Support F.A.Q. - updated 17th October 2007

[Davey W]

C.2. Back Of The Case/Ports Explained

The actual design of the rear of the case will vary depending on the model but the ports should remain of the same design.

Key: Power supply isolator switch Side opening lock & key (On certain models only) PS/2 keyboard PS/2 mouse S/PDIF Parallel printer port (On certain models only) Com port (On certain models only) Video port USB Ports Network Digital video interface (On certain models only) Composite TV/video out (On certain models only) Sound Card & Sound Ports Fax/Modem (Please plug the telephone/modem cable into left socket) Wi-Fi Antenna Connection (On certain models only) FireWire Port (On certain models only) Midi/Game Port (On certain models only) RF Ariel (On certain models only)

[Davey W]

C.3. The 3 Main System Components

Your new computer is composed of 3 main parts

1. The System Unit: This includes the microprocessor, memory and disk storage. It is the heart of your system sometimes refered to (incorrectly!!) as the hard drive.
2. The Keyboard/Mouse: The primary devices to input information and instructions to the computer.
3. The Monitor: This is the primary device for conveying information to the user. Sometimes refered to as the screen or by it's type, CRT or TFT.

1. The System Unit

The system or main unit is the heart of the system and is packaged in one of several styles of case according to your requirements. This unit will contain:-

1. The Motherboard - a complex electronic assembly containing the central processing unit (CPU), the high speed memory (SD or DDRAM) and expansion card slots which allow optional devices to be installed i.e. sound cards, modems etc.
2. The disk drive(s). This provides high capacity fixed storage (Hard Disk) and low capacity removable storage (Floppy Disk, DVD RW/RAM, Zip drive or CDRW).
3. Various adaptor cards installed in the expansion slots of the motherboard to provide additional services such as a sound card or a modem.
4. The power supply unit (PSU) which converts the high voltage mains current, to the low voltages needed to run the various components inside the unit. The PSU also contains a fan used to keep the system unit from overheating.

Please note: If you have a RED slide switch on the back of the case, close to where you plug in the power cable, DO NOT touch this. If this is incorrectly set when the system is powered on the PSU will fail likely damaging other components in the process.


Switching on the system

The power supplied to your system is very important since power surges (sudden increases in voltage) can do physical damage to your system. Your system must always be plugged into an earthed outlet. Never connect to an unearthed outlet or use anything other than a 3 pin power cord. It is advisable to fit a surge protector to your system. Surges can be caused by numerous events e.g. distant lightning strikes, falling trees, damage to unearthed outlet or use anything other than a 3 pin power cord. Avoid powering your computer from the same outlet as heavy equipment such as photocopier's, electric kettles, heaters, industrial equipment, etc.


Recommended power on/off sequence

Turning on the system:

1. Start with everything switched off.
2. Switch on power at wall socket.
3. Switch on printers and accessories.
4. Switch on monitor using the monitors power switch.
5. Switch on main system unit.

Turning off the system (Shutting Down):

1. First ensure that all applications have finished executing and that no disk access lights are on.
2. Switch off printers and accessories last.
3. Click on START, select shutdown and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. The system unit will normally power down automatically.
5. Switch off the monitor. Pushing your finger firmly for 4-5 seconds will ensure that your system closes down securely.

Please note: Avoid switching off your PC whilst running, as corruption of data is possible. Do not use the wall socket or power strip switch to start up or shut down the unit as this may cause a power surge to your system, possibly resulting in damage.


2. The Keyboard/Mouse

The keyboard is the primary means of providing Input to the system such as commands, text, etc. If the keyboard is well looked after it will give you many years of trouble free service.

Please follow these guidelines for your keyboards safe keeping:

1. Place keyboard on a stable surface at a height comfortable for extended operation.
2. Never eat or drink over your keyboard. Splashes, crumbs etc. may enter the mechanism and reduce its useful life.
3. Use only sufficient force to activate the keys as excessive force will reduce its useful life - specifically be aware of the force you use when playing action games.

