Windows xp gaming desktop

After 20 hours of toil and trouble, our new desktop Samus is running perfectly!

She is a brand-new eMachines T5254 with two 2.1 GHz processors, 2 GB of RAM, and an Nvidia GEforce 8500, running (drum roll…) Windows XP.

Tower: $400
Monitor: $120 (but we could have gotten a comparable one for $80)
Graphics card: $80
Sound card: $40
Optical mouse: $10 (why are these not standard already?)
Total: $650

That’s a very nice complete setup for only $650, and we could have gone even lower if not for a few of our peculiar preferences. We got the tower, graphics card and sound card from Best Buy and the monitor and optical mouse from Discount Electronics.

Our motivation for getting a new desktop is that the games we want to play don’t run on our laptops, or when they do run, they don’t run well. We’re usually on the couch when we play games on our laptops, so as long as we get a graphics card with an S-Video out, we can play on the TV. The integrated graphics card (which was actually pretty nice, a GEforce 6 series) didn’t have an S-Video out, so we upgraded to a very nice one, the 8500.

The reason we needed a sound card is because the onboard sound card was proprietary, and the manufacturer has only released drivers for Vista. We wanted to wipe Vista and install XP, and when we did so, we couldn’t get any sound at all. So basically, we needed to get a stupid sound card just so we could run XP instead of Vista. Phooey on proprietary hardware specs, phooey on integrated sound and video cards, and most of all, phooey on Vista. PHOOEY!

What follows is the story of the 20 hours of toil and trouble we incurred when wiping Vista to install XP. I’m posting it in the hopes that it can save someone else from spending as much time futzing with it as I did.

The first thing to do is to remove Vista. A decent overview can be found at http://removevista.com, but I’ll go into a little more detail here, because that site has things like “make a boot CD and use it” which could use a little more detail. So, here are my instructions for how to wipe Vista and install XP.

1. Download the Ultimate Boot CD. It is an ISO file, which is a file type meant to be burned to a CD.
2. Burn the Ultimate Boot CD ISO file to a CD. Be sure to burn it as an ISO file: your CD burning program might do the right thing if you just double-click on the ISO file. It’s easy to make the mistake of burning a data CD that contains just one file (the ISO file), but that won’t work. So check to make sure the CD has more than one file on it when it’s done burning.
3. Back up all data you wish to save.
4. Put the Windows XP install CD in your CD-ROM drive and boot up your computer. Mine says [F10] Boot Menu when I’m booting up, so I hit F10 and it asks me which device I’d like to boot from. I pick CD-ROM, and then after a bit it says “Press any key to boot from CD” so I press a key.
5. Press R to repair an existing installation
6. fixboot c:\
7. fixmbr c:\
8. exit
9. Put the Ultimate Boot CD in the CD-ROM drive and reboot, using the same F10 procedure.
10. Select Hard Disk Tools -> Disk Manager 10 (Samsung).
11. Format the C: drive. It doesn’t matter which version of Windows you pick, because we’re going to reformat later.
12. Put the Windows XP install CD back in the CD-ROM drive and reboot.
13. Install Windows XP! In the process, you can reformat the drive as NTFS.

I learned most of these steps from removevista.com, and filled in the missing knowledge about boot CDs by hours of painful futzing. Also, I learned that if you have an XP CD that isn’t bootable, you’re hosed. (Unless you can find some way to boot with the boot CD and then hotswap CDs, which I lost patience with figuring out.)

After XP is done installing, be sure to connect to the Internet to let it download all its service packs and vulnerability fixes and stuff.

Install the drivers for the Nvidia GEforce card. This was no problem.

Then I tried to play a game. This was the point where I got “out of range” and “cannot display this video mode” errors. The monitor would just go blank and display that error. The TV would work fine via the S-Video cable, but the monitor was hosed. I futzed with this for several hours. I changed the refresh rate, changed the resolution, mucked about with safe mode, returned the monitor and got a new one, nothing helped. Then I finally stumbled across the solution: download the latest DirectX patches. I also installed the latest drivers for my monitor, but I don’t know whether that made any difference.

Then I tried to play a game, and it crashed for a different reason. I checked the log file and found that it was crashing when trying to initialize the audio. This was because the integrated sound card was not detectable by XP and the manufacturer did not release any XP drivers. Grr! So we went out and bought a cheapo sound card, and we couldn’t get the drivers to recognize it. Grr. EDIT: See Randy’s comment below for a link to the drivers for the onboard audio card! This would have saved us so much hassle!

