CTX Computer - CTX International Mid-Tower PC Repair - ctx computers - ctx drivers

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(Rev. 12/12/2004) Opening Remarks: No doubt you have arrived at this page looking for solutions to problems experiencing with your CTX (or other brand) PC or Notebook. After running this site for some time now I have finally come to the conclusion that more then likely the one thing that 99.99% of the people who are reading this now have in common: your Operating System is Windows 98 or 98 Second-Edition. Beyond a shadow of a doubt this has to be the worst of the worst O/S's that was ever created, and the true source of most all of the problems people are experiencing with their computers! Want a quick and dirty solution?! Get rid of the dang thing... NOW!!! Upgrade to Windows 2000, XP Home or Professional, or even move up to Windows Millennium. Even going backwards to Windows 95-OSR2 would be an improvement! No matter how you slice it (work on it, re-load it, update it, etc.), Win98/98Se being a "Sow's Ear" will never be turned into a "Silk Purse"! The system is inherently unstable and unreliable - and no amount of tweaking and changing hardware will ever correct it. Computers are troublesome buggers at best... it's just their nature! But at least you can give yourself a fighting chance by getting rid of the weakest link first: Windows 98/98SE!!!

Welcome to my Computer Tips Page! I created this site about 4 years ago to try and offer some help to others who might be having similar problems with their own CTX computer as well. Really, the information contained here can and does apply to a lot of computers, so don't be put off if you don't own a CTX! We are up to 5 different brands of computers in this little company of ours so far, and they all need constant attention! So you just might find something of use here, even if only to have a good laugh?!

I get a lot of questions from cyberspace from those seeking further help, both from just starting out newbie's and grizzled hard core veterans. I try my best to answer and seem to be able to help most people, but then with others I just seem to fall short of the mark on. I don't have all the answers -Dang - if I did I wouldn't have to be on a 7 day a week / 18 hour a day work schedule, and longing for the long past days of just traveling around on motorcycles all over North America, when my only concerns were Bikes/Smokes/Babes/Beer and trying NOT to get run over (again) by the "cages"!

One thing that does seem especially odd is why most people don't seem to know how to use (or just can't be bothered with?) the Search Engines. While you'll find a lot of information here in this website, it's only a tiny fraction compared to what can be had using just about any search engine. Need to know 'How to install memory into your laptop'? Then enter those exact words into the search engines and watch 100's of pages come up with the answers plus photos! Looking for drivers for your Audio or Video card? Simply put in the brand and model of the card (Example: Brand-X-Computer Model #01010101 VGA card drivers) and odds are good something will turn up. Some things are more difficult, but most are pretty much cut and dry, ya' know?! Worth a shot anyways.....

Please check out my 'Frequently Asked Questions' Page by clicking HERE - odds are good the answer you are seeking is already there! :)

TOP Question? "How To Bypass Forgotten Windows Password" - Try this link by clicking HERE

The following is the step by step procedure for restoring Windows 98 to it's original condition using a CTX Restore 98 disc (CD-Rom). As the company saw fit to include this disc without instructions as to it's installation procedure, nor was Microsoft willing to shed any further light on the situation, it was only after an extended period of trial and error did the answer become known. Unlike our purchased Power-Spec which simply requires inserting the disc (CD-Rom) at startup and pressing an on-screen button, the CTX requires a specific sequence of commands & actions be performed otherwise the the re-installation will not commence. Again neither CTX nor Microsoft are able or willing to disclose this information nor seemingly can the procedure be found in any of the countless repair manuals I've researched. Perhaps this was deemed (?) to be such a simple operation by most everyone that there was no need to put it in writing, but if the following can help at least one other person then it will have been worth the countless hours spent trying to sort this out! I don't doubt this might well be applicable to many other brands of processors as well. If your CTX operating system has so many holes in it that you can see daylight coming through the other side, give it a shot!
Note: The following procedure will erase all personal files and added programs from your hard drive. So if there's anything you can't bare to lose please save it to disk, CD-R, or paper now!

(1) Insert your 'Window Start-up disk' into floppy drive A (assuming you've already created one of these -if not go to Windows 'Help' before proceeding with the re-load to create one) and CTX Restore 98 disc into CD-Rom drive D (or E as the case may be).

(2) Start your computer -at the first screen to come up press 'Del' and enter into the BIOS of your system.

(3) In the BIOS, locate 'Boot Sequence' set as A,C,SCSI . This setting is to be changed to CDROM,A,C . Then go to 'Exit & Save' and enter 'Y' (yes). Note: you can negotiate your way around in the BIOS by using your curser keys to scroll up and down, and 'Page Up / Page Down' keys to change the setings.

(4) After exiting BIOS the computer will now through a series of system scans and stop upon reaching the DOS 'Options' prompt -enter option '1'.

