photo credit: Smithsonian Institution
Name: TERRY JAMESON
From: LARKSPUR CO.
OS: Windows XP
———————-
RICK,
I WOULD LOVE TO USE FIREFOX, BUT IT SHUTS DOWN CONSTANTLY. THE INFAMOUS BOX COMES UP AND STATES THAT IT HAS “ECOUNTERED A PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO SHUT DOWN.” I HAVE TRIED TO UPDATE IT SEVERAL TIMES, BUT IT CONTINUES TO BE A PROBLEM.
Normally, I don’t read or answer questions written to me in all caps. Not because I think the person is Continue reading →
photo credit: Mzelle Biscotte
Name: Diana
From: Colorado
OS: Windows 7
———————-
I recently purchased a laptop and have a message saying there are 27 Windows update to download. Is it essential to download all these?
As unbelievable as it sounds, yes, even on a new computer with a new operating system, Microsoft has already released Continue reading →
photo credit: Gibson Claire McGuire Regester
Name: Bill
From: Wisconsin
OS: Windows Vista
———————-
I’ve been using Apple Safari browser for some time now because I don’t get any of the menacing ads that seem to plague IE and Firefox.
How do you rate this browser since I never hear anything about it?
You are correct, I don’t talk about Safari (Apple’s web browsing program that just became available on Windows within the last year) much on the Windows platform. Probably because the browser market is so crowded with Firefox, Chrome, Opera, and of course Internet Explorer. Overall, I think Continue reading →
photo credit: diegoperez74
Name: Barb
From: Grand Junction,CO
OS: Windows Vista
———————-
If I install Windows 7 and I find I do not like it, can I re-install Vista on my HP Laptop by using the recovery Disk, then I would have to set it all up again?
Is it necessary to have Winows 7 professionaly installed, or is it as easy as the Beta version you installed?
Thanks for all you do, you have helped me so much over the years.
First, you are welcome…I appreciate the kind words and hope you keep talking about me and referring people to the site for years more to come.
And, yes, you can definitely Continue reading →
photo credit: ~Oryctes~ (away)
Name: Marty
From: Houston, TX
OS: Windows XP
———————-
Is there a difference between the AVG trial version and the AVG free that you refer to on your site? Is it too late to get the free version or is it the same as the trial version? Thank you. Is it compatible with WindowsXP – SP1 only? I still need to restore computer to SP2 but want to be protected ASAP.
Thanks.
MC
Yes, there is a difference between the trial and free versions of AVG. The trial version Continue reading →
photo credit: bitzcelt
Name: Robert
From: Grand Junction
OS: Windows XP
———————-
I listen to streaming audio on my computer but it is confined to one room. Is there anyway I can get the audio to my whole house system wirelessly ie transmitter hooked to computer output & reciver hooked to amplifier input with enough voltage to drive amplifier.
There a number of ways to listen to the music you have stored on your computer or music you can listen to via the web like Pandora or Yahoo Music all around your home. One inexpensive and easy way to Continue reading →
photo credit: iammikeb
Name: Steve
From: Tampa, FL
OS: Windows Vista
———————-
The problem concerns getting the Windows Update system to work–it has not updated in nearly two months and I even downloaded Registry Mechanic (PC Tools) to fix it but that doesn’t work. I can send a screen capture but it is Error Code 80240016.
Thanks very much.
Thanks for writing Steve. It appears that your problem relates to some corrupt Windows files. Try this first: Continue reading →
QUESTIONName: Cathy
From: Walworth, WI.
OS: Windows XP
———————-
I use Firefox and lately whether I have one or twenty tabs open all of a sudden it crashes and I have to re-open and restore tabs. This happens 3-4 times a night.
I have CA Security and Spy Bot.
Thank you,
Cathy
Thanks for writing and great question. Two ways to troubleshoot your problem. First, Continue reading →
photo credit: mrjoro
Name: Eve
From: Cedaredfe
OS: Windows XP
———————-
I downloaded the Ccleaner and ended up with the Yahoo tool bar. How do I get rid of it. Thanks
Hello Eve. I will answer your question in a minute, but first, let me talk about prevention. As always, prevention is the best medicine. During the setup of CCleaner, there is an option to NOT install the Yahoo Toolbar (see image below).
This lesson applies to almost any software we install. Take just a few seconds to look Continue reading →
photo credit: Tal Bright
Name: Beth
From: Missouri
OS: Windows Vista
———————-
Dear Rick,
I have a new laptop using Vista Home Premium 64-bit.
Advice on how to set it up?
email, browser, virus/ad/spy programs, etc? I am sure there are many people out there who want to know how to set up a new computer.
Usage – I will be setting up a network with my desktop (windows XP). I homeschool, so will do grading, lesson plans, research, etc. I email, do a little photo editing, sell/buy on eBay, multi-task with more than one program running and/or page open, etc. I am not a gamer. I also use it a lot for recipes, and knitting and sewing tips/patterns, and I am looking into getting a pattern drafting program.
Is it worth updating to Windows 7?
Also, I used firefox on the other computer. It took longer to load than IE, and used a lot of CPU in the process. Why?
Thanks for writing and congrats on your new computer. As to setting it up, click here to read my article describing how-to setup a new computer. It will cover all the things I do for my clients (and myself) when setting up a new system.
As for updating to Windows 7, yes, I Continue reading →
HelpMeRick.com started as a monthly tip site for beginners in 1996, and now supports our popular call-in computer show, and hosts thousands of useful computer tips and links.
Even if you are an experienced computer user, use our site as a resource to provide help to the friends, family members and co-workers you provide tech support for every day.
Loading ...
