topic Re: First, set the scene and then define the problem. in PCs & Accessories

First, set the scene and then define the problem.

lyapple — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 14:21:42 GMT

New AR31S. Vista and AOL hate each other. Managed to get an internet connection for a day or two before they again decided on mutual aversion. Way forward? Talk to AOL. But first decided to uninstall AOL and then re-install to see if that worked. Now it gets difficult.

• Machine refuses to read it or any cd/dvd regardless of the fact it worked not long ago
• Cannot therefore try to install AOL
• As a consequence of no internet link cannot seek help from downloads. (Don’t get me started on not understanding routers, the other problems are probably stand alone)
• Sound has gone regardless again of the fact it worked not long ago
• Restore to earlier time doesn’t resolve
• Control panel check says no problem with cd/dvd or sound
• Did Vaio hardware diagnostic (found it by accident!) and was told errors detected that seemed to be usb. No detail or remedy seemed to be offered, no help there.

Although I have not – now could not – made/make back up recovery discs going attempt recovery. Or other (easy to follow please) suggestions.????

Apropos nothing probably, the machine has been virtually heat free all day.

Re: First, set the scene and then define the problem.

Dekesh — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 14:44:34 GMT

there is a vista version of the aol software that is downloadable from the aol website, maybe this will allow AOL to be installed.

Maybe for the devices that are not working you can reinstall the drives from the support/downloads section of club vaio and see if that helps the situation

Re: First, set the scene and then define the problem.

lyapple — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 15:06:53 GMT

Thanks Dekesh. Got AOL to send me the stuff on disc and that got me in for a while.

Can't do any downloading without an internet connection though.

Re: First, set the scene and then define the problem.

Dekesh — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 15:31:07 GMT

no problem...perhaps you can get a mate to download them or download it at work and store it on a usb key of cd or something

Re: First, set the scene and then define the problem.

lyapple — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 15:48:34 GMT

Have another machine I can connect with. Basic problem seems to be the new machine refuses to co-operate with just about everything.

Re: First, set the scene and then define the problem.

rich912 — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 15:57:12 GMT

Hi Pandora,

Although Device Manager is reporting no errors for the drive it may be worth uninstalling (Right click drive in Device Manager and select uninstall) and then re-boot to let windows reinstall the drivers. This has been known to solve the problem you are experiencing.

Re: First, set the scene and then define the problem.

Blencogo — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 19:33:27 GMT

Hi Pandora,

Do you connect to AOL through a router, is it wireless, is it broadband? Is the router configured to sign into AOL automatically? I hope you are not using the old blue AOL USB modem - it is not Vista compatible. If your router is set up to log into AOL (which can be configured on your other PC), your New Vaio should connect almost by itself.

I must admit my Vista machine connected itself immediately when linked by a cable to the router and I downloaded the AOL Client Software - AOL VR (Vista Release)by going to
http://help.aol.co.uk/aol-90-vr-vista-ready/article/20070115104309990001
in IE and signing on with screenname and password. Actually I never use the client software except when managing my AOL Account - you need the client to do this.

I know it's not a lot of help but it all works fine for me!!

Are you sure there are no conflicts showing in Device Manager against the drive?
Start -> Control Panel -> Device Manager -> DVD/CD-ROM drives.

Re: First, set the scene and then define the problem.

lyapple — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 05:12:16 GMT

Tried Rich - no joy. Still telling me it's working fine but when I try to use it tells me no disc and ejects the one in there.

Re: First, set the scene and then define the problem.

lyapple — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 05:18:10 GMT

Blencogo, I'm trying to make it the main connection with BT voyager 190 and ethernet cable. I've got the disc with AOLVR and when I first tried with that it worked like a charm for a day or 2 then ziltch. Thought I'd try uninstalling which I did but can't reinstall as the disc drive isn't working.

All the device manager says is that its fine.

Will try recovery later and report back. Thanks guys.