3. The Monitor

The monitor is the primary output device on your system. This section will deal with general principles of monitor use only. Please see your monitor manual for more specific information.

Common monitor controls include :

1. Power switch - Controls power to the monitor.
2. Vertical Hold - Adjust for vertical (Top to Bottom) picture stability.
3. Horizontal Hold - Adjust for horizontal (Left to Right) picture stability.
4. Vertical Size - Adjusts the height of picture.
5. Horizontal Size - Adjusts the width of picture.
6. Vertical Phase - Adjusts positioning of picture (Top to Bottom).
7. Horizontal Phase - Adjusts positioning of picture (Left to Right).
8. Trapezoidal - Will change the difference in length between the top and bottom of the screen.
9. Curvature - Allows the user to change the curving at the screen edge for CRT’s.
10. Brightness - Adjusts the overall intensity of the picture.
11. Contrast - Adjust the relative intensity of the light and dark areas of the picture.
12. Reset - Will reset all of the above to the factory defaults except Brightness & Contrast.
13. DVI for TFT’s.

Monitor rear panel connector

This connector will be on the end of a lead from the back of the monitor. It connects to the rear of the main system unit.

Special points of interest with monitors:

1. Most modern monitors such as the one supplied with your system, may exhibit momentary instability when changing modes e.g. going from DOS to Windows. These glitches are normal and the monitor will soon settle down in the new mode. This switching may be accompanied by an audible clicking sound from inside the monitor as the circuitry adjusts.
2. The resolution of the monitor is the ability of the unit to display fine detail and is expressed as a number of horizontal points by a number of vertical points, e.g. 1024 X 768. Please note the maximum resolution of your monitor (see monitor specification) and never exceed this as it may result in the failure of the monitor.
3. The vertical and horizontal frequency specification of the monitor indicates the bandwidth (frequency response). This bandwidth should not be exceeded.

[Davey W]

C.4. Connecting Peripherals

Connecting a printer

Choose a suitable location for your printer. Factors to consider are:

1. Access to all controls
2. Feeding and changing the printers paper properly
3. Access to the printer cables and ribbons, etc.

Power the printer from the mains power supply or a suitable surge protector if available. Identify the printer interface (Parallel or Serial) and check that you have the appropriate cable. In most cases, your computer provides serial, parallel and USB interfaces to allow the use of many types of printers.

Please note that printers supplied by MESH will most likely use the USB interface. Please see USB outputs on illustration below. However, parallel interface may also be used with some printers and the parallel port is accessed through the LPT1 (25 pin female connector) on the back of the computer.

Please refer to the printer support documentation before connecting it to you MESH PC, as you may need to load related driver software. Always remember to install your separate USB devices driver PRIOR to connecting your USB cables. Failing to do this may result in the default XP related drivers loading incorrectly.

Testing the printer in Windows XP: Click START and select PRINTERS AND FAXES. Highlight the relevant printer icon and click on FILE. Click on PROPERTIES, then select the GENERAL tab at the top of the new window Click on the PRINT TEST PAGE button.

Testing the printer in Windows Vista: Click on the Windows button and select CONTROL PANEL Double click on the PRINTERS icon. Right click on the relevant printer icon and click on PROPERTIES from the menu that appears. Click on the PRINT TEST PAGE button.

[Davey W]

C.5. Hard Drive/ROM Drive information

Your computer may be equipped with one or more drives according to your requirements. There are currently 3 main types of drives:- the widely used 3 1/2” floppy, CD-RW and DVD-RW drives.

The 3 1/2” drive is a double sided high density drive with an approximate capacity of 1.44Mb or 1.4 Million characters.

The CD-RW drive has a 660Mb capacity. Short for CD-Rewritable disk, this is a type of CD Disk that enables you to write onto it in multiple sessions. DVD Recordable is similar in concept to CD-R. DVD-R (or DVDRecordable) is a write-once medium that can contain any type of information normally stored on mass produced DVD discs - video, audio, images, data files, multimedia programs, and so on. Depending on the type of information recorded, DVD-R discs are usable on virtually any compatible DVD playback device, including DVD-ROM drives and DVD video players.

