Starting today, I can now help you remotely with your iPhone or iPad questions (and some Android devices)!! Using the same technology that I use to help with computer problems and training (Windows and Apple), I can now do the same thing with your Apple device. I won’t be able to manipulate the device remotely, like I can with computer… Read More »Remote Help for your iPad, iPhone or Android device!
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 all computers.
Unplug the power from the high speed modem.
Unplug the power from
In the almost 14 years that I have devoted to helping computer users, I have discovered a few computing standards:
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.
Microsoft released Internet Explorer 7 in October and although it contains many improved features, it has also brought on a slew of new problems for computer users just moving to it.
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… Read More »How to Install Windows 7 Updates 1 at a time – Notes
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… Read More »Troubleshooting HP Printer Network Issues
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… Read More »Longest hiatus is over
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.
Once you shut your computer off this way, let it sit in the off position for a few minutes before turning it on again. If you are using Windows 95/98/Me, don't worry if it barks at you a little for 'not properly shutting down'. 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.
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:
Now you can use your Office 2003 programs normally.
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