Computer Problems and Fixes

This section deals with the Problems and Fixes applied to the Computer. However it is a growing list so you may find the following with regard to checking the items useful. In the top right corner of the standard toolbar is a magnifying glass, and a small arrow. Clicking on the small arrow drops a menu. Click on the 'Find on this page' option. This will bring a small search bar to the bottom of the screen. Typing part or all of your query in the box may find your item quicker.

I cannot connect my new BT Router to my computer. They say it is all here but I cannot seem to find a socket for it. Mr H
My computer keeps crashing and I find I cannot log out of Outlook express. Mr & Mrs S
My computer and printer won't talk to each other, so I can print nothing. - Mr BS
The computer keeps constantly freezing, both loading and trying to turn off. I cannot use it at all.(Windows Vista). Mr KK
I have a Windows Vista computer. I cannot get onto the internet. It was all set up in the shop but it doesn't seem to be working. I also can't get into my e-mail. Mr NT
My computer has been running very slowly and now it has almost stopped, what can I do about it? Mrs L.L.
I am being told that I have 97 infections on my computer by Contra virus v2.0. I haven't actually got a proper antivirus installed. Contra tell me they can get rid of it but it will cost me money. What can I do about it? Mrs JD (THIS FIX COST THE CLIENT NOTHING, NOT A PENNY!)
I want to set up a Business computer setup, what do I need to be thinking about? Mrs JW
I have a laptop and a tower computer, I would like to set up a wireless network in my house. What do I need to be thinking of before I start? Mr JB
I am having problems with my printer. I have been told by a friend that I can change the setting using the 'msconfig' procedure. Can I do that? Mrs JB
I seem to have a program called Registry Repair Pro on my computer. It keeps bringing up a message telling me that I have faults in my Registry. My computer is working fine, how do I get rid of it? - MrsCH
I keep getting messages from some sort of e-mail non-delivery service, saying my e-mails haven't been delivered all over the world. I'm not send e-mails like that, what is going on? HIP
When I log onto the internet my anti-virus system keeps downloading the same items, but not installing them. What is going on? Mrs OG.
My computer freezes so I can do nothing. The only way I can get out of it is to crash the computer by hitting the on/off button - Mr JL.
I have a funny message come up from Microsoft about my having requested a change to my password for MSN. I haven't asked for a change of password, what is going on? Mrs JM

I cannot connect my new BT Router to my computer. They say it is all here but I cannot seem to find a socket for it. Mr H

The new BT Homehubs are supplied with an ethernet connection cable. (Often yellow and square connector.) Some older computers need a USB connection cable (Often blue and flat connector). To connect the new Router to your computer you may need to buy an ethernet/usb converter.

My computer keeps crashing and I find I cannot log out of Outlook express. Mr & Mrs S

It turned out that this problem was caused by a change of Internet Service Provider (ISP). The original settings had not been removed and it was confusing the computer

My computer and printer won't talk to each other, so I can print nothing. - Mr BS

This problem can sometimes occur when one job in the printer queue becomes stuck. If that is the case then go into the printer list of jobs waiting to be printed and delete the problem print item. This may free up the printer so it talks to the computer again and allows printing to occur.

The computer keeps constantly freezing, both loading and trying to turn off. I cannot use it at all.(Windows Vista). Mr KK

This one could not be dealt with except by a visit. Several attempts were made to get the computer to fix itself so data could be retained. In the event the system had been so corrupted that a full system format and reinstallation had to be completed. This not only returned it to full use, but made it much quicker too.

I have a Windows Vista computer. I cannot get onto the internet. It was all set up in the shop but it doesn't seem to be working. I also can't get into my e-mail. Mr NT

Basically this problem was caused by the computer not being set up properly by the shop. It took no account of Windows Vista requiring new drivers for the modem. Once the correct drivers had been installed, and the computer set up properly, connection to the internet was made. The e-mail question was sorted when it was found that the shop set up the e-mail address, then told the client the wrong e-mail address. It would never have been possible to set up the account on the information given.

My computer has been running very slowly and now it has almost stopped, what can I do about it? Mrs L.L.

