Troubleshooting | Castellini on Computers - Computer help for beginners

Posts Tagged: troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Your High Speed Internet Connection

photo credit: geo462rge

This tip needs to come back to the front page again. I’ve helped many more people the last few weeks with this issue.

Please print it and hang it by your computer…and send it your friends as well.

I posted this tip many moons ago, but wanted to bring it back to the front page because we have so many new high speed Internet users. Click the Printer Friendly option at the bottom of this tip, print it out and post it next to your computer…you will be glad you did.

Routers take high speed Internet signals and then distribute the signal (route) to multiple computers. Sometimes, however, the signal gets lost and an Internet connection cannot be made. This can be due to multiple reasons, but most can be rectified the same way. Before you reach for the phone or grumble under your breath, follow this simple and highly effective procedure to get your system(s) up and running again.

Shut off Continue reading →

It’s OK to shut computer off with the power button

We have discussed this topic many times, but I continue to hear from people who forget this simple troubleshooting step. When a problem arises that seems insurmountable or you can’t move your mouse or type on your keyboard, shut the computer off at the switch.

There are two ways to shut your computer off when a problem occurs…actually three ways.

Push and hold the on/off button for at least fifteen seconds or until you hear the computer shut off (don’t just push it once and let go…nothing will happen).
Flip the switch on your surge protector. Yes, we should all use surge protectors…good ones.
Reach around the back of the computer and pull out the power cable.

Once you shut your computer off this way, let it sit in the off position for a few minutes before turning it on again. With any computer, this isn’t the preferred method of shutting off the computer, but in a pinch it usually gets you out of a jam.

Application Tips / Riding Shotgun with Rick — 21 Comments
11
Feb 09

Stop the Microsoft Office Agreement (EULA) from popping up every time you start Outlook, or Word or Excel

Office EULA If you are using Microsoft Office 2003 and Windows Vista, you might run into a situation where the End User License Agreement pops up every time you start Outlook, Word, Excel or other Office programs. No matter how many times you click “I agree”, the license keeps appearing. To stop the EULA from appearing, follow these steps:

Close ALL Microsoft Office related programs (Outlook, Publisher, Powerpoint, Excel, or Word)
Click Start –> Computer
Double-click the C drive (your primary hard drive)
Double-Click the Program Files folder
Double-Click the Microsoft Office folder
Double-Click the Office 11 folder
RIGHT Click on any of the Office applications (Winword, Outlook, Excel)
Click Run as Administrator
The program will start and ask you to agree to the EULA (agreement) again and click I agree or Yes
Close the program
Close all open windows

Now you can use your Office 2003 programs normally.

Riding Shotgun with Rick — 4 Comments
7
Nov 08

How can I increase traffic to my site?

You can lead a horse to water What a week! For some reason, my scheduling went a little awry this week and made for some long days. In addition to my scheduling problems, however, I could have saved a ton of time (thus the 3 day hiatus of new posts) and my clients could have saved a lot of money if they were more diligent about backing up their data and keeping track of passwords and software.

This web site is exactly the same age as my business…almost 13 years old. In those thirteen years, I can emphatically claim that customers who read my site daily and follow the advice and tips have far less problems and trouble with their computers than those who never visit. And when regular readers of HelpMeRick.com do need an on site consultation from me, they rarely last longer than an hour and usually involve more instruction that troubleshooting. After building this site for 13 years and adding to it almost daily, I can answer at least eighty percent of the most common computer questions with articles found right here at HelpMeRick.com.

I pose the question to you, the faithful HelpMeRick.com visitor: What can I do to encourage you to recommend this site to others and to get them to become regular visitors? What types of articles do you like and which do you dislike? Are the how-to videos working well for you? Any advice and feedback I can get from you to make HelpMeRick.com a better and more reliable resource is appreciated. Leave a comment below and let me know what works and what doesn’t work here at HelpMeRick.com .

Thanks for your help.

