Solving some sound problems

I helped a client over the phone today who had a sound problem. She could hear the Windows startup and shut down sounds, but could not listen to a CD or any Internet audio/video. After confirming that the Window's sounds did work (by going to the Control Panel, then Sounds, Speeches, and Audio Devices), I had her insert a music CD. A few seconds later, Windows Media Player appeared and she said the picture was moving and...

Windows Defender Startup Error

I have already received multiple emails and calls about a Windows Defender (Microsoft's anti-spyware program) error. The error looks something like this: "Application failed to materialize: 0x800106ba. A problem caused Windows Defender Service to stop.To start the service, restart computer or search Help & Support on how to tart service Manually." This is a result of the beta (still experimental) versions...

55 Minute Uninstall

Wow, it would have almost been faster to backup the data, reformat the hard drive, and reinstall everything from scratch. The long install was of the grossly over programmed Norton Internet Security Suite. Here's the breakdown of my appointment: 8:26am Arrive at customer's house. He tells me that his computer is running extremely slow. 8:32am I sit down and hit the power button on the computer. 8:36am Still...

Changing the XP Startup Logo

Warning: If you mess something up, your operating system may not boot. 1) First, create an image that you want to use. Paint is the easiest to use. It has to be 640X480 and 16 colors(not 16 bit). Save it as “Boot.bmp“. 2) Copy Boot.bmp to the C:\Windows\ directory. 3) Right click on My Computer > Properties > select the Advanced tab > under Start up and Recovery, click on Settings > Click on Edit >...

Count your processes

"My computer is running slow." This complaint tops the list as the number one computer owner complaint over the past few years. Once an infliction for older computers only, slow computer syndrome (SCS) can affect even the newest and most powerful of computers. With Windows XP, there is one quick barometer that you can use to test the health of your computer; the Processes list. Too many processes running...

MSCONFIG: These items are unneccessary

We talk about the Microsoft Configuration Utility (msconfig) so much, that we have a t-shirt available for it in our store. Msconfig is accessed by: Click Start Click Run Type:   msconfig Click OK Once in the utility, you want to click the "Startup" tab. Here is a list of some the programs that can be safely unchecked. After doing so, click OK, and restart the computer as instructed and your computer...

What’s in my msconfig?

Here are two sites that help you figure out what is in your msconfig: Task List Programs System Info 

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...

Windows XP Repair Option

I was ‘back in the saddle’ today after a hiatus last week for spring break with my kids. Helped a client out with a problem that, fortunately, isn’t too common, but common enough that it warrants its own tip. It applies to Windows XP only and you might need to try using it if you cannot boot your computer up to anything other than the startup menu screen (where you get the option to start in Safe...

Startup Cop Download

Statup Cop is a utility for Windows 2000 and 95 users. Since these versions of Windows don’t have msconfig, this tool helps with troubleshooting startup problems.

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...

Another Safe Mode Boot Command

I mention entering Safe Mode many times on the show to help people solve problems or perform system utilities. Safe Mode is used when there may be a problem with your monitor or other device drivers required to start Windows normally. Safe Mode uses default settings and a minimum amount of device drivers to run Windows. The screen, in safe mode, displays only 16 colors (ugly) and all the icons seem out of place and abnormally...

Using the Resource Meter

Lack of memory can cause many of the most common computer problems. Learn how to keep track of your computer memory and what to do about it using the Resource Meter.  Windows 98 and Me usually have this feature installed by default. You can find the resource meter by clicking on Start –> Programs –> Accessories –> System Tools –> Resource Meter Windows 95 users may need to install the...

Stopping the Starting

Are you having a tough time figuring out how to get some programs from automatically opening every time Windows starts? Then this tip is for you. If you are using Windows 98, then the method is easier than with Windows 95: 1. Click on Start 2. Click on Programs 3. Click on Accessories 4. Click on System Tools 5. Click on System Information 6. Click on the Tools menu 7. Click on System Configuration...

Stop the Messenger Pop Up Windows

Recently, many listeners have asked how to get rid of the annoying messenger pop-up windows they receive when online. This problem affects only Windows XP users. These messenger pop-ups are NOT related to the MSN Messenger service used for instant messaging. These messages are unsolicited advertisements where the advertiser utilizes a function of Windows XP called the Messenger Service. The purpose of the Messenger Service is...