Is my PC on its last legs ? - Stuartli
nVidia graphics drivers are normally fully backwards compatible although, on occasions, as you suggest some people find that slightly earlier versions work better with a particular graphics card.

Re the onboard sound. You first need to ensure that it is still Enabled in the Bios (if you are not sure how to do this post to this fact).

If it is, go to Device Manager (right click on My Computer on the Desktop>Propteries>Hardware tab>Device Manager.

Scroll down to Sound, Video and Game Controllers>highlight your AC97 sound device (could be listed as Realtek/C-Media or similar chipset manufacturer) and then click on Properties.

Check to see if This Device is Enabled in the bottom panel and whether it is working properly.

Whether it is or it isn't, you should choose to Uninstall this Device. OK it and then exit Device Manager.

Reboot your computer. Windows should Find New Hardware and reinstall the sound drivers.

If it doesn't then you may have to download the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website.
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
Is my PC on its last legs ? - Soupytwist
>Re the onboard sound. You first need to ensure that it is still Enabled in the Bios (if you >are not sure how to do this post to this fact).

No I'm not, so advice on this would be welcome.

>If it is, go to Device Manager (right click on My Computer on the Desktop>Propteries>Hardware tab>Device Manager.
>Scroll down to Sound, Video and Game Controllers>highlight your AC97 sound device
>(could be listed as Realtek/C-Media or similar chipset manufacturer) and then click on >Properties.
>Check to see if This Device is Enabled in the bottom panel and whether it is working >properly.

It is enabled.

>Whether it is or it isn't, you should choose to Uninstall this Device. OK it and then exit >Device Manager.
>Reboot your computer. Windows should Find New Hardware and reinstall the sound drivers.
>If it doesn't then you may have to download the latest drivers from the manufacturer's> website.

I'll give this a go when I get home tonight. Would this be worth trying with the graphics as well?

Thanks
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Soupytwist !
Is my PC on its last legs ? - Stuartli
>>No I'm not, so advice on this would be welcome.>>

When you boot up your system there will be a message saying to enter Setup or similar to press the Del(ete) button or, perhaps, F8 or similar F key. Do so.

You should then go into the Bios. Depending on the particular supplier of the Bios onboard graphics will be listed in one of the first few choices.

Once you have found Onboard Sound or AC97 Audio or however it is listed, check that it is Enabled. You can toggle between the settings using the numeric pad's + and - key.

Once you are sure it is Enabled, follow the instructions to exit the Bios and making sure that you Exit and Save your settings (usually by pressing F10 and then confirming "y" for yes).

The system will now continue to boot up as normal and the onboard sound drivers should, hopefully, be installed; Windows will advise of progress.

Re the graphics card. It could be worth trying the Add New Hardware wizard and allowing it to Search the Internet for updated drivers. It may say that the most up to date drivers are already installed.

In that case, right click on the Desktop on an empty area>Properties>Settings tab>Advanced button>Adapter tab>List All Modes button.

This will bring up the full list of the resolution/colour and refresh rates of your graphics card.

Select 32bit/Hi or True Color and, if supported, 85MHz refresh rate (if not you will have to select 75MHz refresh rate).

OK and the new setting will take effect. Ensure that the settings take effect with having to reboot.
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
Is my PC on its last legs ? - Stuartli
...should have said, if you have a 17in CRT monitor, 1024x768 resolution.

If you have a TFT screen then its native resolution is almost certaining 60MHz and the resolution will also be a native figure.
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
Is my PC on its last legs ? - Altea Ego
This is Windows ME, its plug and play credentials are to say the least, overstated. I wouldnt bet on it finding anything. The drivers need to be removed and replaced manualy with a reboot in between.
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
Is my PC on its last legs ? - Stuartli
As I missed out ME - straight from 98SE to XP Pro - I'm sure that TVM is correct in his assessment of ME.

IIn fact, even in Windows XP, I have PnP Disabled. Makes no difference to installing...:-)
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
Is my PC on its last legs ? - Soupytwist

Nothing's worked withthe sound so far (display's sorted thanks) - I've downloaded drivers for the onboard sound from the motherboard manufacturer but still nothing.
There's no preferred device for audio playback in the sound and multimedia settings in control panel - but the Realtek AC97 device is listed in the 'devices' tab. When you click on properties it says that the driver is enabled but inactive due to an unknown error. And it is enabled in the BIOS.

Any ideas anyone?

Thanks
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Soupytwist !
Is my PC on its last legs ? - Soupytwist
Given that I can get a PCI soundcard from ebuyer for £4.50 + delivery I think I'll give up on the onboard sound and install that.
Thanks for the help.


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Soupytwist !
Is my PC on its last legs ? - Altea Ego
Frankly gazpacho my old mate, I would be thinking of dumping windows ME or at the least go for a complete reload.
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
Is my PC on its last legs ? - Soupytwist
I have been meaning to install XP but just haven't got round to it - lots to back up etc. and I've even borrowed an external hard drive to put it on but that's full of work stuff and I need to get that off it first.


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Soupytwist !