How to use System Restore

I don't know how we missed posting this tip, but somehow we did so now I'm rectifying the situation. One of the best features of Windows XP (and now Vista) is the ability to undo many problems that we may cause ourself or the system causes through updates or other unknown situations. It is called System Restore and it allows you to roll back your system to a previous time when all was blissful without losing any...

Windows Vista: Is it worse than we thought?

I have not made any secret of the fact that I am afraid of Windows Vista. Tomorrow Vista hits shelves and I an dreading the rush of calls from people who don't read our website and newsletter. Here is a short list of what I know about Windows Vista so far. Please use the link at the bottom to email this article to anyone you know who may be considering the move to Vista who doesn't read our website and...

Learn how to check your backups

I'm glad to see so many of my customers really starting to take backing up seriously. As we start storing more and more crucial or even irreplaceable data on our computers, it is absolutely imperative that you learn to backup your data properly.  Once you start backing up, you may start to wonder, "Hmmm, does that disk really have the information that I need on it?" If you are backing up by simple using the...

Remember to feed your mouse

Interestingly, I received two phone calls and another email today all regarding the same subject. Upon starting their computers, these users could not move their cursor around the screen…despite repeated attempts. It turns out that in all three cases, they were using cordless mice. Cordless mice talk to the computer via radio waves to a receiver attached to the computer. Since they are cordless, they can't get power...

Turning off system restore

There are two ways to turn off System Restore (probably more). Way number 1: 1. Right Click on My Computer 2. Choose Properties from the menu 3. A window will come up 4. Choose the System Restore tab at the top 5. Check the box to turn off System Restore 6. Click Apply and OK   Way number 2: 1. Click on Start -> (All) Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> System Restore 2. Click on System Restore...

Solution for computer that can’t change desk...

This solution WILL fix your problem, but don’t run away afterwards and forget about us. HelpMeRick.com contains hundreds of tips (and video tips) that YOU can use as a reference for yourself and especially as a reference to send links to your friends/family so you don’t have to write out or explain the steps yourself! I ran into this problem earlier this week and found the solution. The customer could not change...

Restore the Show Desktop icon

I have had at least three people ask me how to do this lately, so I thought I would throw it up on the web site for all of us to have as a reference: 1.    Click Start , click Run, type notepad, and then click OK.2.    In Notepad, type the following text on individual lines: [Shell]Command=2IconFile=explorer.exe,3[Taskbar]Command=ToggleDesktop 3.    Click File —> Save As from the menus4.    In the Save In...

Photo Restoration

Digital Photo Restoration Restoring old photos is one of the coolest things you can do in digital photography. The best part is that anyone can do it. All it takes is a scanner and a nice image editing program. Important Photo Restoration Tools There are many several tools that you just can't do without when it comes to restoring photos. Cloning tool This is my favorite tool. Depending on the program it may go by ...

Keep all your disks and documentation

I worked on a computer today which needed reformatting because of massive failure from viruses and spyware. They handn't followed the "Castellini on Computers Approach to Security" so the computer needed my help. When I need to perform a reformat, I need to have all the original software or restore CD's to get everything up and running again. If my customer doesn't have the disks, then I have to search...

Oops…I hate it when I make mistakes

I’m always the first to admit when I make a mistake, but damn I  hate making them! Especially when the mistakes affect a customer I’m working with at the time. While uninstalling yet another copy of the bloated Norton Internet Security today, I ran into the Norton Password Manager. Unfortunately, some of my work (like anyone else involved in a business) becomes repetitive and robotic and that can lead to...

Computer guys are kind of like Zorro

Before I begin, I want to make it clear that I am not complaining in this post at all. I am just explaining the events of the day. I began my day with a blank schedule. My mother in law was scheduled to arrive to spend a couple of weeks with us so I had blocked today so that I could help my family get ready. My phone rang at 7am this morning. It was a dentist’s office. They had accidentally done something that had...

Some interesting web finds….

After years of reading computer magazines and trying to keep all my info straight, I finally came up with an idea to make my reading more streamlined and my retention a little higher. Actually, it is just like taking notes in school, but I didn’t make the connection for about 15 or more years. Now, I keep a notebook with me when I read the trade magazines, and I jot down web sites or tips that I read, that I want to...

Backup Outlook Express Email

The most reliable way is to search your computer for *.dbx files using Start –> Search. Make sure you check the option to search for hidden folders and files. Then backup any of the dbx files. To restore these files on a new computer or new installation, Start Outlook Express, Click File –> Import –> Messages. Follow the wizard and choose Outlook Express 6 as the type of email you are importing,...

How to Format Your Hard Drive and Reinstall Window...

WARNING:  I have done my best to outline the steps in this somewhat arduous task, but undertake this procedure at your own risk. Because of the vast differences in hardware and software, I cannot possibly cover every nuance. Please use this Tip as a guide and not the end all. AND BE SURE TO BACKUP ANYTHING YOU DON"T WANT TO LOSE PRIOR TO UNDERTAKING THE TASK! Since many of the sites that I used to refer...

Backups: Don’t try to double-click on them

I received many emails this week thanking me for the tip on how to back up your address book. Don’t forget that I also have past tips on how to print your address book as well, check out the archives below. However, I also received many questions regarding why when you try to double-click to view a back up file an error occurs. When you backup a database from within a program (like Quicken, Quickbooks, your address...