I went into the BIOS and disabled the onboard sound card. That didn’t fix the problem. I left it disabled, so it might have helped later; I’m not sure. I think it was like [F2] on boot, then Integrated Peripherals or something, then HD Audio.

So we returned the cheapo sound card and got a slightly less cheapo sound card, a SoundBlaster (because I know I can download drivers for those), and that worked except that there was an annoying amount of static interference. We spent another several hours trying to fix the static. We checked the speakers, it wasn’t the speakers. We moved the sound card to a slot further away from the video card, and that didn’t help. We tried putting various things between the sound card and the video card, and that didn’t help. We tried turning the wireless off, and that didn’t help. We tried muting the line in and the CD audio, and that didn’t help. We knew it was the video card causing the interference, because we’d get far more audio static when we’d do something 3D and graphics-intensive. But we couldn’t figure out what to do about it. Finally we just went back to Best Buy and bought a SoundBlaster Audigy SE for $40, popped it in, and it worked like a charm. Yay for throwing money at the problem! I don’t know if the other semi-cheapo used sound card we got (a SoundBlaster Audigy 2) was just bad, or what, but buying a new one did the trick. Yay!

Now Kyeli is playing Sims 2, which is running smoothly and not even thinking about crashing. We have a beautiful desktop background, a perfect couch setup, working audio, working graphics, and a really great new computer. All is well, and I’m quite pleased with myself. (: Kyeli was very helpful too; I couldn’t have done this without her help. *kiss* (:

Last update was on: Thursday, September 10, 2020

• Windows 10 Professional 64 bit, Activation code is on the tower
• the best operating system for business.
• Processor: Intel Core Quad-Core i5-2400 3.1GHz (Turbo up to 3.4GHz) 6MB Cache
• USB Wireless Adapter to connect Internet.
• DVD ROM, USB Keyboard, Mouse, Integrated Audio, 10/100/1000Mbps LAN
• Slots: 10 x USB 2.0 ports, 2 x audio-out jacks, 1 x microphone jack, 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet port, 1 x VGA port, 1 x line-in jack, 1 x serial communication port.
• 16GB DDR3 (PC3-12800) Memory (4 slots, supports up to 16GB), 2TB 7200 rpm Hard Drive, Intel HD Graphics.

Size:i5 2T HDD

Get reliable performance from the Optiplex 990, Intel Core i5-2400 3.1GHz quad-core processor 16GB memory – For multitasking power, supports up to 16GB 2TB SATA hard drive has plenty of space to store your digital albums, music library and rich media files Enhanced viewing with the integrated Intel HD 2000 graphics DVD-ROM drive – watch movies on your computer; read CDs and DVDs in multiple formats The front-panel’s USB ports make it easy to transfer photos, music, and other files to and from your digital camera and other peripheral devices Windows 10 Professional was designed for on-the-go working professionals. Connect to networks in three clicks, automatically find preferred network printers, give professional presentations, and use business programs with Windows XP Mode Specifications: Processor: Intel Quad-Core i5-2400 3.1GHz (Turbo up to 3.4GHz) 6MB Cache Memory: 16GB (4 slots, supports up to 16GB) Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 2000 Video Ports: VGA, DisplayPort Hard Drive: 2TB HDD (7200rpm) SATA Card Reader: No Optical Drive: DVD-ROM Sound: Integrated Network: 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Wireless: USB Wifi Adapter I/O Ports: (1) DisplayPort (1) VGA (10) USB 2.0(1) RJ-45 LAN (2) PS/2 (1) Serial (1) Headphone (1) Microphone (1) Audio: Line-in (1) Audio: Line-out Expansion Slots & Bays: (1) Half-Height PCIe x16 Slot (1) Half-Height PCIe x16 (wired x 4) Slot (1) 5.25\\\” External Drive Bay (1) 3.5\\\” Internal Drive Bay Operating System: Genuine Windows 10 Professional 64-bit

Last update was on: Thursday, September 10, 2020

• Ultra-fast AC600 wireless adapter speed with 802.11ac – 3 times faster than wireless N speeds. Best device for gaming online and seamless HD video streaming
• Up to 600Mbps high speed on 5.8GHz (433Mbps) and 2.4GHz (150Mbps) bands. Dual band reduce interference for better connection.With Roaming technology, promise high effective wireless connection
• This dual band wifi dongle support any wifi routers: By using AC600 wireless adapter, you can upgrade your PC,laptop or Mac to work with the latest AC WiFi router for faster speed and extended range
• External High Gain Long-Range 2dBi omni-directional Antenna can help you connect even when signals are weak, increase coverage and stability
• Very easy to install and we offer LIFE-TIME WARRANTY and 24h technical support, if you have any problem when using, just contact us

