FAQ's

Q:           When I try to download drivers from ftp://download.spartanco.com/ I get a timeout error or I am asked for a password to proceed.  Can you give me the password or is there a setting I can change to bypass this request?

A:            Our FTP site is designed to work optimally with IE7, if you’re using IE6 you can use our FTP site by changing the FTP folder view settings in your browser.  In your browser go to TOOLS-->INTERNET OPTIONS and click on the ADVANCED Tab.  Under the BROWSING heading you should see a checked box next to “Enable FTP Folder View”.  Uncheck this box, save your settings and refresh the FTP page.  You should now be able to fully access our Downloads page.

Q:           When typing my cursor behaves erratically and inserts itself randomly at various points in the document I’m working on.  Is there a problem with my touchpad or a setting I can adjust?

A:            This is generally caused by inadvertently “palming” the touchpad while typing.   Many users don’t realize that they may be dragging their palm across the touchpad while typing, which the touchpad then interprets as a double tap, inserting the cursor at a seemingly random spot.  There are several different solutions depending on the model of your notebook and the specific touchpad installed. 

1. For models with a Synaptics touchpad (check Mice and other pointing devices in Device Manager), you may be able to turn off the double tap function of the touchpad with the installed Synaptics software.

2.  Some models allow for the temporary disabling of the touchpad altogether.  One of the function keys, most often F3, may be labeled with a touchpad icon with an X through it.  Hold down the Fn button and hit F3 to disable the touchpad.  Hold down the Fn key and hit F3 to enable the touchpad again.

3. For all other models a third party solution is available.  TouchFreeze 1.02 is here: ftp://download.spartanco.com/MiscDriversPrograms/Touch%20Freeze/

Q:           When my notebook goes to boot into Windows I get a Blue Screen error at the same point every time.  I just purchased the notebook and loaded Windows XP myself (or reloaded the OS for my customer).  I think it’s a hardware error, what should I do?

A:            All new notebooks come with AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) enabled, which is natively compatible with Windows Vista and Windows 7.  For all older Windows operating systems you will need to disable the AHCI setting in the system BIOS.  Some of our models need to run a batch file from a bootable USB to enable or disable AHCI (currently all models beginning with SCMxxx).  Download this file onto a bootable USB and boot the system to the flash drive. ftp://download.spartanco.com/Notebooks/SCM150(JHL91)/AHCI%20Tool/JHXXX_AHCI.zip

                Commands: AHCI_DIS will disable the ACHI.  AHCI_EN will enable the AHCI

                After disabling the AHCI you may still experience the Blue Screen error.  If this is the case you may need to reload your operating system.

Q:           Where can I find Linux drivers for my notebook?

A:            Sorry, but we do not support Linux at this time.

Q:           I’m trying to update my AHCI settings from a bootable CD but I’ve been unsuccessful, is my optical drive defective?

A:            The AHCI settings need to be updated from a bootable USB device or a bootable floppy.  There is a great tool for creating a bootable USB device located here:  ftp://download.spartanco.com/MiscDriversPrograms/bootable%20usb/

Q:           I’m not ready to transition to Vista quite yet, what are my options?

A:            For businesses that rely on Windows XP, there’s still a way to get it. When customers buy Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate, they have the right to move back to Windows XP Professional via what we call ―downgrade rights.   Here’s how the program works:

1.You may purchase a valid copy of Windows Vista Business or Ultimate and install Windows XP Professional (or Tablet).

2.You will need a COA (Certificate of Authenticity) from an already activated copy of Windows XP Professional (or Tablet).

3.During the activation process enter in the COA key from the previously activated copy of Windows XP Pro (or Tablet).  DO NOT ENTER THE COA FROMYOUR COPY OF VISTA. 

4.At the activation menu choose the option to activate by phone.  IF YOU CHOOSE TO ACTIVATE OVER THE INTERNET YOUR ACTIVATION WILL FAIL.  After choosing your country Windows will generate a unique code for your computer and provide a phone number for activation.

5.Call the number provided and follow the instructions as prompted.   You may need to have your Vista COA available.   When you get to an operator you will need to tell them that you are DOWNGRADING FROM VISTA TO XP.  They will conform your information and provide you with a new code to enter in the on-screen fields.  After clicking OK you will have successfully downgraded your copy of Windows Vista and your operating system will be activated.

Q:           My wireless card is not detecting any signals and acts as if it isn’t installed, what can I do?

A:            Your card is most likely just turned off.  Depending on the model there are several options to turn it on.

1. There may be a switch on the side or front of your notebook with a wireless device icon next to it, make sure that it’s in the ON position.  You may need to switch it OFF the ON to be sure it didn’t get stuck in the middle.

2.There may be a button above the keyboard with the wireless icon next to it.  Pushing this button once should turn the wireless card on and a Green light should turn on at the bottom right of the notebook.

a. If your notebook is also equipped with a Bluetooth device, pushing this button again may disable the wireless and enable the Bluetooth device.  The light on the front of the notebook should now be Blue.  Pushing the button again should enable both devices and the light should be a slightly different shade of Blue.

3.Check Device Manager to see if there are any issues.  Some of the possible issues are a disabled device, missing drivers or a missing device. 

a. Device disabled:

To enable a disabled device simply right click on the device and click Enable.

b. Missing drivers:

Install the missing drivers from your original drivers CD or visit our downloads page at  ftp://download.spartanco.com/ to find the drivers you need.

c. Device not shown:

In Device Manager right click on your computer and click scan for hardware changes.  This may take a short period.

If this doesn’t work make sure the device is turned on, as above.

Try rebooting the computer.

4.If none of this works contact your dealer or your dealer may have to submit a repair request here http://host.spartanco.com/lead/default.aspx .  If you need to send in your computer for repair we’ll take care of it promptly.