IT Troubleshooters

104-bit WEP, a very common security for 802.11b/g/n home and office WiFi networks can now be cracked in a few minutes with a standard computer. That the security could be broken easily is not new news, but that it can be done so quickly, with standard hardware, is.

If you want to secure your home network, consider using WPA or WPA2. Use WPA2 if your hardware supports it. Look through the documentation for your wireless router and wireless network card to figure out how to implement WPA.

When you uninstall Windows Internet Explorer 7, Internet Explorer 6 is automatically restored on your computer. If you install Internet Explorer 8 then Internet Explorer 7 is automatically restored on your computer.

Uninstall Internet Explorer 7 & 8
Click Start, and then click Run.
In the Open box, type appwiz.cpl, and then click OK. It may take several seconds for your computer to compile a list of programs.
Scroll down through the list and click Windows Internet Explorer 7 or 8, and then click Remove.

If method 1 did not uninstall Internet Explorer 7 or 8, try using the Spuninst.exe executable wizard on your computer.

Make hidden files and hidden folders visible
Click Start, and then click My Documents.
On the Tools menu, click Folder Options.
Click the View tab.
In the Advanced settings list, under Hidden files and folders, click Show hidden files and folders, and then click OK.

Uninstall Internet Explorer 7
Click Start, and then click Run.
In the Open box, type %windir%\ie7\spuninst\spuninst.exe, and then click OK.
Follow the wizard instructions to uninstall Internet Explorer 7.
Uninstall Internet Explorer 8
Click Start, and then click Run.
In the Open box, type %windir%\ie8\spuninst\spuninst.exe, and then click OK.
Follow the wizard instructions to uninstall Internet Explorer 8.

A basic, but important, concept to understand when using a computer is cut, copy and paste. These actions will allow you to easily copy or move data between one application and another or copy and move files and directories from one location to another. Though the procedures in this tutorial are considered to be basic concepts, you would be surprised as to how many people do not understand these essential features. Even more importantly, once you understand these fundamentals you will be able to use this knowledge on almost any computer operating system as long as you know the corresponding keys that are used for these features.

Windows Clipboard

Windows has a feature called the Windows Clipboard. The clipboard gives Windows users the ability to store information in memory and than retrieve that information for later use. The cut, copy and paste functions rely on the clipboard in order to work. The process of placing data into the clipboard is know as copying or cutting. The process of retrieving the data from that clipboard and placing it into another location is called pasting.

How to highlight text in a document

Before you can copy, cut, or paste text data you must be able to highlight, or select, the text that you want to perform the action on. This is called highlighting and allows you to select all the information in a document or certain portions of it. Once the text is highlighted you can then copy or cut that information depending on your needs.

Use your mouse
Using your mouse to select text could not be any easier. Simply find the location you would like to start selecting from and place your mouse cursor there. Then press and hold the left mouse button and drag the cursor to the last area you would like to highlight. You will find that as your are holding the left mouse button and dragging the mouse cursor, the text between where you first pressed the button and where you dragged the cursor to will now be highlighted.
Use your keyboard
You can use your keyboard to select text by using the arrow keys while holding down the shift key. Place your cursor at the location you would like to start highlighting and then press and hold the shift key while you move your cursor with the keyboards arrow keys. As long as you are holding down the shift key, as you move the cursor with the arrow keys the data that you are moving the cursor over will become highlighted.
Pressing Control+A
When you press Control and then the letter A on your keyboard at the same time the program will select all the data in the document similar to how Select All works in the previous methods.
How to select files and folders
ust as you can highlight, or select, text you can also highlight files and folders for use with the copy, cut, and paste commands. Selecting files and folders work a little differently then text though. When selecting text you must select the text so that the highlighted text is next to the other highlighted text. Files and folders, on the other hand, can be selected as seen fit and the files do not have to be next to each other.
Cut, Copy and Paste with Files and Folders
It is also possible to use the same key combinations and commands on files and folder. Simply select a file(s) or folder(s) and cut or copy it. Then you can select another location to paste it to. If you paste a copied file or folder in the same location that the original resides in, Windows will automatically append Copy of in front of the file name. For example if I copy and paste the file test.txt to the same directory the original is in, it will paste the file as a new file called Copy of test.txt.

A computer, operating system, software program or driver may stop responding or cause other programs to stop responding because of several possible reasons, such as a confliction of software or hardware resources between two programs, lack of system resources, or a bug in the software or drivers.

To recover from a program that has stopped responding, a user can generally press the CTRL + ALT + DEL keys on the computer keyboards to open the “Close Program” window or open the “Task Manager” window and click the “End Task” button to terminate the program. If another window opens, click the “End Task” button again to confirm stopping that program.

It is important to realize that when a program stops responding any work that has not been saved will more than likely be lost when end tasking a program. Unfortunately, there is no alternative.

Here are some basic trouble shooting tips for monitors:
The picture does not appear
Check to make sure the signal cable is firmly connected in the socket.
Check to see if the computer system’s power is ON.
Check that the Brightness Control is at the appropriate position, not at the minimum.