Last update was on: Thursday, September 10, 2020

• AC600 USB Wi-Fi adapter provides long range and lag free connection throughout the house, Upgrades Your PCs /Laptops to 802.11ac, 3 times faster than wireless N speeds
• Dual band 2. 4 GHz and 5 GHz band provide flexible connectivity, giving your devices Access to the latest Dual-Band Wi-Fi router for faster speed and extended range
• 5dBi High-gain antenna greatly enhances the reception and transmission signal strength of the USB Adapter
• Supports Windows 10, 8. 1, 8, 7, XP/ Mac OS X 10. 9-10. 14, Driver installation may be required, please go to TP-Link website for the latest driver for your operating systems
• Industry Leading Support: 2-YEAR WARRANTY AND FREE 24/7 TECHNICAL SUPPORT
• To be eligible for TP-Link’s Warranty, please confirm and purchase from “Sold by Amazon”

Model:AC600

TP-Link Long Range – AC600 USB 2. 0 Wi-Fi Adapter | 2. 4G/5G High Gain Dual Band Wireless Network Adapter for PC Desktop | Supports Windows 10, 8. 1, 8, 7, XP / Mac OS X 10. 9-10. 14 (Archer T2U Plus)

Last update was on: Thursday, September 10, 2020

• 【No pollution】Outer packing film of the usb wifi adapter is sealed by 200 °C high-heat and you just to take down the film to use healthily
• 【Say Goodbye to Wi-fi Dead Zones】- You shouldn’t have to put up with slow internet speeds at home thanks to this 2 4GHz and 5GHz USB adapter With 100 yards of coverage feel free to surf from your bedroom porch or garage It’s perfect for gaming as well!
• 【Your Own Secure Wireless Network】- The AC1300 Series is supported by all WLAN routers WPA/WPA2/WEP And it’s undisturbed by other normally interfering devices like Bluetooth or cordless phones which means you won’t have unexpected dropped calls or loss of signal quality period
• 【Reach Your Full Potential】- You may be fed up with your old modem or router or have a broken internet card or antenna but you don’t need to replace it! At up to 400Mbps 802 11N or 867Mbps 802 11AC this Wi-Fi adapter is to get you faster speed
• 【Simple to Install】- 1) Install the driver 2) Plug it in and 3) Go That’s true whether you’re using Windows 10 8. 1 8 7 Vista XP Mac 10. 6-10. 15
• 【We Offer The Real Wi-fi Adapters With 24-Month 】- We want to make sure that you are happy with our products for a long time not just a couple of days That’s why we’re constantly updating our drivers for you because we stand behind every dual band wireless usb adapter we make
• 【About signal drops issues】 (1) Please insert the wifi adapter to a usb2 0 port (2) Please reinstall driver from included USB stick or EDUP website
• Please make the Free Support call 3232481976 If you have any questions about the wifi adapter thank you very much

Model:USB Wifi Adapter(1300Mbps)

Dual band usage instructions This is a dual band WiFi dongle there are something you should know before you make a complaint about speed. 1) Dual band WiFi router is a must-have if you want to receive 5G signal 2) The adapter’s max speed up to 867Mbps just works when you connect to 5G band, otherwise it will just run at the max speed of 400Mbps with 2. 4G. Normally your PC’s network speed can’t up to the wifi adapter’s speed as it depends on many factors, such as network size, router, barriers, laptop or PC ‘s internal memory. 3) If your computer is desktop speed is not ideal, you can try to insert the WiFi adapter into the USB3. 0(blue) port of you PC that may assure the power supply. 4) This WiFi adapter will not boost the speed of original router it just transmit the wifi signal. 5) If your WiFi adapter is closed to the router and you want to have fast speed in watching video and playing online games, we suggest that you should connect to the 5G band. If your WiFi adapter is far away from the router and you just want to surf the website you’d better connect to 2. 4G band for better and stable signal. Frequently Asked Questions Q: I don’t have a CD player to read the driver what should I do? A: An USB flash drive is included instead of CD easier access to driver Or we are avail to send you driver link once being contacted. Q: If the connection is unstable what’s wrong? A: Try to reinstall the driver. And please check signal strength and signal channel, ensure that they are full to get high speed. Don’t use the wifi adapter too long restart once a week. Q: What should I do when it seems not working? A: If you use our wifi adapter on PC, please make sure connect adapter to the computer back not front. And if you use on laptop, please make sure uninstall other wireless network card then install our driver.

