41 replies to this topic

[The big ugly one]

Hi Jephree, I tried all your suggestions- BIOS settings and draining power etc..- unfortunately there was still no improvement.. I did sort out the password issue though, Thanks.

[The big ugly one]

Could you tell me what these are for, I have driver detective on my computer and after scanning it gives these 2 system devices that have out of date drivers. Intel 82801 FB/FBM SMbus controller-266A. (Device manager also says no driver installed for this one.) Intel 82801 PCI Bridge-2448 (Device manager says this is working okay) I won't just update drivers as I have read one article on here that states "if it 'aint broken, don't fix it! and without knowing what they do, I don't know if it's broken or not! Thanks Wayne

[jephree]

Hi Wayne.

I would never update drivers that are not a problem with the exception of graphics drivers which are updated frequently to make the best use of new software especially games.

If you ever do update other drivers only use the manufacturers source. Both drivers you list are for your Intel chipset.

The SMBus Controller (or system bus controller) is part of the Intel chipset. It monitors your system board's temperature and voltage. Programs that read your hardware sensors need the controller.

I don't see how this function or lack of function would relate to your issue.

The other one is more interesting:

The PCI Bridge is also part of the Intel chipset and provides communications and maps between the motherboard and PCI cards.

Now this implies that motherboard has PCI slots/cards which raises the possibility of an add on graphics card.

I wish I could get specs on your computer. Do you know a specific model #? I see a few different versions of the Elonex Soliton ProWire such as ProWire/C or ProWire 153 or 122 etc.

You might see what Belarc has to report under System Model. Also post back what it reports for the Motherboard make and model.

http://www.belarc.co...e_download.html

[The big ugly one]

Hi Jephree Info gathered by Belarc- Model - EAL50 Motherboard - Intel Alviso (bus clock 133 mhz) I've dug out the original documentation that came with the computer and that says it is a 153EG. I had the computer in pieces last week just to see if anything was loose or obviously burnt out and there was a seperate board that "unplugs" with it's own heat exchanger (the copper that goes off to the fan). Hope this explains a bit to you and sorry if I maybe should of included it earlier Thanks

[jephree]

The "EG" is for enhanced graphics.

I see one note of an original Intel VGA chip on the motherboard.

You might try removing the "separate board" and see if it boots into the Intel device.

http://www.google.co...n ProWire 153eg

[The big ugly one]

Hi Jephree, Tried removing that board, unfortunately the display cable plugs into it so I couldn't see the result but I powered up anyway and it did boot into windows. Doesn't help us much though! I tried plugging my VGA cable in to see if I could get it onto my TV but I don't know how to switch to VGA without going through control panel (or if it will without having the multiple monitors on my ATI). Wayne

[jephree]

Hi Wayne, Just to verify: is there another VGA (D-Sub) port on the laptop other than this removable card? If so have you tried plugging in an external monitor (preferably not the TV). Going back to the BIOS options are you sure there is no switch between VGA and PCI? Also is the display cable removable from this card? What type of connection is it?

[The big ugly one]

My laptop has one VGA connection on the back which is connected to the motherboard, I don't have an external monitor to try it with, I'll have to ask the boss if I can borrow one! Yes, the display cable can be removed,from the card, I have no idea what you would call the type of connector it has, it is about 1" long and has a T profile, quite narrow. The card itself has a connector which is about 1/2" long which I assume is it's power source (do you call them a molinex?) and a long (2") narrow white connector which connect it to the motherboard. I shall have another look at the BIOS but I am quite sure there isn't a switch there. I thought about maybe taking some photo's while I had the case opened, I might have to go rooting again sometime then you can see what's going on in there for yourself. Might be a bit better than my explanations!

[jephree]

Tried removing that board, unfortunately the display cable plugs into it so I couldn't see the result but I powered up anyway and it did boot into windows. Doesn't help us much though! I tried plugging my VGA cable in to see if I could get it onto my TV but I don't know how to switch to VGA without going through control panel (or if it will without having the multiple monitors on my ATI).

This post just had me thinking:

For example when you use the TV what changes do you make in the Control Panel > Display?

You might try making those changes then shut down and re move the card and see if it will startup the TV on next boot.

If not go back and replace the card.

I guess what I am hoping here is you have a faulty card which would be a lot better than a faulty motherboard.

Just to add: the display cable that goes into the card fits or does not fit the VGA connection on the rear of the laptop?

[The big ugly one]

does not fit

[jephree]

Have you tried making the TV "change" with the card then shutting down and removing the card then restarting with the TV connected?

[The big ugly one]

Hi Jephree, I swapped over monitors via ATI's catalyst control centre and restarted the computer to test to make sure the TV was the main monitor- it was. I removed the "card" then booted up- no display. I looked at all the connections on the card and it would appear that the 2" long connector is where all power and info goes into it, then the socket on the top of the card goes out to the laptop's screen and another lead off the bottom of the card (just below the socket) drops back onto the main board which is right next to the D-sub socket on the rear of the laptop, presumably continuing the graphics output to that connector. I checked out the BIOS again- definately no mention of VGA or PCI but one thing to note- the lines across the screen aren't there when viewing the BIOS. Sorry I didn't reply back last night but it had gotten a bit late- 3am and I'm off to work at 7.30. needed to pack up sharpish!

[jephree]

Hi Wayne,

The 153 version of that laptop (sans the EG) has an Intel graphics chip embedded on the motherboard. I was hoping that the EG version simply added the ATI card on top of the Intel chip. Appears not to be the case.

If you can find another monitor I would still try that. Also are you familiar with Ubuntu? You can create a LiveCD which is bootable into the Linux operating system. Would be a test as to whether or not Windows is causing this problem:

http://www.ubuntu.com/

[The big ugly one]

I shall check that out and get back to you when I have tried it. Thanks

[The big ugly one]

Hi Jephree, I tried Ubuntu but it didn't make any difference, perhaps it is time I admitted defeat and started to save for a new laptop! Wayne