Re: First, set the scene and then define the problem.

lyapple — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 10:05:30 GMT

WHOOPEEE. Recovery worked, disc player and sound restored and aol connected. Speaking to you from the new machine!!!

Re: First, set the scene and then define the problem.

jumpsuit — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 10:07:00 GMT

Fantastic Pandora!!!!

That is great news

Re: First, set the scene and then define the problem.

lyapple — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 10:17:21 GMT

Fantastic Pandora!!!!

That is great news

I am feeling pretty chuffed! And you now have entries on both my naughty AND nice lists. :smileygrin:

Re: First, set the scene and then define the problem.

Blencogo — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 10:26:20 GMT

Well done Pandora - good result. Welcome to the frustrated Vista Club.

Vista is quite nice to use but can be a bit slow to connect to the Internet at startup.

I'm still struggling with Office 2007 - you know what they say about old dogs and new tricks. Seems to me they have added just about every feature I will never use!

Re: First, set the scene and then define the problem.

lyapple — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 10:29:24 GMT

Well done Pandora - good result.  Welcome to the frustrated Vista Club.

Vista is quite nice to use but can be a bit slow to connect to the Internet at startup.

I'm still struggling with Office 2007 - you know what they say about old dogs and new tricks. Seems to me they have added just about every feature I will never use!

Thanks Blencogo :smileyhappy:. When I get as far as Office 2007 I'll know who to shout out for. At the minute just fiddling with bits and pieces.

Re: First, set the scene and then define the problem.

Hottee — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 11:48:09 GMT

I'm still struggling with Office 2007 - you know what they say about old dogs and new tricks. Seems to me they have added just about every feature I will never use!

Yes, well done Pandora! Such a sense of achievement isn't it when the problem's solved and you've done it virtually all by yourself. I've had horrendous dealings with AOL connectivity over many years and have had to learn to sort them out for myself since my techo-wizkid son up and moved to New York and is no longer around to wipe up the tears I've shed over it all! Hubby knows SFA about computers so I do feel quite isolated at time. And those wonderful people at the call centres - don't even start me on that!
I did receive my Vista upgrade discs last week [after about 4 months] and I'm very reluctant to load them on to my Wondrous Pink Thing [Vaoi VGN C1/P] for fear of messing it up. I think I'll just hang fire on that until there's more positive feedback on this from the lovely techno-guys here. However, I do have Office 2007 [loaned from my daughter who is running AOL and Vista beautifully on her laptop] but am struggling with Word at present I can't seem to locate the equivalent of my lovely friendly "autotext" [though I'm sure it there somewhere] and there are lots of features that I just can't get to grips with. Also when receiving PPS presentations it doesn't give me the option to open them - I have to save them first and then open them from their saved location.

Oh well, all in good time I guess. Once again, well done Pandora!

Re: First, set the scene and then define the problem.

lyapple — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 13:34:10 GMT

Hi Hottee,

I did have Jumpy tied to the end of a messanger line for over 2 hours yesterday morning and I think Rich was somewhere in the background at one stage, so I did have a lot of help :smileygrin:

It was very selfish of your son to go off to New York. After all you've done for him. :smileygrin:

Edit: On a roll now. Got the wireless mouse working!

Advantages of Office 2007??

Re: First, set the scene and then define the problem.

kee-lo_ — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 19:00:45 GMT

Very tempted to just use Ubunutu on it, but then no BD

Re: First, set the scene and then define the problem.

lyapple — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 20:07:29 GMT

Very tempted to just use Ubunutu on it, but then no BD

And in English that means ...

Got the trial version of 2007 now and like the look of it but not tried really working with it yet.

Re: First, set the scene and then define the problem.

kee-lo_ — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 11:00:20 GMT

In other words, remove Vista and use Linux

Re: First, set the scene and then define the problem.

lyapple — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 11:30:32 GMT

In other words, remove Vista and use Linux

After all the trouble it's taken so far. I've even now got it working with the printer - granted a brand new printer that I bought this morning. :smileygrin: