Microsoft Word or Office Problems after last week&...

This is a short note to help those folks who are having problems with opening Word documents after a critical update from Windows last week. It appears it is unique to folks with some specific HP software. After studying it, I would recommend going to Add/Remove Programs and remove the HP Share-to-Web program (unless you are really using that feature…most people don’t). If you do use that feature or want to learn...

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.

Nothing is by the book

There are two things that make the businesses Rick and I run different from running a computer shop or working as the IT guy in a big company. 1. We see dozens of computers each week and no two of them are the same in any way. 2. Rarely is anything done by the book. Every person has their own preference for desktop wallpaper, word processing program, Windows version, printer, antivirus, digital camera, web browser, etc. It is...

Make a list for your computer guy

Whether I am teaching someone how to use their computer or I am fixing a computer, I have found that I am best at helping someone out when they make a list of everything that needs done. Today I had two great clients that had nice neat lists made up of everything that needed done. One particular client had a long list of 15 or 20 things, but because she had taken the time to write them all down, I was able to get through the...

How to get into safe mode

We have told a number of callers today to run their utilities like scandisk, antivirus and antispyware in safe mode. Here is a quick reminder on how to do it. You can find more information on safe mode by searching for "safe mode" in our search box. 1. Turn on your computer 2. As your computer turns on press your F8 key over and over in about half second intervals until a menu of options comes up. 3. Choose Safe...

Simple Advice to Protect Your Computer and Your Sa...

This tip, if followed, could substantially limit the number of phone calls we get on the radio show and put a dent in my computer troubleshooting and training business. I can sum up the entire tip in one phrase you have heard me utter many times on the radio show: "If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it."   I know ain’t isn’t a word, but if AOL can say "You’ve got...

Close all your applications at the same time

If you use multiple programs at the same time, when you’re done working on your computer for the day, you probably close each open application one by one. This week’s tip will show you how to shut down all open programs at the same time. Follow these steps to close all your programs at one time: Hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard and click on each application button on your taskbar (the bar next to your...

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...

Re-installing a troublesome program

First step; backup any user files that you have created in the program. Second; properly uninstall the program by either using its uninstall or remove option in the Programs menu OR using Add/Remove programs in the Control Panel. When finished, restart your computer (Start –> Shut Down, Restart) Next, reinstall the program with one small change: When the setup screen comes to the destination directory (something...

About Rick, Adam & the Show

The Castellini on Computers radio talk show hit the air in April 1999. Our idea was to create a talk show where anyone would feel comfortable asking questions about technology. While there are a number of computer and technology related talk shows on the radio, Castellini on Computers is the only show that centers around callers’ questions. We strive to keep the show focused on the everyday questions, concerns and...