Reviving an old Asus P5N-MX computer and installing Windows XP in 2021

You probably have had the urge to throw away old stuff before, so did I, with an old computer tower unit taking up space. However, I had a change of mind and got it out of the bin!

 The first thing to do was clean the motherboard and components, I used a can of compressed air, a hover and some electrical cleaner. It was then time to install the components back and make sure everything was powering up properly. You need to be a little careful when powering up old hardware like this, especially if it has been in a damp environment, so the use of a RCD or some sort of circuit breaker is advised, that and ensuring it is fully dry.

There is a few options when it comes to operating system, but you can be restricted deciding what hardware you have. I believe my issues originally were due to incomparable hardware with modern software, but I could be wrong.

Originally I was trying to get Windows 98 to work, but after a few attempts I decided to go with XP again, just so I could see if it ran ok and to play a few old games.

The graphics card works well with this system: ASUS NVIDIA GeForce GT 710

 

 

 Key points to remember with this are:

• In order to get the drivers to work for the motherboard, the service packs are needed.
• Get the service packs from Microsoft https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=XP%20Service%20Pack
• Download SP2 and if needed then SP3, but 2 must be done before 3.
• Download on another computer to a USB stick, because the XP system has no internet server, you wont be able to get any popular browser to work either, so it's just quicker.
• Activate Windows within 30 days or you may have some issues with running, to activate call the MS customer service number displayed on the XP activate screen.
• Going online isnt recommended generally for obvious reasons, so a offline system only is probably best.

 

Hope somone found this interesting :)

 

Vango Nevis 300 backpacking tent unbox/review

I have only ever had a few tents in my lifetime so I wanted to make sure that I didn't end up with something poor on my next camping trip away with the dog.



The last few camping adventures were festivals, so the trusted expendable pop-up tent was used, the Trespass pop up tent, to be honest when I got that I wasn't planning on even keeping it but I still have it to this day.



This time however I needed sometimes proper, with 2 skins and no condensation, this wasnt going to be an expendable tent to retreat to after a heavy session of partying, this needed to be comfort, with no condensation and sturdy.



So, after looking online for decent backpacking tents for a good price, this Vango Nevis tent came up, it has served well (all be it only one night so far).



The poles are sturdy, although I struggled to insert the end ones into the holes. The inner tent has a lot of air vents and adjustable straps to tightent the inner tent.



This should stand strong under rain and wind, it is light and fits into a small bag.



It is a 3 man tent, you can get these in 2 and 1, although the 3 is more like a 2 and I assume the 2 is more like a 1, so the 1 man (Nevis 100) would be very small, probably best for limited space to pitch and ultra compact light situations.













#backpack tent #nevis 300 #cheap tents

Review/Demo Bosch Pole Saw cordless 2.5ah (Universal Chain Pole 18v)

I have had a few tools recently, as there are a lot of jobs to do around the house, this time in the garden with the overhanging and ever growing conifers!



The tools that spring to mind? chainsaws! Ones on poles!



Searching online for some of the best polesaws I came across this cordless Bosch 18v version, I wanted something that was cordless and cheap, also powerful, which this one is.



That being said, this polesaw is not powerful enough to cut down an Oak tree! This is a saw for small trees and branches, however it got through 18 conifer trees!



Keep on top of the oil and watch the angle, once you get the hang of it, it is great fun.

Solar project for shed, off grid? not quite there yet...

CHGEEK Bluetooth FM Transmitter Review

So if you have a some what older car like myself, you may want to listen to music in a modern way. This is with a FM Transmitter, in this case it is a CH05,

How to play MP3's in an old car is pretty easy and there are a few methods you use to achieve this, one of the quickest methods is with an FM Transmitter which plugs into the car lighter socket and transmits a radio signal to the car radio once the correct frequency is set.

The one from CH Geeks is a multi functional device which has Bluetooth to send music from you're phone to the transmitter and also from USB.

You can play MP3's from USB to the FM Transmitter to the radio once tuned in, I find this way the easiest. You can also play from any mobile phone with Bluetooth enabled which calls can be taken hands free also.

Other features are charging of USB devices in the car along with car battery level indicator.

The device itself is robust and looks slick in black, with a smart clear LED display and a turny knob to navigate different functions.

One downside I found was that the device wasn't as secure as it should have been in the car lighter port, this could be my car though (Civic 2007). The device seemed too long and stuck out, this gave way to moment, so if the thing was knocked it would turn off.

The quality of the audio was pretty decent although there was some interference at times. However, overall for the cost it was worth it as it does what it says on the tin.

The cost? Pretty cheap FM transmitter for around £13.00 so have a try!

Review video

https://youtu.be/Usp5vAeVQuc

Playstation Classic - Mini console Gem or Gimmick?

With the rise of these little miniature entertainment systems, one can't help but be drawn into the frenzy of what must seem a backwards purchase.

However, these little console bundle of fun aint just for a laugh with you're mates after the pub, they are deadly serious devices!

The PlayStation Classic has 20 games included, some include the likes of Resident Evil and Final Fantasy 7, but some are a little pointless.

There certainly could have been more as well, but lets not forget that these are little collectable "things" which most people in their 30's just want to relive that nostalgic buzz.

Bluetooth speaker review

Skullcandy Shrapnel review, you can watch it here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiCEYxpmlDc&t=15s

It is a neat little speaker with a loud output, not sure of the watts but at a guess it's around 20, not bad for a small little thing though.

There is not enough bass though, it's not bad but I have used a cheaper speaker from Aldi which had more bass than this one.

Looks wise though, it's fantastic with a cool army look, it is very robust too.