tech sectiontech sectionThe 1994 Ford Escort base model came with a 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission. Your Escort's constant velocity shafts transfer rotation from the transmission differential side gears to the front wheel hubs. The CV joints allow power to be transmitted to the front wheels uninterrupted when turning or going over bumps. The CV shaft is serviced as an assembly; if either CV joint begins to fail you have to replace the entire shaft. Replacing your CV shaft is an in-depth job, but is well within the realm of the home mechanic.
By the time you make it to college, a computer isn't simply an option, it's a necessity. With curricula augmented by downloads and videos, and with many schools using online submissions for coursework, your computer will be your most important tool, as well as your entertainment center during downtime. Advances in technology haven't made choosing a computer any easier, with tablets sometimes mentioned as a viable alternative to desktops and laptops. However, your decision should be based on your work style, your school's requirements and your budget.
If you like the feel of hard-sided waterbed but want the look of a traditional bed, you can change the old hard-sided waterbed out for a soft-sided bed. Soft-sided waterbeds can give your room a more modern look, and they are relatively easy to install in just a matter of a few hours. Soft-sided waterbeds are also more convenient because they allow you to use standard sheets and comforters instead of searching for hard-to-find waterbed linens.
Resetting your YM computer restores the machine back to its factory defaults. This allows you clean data from the hard drive, reinstall a fresh copy of programs and overwrite files that have been corrupted by malware or program conflicts. Depending on the type of email that you use, you may lose all of your email and contacts during a factory reset. To avoid this, back up your files and restore your email on the fresh install.
Once the highest trim level of a popular muscle car and now a timid family car; the Malibu has made a drastic change since its 1964 debut as the Chevelle Malibu. The 2004 model year was the second generation for the Malibu since its reintroduction in 1997 and featured harder body lines and a more stylish appearance. As expected of a midlevel family car, the 2004 Malibu came standard with an air-conditioning system that used a small electric fan to circulate the heated or cooled air. Upon first look, the blower motor may appear non-replaceable, as Chevy molded it with…
Shower fans extract humidity from the bathroom environment. These fans typically connect to ductwork at the top, which then carries the water vapor to the outside atmosphere. One quick way that you can update a bathroom is by replacing an older 1950s shower fan with a more modern and efficient one.
NVIDIA released the 6600GT video chipset in the fall of 2004 for use in mid-range PCI-Express video cards. While 6600GT-based graphics cards are certainly slower than more modern NVIDIA offerings, the card can still be found in countless PCs across the world and is still more than adequate for everyday computing tasks and even quite a few 2D and 3D games. If your computer contains a video card with the 6600GT chipset, you can extend the life of the card by replacing the stock cooling fan that cools the Graphics Processing Unit, or GPU. Doing so allows you to run…
In most cases, the only time you really need to use the reset switch on your computer is if it freezes or perhaps fails to boot into Windows. If your PC has a shorted reset switch, the machine may start and restart continuously even if you do not press any buttons on the front of the case. Often, simply shutting off the PC and removing the power cord for a couple of minutes will fix continuous reset problems. However, if the problem persists, the most likely culprit is a defective or shorted reset cable or jumper leading from the switch…
The Netgear GS724T switch is a high-performance networking product that allows you to connect up to 24 computers to a router or another switch. The GS724T can route network packets between machines at speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second. Because this switch handles a lot of information fast, the integrated chips inside can become extremely hot. For this reason, Netgear installs a series of three high-speed cooling fans inside the GS724T. If one of the fans fails, you should replace it immediately to prevent damage to the main circuit board or one of its integrated chips.
With its 457 MHz RISC-based processor, the Lexmark T642 is a medium-duty workhorse laser printer that pushes out documents at a rate of 45 pages per minute. The printer offers integrated Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet network options that allow it to support printing duties for dozens of users simultaneously. Because the T642 is such a workhorse, though, the processor and other internal ICs do tend to get very hot. Therefore, the T642 chassis includes a full-sized 80mm PC-type cooling fan to help keep the printer cool during heavy use. If the fan becomes defective, you should replace it immediately to…
One day, you go to turn on your computer and nothing happens. There is no whir of the cooling fans, no beep from the boot process, no hum of the hard drives, nothing. You check to make sure it’s plugged into the wall or power strip and find that it is still connected. After ruling out a problem with the power strip or outlet, you realize that there is a good chance that the problem is with your PC’s AC power supply. Not every power supply issue requires a replacement of the hardware. There are several steps you can take…
Computer hobbyists not content with the stock performance of their machines often find ways to increase the speed of their systems. One technique adjusts a number called QuickPath Interconnect Phase Locked Loop, or QPI PLL. This parameter, found in the computer’s BIOS setup screen, controls the voltage of a feature found in some of Intel’s microprocessors. Changing this number affects a computer’s stability, so you may need to try several QPI PLL settings before finding one that’s optimal.