This particular problem was caused by many small things adding up into a big problem. First checks were run on the hardware and then software. Then the huge build up of unwanted material was removed to enable the computer to run at a far better speed. Since this involved a series of steps it is not feasible to detail them, especially as it will vary depending on the results of the tests. The only way to sort this particular problem out is to have someone check the individual machine.

I am being told that I have 97 infections on my computer by Contra virus v2.0. I haven't actually got a proper antivirus installed. Contra tell me they can get rid of it but it will cost me money. What can I do about it? Mrs JD (THIS FIX COST THE CLIENT NOTHING, NOT A PENNY!)

It would appear that Contra virus v2.0 is actually advertising from Contra, and not a virus. To get rid of it download the Free AVG antivirus and run it. Then download the Free Windows Defender and run it. It apparently needs a restart of the computer to take effect, but should get rid of Contra altogether. (The Client was NOT CHARGED for this assistance. Try that against other Providers)

I want to set up a Business computer setup, what do I need to be thinking about? Mrs JW

As with all Computer setups, you must start with what you actually want, and how much you want to pay. When you look at it logically, you can work out all the options, together with costs. This will enable you to decide exactly what you need to spend, and when. Don't spend money, till you know it will enhance your plans. Having said that, it is worth investing a small amount of money getting appropriate advice, rather than just letting people sell you what they say you need. Don't just trust experts because they say so, trust someone who speaks a language you understand.

I have a laptop and a tower computer, I would like to set up a wireless network in my house. What do I need to be thinking of before I start? Mr JB

There are all sorts of things you need to consider, starting with whether the operating systems are compatible if they are different. (As they were in your case). Having established that, you need to know if they are already Wifi enabled, and if not how you can make them so. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to setting up wireless networks. There are too many variables

I am having problems with my printer. I have been told by a friend that I can change the setting using the 'msconfig' procedure. Can I do that? Mrs JB

There is a short answer for this one. You can change the settings, but DON'T EVEN TRY unless you really know what you are doing. It is a very powerful tool with great potential to cause problems if things go wrong, and it is not easy to recover the faults. You could end up with your computer refusing even to start properly. Don't try this unless you really know what you are doing.

I seem to have a program called Registry Repair Pro on my computer. It keeps bringing up a message telling me that I have faults in my Registry. My computer is working fine, how do I get rid of it? - MrsCH

The program is provided as a Trial version by 3B software. To remove it you can either undelete it from the program menu, or use the add/remove program on the computer.

I keep getting messages from some sort of e-mail non-delivery service, saying my e-mails haven't been delivered all over the world. I'm not send e-mails like that, what is going on? HIP

It is quite possible that your computer is 'infected' with some software that has been put on it by someone else. There are people on the internet who send out software that makes your computer send out e-mails on their behalf, usually termed 'spam'. They have hijacked your computer to do so. You need to make sure your firewall is working, then run your anti-virus software. If it stops then you are okay. If not, then you need to do a deeper clean of your computer. That cannot be covered on the helpline, level.

When I log onto the internet my anti-virus system keeps downloading the same items, but not installing them. What is going on? Mrs OG.

This one required a home visit. It turns out that the anti-virus system was a one-off system bought with the computer. It was trying to update itself, but as it was a one-off system, it could not update. The remedy is either to join the subscription service of the system provider, OR use one of the free updateable systems that is available.

My computer freezes so I can do nothing. The only way I can get out of it is to crash the computer by hitting the on/off button - Mr JL.

That is a harsh way to restart the computer. Try this way. Press and hold down the Ctrl and Alt buttons, at the same time as pressing the Delete button. It may take a few seconds but another window will come up - the 'Windows Task Manager' window. Go to the 'Applications tab', click on the problem application, then click on 'End Task'. If you don't know which is the problem application, turn them all off. This should free your computer so it will work. A restart in the usual way is a good follow up step.

I have a funny message come up from Microsoft about my having requested a change to my password for MSN. I haven't asked for a change of password, what is going on? Mrs JM

The new Microsoft MSN has a default setting for the password. This is 72 days. Thus after 72 days it automatically says you wanted to change your password. If this occurs you need to go into the link on the message, follow the instructions and change your password. BUT, then click on the box that says to change it after 72 days. The tick should be removed, and you should not have the problem. Be aware, if you get one of these messages and you do not deal with it eventually you will have lots of problems. If in doubt give me a ring.