The Screen is not synchronized
Check to make sure the signal cable is firmly connected in the socket.
Check that the output level matches the input level of your computer.
Make sure the signal timing of the computer system is within the specification of the monitor.

The position of the screen is not in the center
Adjust the H-Size, H-Phase or V-Size, V-Center controls.
Check if the signal timing of the computer system is within the specification of the monitor.

The screen is too bright or too dark
Check if the Brightness or contrast control is at the appropriate position, not at the maximum or minimum.
Check if the specified voltage is applied
Check if the signal timing of the computer system is within the specification of the monitor.
Especially, check the horizontal frequency.

The screen is shaking
Move all objects that emit a magnetic field, such as a motor or transformer, away from the monitor.
Check if the specified voltage is applied.
Check if the signal timing of the computer system is within the specification of the monitor.

These steps should be taken when you’re unable to get the printer to turn on and print properly.
First, make sure that the printer is on. When a printer is on it should have some type of light (usually green) that indicates that the printer is receiving power and is on.

If you do not have any indicator light make sure the printer is connected to a working power outlet by verifying each end of the power cable. Next, press the printer power button.

If after following the above steps your printer still cannot get a power status indicator it’s likely you’re encountering a serious printer issue and we suggest contacting the printer manufacturer for additional steps and/or instructions on repair or replacement.

Cables not connected properly

Your printer should have two cables connected to it. The power cable and the data cable, the power cable should have already been verified as being connected if your printer has a power indicator light as mentioned above. Make sure the data cable (parallel cable or USB cable) is also connected from the printer to the computer.

Printer error (orange or blinking light)

After your printer has completed its initial startup you should have a solid green light. If the light indicator is blinking or orange often this is an indication of a printer error. For example, this could indicate a paper jam, issue with the ink or toner cartridge, or other serious error.

Because there is no standard to what a blinking light or orange light means if you’re getting either of these we suggest referring to the printer documentation for troubleshooting steps or methods of determining what the status indicator is reporting.

No paper or paper jam

Without paper your printer will not be able to print. Make sure you have paper in the paper loaded into the printer paper cartridge or tray. Next, verify that no printer paper is jammed or partially fed into the printer. If you have one or more pieces of paper stuck in the printer these will need to be manually removed before the printer will print again.

Inkjet printer ink related issues

Often when you’re encountering an ink related issue you’re printer status indicator light (mentioned above) should be flashing. If this is not occurring you may want to simply skip to the next section. However, if you’ve recently inserted a new ink cartridge you may want to try make sure they are correctly inserted.

Printer self tests

Most printers have a way of printing a test page. This page allows you to determine if the printer is physically working or not. This test is usually accomplished by holding down a series of keys. If you are not sure if your printer has this feature or how to perform it refer to your manual or visit your printer manufacturers web site.

In addition to testing the printer using the printer self-test Microsoft Windows users can also perform a software self-test to determine if their computer is able to see the printer and it’s able to print. Follow the below steps to perform this test.

Microsoft Windows 98, 2000, ME, XP, 2003, and Vista users

Click Start, Settings, and open Control Panel.
Double-click the Printers or Printers and Fax icon.
Right-click on the Printer you wish to test and click Properties. If you do not see your printer listed your printer is not installed.
In the Printers Properties window click the Print Test Page button.

If the printer is able to print a test page, you’re printer is installed and setup properly. However, if you’re unable to print in other programs it’s possible that the program you’re attempting to print from has issues.

This issue could be caused by any of the below possibilities.

Software issue or error.
Hardware issue or error.
Heat related issue.
Computer virus.
Issue with operating system.

Software issue or error

Errors generated by software programs can cause a computer to reboot unexpectedly or without warning. If you are running Windows XP see the below section “For Windows XP users” before continuing.

If you are not running Windows XP or following the below steps still cause your computer to reboot without warning. Boot your computer into Safe Mode, and let the computer run in Safe Mode. If the computer is still rebooting in Safe Mode the issue is likely not software related but something else, skip to the next section. If the computer is not rebooting in Safe Mode it is likely you have software related issue. We would recommend you run through the basic troubleshooting section for your operating system.

For Windows XP users

Windows XP is designed to automatically reboot each time an error occurs such as a BSoD. Although this may be nice for errors that do not occur often, users who have a re-occurring error may wish to identify the error to troubleshoot it. Below are the steps on how this feature can be disabled and enabled in Windows XP.

From the desktop right-click on My Computer.
Click the Properties option.
In the System Properties window click the Advanced tab.
In Advanced click the Settings button under Startup and Recovery.
In the Startup and Recovery window uncheck the Automatically restart check box.
Click Ok.
Now if the computer generates and error it should not automatically restart and enable you to display any errors your computer may be experiencing.

Hardware issue or error

Any failing hardware component in your computer could cause your computer to unexpectedly generate an error and reboot without warning. If you have recently attempted to add a new hardware device, remove that device to make sure it is not causing your issues.