Photo by renatotarga

General Computer Tips / Riding Shotgun with Rick — 1 Comment
9
Oct 08

You can do what I do

Smart Rabbit I love learning. My goal is to learn something new every single day I open my eyes. Luckily, I learn multiple new ideas, techniques, or facts every single day. When it comes to my job troubleshooting computers, I believe anyone can do it if they follow the formula I use.

You need to be able to be able to learn and learn quickly. Computers, software, peripherals and the infinite combinations of them change at a rapid pace. Learning to be flexible and adaptable is a must.
Remember and/or document solutions that you discover so you can use them again.
Work with as many different computers and situations as possible. Every computer is different than the next because of the way they are configured, what software is installed, whether the software has been updated, what security packages are installed, and more make every computer a unique challenge. The more of them you work with, the better your foundation becomes for the next one.
Read as many online troubleshooting blogs, tech newsletters, support pages, and magazines as you can possibly digest. And again, document and/or remember the information that you deem the most helpful or applicable to everyday computer users.
Hone your Internet searching skills (I use Google almost exclusively) so you can quickly find answers to problems you may have not yet encountered. When I say hone your skills, I mean learn how to properly word a search phrase and re-word it if necessary. Learn how to quickly scan the results of a search for the most logical and applicable result. Learn how to use tabs in your browser to make your searches and reading even faster. Learn how to discern which possible solutions apply to your specific situation. And finally, learn how to properly implement the solution you just found.
Learning to carry out a solution requires that you to learn how to safely and properly make use of tools like Windows Device Manager, the registry editor, the command prompt, task manager, computer management tool, anti-virus, and anti-spwyare scans to name a few.
Always keep track of the steps you take as you work towards a solution. By keeping track and leaving yourself some bread crumbs, you can often back track if a solution results in a dead end and you need to star over.
And most importantly, follow Harry Callahan’s (Clint Eastwood) advice, “A man’s got to know his limitations.” Computer problems can eat up more time than a late night infomercial. Know when to walk away and re-evaluate a situation.

I’ve laid out most of the steps and techniques I use every day to solve computer problems. Feel free to use them and develop your own skills. When you decide that you need more help, follow Callahan’s advice and then call in the professionals.

General Computer Tips / Riding Shotgun with Rick — 1 Comment
25
Sep 08

Your one stop troubleshooting spot

In the almost 14 years that I have devoted to helping computer users, I have discovered a few computing standards:

- - - - Many computer problems can be solved by simply restarting the computer.
      - In the event of a mouse, keyboard, monitor, sound, printer or Internet problem, always triple check your cables to make sure everything is plugged in securely.
      - Much to the dismay of computer users, almost all problems were caused in some way by something we did or didn’t do…usually unknowingly or inadvertently.
      - Your neighbor/co-worker/family member/ cannot fix your computer.
      - Very few computer users backup their important data.

With these five basic rules established, use my basic troubleshooting tips for printers, sound, Internet (click here) and other problems BEFORE panicking and before calling tech support. You will be pleasantly surprised how either performing rule #1 above or using these guides can dig you out of a problem rather quickly.

Hardware Tips / Riding Shotgun with Rick — 1 Comment
18
Jul 08

Printer Troubleshooting 101

Lately, I’ve run across many printer problems so I’m going to share with you my formula for approaching a printer problem.

Shut off computer
Shut off printer
Check cable from printer to computer and make sure it is securely plugged in on both sides
Check cable from printer to power source and make they plugged in well.
Turn the printer on and wait for it to go through all of its startup activities (wait until it is quiet)

If the printer happens to be a HP printer, I will sometimes unplug the power cable from the back of the printer, then hold the power button down while plugging in the power. Release the power button after about 15 or so seconds

Turn the computer on
Click Start –> Control Panel –> Printers
RIGHT Click on the printer having trouble
Click Cancel All documents
RIGHT Click on the printer having trouble
Click Resume Printing (if available, it means the printer has been paused…don’t click the Pause Printing option)
RIGHT Click on the printer having trouble
Click Use Printer Online (if available, don’t click the Use Printer Offline option)
RIGHT Click the Printer
Click Properties
Click Print Test Page
Click Yes on next message that appears
If the test page prints, close all open windows and try printing from the Internet, and/or your word processor and email. If everything is printing fine, you are finished. If you do not get a printed test page, the move on to the next steps.

