Being a geek (Yes I admit), I like to have full control over my computer. I want to know what is running, when it does and why it behaves like that ? I also like to know what (if any) did that program i just installed want to run at startup. And especially since my kids – without any concern – download and install games, movies and whatnot on my computer (even tho they have their own) – I really like to know what is booting, and what is slowing me down at present.
Archive for the ‘Windows Vista Maintenance’ Category
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Using Computer Error Codes To Solve PC Problems
In this guest post, James Ricketts explores using computer error codes to solve PC problems. Learn more about James at the conclusion of this post.
One of the most common complaints of computer users across the world is that they find computer error messages to be complicated and hard to understand. This is partly true as most computer error messages do not clearly spell out cause of error and its possible solution. However, certain error messages do leave certain clues in the form of error codes, which not only computer experts, but any common user can use in order to solve PC problems.
These error codes may look like a random collection of numbers and letters, but they are your best bet in solving the error yourself. This article shows you how to effectively use computer error codes to solve your PC problems.
Perform a System Restore in Windows Vista and 7 [How To]
I recently had an issue trying to install Office 2010. To get it fixed, a system restore seemed like the proper action to take. The purpose of System Restore is to return your computer to a previous state under which it was operating as it should. This guide will walk you through restoring your system to a previous ‘good state’.
Before we start though, make sure you save any work and close all programs.
Steps To Solving PC Problems Caused By Missing DLL Files
In this guest post, James Ricketts explores steps to solve common DLL errors. Learn more about James at the conclusion of this post.
When something goes missing you can either look for it randomly or go about your search in a systematic, step-wise manner. Obviously, in the second case, the efforts involved will be much less and the chances of success higher. What if you are asked to search something you have never seen or heard about? In such a case you should first take some time to gather some basic information about the missing item that will help you ascertain its origin and why it could have gone missing.
So, before you go ahead and start searching for a file that may have gone missing on your computer without any prior warning, it is of utmost importance that you begin by understanding a few basic facts. These include knowing the purpose of this file, and usual reasons for a file to go missing. This article will make you aware of DLL files, causes for their disappearance and finally steps to solve such problems.
Backup Just About Anything with Ashampoo Burning Studio 6 Free
Windows Guides reader, TheManRetired, offers two guides to help users who are new to Windows. The first guide covers installation of Ashampoo Burning Studio 6 Free. This second guide covers setting up your first backup to CD or DVD. If you’d like to provide help (simple, advanced etc., let me know.)
Hopefully you have the program installed but if you don’t I have written up an installation document that shows how to install it and where to get the program with a link to site that I know has it, so here we are going to start using the program. The screen shot here are made using the FastStone Capture program. With Burning Studio you can backup just about anything that is on your hard drive but I suggest only backing up what you have created as you can never get all the files and registry setting for programs and it is safer and better to reinstall the programs anyway so they set right and work and you don’t have to try and find out why they are not working like before. Here I am backing some music files that I ripped from my cd’s but the principles apply to all your files, you will just have to change the location of where you get the files to places on your hard drive and sorry this document will not go into all the places on your hard drive that the files are, most of them on a windows system will be in my documents(or just documents depending on your version) and most of them are located under your user account in either Documents and Settings or under Users depending on your version of windows, I am not going into any Linux or Mac systems as I don’t have them but if you want to give me one I would be happy to write up a document like this for those systems.
Securely Backup Your Data Online for Free [How To]
This is an excerpt from the Windows Guides PC Security Handbook. To learn more or find out other security-related tips, download the PC Security Handbook now.
Data backup is essential. If you’d like to explore local backup options, download my Windows pocket guides. I strongly recommend using online (off-site) backups. Backing up your data online prevents data loss if your computer is damaged or stolen—or if your data is wiped by malware.
Online Data Backup
By far my favorite solution for online backup is Mozy. Mozy offers free online storage (up to 2GB with paid options too.) I’ve had Mozy installed on my laptop for over two years and it has saved me on more than a handful of occasions.
Setup is simple and after downloading Mozy, you can specify what you want to back up and when. Mozy will automate your backups and let you decide when it backs up (specific times), what causes it to back up (low CPU usage), and how often (one, two, three etc. times a day.)
I just let Mozy run and it alerts me after a successful backup:
You can specify what types of files to backup or specify folders— it’s up to you:
Mozy even integrates into My Computer so you can browse and restore your backed up files (even ones you’ve deleted from your computer):
MozyHome Features
- Open/locked file support: Mozy will back up your documents whether they’re open or closed.
- 128-bit SSL encryption: The same technology used by banks secures your data during the backup process.
- 448-bit Blowfish encryption: Secures your files while in storage, providing peace of mind that your private data is safe from hackers.
- Automatic: Schedule the times to back up and MozyHome does the rest.
- New and changed file detection: MozyHome finds and saves the smallest changes.
- Backs up Outlook files: Disaster-proof email protection.
- Block-level incremental backup: After the initial backup, MozyHome only backs up files that have been added or changed, making subsequent backups lightning fast.
Download Mozy for Free
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