(5) The next DOS prompt will ask if you want to reformat your hard drive and restore your operating system -enter 'Y' (yes). Now sit back and relax (perhaps for quite a while?!) while the CD-Rom reloads Windows.

(6) After the disc has completed reloading the operating system a message will come up to 'Re-Boot' (re-start) the computer. First remove the Start-Up disk from drive A and CD-Rom disc from Drive D, then enter 'Y' (yes) to re-start (or alternatively, you can restart by pressing 'Ctrl / Alt / Del' simultaneously).

(7) At the first screen to appear press 'Del' to re-enter into the BIOS. In the BIOS reset the 'Boot Sequence' back to A,C,SCSI , then enter 'Y' (yes) for 'Exit & Save'.

(8) Again, restart the computer by pressing 'Ctrl / Alt / Del' simultaneously and allow it to boot-up normally.

(9) Follow the Windows instructions for setting up your clock, internet, desktop, etc..

Now relax and enjoy your "new" (for a while anyway?!) computer!

Want an easier way to deal with all of this?! Included with a Windows 98SE Operating System Disc I received with a different computer purchased after the CTX, was a "Windows Install Disk". The disk is simply inserted into the Floppy 'A' Drive, the computer is then booted up. When the disk is recognized by Windows, it automatically loads CD-Rom support and goes to a DOS prompt. Insert your Operating System CD (Disc) into the CD-Rom Drive, Chose selection #1 "Install Windows 98" and press 'Enter'. If the Disc doesn't automatically start to load, enter the Drive letter (D: or E: as the case may be) at the prompt. At the "Do you want to install...." prompt, press 'Enter' and follow the Windows instructions from there. I've used this same disk to install Windows 95-OSR2, 98, 98SE, and ME (just ignore that it's only asks if you want to install Windows 98), it works great on all of them (Windows 2000 Pro comes with it's own set of 4 set-up disks IN the disc). The DOWN side? I couldn't find this "Install Disk" software anywhere (for free), and it just doesn't seem to be in the Microsoft site or even mentioned. It would seem quite a few people are trying to sell this disk on eBay though.

(03-04-2003 Update): Just found a great website that has all the free BootUp Disks for downloading you could possibly want or need! They are at BootDisk.com and have boot disks available in both OEM and custom versions for all the versions of Windows, and have additional ones for some of the 'alternative' operating systems as well. So if you already have a disc but no install and/or start up disk (or no means of being able to make a start up disk from the O/S disc), this is the place for you! I've tried a few of them already and they work great. I've found a preference for the custom versions though - as they include a 'universal' CD-Rom driver which loads up a lot faster then the Microsoft counterpart, and all of which assigns your CD drive to the letter 'R' so there's no guessing! Check it out.

Ultimately we went with Windows 2000 Professional with the CTX, and bumped it up to the maximum ram of 256MB. This seems to be the most reliable setup as far as the CTX is concerned. Very seldom have serious problems with it now since going this route. Please check out my Frequently Asked Questions page for further information on this and other issues.

Additional W2K Upgrade Resources have been provided in the 'Links Area' of this page

(Rev.12/23/2003): I always receive a LOT of inquiries about where to obtain drivers and software for people's specific CTX computers, both for Desktop PC's and Laptops (or 'Notebooks' if you prefer). My answer is pretty much the same across the board; you are FIRST going to have to make a determination as to WHAT components you have IN your CTX before you can find the appropriate software drivers for them. This really applies to just about ANY brand desktop computer you might have, as I don't know of any computer company off hand (or for that matter, any Automobile, Motorcycle, Consumer Electronics, Appliance, etc. - Manufacturers) that makes all their own components for their respective products. While the outside of the box may say CTX, on the inside you may very well have an assortment of components manufactured by BioStar, Cirrus Logic, Lucent, AMD, ESS, Intel, etc., all which require their own appropriate drivers & software to function correctly.

Most all of the aforementioned manufacturers maintain on their websites a support section which includes downloadable drivers and software for their components, both past and present. But what is needed beforehand is a positive identification as to what model and brand components (i.e., Video card, Audio card, Modem, Network card, Motherboard, etc.) you actually have installed. While this can sometimes be accomplished by going into your Windows 'Control Panel' and clicking on 'System Information', or by going into your Windows 'Device Manager' this is rarely reliable. As to what Windows identifies as being installed in your system is rarely what is really installed - or at least this is the case with our collection of half-a** computers!

The only positive method I know of identifying these components is by actually opening up the side of the case, taking a flashlight and shining the light on each and every part in there, and writing down every bit of printed information you can visually see. Sometimes you'll get lucky (VERY lucky!) and the manufacturer's name and model number will be clearly printed on the top of the card and/or motherboard. But more often then not you'll only find part numbers and/or serial numbers - but even armed with only this information by putting this in the search engines you might still come up with identification for your parts. Worst case scenario (not uncommon) is the name / numbers will be printed underneath the PCI / ASA cards and/or Motherboard, in which case your only option is to remove the offending component from the PC for visual inspection.