The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is the first software that your computer launches when you power it on. On Windows PCs, the BIOS has evolved into a standard to interface the computer’s hardware and launch the operating system. Most computers allow the user or an administrator to adjust settings within the BIOS to configure or enhance the computer’s performance. BIOS settings should not be changed unless you completely understand the ramifications of your modifications.
The hard plastic headphones that come with personal music players don't always give you the best performance. Because the hard cases don't conform to your ear, they are more apt to fall out and can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. They also don't form a seal inside your ear, which lets outside sound leak in. Soft foam in-ear headphones are more comfortable and allow less sound leakage, but can be expensive. Make your own memory foam in-ear headphones using a pair of inexpensive foam earplugs, such as those used in factories, on construction sites and at…
The Pre-Boot Execution Environment allows a computer workstation to boot from a network server, rather than boot from the operating system on the computer’s hard drive. The PXE connects through the NIC, or Network Interface Card, to the LAN, or Local Area Network, through a cable. Booting with PXE through a wireless signal isn't an option since the wireless adapters aren't loaded into memory until the operating system is started. When the PXE causes an error the message says “PXE-E61: Media Test Failed, Check Cable.”
Few computer problems are as annoying as a machine that refuses to boot up. An error message of "Checking NVRAM" refers to non-volatile RAM, which contains the startup configuration for most computer systems and, like the BIOS, relies on a battery to retain data while the computer is powered off. Despite the appearance of such a message, the NVRAM often isn't the problem.
Most "freezes" are just software lockups, often limited to just one program, although they can cause the entire system seemingly to hang. The remainder are caused by hardware. Failing power supplies can cause all sorts of trouble, for example, including freezes. Memory is also a frequent culprit. Reseating the memory module fixes memory-related problems one-third of the time on desktop systems and one-quarter of the time on laptop systems, according to studies done by Microsoft.
With many different hardware components that make up a computer, it's difficult to determine what part is failing -- or not -- when you hear an odd noise, such as high-pitched whining or a loud popping sound. In most cases, however, these noises are the result of your computer's power supply unit failing.
"Braid," a critically acclaimed puzzle game for the PC, takes you on a journey to a fantasy land and gives you the power to control time. The developers of "Braid" acknowledge several problems with the game, such as slowdown while playing, crashing and graphical glitches. The latest update for "Braid" fixes most of these problems. Adjusting your game or graphics card settings may also fix certain problems.
When the heater blower motor fails to operate on one or several settings on the control panel on a 2001 Nissan Altima, it is due to a failing blower motor resistor. This resistor works in unison with the fan speed switch on the dash heater control panel, regulating all but the highest fan setting. The resistor is a small printed circuit resistor located next to the blower motor. Resistors create heat when in operation and may burn out over time, much like a light bulb. If the fan motor fails to operate in any speed the problem is likely elsewhere,…
While many Xbox 360 repairs may be covered by your system's warranty, once that warranty expires you may want to consider performing a self-repair. To protect their proprietary hardware, Microsoft builds their Xbox 360 consoles using Torx screws, which are specialty screws that are not able to be tampered with using common flat head or Phillips head screw drivers.
When browsing online, sometimes it takes longer than usual to access a website. The process involves the interaction of hardware, software and networks located around the world. If a problem occurs with any of these processes, the connection can time out, resulting in a blank page and a timeout error message on the Web browser. A 2Wire modem serves as the gateway to the outside network that connects a computer to the Internet. If this modem is not properly configured or a malfunction occurs, the modem can time out.
Startup problems with a Samsung R580 notebook arise as a result of one of the following two issues: a hardware malfunction or an operating system failure. The former may require you submit your notebook to a repair shop, whereas all OS errors can be resolved from home via some simple troubleshooting. However, the first step is to put on your detective hat and determine the cause.
"Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare" includes a multiplayer option that lets you practice your technique against players all over the world. The "Connection Interrupted" error can boot you right out of the game Sometimes the message displays briefly while your Internet quickly re-establishes a connection. The hesitation is enough to get you killed in a game where fast shooting skills is key.
System Recovery Options, accessed through the recovery partition on some computers and available on all valid copies of Windows Vista and Windows 7, provides several programs designed to repair the operating system and restore system files. These applications enable you to restore your system without having to reinstall the OS.
Today's computer marketplace includes a wide range of devices categorized as various types of tablets. Some serve as input peripherals you can plug into your desktop or notebook computer. Others combine the functionality of a regular portable computer with a full- or part-time handwriting interface. The newest tablet devices focus on interactive, online and multimedia content within a touchscreen interface. Depending on how you use them, all of them offer advantages and present problems.
If you have a computer in your home or apartment and you would like to connect it to the Internet so you can surf the web, you can set up a wireless or hardwire network. "Hardwire" is colloquial term for connecting an ethernet cord from your computer to your router. This can be completed in minutes.
The GE washer’s spin cycle uses centrifugal force that removes excess water from your clothes. When you remove your clothes from the washer and discover they are wetter than normal, the inner tub isn’t properly spinning. A stripped drive block stops the tub from spinning as fast as it should. Changing the GE washer’s drive block gets it back into working condition.
Turbine vents are the rounded vents that spin when the wind blows, pulling air out of the attic space. In time, turbine vents rust and stop spinning, which means they no longer work. Attic fans don’t have that problem, especially solar-powered fans. Put he attic fans in the same hole as the former turbine vents, so that you don’t have to patch the roof.
When your Sony Playstation 3 fails to read a game disk, the likely culprit is dirt that has built up on the reader lens. Cleaning off debris on the lens is not a problem, but accessing it can take some work. The piece of hardware you need to fix is buried inside the unit. To get to it requires you to disassemble the PS3 and then put it back together again after you clean the lens.
Newer models of BlackBerry devices, including the BlackBerry Curve and BlackBerry Bold, feature a trackpad instead of the traditional trackball. This allows the user to use their finger to navigate websites, open windows and much more. While the trackpad is supposed to have a little "play" since it's a moving part, if it's too loose, you may need to repair or replace it. If you no longer have a warranty on your device, you can take it apart yourself and replace the trackpad with a new one.
When you plug your headphones into your computer and find to your dismay that you're receiving no audio, take a few moments to determine if you can fix the problem. While a headphone jack is a relatively simple piece of equipment, a number a factors can contribute to its malfunction.
A crushed hard drive can be repaired or data retrieved from its disk platters by professionals who specialize in data recovery and occasionally by computer technicians. The components of the drive that are still intact can be carefully swapped into an identical frame and supplemented with working parts from a second, functional drive. The possibility of further damaging the drive by this procedure is a real threat, as is the opportunity for data loss or corruption of any remaining data on the drive.
When you find standing water on the floor of your laundry room, you must determine when the leak occurs and the leak location. If your washer leaks all the time and it isn’t coming from your fill hoses, the main tub seal probably has failed. If the leak occurs only during the spin cycle, the plastic outer washtub has split or is punctured. Fixing the outer tub, whether it needs a new seal or a new tub, requires disassembling the washer to gain access to the leak.
Like all refrigerators, your Viking refrigerator is powered by a condenser. This is the motor, or engine, of the refrigerator. This condenser needs to stay cool, or else it can fail. It stays cool via a fan, which is mounted next to the condenser. If your refrigerator isn't staying cool, it could be the result of a damaged fan. You can remove and replace the fan on your own.
In time, a Maytag washing machine’s tub bearings in may fail. If the tub bearings do not properly function, the washing machine does not correctly spin or agitate. In addition, the Maytag washing machine begins making a grinding noise. Instead of purchasing a new washer or paying a repairman, replacing the tub bearing fixes the problem. Before beginning any type of repair, always consult your washing machine’s warranty. Trying to repair a Maytag washer may void its warranty.
