Why we recommend the stuff we do

Our listeners and subsribers have probably heard me say, "Don't let your kids fix your computer, no matter how old they are or who they work for." I say this because many of my appointments come as a result of a full grown son or daughter who "works for Microsoft" or  "Is a computer tech for ___________ University" coming home and "fixing" the computer. I have no doubts that said...

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...

What should I back up?

Recently, you have heard me talk a great deal about flash memory drives and there usefulness for backup. One of our listeners/newsletter readers, recently asked what files are important to backup. So, tip number one in backup is to backup only those files that you create. These include but are not limited to: Financial program data (Quicken, Money, etc)  Email and other address books  Saved email messages Important...

Re-installing a problematic program

Sometimes a program that is giving you trouble will work better after reinstalling it. Here are some tips to help make that process a little easier and more successful. Uninstall the problematic program by using the Add/Remove programs applet in the Control Panel in Windows Restart your computer via Start–>Shutdown and restart; even if the computer doesn’t ask you to do so. After Windows reloads, shut...

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...

Run Scan Disk or Defrag in Safe Mode

Performing regular disk maintenance on our computers helps keep them running smoothly. However, some computer users are not able to successfully complete the two standard disk utility programs…Scan Disk and Defrag. Scan Disk may produce an error pop-up stating that it tried to complete the operation up to ten times, but wasn’t able to complete it. Or, with defrag, the error may mention that another program is...