An early release of DVD-R was important to the development of DVD-ROM titles since software developers needed a simple and relatively cheap way of producing test discs before going into full production. When it first appeared in the autumn of 1997 DVD-R media had a capacity of 3.95GB. This was later increased to 4.7GB of information on a single-layer, single-sided DVD-R disc. Since the DVD format supports doublesided media, up to 9.4GB can be stored on a single double-sided DVD-R disc.


Inserting and removing CD/DVDs

There are several models of CD-RW & DVD-ROM drives that may be fitted depending on the required specification. All the standard models have a tray that slides out from the drive when the load/eject button on the front of the CD/DVD-ROM drive is pressed. Some systems may be supplied with slot loading units, in which case insert the CD/DVD into the unit through the slot, to eject the CD/DVD press the eject button.
To load a CD/DVD, press the load/eject button to eject the tray. Place the CD/DVD in the tray with the reflective side facing downwards and press the load/eject button again. The tray will slide back into the unit and the CD/DVD is ready for use. To remove the CD/DVD, press the load/eject button again and lift the CD/DVD from the tray.
All standard CD/DVD-ROM drive models are designed to retract the tray if gentle inward pressure is applied to the tray. This can be used as an alternative to pressing the load/eject button when loading a CD/DVD.


Note: Never leave the tray in the eject position when not in use. The tray is fragile and can be easily damaged accidentally. Also do not use the open CD/DVD tray as a cup holder! Some find this too tempting to resist. If the CD/DVD-ROM drawer is broken in this way it can prove expensive to repair!


Hard Drive

Your computer may be equipped with one or more hard disk drives. Drives come in many capacities and speeds. The media in these drives are sealed from the atmosphere and so cannot be removed. Your hard disk will provide you with many years of reliable service provided a few basic rules are followed: -

1. Never switch the machine off while the hard disk is being accessed (i.e. when HDD LED is lit) as this is almost
   guaranteed to result in loss of data.
2. Never bump or move the system while it is powered on.
3. Make sure that the system is not subject to excessive vibrations and that the surface that the system is on is solid and stable.
4. Run Scandisk & Defrag on the HDD at least once a month to minimise the chance of data loss.

REMINDER: Always Keep a good backup of all important information at all times.

[Davey W]

C.6. Other Information & General Troubleshooting

Using Windows

If your PC has been supplied with Windows pre-installed, this is what you should see when your PC is powered up and ready. Click on the START button in the bottom left hand corner of your screen to begin. You will be asked for your unique Microsoft serial key code. Please note that this can be found on top of your MESH system case.


Software

Your computer system is normally supplied "READY TO RUN". Windows is pre-loaded on to the hard drive. There is no need for you to load this software when the system is first received. Should you have any problems with the software supplied, the Recovery CD will help you recover from a variety of software problems. In all cases please call Technical Support BEFORE attempting any recovery operations.

NOTE: Always back-up your files prior to attempting any of the above. MESH cannot accept responsibility for any loss of data that you may experience while using your system.


General Troubleshooting

Most problems are easy to solve if approached logically. This section breaks down symptoms into categories and tackles each in turn. Please refer to this section for possible cures to your problems. The bulk of the problems, which typically occur with a computer system, happen at boot up (switching on the system). Whenever something unusual happens when working on a computer, the most important thing to do is not to panic. Most problems are easy to solve if approached logically. This section is designed to provide a step-by step process of self-help. A few minutes identifying your problem now may either solve the problem or allow a much more accurate diagnosis of the problem, if you need to contact technical support.


