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Recent Comments

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Comment by Wild Bill on Who is Winning the Robocall Wars? (November 20, 2024 01:35 AM)
I suspect (based on the number of calls to our landline and the near impossibility of tracking and apprehending the miscreants) that some of the 50% d...

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Comment by Erik S on [SCAM ALERT] Smishing is Getting Worse (what you need to know and do) (November 19, 2024 11:38 PM)
"WHAT IS MY NAME?" Whenever I have doubts, this is the question that I send back (in capital or regular letters). Not a single time so far h...

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Comment by Ernest N. Wilcox Jr. (Oldster) on Who is Winning the Robocall Wars? (November 19, 2024 11:00 PM)
I have MagicJack for y home phone. The service includes call screening, where a caller must enter a random number to complete the call. This feature h...

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Comment by BobZ on Who is Winning the Robocall Wars? (November 19, 2024 09:09 PM)
On my iPhone I have turned on “Silence unknown callers,” which automatically sends calls from numbers not in my contacts to voicemail. I can’t r...

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Comment by Radische on Who is Winning the Robocall Wars? (November 19, 2024 09:02 PM)
I voted early this year. Two days after leaving my ballot in the City Hall of the City I live in, I got a "Probable Scam Call" from an unknown number....

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Comment by S G on Which People Finder Sites are Legit? (November 15, 2024 01:03 AM)
I searched my name and address on fastpeoplesearch.com and found that the information was mostly wrong (including the address that I have supposedly l...

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Comment by Mike H on Which People Finder Sites are Legit? (November 14, 2024 11:49 PM)
After checking out fastpeoplesearch.com I got a very suspicious series of emails that I will block. I use https://www.usphonebook.com/people-search ...

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Comment by jerry on Which People Finder Sites are Legit? (November 14, 2024 10:32 PM)
Even if I don't mind paying, how do I know the information is for the correct person before paying? It is truly amazing how many people with unusual n...

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Comment by BDD on Which People Finder Sites are Legit? (November 14, 2024 10:22 PM)
I would use one of the pay sites if they charged a one time fee. My issue is paying for a monthly service which I will never do....

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Comment by Patti Dowie on Which People Finder Sites are Legit? (November 14, 2024 10:11 PM)
I have great luck with truepeoplesearch.com, and it’s free. Works 99% of the time for me!...

A computer operating system is a complex beast. If things go wrong with Windows, it can be difficult to track down the source of the glitch. But you can put away the screwdriver, sledgehammer (and chainsaw!) because there are plenty of free troubleshooters you can use to fix most problems. Read on for my recommended list of free Windows problem solvers...

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A desperate AskBob reader says, “I’ve managed to mess up my Windows system to the point of no return. It seems hopeless, so now I just want to reset it to its factory-fresh condition and start all over. How do I do that?” Read on and I'll tell you how, and why you might NOT want to use the Nuclear Option...

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Your computer suddenly starts to misbehave for reasons unknown... what to do? You could spend hours tracking down the subtle change that caused the problem, or you could climb into your time machine and go back to an earlier date when everything worked perfectly. That may be possible with the System Restore feature in Windows. Here's how it works...

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You forgot your login password for Windows 10 or Windows 11? Or maybe you 'inherited' a Windows computer and you can't log in. There's hope, but resetting a forgotten password for a Windows 10 or 11 PC can be complicated by several factors. In this article, I’ll show you how to create a Password Reset disk as a preventive measure, and also how to reset your password if you don’t have the disk. Let's dig in...

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In some Windows troubleshooting articles you’ll find a suggestion to fix a problem that involves editing the Windows registry. There’s always a dire warning attached, along the lines of, “Do not attempt to edit the registry unless you know what you’re doing! One wrong registry edit can render your machine unusable!” That's true, but with a bit of caution, you CAN safely edit the registry. (Just beware of hives.) Here's what you need to know, and some helpful examples...

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Ben Franklin opined that nothing is certain except death and taxes. I would add "aging eyesight" because it affects everyone eventually, diminishing the pleasure and productivity of computing. Various adaptive technologies are available to compensate for loss of visual acuity. Some are built into Windows. But these options all have limitations, and using them in certain combinations can actually make it more difficult to make sense of what’s before your eyes. Read on for a look at Windows display settings and how to use them to best advantage...

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Hardcore fans of Windows XP may differ, but I believe Windows 10 and 11 are the most stable versions of the operating system to date. Still, it's not unheard of for the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) to appear when Windows encounters an unexpected error. The good news is that you'll never see a Blue Screen of Death on Windows 11. The bad news is, they changed the color of the BSOD. On a Windows 11 system, it's the Black Screen of Death. But it's not all bad -- read on for the latest news on the BSOD and what to do if it happens to you...

