Monday, February 28, 2011

XP Automatically Restarts After I Shut it Down

Does your Windows based computer sometimes appear to have a mind of its own? There are a few reasons why Windows may do something other than what you command. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, there may be a simple fix for your computer issue:
  • Does your computer automatically restart when you prompt it to shut down?
  • Does your computer unexpectedly restart when you ask it to perform certain tasks?
  • Do you get an error message or a blue screen when the computer automatically restarts?
Windows operating systems are typically configured by default to automatically restart when a program stops responding. The first step is to check your settings. To do this, follow these instructions:
  • Click on Start
  • Right click on My Computer
  • Click on Properties
  • Click on the Advanced tab
  • Under Startup and Recovery click Settings
  • Under System Failure look at to see if the box that says automatically Restart is checked.
  • You can change the setting by unchecking the Automatically Restart box. This should stop your computer from automatically fix the issue with your computer continuing to restart.
When the box is unchecked and the system encounters a problem you will receive an error message rather than an automatic restart. When and if you receive an error message you can research the message to see what type of error you have and how to correct it.

If you do receive continuous error messages it is a clue to you, the user that a critical error or issue needs further resolution. In this event you should research the error message and complete steps to correct the problem.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

My Router Connection Keeps Dropping

There are many reasons why your router connection may drop. Some of the reasons are controllable by the user; others have to do with the network performance or the auto-speed detection of the router itself. The router has the capability to detect what the difference in speed from one network to the next and sometimes the device gets it wrong.

Sometimes a connection is dropped when the router becomes confused. When the devices at your computer and at the other end of the network are trying to auto-detect at the same time, it can cause conflict resulting in a dropped connection.

Typically home and office networks run anywhere from 10 to 100 megabits per second. 10 is the most common for most home computer systems. The router will monitor the speed and automatically change it if and when necessary. Ensure when purchasing a router that you have one that is adequate to meet your needs.

It is possible to turn off the network speed auto detection if you are consistently having problems with dropped connections, however in most cases this will not be necessary, unless you have exhausted all other options.

You should take the following steps first to attempt to remedy a dropped router connection:
  • Disconnect the power cord, cable and/or phone line to the modem.
  • Wait about 5 minutes and plug all of the cables back in to the modem.
  • IF you have more than two computers on the modem you can disconnect one computer at a time and attempt to connect using the computer that is still connected.
  • Do this one by one and see if you can determine the source of the issue. If your connection works with all but one of the computers it may mean that either the computer that is disconnected may be the source of the issue, or the router can’t handle all of the connections for your computer systems.
  • You can try the following: First, contact your internet service provider to see if there are settings that can be adjusted on their end to correct the issue. If this does not work contact your router support line and ask them for assistance with the router connections or suggestions for other capabilities.
  • A last resort may be that you may have to purchase a router that can better support your network.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Benefits of Defragmenting Your Hard Drive

Many common computer problems can be prevented by performing a simple task called disk defragmentation. In addition, prevention there are also benefits that make your computer run better. Disk defragmentation can be done on any drives that hold files, this includes flash drives.
Disk defragmentation is a simple process that rearranges files on your computer to make them run more smoothly. It is recommended that disk defragmentation should be done about once a month for frequently used drives and at least twice a year for smaller or less frequently used drives.

Disk defragmentation offers the following benefits:
  • You will be able to access your files quicker because your computer doesn’t have to search as hard for the files when it is prompted to locate them.
  • It preserves the life of your computer by cleaning up files that have been fragmented throughout your drives.
  • It will make commonly used programs run faster, which in turn makes your computer work better.
  • Performing this task regularly can prevent wear and tear on your drives, your programs and the overall functioning of your computer.
Most computers today automatically run disk defragmentation; however, there is an option you can use to per perform a disk defragmentation manually. Performing this task more frequently than necessary is better than not doing it frequently enough.