A. It was fine yesterday...

If the computer has been working for some time and a problem occurs there are a few simple steps to follow. The first thing to look for is a recent change made to the computer. For example, a new piece of hardware or software may have been installed or a setting on the computer may have been changed. If this is the case the change can be undone to see if the problem goes away. This may simply require changing a setting back as it was before or it may require un-installing hardware or software.
Whichever of these it may be, this is often a very useful first step. In most cases this is relatively quick and easy to do and can save hours of unnecessary investigation. Once the computer has been returned to its previous state it should be easy to decide what step to take next. Often the computer will return to its normal working state which indicates that the most likely cause of the problem was either a problem with an installation process or a problem with the hardware or software product that was installed. If the problem does not go away once the computer is returned to its previous state then a number of other checks are needed.
This section helps cover these steps.

Please note: Before changing anything on the computer always make a detailed note of any error messages or other symptoms and record when they occur.


B. The system does not boot up

When you switch on the system the power supply fan starts to turn, the power light on the front panel lights up and the system will perform a series of self-checks. If there is no response from the system then make the following checks:

• Press the power button firmly off/on. Does the system respond or does it come on and switch off by itself?
• Is the power cord firmly in the back of the system?
• Is the power cord plugged in firmly?
• Is the fuse live & OK and does the wall socket work with another electrical appliance?
• If the fuse is dead and you replace it and the fuse blows again then STOP, you may have a serious problem.
• Does the system respond and the monitor remain dark? If so then check that the monitor is switched on at the monitors own power switch. If on and there is power to the monitor then check the brightness and contrast then make sure that the cable connection to the main unit is firm and secure.
• Turn the system off, remove the video signal cable from the back of the main unit and check for bent or pushed back pins. If there are bent pins, contact technical support for advice.

C. System hangs when in use

If the system appears to ‘freeze’ in use with no warning or error message, it is important to confirm under what circumstances this happens. If the system hangs when it is running one particular application, it may mean a fault or bug exists with the application or that it has become corrupted and needs to be un-installed and then reinstalled again. If the system hangs when carrying out one particular type of task such as printing or saving a file then part of the operating system or a device driver may have been corrupted and it may need to be reinstalled. If the system hangs at random times and there is no apparent pattern then the problem could be a virus, a device driver, software or a hardware problem.

The main steps to carry out when the system is ‘hanging’ in use

• Run an anti-virus program to scan the hard disk for viruses and remove any that are found.
• Run SCANDISK to check that the hard disk is not corrupted, correcting any errors and check the hard disk media is not damaged.
• If the system is running Windows, try running it in safe mode to see if the problem goes away. If it does then the problem is probably related to device drivers, which should be removed and reinstalled.
• If the system is still hanging, attempt to reinstall the operating system.

Repairing the windows startup

This is intended to solve boot problems on Windows Vista and is not a Windows repair.

• Insert the MESH RECOVERY CD (Windows Vista) and restart the PC
• ‘Press any key to boot from the CD or DVD’ as asked.
• Windows will automatically run, as the hard drive is blank, and will load files [this may take some time so be patient].
• The Windows Vista install will then begin to load. When the install window appears select your language, time and currency and keyboard type. Once you are happy with your settings click on ‘NEXT’ to continue.
• On the next screen click on ‘Repair your computer’ to continue.
• Windows will now search for Windows Installations.
• From the ‘System Recovery Options’ window select the operating system on which you wish to do a repair, select it, then click on ‘NEXT’ to continue. You are now at the ‘Recovery Options’ menu.
• From the ‘Recovery Options’ menu select ‘Startup Repair’.
• Windows will now search for problems [this may take some time]. If problems are found then Windows will attempt to repair them.
• Once completed Windows will prompt you to click ‘Finish’ to complete the repair. Do this.
• Repair details will now appear, read if necessary and then click ‘Close’.
• The computer will now reboot and if Windows was successful in its repair then it should boot to the desktop or login screen.
• If this fails then please contact the MESH support featured on the back cover.