Another common scenario is that you will only find the name of the Chip manufacturer (such as Motorola, Intel, Pc-Tel, etc.) printed on the card but not the manufacturer of the card itself. Chip manufacturers will state profoundly that they are in no way responsible for the manufacturers use of their chips - never the less some are still kind enough to post on their corporate websites suitable drivers for your parts. Some parts have absolutely no information printed on them at all (generic) except a government 'import number identification'. In theory using this this number you can go into a government website and enter the number, and the product's place of origin will come up. Sometimes this works, but mostly does not. Unfortunately I've lost the link to this site, if anyone else has it let me know and I'll post it here.

If all else fails and you got a brand-x part that just doesn't seem to exist anywhere you may very well just wind up buying a new audio / video / etc. card just to avoid all the hassle of looking for drivers for the old one - I've known a lot of people who've gone this route. Myself on the other hand, I'm a cheapskate (due to my Scottish Ancestry?) and refuse to give up on a still working part that is only lacking software. If you keep at it, you'll find the drivers eventually! You can at least get started at these following locations:

With the exception of the Intel link, the above links are to all the OEM components that were installed in our particular CTX when we first purchased it (the original components have been changed many times since!). There are virtually tons of locations on the web who are posting drivers free for your use. Just put in any search engine the keyword 'drivers' and your bound to find something.

Unfortunately for CTX (or any brand) Laptop / Notebook users it's an entirely different kettle of fish. It's just not practical to take a notebook apart to check the components - at least this is the case with my IBM 380XD 233MHz ThinkPad. Fortunately IBM does list all the software drivers for this model in it's website, but for CTX laptop owners you're best bet is to just try entering the model number of the notebook itself plus the keyword 'drivers' into the search engines and see what comes up.

This question comes up quite a lot. CTX of course doesn't seem to have these available or more then likely just isn't interested. Unfortunately I have none to offer either, as making ILLEGAL copies of the discs I do have would no doubt bring on the wrath of Microsoft down my neck, and that's a can of worms I have no interest in opening again (read about my experience with the Harley-Davidson Motor Company on my Recommendations page)! While I'm not an advocate of eBay I must admit if there's any chance at all finding replacements for these discs, that would probably be the most likely place. My recommendation though would be if your going to replace the disc anyways, then look for a OEM Windows 98 Second Edition (or OEM Windows 98 disc if you don't mind downloading all the updates) disc and just download the needed additional drivers for your Video, Sound, Modem, and (if applicable?) Network card from the web. Finding the drivers isn't all that difficult provided you know what components (brand names and model numbers) are installed in your PC. Sorry, but what you have installed are NOT CTX brand components. CTX, like most all PC companies assembled their computers using parts from a variety of outside sources. The only way to be certain what exactly you have in yours (and I'd speculate there's probably no 2 CTX PC's out there exactly alike!) is to go into the thing and visually inspect each and every part, writing down every bit of information you can see. Armed with this information, you'll always be able to update and repair your CTX just a little bit easier, and certainly be a LOT better off then hoping you might (if ever!) receive any help from CTX (or their predecessors)!

(Rev.08/16/2003): Folks, I'm Sorry, but you're just going to have to STOP asking me for Discs - I just do NOT have any to give, sell, or otherwise!!! :-( I suspect if some smart entrepreneur out there could make a deal with CTX to make legal copies of these things, he or she could have a nice little business going, as there sure seems to be a market for it! My final word on this is consider skipping the OEM disc all together, and just try and find a OEM Windows 2000 Professional Disc somewhere (like at www.pricewatch.com ), as there surely must be plenty of them floating around by now?! Your CTX will be much happier in the long run (and so will you!). :-)

Additional W2K Upgrade Resources have been provided in the 'Links Area' of this page

Another inquiry that comes up often is "How to get into the CTX Tower Case". When we first got the CTX 4 years ago, we couldn't figure it out either! We called CTX (who were still making PC Towers at the time) and received instructions. The CTX Tower Front Cover is held on by 6 "Snap / Spring" fasteners. To get into the CTX Tower Case: Place one hand (to secure the unit) on the top / front of the tower case - place your other hand at the bottom / front, wrapping your fingers securely up in / around it. Pull hard / quickly at the bottom to unsnap the front cover from the case, then continue the unsnap the remaining fasteners. After removing the front cover, still facing the front, you will see 3 Phillips head bolts / screws securing the left panel access cover (one at the top left, one at the middle left, and one at the bottom left). Remove these 3 screws, and slide the left panel cover towards the front of the case, and remove it. You'll then have access to all the components through the left side of the case.

