Joe and Jamie’s Blog

As of right now, I would say do not install Windows XP Service Pack 3.

I have experienced several issues with the latest service pack. I had a computer not allow users to login after it was installed and another that would just keep rebooting, which is the most common issue after install. The continuous reboots are mainly with AMD based systems, but it has been found with Intel’s as well. I personally had it happen to me with an Intel, but I have also one successful installation as well.

I have also heard that there are many compatibility issues with the HP pre-loading software. Some anti-virus programs, like ZoneAlarm for example, may show new security risks or threats that aren’t true, it’s all XP SP3.

As always, I recommend never installing anything from Microsoft when it just comes out, let everyone else test it out and find the errors first.

Today I replaced the keyboard on my sister’s Dell Inspiron 6000 laptop. She broke off one of the keys somehow, luckily I had it under warranty to get a free replacement keyboard shipped to me. The process is very simple and takes hardly any technical knowledge to do it.

These steps will work on ANY Dell notebook computer.

There is one variation for new models, but that will be made clear in it’s step.

Step 1 (the obvious step) - Obtain a new keyboard

Step 2 - Lay the screen flat so that you can remove the first part.

Step 3 - Insert a flat head screwdriver into a small slot on the right of the top casing piece. Don’t worry about damaging it, it is meant for a small flat head screwdriver to be inserted there without hurting the casing.

Step 4 - After popping the right side off with the screwdriver, just stick your finger under there and gently pull up, eventually popping off the middle and left side. Don’t worry, it may seem like you are going to break it but it will come off, just don’t use King Kong force.

Once it is completely off, remove the two screws holding down the existing keyboard. They are located on the top left and right of the keyboard, both black screws.

Step 5 - With the screws removed, place your hand on the top part of the keyboard and lift it up slightly. Then pull the keyboard towards the screen (away from you) until the bottom part comes out of the slots on the bottom. CAUTION: If you pull too hard and go 1/2 way across the room with it you could damage the connector on the motherboard.

Step 6 - Disconnect the keyboard from the motherboard.

***NOTE*** This is where some variation in models occurs. The older models, like the one in the picture, will have a tab for you to pull directly UP (not towards you) to remove the cable from the motherboard.

Newer models will have the cable snapped under a clip. To remove that, stick your finger between the clip and the cable where it connects and pull up to loosen the clip, then slide the wire out.

Step 7 - Grab the new keyboard. Replace the cable in the same but opposite way you removed the old one. If you have the cable like the one pictured, just simply push the connector into the one on the motherboard. If you have a newer model, slide the cable into the connector and push the clip back down to lock it in place.

Step 8 - Slide the bottom of the new keyboard into the slots while still holding the top part up a little bit. Replace the two screws you removed from the old keyboard.

Step 9 - Snap the top casing piece back into place. Start from the left hand side. You will see how you slide the left end into place then snap it down going from left to right until it’s all the way down.

Step 10 - VOILA! You’re done! Just make sure to turn it on and test that the keyboard works (notice the first and last steps are the easy ones!).

If you get stuck on any part you can contact me or post it here and I will respond.

Hope this was helpful!

On Friday I was working for a new client in Albany. They are getting a brand new server, APC and network switch.

My job was to mount the new switch and connect the data cables from the punch down that was done by the telephone company.

The first picture is what was done by the phone company.

Here is what it looks like after I mounted the switch and 2 wall mount racks. These racks are really neat. They hug the wall saving space, especially good for this project since the closet is going to be used as a kitchen and storage area. They are pretty inexpensive too, only $200 for each. A 4 post 8 foot rack with shelves costs anywhere from $1,250 - $5,000 or more, depending on brand, number of shelves, accessories, etc, etc. You can check out these wall mount shelves on Dell’s page here.

The wires on my side are a bit of a mess, but that’s only because we didn’t receive 1/2 the cables we needed. We have small cables coming so we can make it look neat, had to use 15 foot cables in the meantime. Just waiting for the server and APC unit to finish their setup then it’s on to configuring the desktop machines on the new network.