Need to sort out two issues before giving away laptop

dory

Hello.

I'm giving my parents my laptop but first need to sort out two things.

First, I have barely anything on the computer and yet 120GB is taken up. Could these be automatic backups or something? I'm downloading TuneUp 2010 at the moment to help me clean it up.

Second is my wireless has just gone. It's only a year old Samsung laptop, I don't know how it's fallen apart so bad. It'll go to connect, but say I have problem connecting, but am connected but not to the internet etc. I've tried updating drivers but that hasn't helped.

Anyone know how I may sort out these two issues?
Thanks

JonathanAnon

Hi Dory,

To find out what is taking up the space, I usually just run a search for all files greater than 20000kB. There is a program called Spacemonger which can help to do this for you http://www.sixty-five.cc/download/

As far as the wireless goes, I think you just need to prove that the wireless NIC is actually working before selling it. It it possible to connect to any network? Are you sure that the wifi is turned on, on the laptop?

ricman

Download cccleaner free program.Deletes all old,temporary files, system restore can take up to 20 per cent of hd space .Depends on how its set up ,use x per cent of space.see http://www.piriform.com/support

dory

Thanks to both of you.

No, I can't connect to any wireless, I've tried quite a few. I'd always been able to connect in work and at home, and the local coffee shop. If I connect it says local access only.
I'm not selling it, just giving it to my parents, but they need wireless.

Thanks again. I'll download what you suggest.

monkeypants

Before giving a PC away, I'd format and reload it. It'll clean everything up, increase performance and remove all of your personal information. Your parents will have less problems with it too.

dory

Ok cool. But I have things like MS Office and and editing program that I spent a lot on, but don't have the original CDs for. I wouldn't like to lose them.

ricman

what model pc is it,eg samsung 540c?

dory

It's a Samsung Q210, bought it last year.

rebeve

Do a release/renew ip .That should sort it

the_syco

dory wrote: »

Ok cool. But I have things like MS Office and and editing program that I spent a lot on, but don't have the original CDs for. I wouldn't like to lose them.

Get http://sourceforge.net/projects/keyfinder/ to find the keys for MS Office. This will allow you to install it on another machine. Get a CD off a mate, but use your legit serial key to register it. As for the editing program, which one?

120GB's is probably lots of automatic backups done. Just format and reinstall Windows. If you're selling the software as part of the laptop, the buyer will need the CD's and serials should they ever want to reinstall Windows. Not having them would smell like "pirate copy".

ricman

GO HERE http://www.notebook-driver.com/samsung/samsung-q210np-q210-notebook-windows-xp-vista-drivers/ Download the wireless lan drivers.YOU,LL need winzip,or winrar to unzip them, make new folder c:\driver. unzip to c, driver folder.DO system restore, start,programs,acessorys, system tools,system restore.set,make a restore point july 23.then go to control panel,system,hardware device ,manager,click wireless card,remove device.
if you have net wired connection ,reboot pc, click control panel,add hardware.
Search for new hardware.click on on wireless card,upgrade,install driver,from the net.
if it install the card ,rightclick it, on the icon in system tray, search for new networks.Does it pickup anything.Make sure wireless card is switched on, theres a switch on most laptops for on/off wifi.
some info here re wifi setup,http://www.overclock.net/faqs/45693-how-set-up-wireless-lan.html