Our 'Enlight' brand 7-bay Mid-Tower case is built much the same way - access is through the front by first pulling the front cover free. However, not all cases are built like the CTX and Enlight. Most are disassembled by removing three screws/bolts from the back of the case, then remove the side cover. The safe bet would be to check the back of the case first - if no fasteners are found there then odds are good you have the snap-on front cover type case.

(Rev.11/16/2003): Yet a 3rd variation on the 'Case Flavors' recently discovered. Just recently went for a 'Full Tower' (14 bay) case for our Pentium III MMX / 700MHz. This one however in not like either of the two mentioned above. To access anything one must first remove the left side cover (3 screws at the back), then unlatch the 2 plastic tabs at the inside front, swing out the front cover to the right to remove, then remove screws as required to bring any of the 10 drive rails forward. Bit of a pain in the arse to do any work, but the extra room (breathing space) is well worth it!

Anyone out there had any experience with over-clocking IBM ThinkPad's? I've got a IBM 380XD with a 233 MHz Pentium processor and maximum Ram of 96MB, that is so dang slow for even the most basic of tasks I'm beginning to want to avoid using the thing like the plague! Yeah, have done the usual things; defrag, keep a minimum of processes running and/or from starting, keep the hard drive (4GB) fairly empty, etc. but to no avail. As BIOS access (to tweak) seems to be pretty sparton in these at best, it looks like the only way would be to mess with the jumper settings - if this is even possible on these?! Any input on this would be much appreciated.

Did have some success over-clocking a PowerSpec w/Pentium-Celeron 366 MHz (now at about 410 MHz) by simply adjusting the BIOS settings. Not a great jump in performance but better then nothing. Haven't had any dire consequences as a result, and no over-heating problems either. But this IBM is just about unusable given it's lack of any kind of processor speed.

02/16/2003: "THANK YOU... Hey there.... I do not have the tower but I do have one of there notebooks and I had to do a restore and had no way of doing this. TYTYTYTYTYTYTY Again TYTYTYTYTYTY." Vicky

12/21/2002: "Thanks to people like you, novices at upgrades can find the answers they need, Thanks again and please don't change your ethics." Mike

09/04/2002: "Thank you so much, your information was exact and to the point. You are great." Gini

10/09/2001: "I used your posting and reformatted my computer over the weekend and am now back up and running. The question with this CTX computer is only -- for how long! I do know that I will never again purchase a CTX product! Thanks again for posting the help. I am sure that I am not the only person who has benefited from your efforts." Kathy

09/29/2001: "Thanks! CTX websites were NO help. I was glad you posted this!" Dan

05/14/2000: "Many, many, thanks for providing the information on how to restore Windows 98 from the password protected CTX CD. I reformatted my HD and installed Win 98, and of course the PCMCIA & USB ports and a few other things never worked again. I have searched for the last 6 months on how to use the 'Restore CD', all dead ends. Thanks again." Larry

09/02/2000: "It worked, thanks! I missed that part about the PAGE-UP, PAGE-DOWN in the instructions. That's why I couldn't change to CDROM, A, C. Windows loaded fine and now my computer is working again! Thank-you so much for your help. When my CTX went down, I got a Gateway. I couldn't find any support for CTX. Bestbuy, where I got the CTX, told me they went out of business. I have found lots of sites complaining about CTX computers, even one from the Better Business Bureau. I guess lots of people are having problems with them. It seems to be working fine now and I'm just going to use it to have games on for my son to play. So, he thanks you also! It's rare to find people these days that are willing to provide info to help people with questions they need answered. I think your a rare breed and one our society could use more of. Thanks again so very much for your time and help. Have a great day! L8R." Brad

09/10/2000: "Thanks for putting the information about CTX master restore CD on the web. It saved me a big headache. A few bad sectors can really stop a pc. I ran FDISK format and scandisk that got her up but I found out that was only part of it. Thanks again." Barry

The following links have been generously provided by readers of this page to provide additional help not found here. As with most things though, users of any of these links are advised to proceed with caution and good common sense before implementing anything!

The following was kindly provided by CTX Nu-Topia owner 'Claire' for the benefit of other CTX owners looking to upgrade to Windows 2000:

About this website: This site's soul purpose is to try and assist those seeking information on ctx computers, ctx drivers, ctx monitor drivers, ctx, ctx computer, ctx international, laptop, notebook, ctx international inc, and ctx corporation. In addition to info on computer troubleshooting, personal computer troubleshooting, troubleshooting computer problems, computer hardware troubleshooting, computer system troubleshooting, pc, and pc repair. Also including information on the operating system, repair operating system, operating systems, restoring system, hard drive, hard drives, reboot, restart, starting up, rebooting, bios, bios settings, system crash, restoring hard drive, CTX, CTX International, CTX International Inc, and CTX Corporation. This is definitely a non-profit website.

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