New Notebook

6 Mar 2007

Well someone had very kindly given me a new notebook for free and I am on T mobile using a data card to connect to the internet.
So far so good. Unfortunately the person who gave me the laptop didn't give me a DVD rom so I can't install the software to run the T mobile program and connect up to the internet.
Its been suggested I buy an external DVD Rom since I have a USB port on the Laptop but I have no idea where to get one. I went to PCWorld and they said .. 'which ark did you dig this one out of' rolleyes

Its got Windows ME running on it and no they don't have anything in stock as all the software is out of date as is the make of Laptop mad

No wonder he gave it to me for free ... I tried copying the DVD to Floppy Discs as I have an external Floppy Disc Driver but the information is too vast and it taking me ages and I haven't got much of a clue what I'm doing either :upset:
Please can someone help .. Not too technical as I really am not that good with computers.
DD :crazy:

6 Mar 2007

is this the sort of thing you want ?

6 Mar 2007

could you not just use a data cable between the two?

6 Mar 2007

Quote by Ukwineman
is this the sort of thing you want ?

Thanks but it states you have to have Windows XP on it for it to work. I have ME on mine .. thats the main problem as the system is so out of date nothing in the shops is compatable with it now.

Quote by Whatyalike2do
could you not just use a data cable between the two?

Thanks thats what my son said to get. Just hope I can buy the right thing at PC World ... my knowledge is limited to I want that thingy to work with that thingy most of the time ... yeah I know but I never learnt about computers at school and yes I can use an abacus. I did the sums in my head when I bought the data card contract when the salesman was trying to get me to buy something I didn't want and would cost me more. He couldn't type it into his computer fast enough to get the results before I did lol.
DD lol

6 Mar 2007

ah yes sorry i have a bad habit of updating my pc when ever i can i forget others dont so forget operating systems, but you did say in your post so my fault :doh:
have you thought of contacting any of the dvd manufacturers and asking what will be compatable they will have all the old software.

6 Mar 2007

DD, it would probably be better to go to an independant dealer/repairer who may have "something knocking around". PC World is great up a point, but when things get obsolete they cant wait to get rid so they can keep the latest stuff. Also, my translation of "out of the ark" in computer speak is that it was the latest thing six months ago :shock: :giggle:

6 Mar 2007

Quote by Bumpkin
DD, it would probably be better to go to an independant dealer/repairer who may have "something knocking around". PC World is great up a point, but when things get obsolete they cant wait to get rid so they can keep the latest stuff. Also, my translation of "out of the ark" in computer speak is that it was the latest thing six months ago :shock: :giggle:

Erm!!! I was told this PC system is about 5 yrs out of date redface

ops: and apparently it was bought from an independent dealer but, as I don't know his name or more than 'it came from Gloucester' .. even my powers of detection are being severly tested tracking the man down for further assistance.
Sometimes you get given a white elephant when you thought it was a gift horse and you are reluctant to look in the horses mouth :shock:
Thanks for all the thought provoking suggestions though .. exactly what I wanted as it all helps.
DD kiss

13 Mar 2007

Quote by devondelight
DD, it would probably be better to go to an independant dealer/repairer who may have "something knocking around". PC World is great up a point, but when things get obsolete they cant wait to get rid so they can keep the latest stuff. Also, my translation of "out of the ark" in computer speak is that it was the latest thing six months ago :shock: :giggle:

Erm!!! I was told this PC system is about 5 yrs out of date redface

ops: and apparently it was bought from an independent dealer but, as I don't know his name or more than 'it came from Gloucester' .. even my powers of detection are being severly tested tracking the man down for further assistance.
Sometimes you get given a white elephant when you thought it was a gift horse and you are reluctant to look in the horses mouth :shock:
Thanks for all the thought provoking suggestions though .. exactly what I wanted as it all helps.
DD kiss

Post what the make/model of the notebook is and the size of HD/memory.
For the price of an OEM version of XP, a bit of memory and maybe a new HD, you may end up with a perfectly serviceable machine.

13 Mar 2007

Good point G&S, I find 512MB the minimum to run XP the way I like and DD's ME machine might not be able to take that amount. But of course you said you would check the model for her. smile

And DD, your problem is with reading a DVD. Does the Notebook have a CD drive? If so, some kind person could copy the software from DVD to CD for you as it cannot be that huge.

13 Mar 2007

Ok its a Panasonic CF-M33 series.
I have no idea what the memory capacity is.
There is no DVD OR CD drive in it at all only a Floppy Disc at the side rolleyes

Well I did say it came out the ark.
My son has used a cable as there is a USB port to download the drivers via his PC on to the Notebook but the software won't run in ME as its only compatable with Win98 and XP so we have to clear out ME and change the whole system over to Windows XP hopefully.
I'm taking the notebook down to a friends house this weekend who is an IT man by trade and he reckons he will be able to sort it out. If it needs more memory he will put it on I'm sure. Fingers crossed that it won't be too expensive a job to sort out.
DD

13 Mar 2007

It seems you are in capable hands DD, its good to know the right people :thumbup: