Keep track of your original computer documentation...

Lately too many customers have had to wait for repairs on their computers because I needed to order recovery CD sets from the manufacturer. This time and expense can be avoided if you do two simple things when you buy your new computer: 1.  Save all disks and/or documentation that comes in the box 2.  Since most manufacturers no longer send along recovery CDs and operating system CDs, it is up to you make them. Look for a...

Use CCleaner Monthly

If you are a Microsoft Windows user, of any flavor, I recommend that you download and use the free CCleaner utility once per month. Our computers create thousands of small files that we never see in order to perform the computing tasks we ask of them. Visiting web sites also creates thousands of files including the oft misunderstood cookies. All these files are called temporary files and are completely expendable. Over the...

Using the Windows Snipping Tool – Video Tip

One new feature that Windows Vista brought to the table is an easier way to take pictures of your screen…known as screen shots. In previous versions of Windows you had to learn how to use the Print Screen button (click here for my tip on that technique) or find a third party utility to do the same thing.Windows Vista introduced a new tool called the Snipping Tool that makes taking screen shots easier and more flexible...

Correcting some spyware infections with an often o...

Some of the nastiest spyware infections can be dealt with easier than previously thought if you try the following steps immediately after becoming infected: Shut off your high speed modem OR simply unplug the Ethernet cable connecting your computer to the modem or router Restart the computer in Safe Mode and attempt to run a disk cleanup from the Accessories –> System Tools menu or use the CCleaner or Cleanup...

Running multiple applications

Since Windows 3.1 in the early 90s, we have been able to run multiple programs at the same time with our computers. Probably the easiest way to take advantage of this feature is learning to use the Alt+Tab keyboard shortcut. At least four times this week, clients asked me what I was doing to switch between open windows so quickly. When I showed them the Alt+Tab keyboard shortcut, the seemed to be both mesmerized and...

Instant Shutdown in Windows XP & Vista –...

Here’s how to create a desktop icon to shutdown Windows XP or Windows Vista instantly: RIGHT Click on a blank part of your desktop Click New –> Shortcut Type the following phrase EXACTLY as shown in the box (or better yet, Copy and Paste it):    %SystemRoot%\System32\shutdown.exe /s Click Next Type a name for your shortcut like Shutdown, It’s Over, Time to Go…you choose Click Finish Now RIGHT...

Windows XP reset loop reboots after installing Ser...

I had another big frustration today. Unfortunately I reformated one computer before I found the fix, but it saved me a lot of time on the next computer that had the same problem. Some Windows XP machines with AMD processors get caught in a reset loop after installing Service Pack 3. After running this little command, the problem goes away. There are also a few other tips that resolve this problem caused by other issues,...

Windows was unable to find a certificate to log yo...

I looked all over the Internet for a long time to find this answer. Once I discovered it, I decided to post it here on HMR so that everyone can have it. The problem arises in Windows XP while trying to connect to a secured network, often on a D-link router. While trying to connect a new computer wirelessly, an error comes up stating that “Windows was unable to find a certificate to log you onto the network (Network name...

The Magical Title Bar – Video Tip

The title bar is the long (usually blue) bar at the top of each program. The title bar contains three familiar buttons on the right; the minimize button (little bar), the maximize or resize button (middle button) and the often used "X" button to close a program. On the left side of the title bar is a small icon in the far left corner that matches that of the program. The name of the current file (or...

Internet Explorer 7 – Tabbed Browsing –...

I posted this article nearly 2 years ago, but with the release of Google’s Chrome browser yesterday, I thought it was appropriate to bring this important tip back to the forefront again. Also, read my tip on the new Firefox 3 browser released earlier this summer. I have downloaded and tried out the new Google Chrome browser and look for a video and more comment about it coming up soon.  Windows XP users will all...

Vista can run faster if you…

I just finished my normal Sunday morning routine of breakfast with the Sunday paper. I always peruse the Sunday high tech ads to keep tabs on prices. Computer prices continue to drop (and I still think manufacturers are getting a kick back from Microsoft) to help spur sluggish sales. However, the past few weeks, I picked up on another trend; increased RAM. In this week’s big 4 ads (Office Depot, Office Max, Circuit...

RocketDock for Windows XP and Vista – Video ...

Windows Vista stripped out the ability to make an easy quick access toolbar to your most used files and programs. I posted a video last year on how you can make such a toolbar, but it certainly isn’t as straight forward as it was in XP. In my quest to find an easier way, I ran across two program, RocketDock and ObjectDock. I tried them both out and ended up liking the RocketDock a little better. Both are free and work...

Windows XP Service Pack 3

Microsoft released the 3rd service pack for Windows XP about three months ago. Microsoft packages many operating system updates and fixes into one large package and then releases it as a service pack. Because these are extremely large files that apply many updates and changes to our systems, they can sometimes have trouble. Initially Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) did have some issues that seemed to be mostly resolved....

Small and Free Utility Software Gems

Those of you who have kept up with me over the years know that I’m not a utility junkie. The fewer utilities and installed programs the better for me. That being said, I admire and cherish great utilities that serve purposes I need. Some of my favorites over the years include Tech Smith’s Snag It screen capture tool and Camtasia which I use to create our video tips. I also am never without a desktop tape...

Right-click: Properties – VIDEO TIP

People always ask about the difference between right-click and left-click. The primary difference is that the right-click always brings up a menu called the context menu. The items on the context menu change depending on where on the screen you click the mouse. The video explains the importance of the Properties option on the context menu. ...