Additional steps to take if the above steps don’t get the printer working:

Shut off printer
Make sure all lids and doors to the printer are closed properly and not accidentally open
Take the paper out of the paper tray and check for a paper jam…if present, clear it by opening the back of the printer and gently easing the stuck paper out or gently pull it from the front.
Turn printer back on and check that all ink cartridges are secured properly. You might even want to remove them and then re-install them securely.
If the printer has any type of screen or read out on it, check to make sure it isn’t giving you any error codes. If there are error codes, use the printer’s manual to look up the error and follow the advice given for the specific error.
If all of the above checks out ok, I then unplug the USB cable connecting the printer to the computer, then Click Start –> Control Panel –> Add/Remove Programs
Find and remove all software related to the printer then restart the computer
After the computer restarts, insert the original printer disk and reinstall the software. Plug in the printer when the on-screen instructions indicate to do so.

These steps should get you pretty far in solving many printer dilemmas. If they do not get you printing again, contact a computer professional or call the printer manufacturer.

Riding Shotgun with Rick — No Comments
9
Jun 08

Are Macintosh computers poised to make a run?

iPhone 3G JUNE 2008 UPDATE:

I wrote the article below two years ago, ran across it tonight and wanted to write an update to it. At the time I wrote it, I think the now famous Apple and PC guy commercials had just started ramping up and the ominous steps towards Windows Vista were getting closer. My words probably weren’t unique at the time, and I don’t claim to be a sage, but it is astonishing how much the market has really changed since 2006. Linux continues to make a bigger splash world wide, and I continue to install it on more computers here in Western Colorado. Apple’s sales and stock price are literally going through the roof. My Macintosh service calls (mostly for ordering and training…rarely for troubleshooting) continue to escalate as well. Almost 18 months into Windows Vista, I see the machines on only about 10% of my appointment mostly because no one is buying them.

Today, Apple announced their new iPhone version 2.0 will be released in July. Three to four years ago, Microsoft was starting to increase market share of their mobile operating system with their mobile Windows in the smartphone arena. Palm and Blackberry used to dominate that market, but Microsoft was predicted to dominate. Then in June 2007, Apple released the iPhone to extremely positive reviews and cell phone consumers who couldn’t get their hands on one fast enough.

Since then, all other smartphone operating systems have take a hit and iPhone users, largely, couldn’t be happier. I personally have 5-6 clients who are pretty picky phone users and have owned literally dozens of phones over the years, but say they wouldn’t trade their iPhone for anything at the moment. The new iPhone 3G (faster cell speeds) announced today improves on every facet of an already excellent product. The new iPhone 3G will be cheaper, faster, slightly smaller, have a longer battery and talk-time life, offer GPS navigation and incorporate a brand new platform that will allow developers to invent new ways to use this already versatile tool.

What are your thoughts on my older story below and this new story you just read? Also, what do you think of the new iPhone 3G…hype or substance? Leave me a comment below!!

Story below originally posted on 2006-05-09 16:40:45 -0600

I helped a customer configure a new Macintosh laptop today. This was the third time in a month that I did that. And if I think back over the past year, my Macintosh calls for both help and learning how to buy a new one have escalated by at least double. Is Western Colorado indicative of a bigger national trend?

Maybe so. Macintosh computers are hands down the prettiest machines in the market today. Apple takes great strides to engineer the look and feel of the Mac to make it not only pleasing to the eye, but pleasing to the rest of your house. Certainly a pretty machine does not make the Mac worthy of consideration by itself. However, Apple continues to innovate and deliver solid products to the marketplace. They are easy to adapt to (even for Windows’ faithful), safer to use on the Internet (most likely because of their small market share), and provide ease of use for the most common computer functions; email, Internet, music, pictures and video.