Opening your MESH case

Please note that under the terms of the warranty, it is advised that you should not attempt to open the MESH case without express instructions from the MESH technical support team. Switch off the machine (if possible, leave the system plugged in at the wall socket with the power off - this ensures the case is correctly earthed) and please remember to wear an anti-static strap, as computer components are susceptible to harmful static electricity.
The quick-release side panel provides tool-free access and features a locking mechanism for security.
The side of the case is easily removable using a key lock and latch (key for the lock is stuck on the back of your system case). Once unlocked, simply pull the latch/clipping mechanism to open.


Replacing cover

Be careful when replacing the covers that no power or ribbon cables get caught and that you replace the cover using the guide slots on the case.


General realignment of cards

Each card in the machine is held in place by a single retention clip or screw. If you remove this vertical clip you will be able to remove each card, placing a finger on each end of the card and gently sliding them forward. To align the card you should, with the palm of your hand, push down on the top of the card.
The card should fit firmly into its slot.


Other problems that may occur with suggested solutions.

1. Hard Disk Drive (HDD) failure? Refer to the relevant instructions for opening case and push home firmly any grey cables that you can see going to or from the HDD (check both ends).
2. Floppy Disk Drive (FDD) failure? Follow instructions for HDD failure but check the FDD cable.
3. CD-RW not found? Follow instructions for HDD failure but check the CD-RW drive cable and that there is power going to the rear of the unit.


The motherboard is the main circuit board of your MESH computer. The motherboard contains the connectors for attaching additional boards.
Typically, the motherboard contains the CPU, BIOS, memory, mass storage interfaces, serial and parallel ports, expansion slots, and all the controllers required to control standard peripheral devices, such as the display screen, keyboard, and disk drive. Collectively, all these chips that reside on the motherboard are known as the motherboard's chipset.
The motherboard has a number of expansion PCI Bus expansion card slots (Please see glossary of terms for further details) that allow cards to be plugged in. The motherboard contains the main processor, memory, keyboard, and input/output control electronics. If other components are added to a system then these are normally supplied on expansion cards.


Motherboard layout - General component locations

Please refer to your specific manufacturers installation/instructional manual (found within C:\DRIVERS in PDF format) for specific motherboard locations.

WARNING: When adding or removing expansion cards or other system components switch off the power at your wall socket, but leave the PC plugged in (this provides an earthing point). Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both your motherboard and expansion cards.


Installing expansion cards

First read your expansion card documentation on any hardware and software settings that may be required to set up your specific card.

1. Read the documentation for your expansion card.
2. Wear an Anti-static wrist band.
3. Set any necessary jumpers on your expansion card.
4. Open your computer system’s side cover.
5. Remove the retention clip and blanking plate on the slot you intend to use.
6. Carefully align the cards connectors and press firmly.
7. Secure the card in the slot with the retention clip you removed in step 2.
8. Close the computer system’s side cover.
9. Set-up the BIOS if necessary (such as “IRQ xx used by ISA: Yes” in PNP AND PCI SETUP).
10. Install the necessary software drivers for your expansion card.


Re-loading Operating System

IMPORTANT: Please do not begin to reload the Operating System unless:
1. You have already spoken to one of our Technical Support representatives and have been specifically told to do so.
2. You are familiar with the process and have successfully loaded Windows before or you have been provided with instructions on how to proceed.
3. You have taken a back up of all your personal data on the hard drive. None of your documents will be present when the installation is completed.
Please contact our Technical Support Department before re-loading the Operating System.


Viruses

Computer viruses are small programs capable of replicating themselves. This is usually achieved by concealing themselves inside a host program in such a way that the virus is executed every time the host program is run.
When the virus program runs it may choose another uninfected host to attach itself to. Thus the virus spreads and rapidly infects all the programs on the system. Some viruses are written in such a fashion as to cause data corruption, file deletion, disk and memory errors, phantom keystrokes etc. If you suspect that you may have a virus, you should scan the hard disk using an up-to-date anti-virus package. If you do not have a recent anti-virus program then you will need to purchase one, preferably with regular updates.