Last update was on: Thursday, September 10, 2020

• Dual High Gain WIFI Antenna – Weak Signal Increased by Wifi Adapter for PC Use 2pcs Long Range WiFi Antennas of 5dBi, which makes usb wifi Adapter Ensures Range Extended WiFi Connection and Superior Stability for Desktop, Laptop, PC
• 1200Mbps High WiFI SPEED 802.11ac 5G/2.4G – Ultra-fast AC1200 wireless adapter speed, You Can Get Maximum 867Mbps Wireless Speed on 5GHz WiFi Band or 300Mbps on 2.4GHz WiFi for gaming online and seamless HD video streaming.
• Super USB 3.0 Network Computer adapter – USB 3.0 Adapter Speed is 10times than USB2.0 it Support the wireless adapter for desktop speed up to fast link for the USB port.
• Wi-Fi Hot Spot – You can create a Hot spot with the Soft AP Feature if your desktop is under wired Internet connection. You can boost Wi-Fi to your mobile devices from your computer
• Warranty Service – 7X24Hours Technical Support. Please contact us if you have any problems about the usb wireless network adapter, we will respond to your issue within 24 hours.24Month Warranty.

Last update was on: Thursday, September 10, 2020

• NOTE: The item is compatible with windows 10/8.1/8/7/XP. However, on the box there is limited space so the manufacturer do not list all of the versions and just list the most recent versions of windows
• 【Bluetooth 4. 0】 – applies the latest Bluetooth 4. 0 and it is backward compatible with Bluetooth V3. 0/2. 1/2. 0/1. 1. Ub400 turns non-Bluetooth PC or laptop into Bluetooth-capable ( PS4 & XBox Controllers for PC Only )
• 【Plug & play or free driver】 – plug and play for Win 8, Win 8. 1, and win 10. Supports Win7/XP (driver required for Win7/XP and could be downloaded from website free of charge). it is not compatible with Mac, Linux, TV
• 【Nano-sized】 – a sleek, ultra-small design means you can insert the Nano adapter into any USB port and simply keep it there, no matter when you are traveling or at home
• 【Reliability】 – enable wireless communication with Bluetooth-enabled computers, printers, phones and headsets. Utilize Bluetooth low energy) technology for energy-saving wireless connectivity
• 【Broad operation range】 – with a transmission distance of up to 65 ft, you can enjoy lossless music via your Bluetooth headset without hovering around your computer
• 【Worry-free customer support & 】 – industry leading 24-month and free lifetime 24/7 technical support

UB400 is highly portable and much smaller than a flash drive. Plug and play in
win8/8. 1/10 systems to enjoy a wireless communication with Bluetooth-enabled
devices. ub400 supports advanced Bluetooth 4. 0 and enables wireless connectivity a wide range of devices such as computers, printers, phones, headsets,
speakers, keyboards, controllers, etc.

Last update was on: Thursday, September 10, 2020

• AC1300 Dual Band WiFi Extender for PC, Desktop and Laptop
• Archer T3U provides 2. 4G/5G strong high speed connection throughout your house
• Archer T3U also provides MU MIMO, which delivers Beamforming connection for lag free WiFi experience
• Usb 3. 0 provides 10x faster speed than USB 2. 0, along with mini and portable size that allows the user to carry the device everywhere
• World’s #1 provider of consumer Wifi for 7 consecutive years
• According to IDC Q2 2018 Report
• Supports Windows 10, 8. 1, 8, 7, XP/ Mac OS X 10. 9 10.14
• To be eligible for TP Link’s Warranty, please confirm and purchase from “Sold by Amazon”

Style:AC1300 Dual Band

TP-Link AC1300 – USB 3. 0 Wi-Fi Adapter | 2. 4G/5G Dual Band Wireless Network Adapter for PC Desktop | MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Dongle | Supports Windows 10, 8. 1, 8, 7, XP / Mac OS X 10. 9-10. 13 (Archer T3U)

Last update was on: Thursday, September 10, 2020

• Ultra-Speed &Stable Signal Upgrades your WiFi card to 1300Mbps Wi-Fi speeds Offering 867Mbps over 5GHz or 400Mbps over 2 4GHz for online gaming and 4K Ultra HD video streaming Advance Chip RTL8812BU bring faster speed and more stable signal
• Compatibility Support OS Windows XP / 10 / 8 / 8 1 / 7 / Vista Mac OS 10 6 -10 14 6 for MacBook / Desktop / Laptop Wireless Standards IEEE 802 11 a/b/g/n/ac
• EDUP USB 3 0 WiFi Adapter USB 3 0 port Wi-Fi adapter transfer rates of up to 5Gbps-10 times faster than USB 2 0 ensures Wi-Fi adapter maximum throughput performance and more stable internet connection Backwards compatible with USB 2 0
• Install Driver First install the driver from U Flash Disk ( Included in the package ) then plug the Wi-Fi Adapter into your PC
• Wi-Fi Hot Spot & You can create a Hot spot with the Soft AP Function for more wifi devices；One year manufacturer replacement and 45 days no questions asked return policy
• Warm Tip: If the U disk can not be used, please download the driver from EDUP site : ( szedup.com/ep-ac1686-driver/ )
• Service : Please make the Free Support call: 3232481976 , If you have any questions about our products.