Disk defragmentation can be performed by taking the following steps:
  • Go to Start
  • Programs or All Programs
  • Accessories
  • System Tools
  • Disk Defragmenter
  • Click on Defragment Now
The time this takes will range anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the size of your memory and the number of drives you are defragmenting. You can still utilize your computer during the time that your disk is defragmenting.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

How to Get Rid of Messenger Pop-up Windows

Messenger pop-ups are little windows created by computer users or companies that use that use the Windows net send command to create the uncontrollable pop-up messages you see on your screen when you least expect it. There are a few different types of pop-ups that may surface; these may be general browser pop-ups, advertisements or pop-ups generated from adware or spyware. Regardless of what they are, most users find them annoying and distracting.

All pop-ups can be prevented by installing or using an existing pop-up blocker. While most operating systems now do include a built in pop-up blocker some users that still work from an older operating system may need to manually stop pop-ups by disabling them or installing a special program. Many browsers such as Google have pop-up blockers that can be turned on to prevent pop-ups from occurring.

There are several programs that prevent these ads from popping up without your consent and interrupting your computer work. If you are working with Microsoft Windows it is advisable that you stick with a Microsoft sponsored option for pop-up blocking, some non-Windows programs specifically designed to stop pop ups may interfere with other components of the operating system and while the pop-ups may be blocked other issues may surface.

Here are some universal instructions for Windows users to stop the messenger pop-ups from intruding on your computer screen.
  • Write down the pop-up messenger string information
  • Click on the Start menu
  • Go to the Run command
  • Type Services.msc /s
  • Click on OK
  • Locate the messenger string and select this from the box
  • On the Services toolbar select Properties
  • On the Startup type set this to Disabled
  • Click on the Stop command
  • Click Apply
  • Restart your computer for your setting to take effect

Monday, February 7, 2011

How to Correct a Blurry Screen

There is nothing worse than a blurry screen when you are trying to work or play on your computer. There are a few common causes for a blurry screen, and most causes have fairly simple fixes that can be done without the expensive help of a trained technician.

Here are a few of the common reasons for a blurry screen and some ways to troubleshoot through each of them.
  • Extreme hot and cold temperatures and changes between the two can cause the computer screen to become blurry. Ensure that the location of your computer has a fairly regulated temperature. If your screen is only occasionally blurry, take note of the temperature at the time when you notice the blurry screen. Even fans and overhead lights can contribute to a blurry screen. Experiment by removing fans and turning off lights to see if it eliminates the problem with your blurry screen.
  • Magnetic devices around your computer system may cause issues with your monitor. Remove magnets or toys away from the screen to see if this helps the resolution.
  • Loose monitor connections are a common cause for monitor blurriness. Believe it or not some people forget about the most obvious culprit. Check your connections; ensure that both ends are secured tightly.
  • The picture may be out of alignment. It is easy for resolution settings to get adjusted by mistake. Play around with the controls on the monitor to see if this brings the picture back into focus.
If none of these tips help to resolve the issue of your blurry screen it may simply mean that your monitor needs to be replaced. If possible, try hooking up another monitor to the same system to see if the problem persists before purchasing a new monitor.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Access to Adobe Reader is Denied

Trying to open, copy or move a file or folder in Adobe can result in the ACCESS DENIED prompt. The reason that access is denied may be that the user does not have permission to view the folder or the folder is not shared properly. It may also happen when trying to open up a PDF file within certain external e-mail programs, such as Microsoft Outlook Express, Mozilla or Eudora. Typically the access issue is an easy fix.

The best place to start if you have Adobe access issues is to restart your computer and try again to access the file. If this does not solve the problem, you can take the following steps to correct the access denied issue:

For Windows XP and Windows Vista Users:
  • Right click on My Computer
  • Click on Manage
  • Double click on the Services and Application Tab
  • Next click on Services
  • Double click on Server
  • Under the General Tab of the Server Properties menu go to the Startup Type prompt and select Automatic
  • Click on the Start button under Service Status
  • Click Apply
  • Click OK
  • Restart your computer for the new settings to take effect
If you are not a Windows XP or Vista user or the first fix does not solve the problem, try the following:
  • Open up Adobe Reader
  • At the Toolbar go to Edit
  • Click on Preferences
  • Go to the General tab under Categories and unclick the “Enable Protected Mode at Startup”
  • Click Yes and then OK
  • Close Adobe Reader and try again to reopen the PDF file
Hopefully one of these options will allow you access to Adobe. If all else fails, contact the support line provided through your operating system.