Simple guidelines will protect your computer from the fear of viruses

1. Buy a good virus scanner program and keep it updated. New viruses are being created all the time and so the scanning software must be frequently updated. Scan your system regularly after loading new software or data from another computer. Be especially careful of public domain software, so called shareware or freeware. Also if you are on the Internet there is a chance of virus infection.
2. Avoid pirated software, particularly games, as not only is it illegal, the incidence of virus infection is particularly high.

[Davey W]

D. General Questions

Q. Where is my Microsoft Windows CD?
A. For licensing purposes in association with Microsoft, all MS Software is incorporated on one CD - The blue MESH Recovery Solution, which is included with your MESH system package. This has been exclusively designed with Microsoft to provide you with a full working backup of your Windows Software. Please consult MESH Technical Support prior to reinstallation.

Q. Where is my Microsoft product serial code/ID number?
A. It is situated on the top of your MESH case.

Q. Why does my Microsoft Product serial code/ID sticker have a rip in it?
A. This is what the sticker should look like on your case;



What you are looking at is the clear black marks in the middle of the sticker. This rip is identical on every single PC.

This picture shows the stickers on the original roll from Microsoft;



The greenish mark under the coloured/metal strips are the same shape and size as the black shape in the first picture.

This is the way the new stickers come and is nothing to worry about. The purpose of the rip is to prevent the easy removal of the sticker. Most attempts to do so will result in a non-reusable sticker.

Q. Will opening my MESH case invalidate my MESH warranty?
A. MESH operates an ‘Open Case Policy’. In the event that you need to modify your system, as long as no damage is made to ANY of the components, you are covered under the MESH Warranty. You are advised to read the MESH Terms & Conditions for further details.

[Davey W]

E. Keyboard/Mouse problems

Q. How do I set up my Cordless Keyboard and Mouse?
A. Turn the keyboard and mouse over. Press the connect button on the receiver unit and then press the connect button on the keyboard. Press the connect button again on the receiver and then press the connect button on the mouse. Your might need a pen tip for the mouse. Leave it 10 seconds before attempting again should the above not work.

Q. My Mouse does not seem to be working?
A. Try out the mouse in another computer if you are able to. Does it work properly? Alternatively try another mouse in your own PC. This will give you an indication as to where the fault lies and will assist MESH in rectifying this problem?

Q. Why do I get # when I type £?
A. Go into CONTROL PANEL, by clicking on the START button select SETTINGS - CONTROL PANEL - REGIONAL SETTINGS. Ensure the entry ENGLISH (British) is displayed above the world map. To double check for the pound sign, click on the CURRENCY tab and ensure the £ sign is displayed. Make sure that the only language installed is English (British) - If any others are installed then add English (British) and remove all others.

Q. Why doesn't the mouse connection fit into my computer?
A. Check that you are inserting the mouse plug into the correct port on the system unit and you are inserting it the correct way round. You may have been supplied with an incorrect mouse - Contact MESH Technical Support and they will help you. See page 2 for contact details.

Q. Why do I get a keyboard error when I turn my PC on?
A. Ensure there are no items resting on the keys. If the problem still occurs unplug the keyboard from the system and check for bent pins, damaged connection cable or a key stuck down. Check that the keyboard and mouse ports are not reversed. If the problem still persists then call MESH Technical Support.

Q. Why doesn’t my cordless keyboard and mouse work?
A. Check that the batteries are working. If they are, turn the keyboard and mouse over and press the connect button on the receiver unit. Then press the connect button on the keyboard. Press the connect button again on the receiver and then on the mouse. You will probably require a pen tip for the mouse. Allow 10 seconds or so to pass and then try them again.

[Davey W]

F. Sound Card & Speaker Problems

Q. Why is there no sound with a given piece of software?
A. Is there supposed to be sound on the particular piece of software? Check this first and then call the software manufacturer. Are the speakers plugged in correctly?

Q. Why is there no sound from audio CDs?
A. Go to VOLUME CONTROL in Windows (Double click on the SPEAKER icon in the task bar next to the time - bottom right hand corner of the screen) and check that CD has not been muted. Also check that volume is up and that the speakers are plugged into the correct port and switched on. If you still have difficulties then call MESH Technical Support.