The fact that their prices have steadily decreased doesn’t hurt either. The laptop I helped configure today was their ultra-portable iBook with a 12.1 wide screen with 1 GB of RAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, wireless, CD/DVD Burner and more for under $1400.

Last month, Apple announced that a program (Boot Camp) is available for owners of the new Intel Mac computers that allows them to install and run Windows XP side-by-side with the Mac operating system. Only geeks really raised an eyebrow at this, but the more I think about it, the more I think that some huge changes may be in store in the computer market in the upcoming year to eighteen months.

Riding Shotgun with Rick — 6 Comments
20
May 08

I no longer recommend Ubuntu or Macintosh

If I keep recommending Linux/Ubuntu and Apple Macintosh to my customers, I will have to find another line of work.

Admittedly, I came to the Linux table very late (just over a year now) and have only been luke warm to Macintosh over the years. Windows Vista put me over the edge last year, and I started looking seriously at other operating systems. What I found in both Ubuntu and Mac OSX was an extremely stable, secure, easy-to-use operating system. I estimate that over the past 18 months or so, I have recommended and help setup more than 2 dozen Apple computers or Linux computers that I either installed Ubuntu on or were bought new.

With only one exception (a woman who missed her AOL software), all have stayed with their new non-Windows machines and have thrived. They report nothing but computer bliss with their systems and never regretted jumping from bloated, bug riddled, slow Microsoft software.

However, their computer bliss and lack of problems has translated into drastically reduced troubleshooting visits from me and zero calls to tech support centers in Pakistan. If I keep recommending and guiding people into these machines, my business will almost dry up and third world tech support agents will also lose their jobs. So, please, disregard all my past advice regarding Ubuntu or Mac, and stay with Windows…preferably Windows Vista. I need to feed and clothe my family, fill my vehicles with petrol and “Mary” and “Bob” need to do the same for their families in Pakistan and India.

Just say NO to stable, safe, error-free computers running Ubuntu or Mac OSX and help the world economy by investing in a Windows Vista computer and the subsequent maintenance and repair dollars for the Vista machine !

Riding Shotgun with Rick — 1 Comment
5
Feb 08

Brain transplant

If I could impart one aspect of my computer knowledge to everyone who uses a computer, it would be the ability to understand file management.

File management, in the computer world, means how information (files) are stored and utilized on a computer system. Understanding file management, means understanding:

How to locate files (documents, pictures, spreadsheets, music, etc) on your computer.
How to move those files from one area (directory or folder) to another area on the computer.
How to delete those files.
How to backup those files so you never lose them.
How to send the files to another person via email.
How to manipulate the file in various programs and understand what programs can manipulate what files.
How to properly save an email attachment and how to find it any time you need it.
How to determine how much physical space a file uses and how much space is available on your hard drive, cd, flash drive, etc.

The answers to all these questions give a computer user so much more confidence and power than a person who doesn’t have this knowledge. With solid file management know-how, many aspects of computing that used to be a chore become routine. Questions that have been haunting a computer user for years, suddenly become clear with the knowledge of file management.

In my day-to-day dealings with computer users of all abilities, the lack of file management knowledge clearly stands out as being the largest hurdle for any computer user. Unfortunately, trying to explain file management in a short troubleshooting session is extremely difficult.

If you happen to be a computer user who struggles with the information I described above, I implore you to learn about file management. I created a video tutorial called THE Secret to Computing that describes in depth how to gain the knowledge of file management that will greatly enhance how you work with your computer. For just $25 + shipping, I will send you the video that will change your computing life.

If you dont have a PayPal account, click Continue Just click the Buy it Now button below and securely pay with a credit card or a PayPal account, and I will rush the video to your mail box.