The BIOS, or Basic Input/Output System, on your Dell OptiPlex GX150 allows the computer to power on, recognize the attached hardware and boot into an operating system. If there is an error in the BIOS, then the computer won't be able to function. You can use the BIOS to help diagnose and repair the GX150 or, if the BIOS has become corrupted, you can replace the BIOS with a fresh copy, but only if you have access to a working computer with a floppy disk drive. The OptiPlex GX150 was made during an era in computer when floppy diskettes were…
Even if your new puppy just can't get enough of chewing on your favorite living room furniture, there is a way to fix your torn-up couch. Instead of simply scrapping the sofa, repair it with a few quick tips. Depending on the specific structure, material and color or pattern of your couch, you can easily fix munch marks by adding fill and fabrics. Try an all-over couch cover for an elegant, streamlined look, or consider creating a funky, eclectic design with cool patches.
Water can short out some of your PS3's internal components and cause corrosion, resulting in reduced or ruined functionality. If you know that your PS3 got wet, act quickly to dry it out so there's less of a chance that the moisture will damage your console. Since the Sony PS3 warranty doesn't cover malfunction due to negligence or accidents, you'll be responsible for paying for any necessary repairs.
When every trip to your attic feels like walking into a warm oven, then it is probably time to purchase an attic fan. However, an attic fan also has a limited life span and occasionally needs to be replaced to maximize its cooling and ventilating benefits. Conducting research on the types of attic fans available on the market will help you choose a model that meets your home's cooling needs and falls within your budget.
A water softener with an air leak in the brine line will spurt air right after you turn on the faucet. While each brand of water softener varies in construction, the air leak is most likely a loose connection or fitting, which reduces suction through the line. A simple test with a bucket of water helps locate the air leak so you can make the necessary adjustments. Always consult the user manual specific to your water softener to locate the parts needing adjustment.
Capacitors look like small metallic canisters and they are found in many different computer components including computer monitors, computer motherboards, video cards, power supplies and a variety of other consumer products. A bad capacitor can cause a variety of computer problems, but if you can identify the faulty capacitor you may be able to replace it and save your computer.
Most computers feature a built-in utility partition that includes data used to restore the operating system to its factory defaults. D2D, or Disk-to-Disk, is the name of the software on the utility partition included in Acer Aspire notebook models. Recovering the computer to its original state should restore function to the PC, but certain circumstances can impact the computer's performance following an attempted recovery.
If you are the owner of a Kirby vacuum, you know the extent of an investment in the Kirby line. You can send any machine in to the company for repairs for the life of the machine. There are a few repairs that you can easily do from home on one of these machines that might enable you to avoid sending your vacuum in if it fails to operate properly. Changing out a fan in your G4 is one such relatively simple chores that you can do in a matter of minutes.
Restoring is a process that Apple affords to iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch users. Once restored, an iPod Touch will be returned to its original settings. If you encounter error 1603 while you are attempting a restore of your iPod, the device needs to be placed into recovery mode and backup files on your computer may need to be removed.
Viruses are one of the major pitfalls of computer usage. Viruses can do everything from create minor annoyances through advertisements to wiping your entire hard drive, causing you to lose your files. When a virus attaches itself to your memory, it affects your RAM -- Random Access Memory -- which is essentially the short-term memory of your computer. If you think a virus is downloaded into your computer's memory, don't panic. A standard virus scanner should be able to remove the virus before it can do serious damage.
When you start your Asus PC, it loads the software components and services required to run the Windows operating system. Software problems or hardware issues can cause slow startups, so troubleshoot the problem by checking connected hardware devices and the computer's software and file system.
The parts of a staircase that determine the steepness of the stairs are the stringers, or the wood braces, on which the stairs sit. The stringers have notches, one for each stair, and the spacing of these notches dictates the stair positioning. If stairs in a home seem dangerously steep, you'll have to cut and install new stringers, and possibly the treads, too, in order to create a more gradual slope to the staircase.
LogMeIn provides remote access from anywhere in the world to a host computer. However, there are several situations where LogMeIn blocks the remote computer from connecting to the host. You can generally unblock LogMeIn with certain troubleshooting steps. By properly configuring the host computer, you can also keep the software from being blocked in the first place.
The chipsets on the MSI MS-7135 direct communication between the components inside of the computer. The northbridge chipset works with the processor, RAM and graphics card. Since the northbridge consumes a lot of power, it can generate a lot of heat. A fan helps to keep the component cool and prevent it from overheating. If the northbridge fan on the MSI MS-7135 is defective or is not dissipating heat well enough, you can install a new fan in its place.
