Reset Internet Explorer 7 or 8 or 9

Microsoft released Internet Explorer 7 in October of 2007, version 8 in the summer of 2009, and version 9 (Vista and 7 users only) in March 2011. Although each new version contains many improved features, it has also brought on a slew of new problems for computer users just moving to it. If you are bent on using Internet Explorer (instead of Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome as I recommend), but continue to have nagging...

How to Install Windows 7 Updates 1 at a time ̵...

Recently, I have found that if Windows 7 users get a little behind on Windows Updates that the update procedure will fail unless you install them manually one at a time. Here are the notes on how to do just that…install Windows 7 updates one at at time so you can successfully get them all installed and get back on...

Troubleshooting HP Printer Network Issues

If you are using any HP printer that connects to your computer via a network (wireless or wired), you are bound to run into some issues with connecting to it. Fortunately, HP has built in a network troubleshooter that will help you solve these hiccups. Even before using that troubleshooter, however, try some simple steps first. Here’s what I recommend for troubleshooting HP printer network problems: Shut off computer...

Longest hiatus is over

Due to many circumstances, busy scheduling, and a couple of short trips, I have been noticeably absent from posting new articles here at HelpMeRick.com the last few months.  Thanks for continuing to search for and use the information found within these virtual walls to help make your computer life just a little easier. During these past few weeks, I have helped many, many people with their computers to fix and tweak various...

Save Money on Computer Repair Bills

It’s no secret that I am a computer consultant/trainer/troubleshooter. So, why would I potentially take food out of my own hand by writing this tip? Three reasons: I like to help people and share knowledge I dislike troubleshooting messes that could have prevented and I enjoy teaching people how to get the most out of their computers instead of being frustrated and constantly battling or worrying about the...

Troubleshooting Your High Speed Internet Connectio...

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...

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

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...

Stop the Microsoft Office Agreement (EULA) from po...

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,...

How can I increase traffic to my site?

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...

You can do what I do

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....

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...

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...

Are Macintosh computers poised to make a run?

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...

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,...

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...