Make sure you are not encountering any hardware conflicts by viewing Device Manager for errors. Additional information about Device Manager can be found on our Device Manager page.

New drivers can also cause this issue, if you have recently performed any hardware driver updates you may wish to try an earlier version of the drivers. Additional information and help with computer drivers can be found on our drivers page.

If you have updated drivers and removed any hardware that could be causing this issue and continue to experience random reboots, it’s possible that the memory is bad in the computer. Finally, hardware devices that are not installed properly in the computer can also cause random reboots. Make sure all the cables and expansion cards are connected properly to the computer. The best way to determine this is to disconnect and reconnect all cables and expansion cards.

Computer virus

Computer viruses such as the blaster virus are written to reboot your computer without warning. Usually these viruses will make the computer reboot ever 5, 10, or 15 minutes after the computer has booted.

If you believe your computer may be infected with a virus or are uncertain if your computer is infected with a virus make sure your virus scanner definitions are up to date. and see if you are able to run any anti-virus software in Safe Mode.

Heat related issue

Most computer today are designed to turn off or automatically reboot if the computer, processor, or other device in your computer gets to hot. If you have heard any abnormal noises coming from your computer recently such as a high squealing this could indicate a fan may be failing in your computer.

You can first start by verifying the fan on the power supply is working by examining the back of the computer and seeing if the fan is moving and moving smoothly. For all other fans in the computer you will need to either open the computer and make sure the fan are working and if your BIOS monitors the RPM of the fans enter BIOS and make sure the BIOS does not report any errors.

Users may also be able to determine how hot their computer is by onboard thermal sensors, if your computer comes equipped with these sensors make sure your CPU is not running to hot.

Issue with operating system

If after following each of the above recommendations your computer still continues to reboot it is likely that you are experiencing a Microsoft Windows operating system related issue that cannot be explained. To help make sure this is the case please try the below steps.

Reboot the computer and enter CMOS setup as the computer is booting. After you have loaded the computer in CMOS setup let the computer sit. If the computer does not reboot while letting the computer sit in CMOS it is likely that you are in fact experiencing an issue with Microsoft Windows and it is recommend that if you have followed all of the above recommendations that you reinstall your version of Microsoft Windows.

The runtime or run-time error message can be caused by:

Confliction with TSR or other running program
Software issue
Computer Virus
Memory issue

Confliction with TSR or other running program

If you are encountering a runtime error message while in Windows or above ensure that the issue is not being caused by a third-party program or TSR by end tasking all open programs.

If, after end tasking all TSRs, you continue to experience the same issue and are running Windows 95 or Windows 98, verify that no utility or program is being loaded in the autoexec.bat / config.sys that is causing your issue by temporally renaming the files. To do this, follow the below instructions.

Boot to a MS-DOS prompt. Information on how to do this can be found on document CHDOS.
Once at the MS-DOS prompt, type:

cd\ ren autoexec.bat autoexec.ch ren config.sys config.ch Once completed, reboot the computer.

Software issue

If your issue persists it is possible that the program, utility or game causing the runtime error may have issues. Verify through the developer’s web site that all updates or patches that may be available have been downloaded and applied.

If no patches or updates are available, attempt to uninstall or reinstall the program that is causing the issue. If you are having a runtime error in your operating system, reinstall the operating system.

Add-on, plug-in, or other extra software

Many runtime errors are also caused by other add-ons, plug-ins, or other extra software that has been installed onto the computer and is associated with the program generating the error. If you have any extra software installed that is associated with the program generating the error make sure there are no available updates for the programs and/or try uninstalling each of them to verify they’re not the cause of your issue.

Computer virus

Because computer viruses are capable of tampering with the system settings / memory it is possible for a computer virus to generate a runtime error. If you are currently running a virus protection program on your computer ensure it has the latest updated patch or .dat file.

If you do not have a computer virus protection program it is recommended one be purchased or that a demo be temporarily downloaded to scan your computer hard disk drive for viruses. There is many good free ones out there that will offer protection.

Additional information about computer viruses can be found on our virus information page.
Memory issue

Finally, if you have followed all of the above recommendations, it is possible that you may be encountering a hardware / memory related issue. We recommend that you first contact the developer of the program causing the issue for any possible solutions. If no solutions are found, we recommend you contact the computer or motherboard manufacturer for additional recommendations and/or service.

After installing any type of utility, driver or other software program on a computer you can encounter an almost endless list of issues that can be caused by any of the below reasons.

Confliction with other software installed on the computer.
Issue with program.
Improper installation or problems with installation.

If you’re encountering problems with your computer or other programs after installing new software on your computer attempt to uninstall the program and see if the issues persist.
After the program has been uninstalled try installing the program again.

Check for software program updates or new versions

If you continue to experience issues verify that the program, game, or utility you’re installing doesn’t have any updates by visiting the developer of the program website.

If you’re installing a software program or drivers for a hardware device such as a printer. Attempt to get the latest software or drivers from the manufacturer instead of using the included software.