Q. Why is the ‘Line In’ not working?
A. Go to VOLUME CONTROL in Windows and try removing the tick from the box marked MUTE.

Q. Why is my computer not playing wav files?
A. Go to CONTROL PANEL - MULTIMEDIA, and check that the audio devices are installed correctly. Also check that volume is up and that the speakers are plugged into the correct port and switched on. Contact MESH Technical Support if problems persist.

Q. There is no sound from my TV Card?
A. Please check the following: -

• That the volume/line in ‘mute’ check box does not have a tick in it.
• That the speakers are plugged in to the correct socket and that power is switched on.

Q. Where do I plug the speakers into the back of my MESH case?
A. All speaker outputs are colour coded. Plug the colour coded leads (if relevant) in to the corresponding colour coded ports at the REAR of the MESH case. Please see Multimedia section (page 7) for further information on out/in put options from your PC.

Q. Why do I get a crackling noise on my speakers?
A. Your speakers contain an amplifier, which works on the signal from the ‘Line-Out’ socket on the sound card - not the speaker socket. Plug your speakers into ‘Line-Out’ and the problem should disappear.

Q. I'm only receiving sound from one of my speakers?
A. Please check the following: -

• Check leads/cables from PC to speakers for signs of damage.
• Connect a set of head-phones to the ‘line out’ socket on the sound card and play an audio CD in order to ascertain whether the speakers are faulty. If you receive sound in both ears, then your speakers are faulty.
• If you are still receiving sound in one ear (whilst using your head-phones), open the MESH case (see “Opening your MESH case” section, page 8), check the internal CD audio link lead is not damaged or disconnected. Please check with MESH Technical Support prior to attempting this.

Q. Why do I have no light on the speakers?
A. Check that the external power source is plugged in and functioning. Make sure that the power is switched on at the speakers.

Q. Why are my speakers generating a humming noise when switched on?
A. Powered speakers amplify electrical signals. Sometimes they can pick up and amplify stray signals. Try positioning them as far away from the monitor and other causes of interference as possible.

[Davey W]

G. Graphics & Monitor Problems

Q. Why can't I get two monitors to work when my system is in SLI mode?
A. When in SLI mode both cards are combined as one, therefore you can only have one monitor connected. To connect up to 4 monitors on your SLI system you will need to disable the SLI mode in the display properties.

Q. Why does my memory show less when I have an onboard graphics card?
A. The onboard graphics card (SMA ONBOARD) uses system memory as it does not have its own like a standalone AGP/PCI-E card. Therefore, the system will allocate the set amount of system memory to your graphics card.

Q. Why does my monitor appear to be 1” smaller than specified?
A. Television tubes often stick out of the front of the casing. Computer monitors have solid casing that protects them from damage. This casing can encroach on the viewable area by as much as 1”. Industry standard is to quote the tube size not the viewable area. Please note that MESH specifically outlines the visible size in all product based advertisements and on the website.

Q. I need help connecting TV Out?
A. Your TV Out connector is situated next to your monitor output (labelled - Dark Blue) connector. Any cables supplied with your system (sometimes coloured Yellow) will need to be attached from here to your TV. Please see the “Multimedia section” (page 7) for a picture of the TV out connector and the section “Rear System Panel” (page 5) for a list of your connections from your MESH case.

Q. Why is there no signal reported on the monitor?
A. Check the monitor signal cable is firmly plugged in to the monitor port on the rear of the system. If the problem persists then check that the VGA card has not become loose from its slot in the motherboard (see “general realignment of cards”, page 9).

Q. Why does the picture bend at the edges?
A. Use controls on the front of the monitor to adjust picture (See “Your Monitor” section, page 6). If you want the screen setting to be smaller, click on START - SETTINGS - CONTROL PANEL, double click DISPLAY and click the SETTINGS Tab. Make sure that desktop and view size are both set to 800x600 and then click APPLY. If you are not happy then try other monitor resolutions.