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An operating system is a complex beast. If things go wrong with Windows, it can be difficult to track down the source of the glitch. But you can put away the screwdriver, sledgehammer and chainsaw, because there are plenty of free troubleshooters you can use to fix most problems. Here's my recommended list of free Windows problem solvers…

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Any time you install or run new software, there is a risk of damage to your computer. Even if the software is not designed to make mischief, there's still a chance that it has flaws or is vulnerable to exploits that could wreak havoc. Here's how to insulate your computer from software that may pose potential privacy or security threats...

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As part of the startup sequence for your Windows computer, there are a bunch of programs and scheduled tasks that automatically run, before the familiar desktop appears. Most of them are essential; some are dispensable; and others may be malicious. Read on and learn how to tweak your “autoruns” to improve performance and security...

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For millions of people running Windows 10, a decision is looming. When Windows 11 was announced, Microsoft made it clear that it would support only certain “newish” computers that have the latest hardware security features. That means the majority of Windows 10 users will soon face a choice: buy a new computer, switch to another operating system, or both. Here are some of the options to consider...

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A desperate AskBob reader says, “I’ve somehow managed to mess up my Windows system to the point of no return. I give up, and now I just want to reset it to its factory-fresh condition and start all over. How do I do that?” Read on and I'll tell you how, and why you might NOT want to do this...

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Have you ever experienced a time when your computer suddenly starts to misbehave for reasons unknown? You could spend hours tracking down the subtle change that caused the problem, or you could climb into your time machine and go back to an earlier date when everything worked perfectly. That latter option is possible with the System Restore feature in Windows. Here's how it works...

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I’ve waited a few days to write about Windows 11, because there has been a bit of confusion about exactly what it will be, when it will be available, and which computers will be able to use it. Even “official” Microsoft sources have offered up conflicting information, especially on the compatibility issue. Here’s what we know about Windows 11, and my best guesses for the unknowns. Read on…

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In some computer troubleshooting articles you’ll find a suggestion to fix a problem that involves editing the Windows registry. There’s always a dire warning attached, along the lines of, “Do not attempt to edit the registry unless you know what you’re doing! One wrong registry edit can render your machine unusable!” That's true, but with a bit of caution, you can safely edit the registry. (Just beware of hives.) Here's what you need to know, and some helpful examples...

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Most people are the sole or principal user of a PC or laptop, and hold the privileges of the Administrator account. An Admin is supposed to be omnipotent, having full control over every file and folder on a computer. It is frustrating to learn this is not always so! Here is why you may at times see “access denied” or “you do not have permission to access” a file or folder, and several clever ways to gain full control of your “personal" computer...

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For a variety of reasons, many people are looking for alternatives to running Windows 10. The most common complaints center on cost, problems with forced updates, privacy concerns, ease of use, and being trapped in a Microsoft ecosystem. One may as well consider other operating systems if there's going to be a learning curve anyway. Your options include Linux, Mac OS, Android, Chrome OS, and others. Here are several alternatives to running Windows on your desktop or laptop…

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A despairing AskBob reader says, “I’ve managed to mess up my Windows PC to the point of no return. I give up, and now I just want to reset it to its factory-fresh condition and start all over. How do I do that?” Read on and I'll tell you how, and why you might NOT want to do this...

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Some Windows diehards are never going to upgrade to the latest version. They like the look and feel of Windows 7 or Windows XP. Some still need to use legacy software that only runs on Windows 98. Others don’t like Microsoft’s strong-arm tactics that try to cram Windows 10 onto every PC. But switching to Mac or Linux isn't a workable solution for them. Is this free, open-source Windows clone the answer? Read on for the details...

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For millions of people still running Windows 7, a decision will need to be made this coming January, when Microsoft's support for that operating system ends. Moving to Windows 10 will mean learning something new, and may require updates to both hardware and software. One may as well consider other operating systems if there's going to be a learning curve anyway. Your options include Linux, Mac OS X, Android, Chrome OS, and others. Here are several alternatives to running Windows on your desktop, laptop or mobile device...

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A despairing reader writes, “I’ve managed to mess up my Windows PC to the point of no return. I give up, and now I just want to reset it to its factory-fresh condition and start all over. How do I do that?” Read on and I'll tell you how, and why you might NOT want to do this...

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Microsoft is not noted for shaking up the tech industry, except when it’s not supposed to (think of the disastrous Fall 2018 Update). The company whose Windows operating system powers the vast majority of the world’s PCs is about as “disruptive” as a public utility… something it aspires to be, after a fashion. But in recent weeks hints of Microsoft’s future plans have cropped up, and they could cause disruptions of the status quo. Here's what you need to know...

