board. (That was what we called them in those days)

It's no different than a 25 pair amp connector that is not fully seated I guess.

I've used AVG for years. Good product. Recently Microsoft has come out w/ their own free version, Microsoft Security Essentials - antivirus and antispyware program. I believe you need XP or higher to run it, but it is a smaller download than AVG and seem to run great.

https://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/?mkt=en-us

I've got a spare license for NOD32 if interested. I too run my business on a Dell Dimension 2400. It's got 1GB of RAM and a 30GB hard drive...nothing fancy. One of the reasons I continue to use Eset's NOD32 is because the footprint (read: size and processor demand) is super small. I'm pretty sensitive to performance degradation, and I just don't feel it with this software.

I really don't need to run any scans and I only have whatever anti-virus software that comes with XP. My original question was just if a stick of memory can function if only partially seated in the socket on the mother board. This seems to be the case since the computer is working much faster since I removed it and reseated it. Thanks for all of the other suggestions though.

My old Dell C840 laptop would lose site of one memory bank a couple of years ago. I could reset the memory and it would work fine for a week or so then the same thing again. I had to replace the mother board to fix it.

Next time it acts up check and see how much memory the machine recognizes before you reset then how much after.

As long as the motherboard does not require memory to be installed in matching pairs, it will function w/ one memory chip partially unseated. As you've noticed, performance would definitely be decreased, but it would work. If matching pairs are required, it wouldn't boot up to Windows at all.

Even if a memory stick IS seated properly, the contacts can be problematic, which is why I always hit that edge with a good eraser before reinstalling. The contacts on these things are usually made of steel and/or may have a microscopic splash of gold alloy. Both will oxidize over time. A fresh eraser--one that's not dry or brittle--is soft enough to be safe, yet abrasive enough to brighten the contacts and remove said oxidation.

I returned an Apple Mac G5 to a buddy about three weeks ago that had similar issues. His local authorized Apple repair outfit claimed that the motherboard was hosed and only $900 could get him out of his jam (his Mac made the "bong" startup sound, but otherwise wouldn't boot). The last two DIMMs that I cleaned had dark elipses on the contact area...probably where someone had touched it with their fingers. Brightened those babies up, stuck 'em in and presto, OSX booted.