Q. Why do I have no red (or green or blue) colour on the screen?
A. Check the cables into your PC are all in firmly and that there are no bent pins on the monitor signal cable.

Q. Why does the monitor screen seem to shimmer?
A. Check the refresh rate in CONTROL PANEL - DISPLAY - SETTINGS tab - ADVANCED - ADAPTOR tab. Check in the monitor user manual for correct refresh rate.

Q. Why are DirectX drivers being over-written by new programs?
A. Install the latest DirectX drivers downloadable from the Microsoft web site. If you experience problems, contact the software manufacturer.

Q. Why do I have a blank screen with four green lines?
A. This is a DirectX issue and will require re-installation of the video card drivers and the latest version of DirectX to be installed on the system.

Q. Why am I unable to change the screen resolution in Windows?
A. The Video display drivers are not installed correctly or have been changed by installed software or DirectX drivers - try re-installing the DISPLAY ADAPTOR from CONTROL PANEL.

Q. Why is there no screen display when the system is switched on?
A. Check all connections and cables to the monitor and the PC. Check the monitor settings (see “Your Monitor” section, page 6). Try realigning the video card (see “general realignment of cards”, page 9). If the problem persists then test the PC with another monitor if available and call Technical Support.

Q. How do I check the memory installed on my video card?
A. In the RUN display under the START menu, type in “dxdiag”. This should, in most cases display the memory installed under the GEFORCE tab. The VGA driver may have been overwritten with an older version. Please reinstall the display adaptor drivers and the latest version of DirectX.

[Davey W]

H. TV Out & TV Tuner Problems

Q. How do I enable the TV-out alongside my Monitor?
A: When the computer is shut off connect the TV alongside the Monitor to the appropriate connectors/ interfaces on the graphic card. Turn the computer on and go into the "Display Properties" (> right click on desktop > properties > settings). Here you select "Advanced" and go into "Twin View". Choose "TV" in "Output Device" and then the TV standard deployed in your country, i.e. NTSC or PAL (you can choose the PAL standard according to the country you live in). Under "Twin View" choose "clone" (You may have to reboot in, if you have not configured the TV-out before). You should now have the same picture on your TV that you have on your monitor. If you prefer a different "Twin View" option, just choose it in the menu and click on apply.

Q. How do I configure the TV-out in the Display Properties?
A. When the computer is shut off, connect the TV alongside the Monitor to the appropriate connectors/interfaces on the graphic card. Turn the computer on and go into the "Display Properties" (> right click on desktop > properties > settings). Here you select "Advanced" and go into "Twin View". Choose "TV" in "Output Device" and then the TV standard deployed in your country, i.e. NTSC or PAL (you can choose the PAL standard according to the country you live in). Once you have rebooted your computer you should have a picture on your TV. To make sure that you have a picture on your TV though, it is smart to choose the "clone" option in the "Twin View" options. Once you can be sure to have a picture on the TV you can change the TV to be the only display device, if you want to do so.

Q. My TV-out only displays a grey (black & white) picture! What's wrong and how can I change it?
A. This happens when the PAL settings are not taken over/remembered when Windows is rebooted. To solve this problem connect the monitor and the TV and reboot the computer. Go into the "Display Properties" > "Advanced" > "TwinView" > "Output Device" and change the device settings of the TV from NTSC back to PAL. Configure "Twin View" to "Clone" or "Extended Desktop", if the picture on the TV is too unclear to see what you are doing.

Q. Why don't I recieve a signal from my tv-tuner card?
A. If it is a digital card, make sure you recieve a digital reception in your area. Check that the tv ariel is connected in the correct place. Check to see if the ariel conneted is working properly. You may need a wideband ariel. You can check on www.freeview.co.uk to see if you recieve a digital signal in your area or if you need a different type of ariel.

Q. Can I connect a set top box to my Digital Tv Tuner Card
A. No. You can only connect a set top box to an anologue card.