Various Computer Problems

[theraidenproject]

I have 2 computers, and both have decided to piss me off. One randomly stopped deciding to make sound. Speakers work, the jack seems fine, and all the XP testing stuff say everything is fine. This computer will also freeze randomly and stopped working with my iPod, but i think that's the ipod just being a *****.
The second computer doens't want to connect to the net. It used to work when the cable modem was plugged directly in, or when plugged into the wireless router, but now we have a wired router that works seamlessly with the first computer and my ps2, but the second computer wont work with it. I even bought a new ethernet card, but that wasnt it. I went through every damn setting and i cant tell what the problem is.
I have spent HOURS trying to fix these things. Is there anywhere I can take them? I don't trust those retards at Best Buy or CompUSA or any other place like that. They're both out of warranty, but I doubt that could help anyway.
I also need suggestions for a good external firewire harddrive to back everything up. I only need around 40 gigs.
Please help me. Thanks.

[sharpshooter1286]

the first problem happened with my brothers computer, and he has xp to. it kinda just started working again tho. one thing he did need to change b4 it worked was the volume control thingy in the taskbar, that could be a problem (maybe its on mute, or its turned down). maybe with the ipod u needa update ur drivers or update something, and also make sure the ipod is all set to. then y dont u just use the old router with that computer? and why do u need two computers ne way? also, check to make sure all the hardware drivers are up to date and correct and stuff.

[NJPaint]

See... now if you had told me about this a week ago I would have dropped by and taken a look at it, but now I am swampped with work and am three computers behind (a new record for me, which also means that I'm making money) I can't help =/.

All I can say remotely is check to make sure you have the latest stable drivers. Check to make sure your USB/firewire ports are working with another device besides the ipod. Make sure those aren't screwing up.

For the network issues.

Start --> Run --> cmd
*DOS prompt comes up*
Type: "ipconfig /all" (sans quotes)

Make sure that your gateway is the same IP address as your router and check to see what IP the computer is giving you. If you can't resolve an IP address then go to your network settings and make sure that they are "automatically assigned", not setup. If you DO get an IP address check with your router to make sure that all the numbers line up (its the true IP address). I can't help you more than that with out seeing it. Sorry =/

Just for the hell of it, post what ipconfig /all gives you.