Color:USB WiFi Adapter 1300Mbps

The PC back USB port’s compatibility and connection stability are better than the front USB port. So we suggest you insert it on back USB port of your PC.

Last update was on: Thursday, September 10, 2020

• ULTIMATE WI-FI SPEED: You Can Get 867Mbps Wireless Speed on 5GHz WiFi Band or 300Mbps Speed on 2.4GHz WiFi Band, Excellent for Online 4K Video, Gaming, High Quality Music and Facebook by Using this Dual Band USB WiFi Adapter
• BOOST YOUR RANGE: Comes with 2 pieces of 5dBi High Gain Wifi Antennas, this Long Range WiFi Adapter Ensures Range Extended WiFi and Superior Stability on Your Desktop, Laptop, PC
• FLEXIBLE DEPLOYMENT: Equipped with a USB 3.0 Cradle with Extension Cable of 5 Feet, Connect it to Any USB Ports of Your Desktop, Laptop or PC and Put this USB Wireless Network Adapter in Spot with Optimal WiFi Signal Receiption
• Or You Can Also Plug this USB Wireless Adapter Directly to Any USB Port of Your Desktops or Laptops
• USB 3.0 PORT WITH GOLD PLATED: Comes with USB 3.0 Port which Works 10 Times Faster than USB 2.0
• USB Port with Gold Plated Ensures More Stable and Solid Internet Connection
• And it is Backward Compatible with USB 2.0 Port
• Your Best WiFi Adapter for PC of Desktop and Laptop
• UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: Works with Any WiFi Routers
• Support Windows 10/8.1/8/7/XP, MAC OS X 10.6~10.12 (10.13 NOT Supported)
• *To Get OPTIMUM WIFI SPEED, Please Download Latest Driver on Official Website
• Tech Support Email [email protected]
• 24 MONTHS WARRANTY of UNCONDITIONAL REFUND OR REPLACEMENT

Last update was on: Thursday, September 10, 2020

• 【No pollution】Outer packing film of the usb wifi adapter is sealed by 200 °C high-heat and you just to take down the film to use healthily
• 【Ultra-Speed &Stable Signal】 Upgrades your WiFi card to 1300Mbps Wi-Fi speeds Offering 867Mbps over 5GHz or 400Mbps over 2 4GHz for online gaming and 4K Ultra HD video streaming Advance Chip RTL8812BU bring faster speed and more stable signal
• 【Simple to Install】- 1) Install the driver 2) Plug it in and 3) Go That’s true whether you’re using Windows 10 8. 1 8 7 Vista XP Mac 10. 6-10. 15
• 【About signal drops issues】 (1) Please insert the wifi adapter to a usb2 0 port (2) Please reinstall driver from included USB stick or EDUP website
• 【Wi-Fi Hot Spot 】 You can create a Hot spot with the Soft AP Function for more wifi devices；One year manufacturer replacement and 45 days no questions asked return policy

Dual band usage instructions:

This is a dual band WiFi dongle, something you should know before you make a complaint about speed.

1. You must have a dual band WiFi router with 5.8G band if you want to have a 5.8G signal.

2. The adapter’s max. speed up to 867Mbps just works when you connect to 5.8G band, otherwise, it will just run at the max. speed of 400Mbps with 2.4G.

( Note: Normally, your PC’s network speed can’t up to the wifi adapter’s speed as it depends on many factors, Such as the network size，router, barriers, laptop or PC ‘s internal memory… )

3. If your computer is desktop, speed is not ideal, you can try to insert the WiFi adapter into the USB3.0 ( Blue) port of your PC, that may assure the power supply.

4. This WiFi adapter will not boost the speed of original router, it just transmit the wifi signal.

5. If your WiFi adapter is closed to the router, and you want to have fast speed in watching video and playing online games, we suggest that you should connect to the 5.8G band.

If your WiFi adapter is far away from the router, and you just want to surf the website, you’d better connect to 2.4G band for better and stable signal.

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