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Hopefully you know the importance of making backup copies of critical files. In the case of files whose contents change frequently, frequent backups are necessary. That Great American Novel you’re working on should be auto-saved every five to ten minutes. Your Windows system registry also needs frequent backup because it changes every second. But do you know how? Read on for the answer...

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Windows includes several free system maintenance and optimization functions for which some third-party apps charge an annual fee. Whether those optimizers do the job faster or better is debatable. Let’s just say you don’t have to pay for disk defragmentation, junk file cleanup, updates of Windows system files, diagnostics, and other tasks that help keep your system running fast and reliably. Here's what you need to know about the Windows Automatic Maintenance feature...

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Many of us are the sole or principal user of a PC or laptop, and hold the privileges of the Administrator account. An Admin is supposed to be omnipotent, having full control over every file and folder on a machine. It is frustrating to learn this is not always so! Here is why you may at times “not have permission to access” a file or folder, and several clever ways to gain full control of your “personal" computer…

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A reader asked recently, “Bob have you ever written an article on how to get into my computer if I forgot my password?” For a couple of reasons, I have steered away from doing so. But I think it's time to remedy that right now...

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The Problem Steps Recorder (PSR) is one of the more obscure features of Windows, but it can be a very useful one. If you've ever tried to solve a computer problem over the phone, you understand how frustrating and time-consuming that can be. If you're a user who needs to show a problem scenario to a tech support rep, or someone who wants to visually document a how-to process for a friend or relative, you should know about the Problem Steps Recorder, and other desktop screen recording tools...

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A despairing reader writes, “I’ve managed to mess up my Windows PC to the point of no return. I give up; now I just want to reset it to its factory-fresh condition and start all over. How do I do that?” Read on and I'll tell you how, and why you might NOT want to do this...

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Windows includes a host of built-in troubleshooters that can assist you in trying to assess and repair issues that your computer may be experiencing with the operating system. Let's take a look at how they work, and what they can do for you…

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Some diehards are never going to upgrade to the latest Windows version. They like the legacy look and feel of Windows XP, Windows 2003, or even Windows NT. They don’t like Microsoft’s strong-arm tactics that try to cram Windows 10 onto every PC. But switching to Mac or Linux isn't a workable solution for them. Is this free, open-source Windows clone the answer? Read on for the details...

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Back in March, 2016, I asked, “Is Desktop Software Dying?” The short answer is “yes.” Most new software is released first for mobile platforms these days; in some cases, a desktop version never appears. Fortunately, there are several ways to run Android apps on a Windows PC. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. Read on for my take on several of the best options...

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A security flaw in Windows allows anyone to steal usernames and passwords of logged-in users or even infect Facebook with malware simply by tricking users into visiting a specially-crafted Web page. Microsoft has known about the vulnerability since at least 1997, but the company has no plans to close this gaping hole. Read on to learn why, and how to easily protect against this threat...

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A despairing reader writes, “I’ve managed to mess up my Windows PC to the point of no return. I give up; I just want to reset it to its factory-fresh condition and start all over. How do I do that?” Read on and I'll tell you how, and why you might NOT want to do this...

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Yesterday I gave a summary of your responses to my Windows ebook survey, and answered some of the most common questions that were raised. Thanks again to the 5142 people who participated. Today, I'll answer more of those questions, and share some best practices for keeping your computer running in top condition. Read on...

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Wow, over 5000 of you responded to the survey about my upcoming ebook. I sifted, sorted and summarized your answers, then created a word cloud of the top issues mentioned in your questions about Windows. Read on for an expanded view of the results, and ANSWERS to some of the most common and interesting questions you raised...

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Earlier this week, Microsoft released several security patches rated Critical, which fixed vulnerabilities that could be exploited to give an attacker complete control of a computer. Did your Windows system automatically apply those patches? Read on to learn why you need to use Windows Update, and tweak it with my recommended settings...

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Microsoft is pushing Windows 10 harder than it’s ever pushed any previous version of its flagship product. Every device out there has received the “Get Windows 10” installation utility, which nags users to download and install Win 10. But Microsoft has gone a step further, actually pushing multi-gigabytes of Win 10 files onto the hard drives of people who haven’t asked for it. Here's what to do...

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Does your Windows system seem to run slower than it should, even after running maintenance programs such as Advanced System Care or Privazer? Does it take “forever” to shut down or restart? Does it stall during a restart, forcing you to shut off power and restart manually? If so, read on for a non-obvious possible cause of these problems and an equally obscure but simple solution…

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Caught red-handed, one computer vendor has admitted that it covertly disables the automatic-update feature of Windows Update, forcing users of some, perhaps all, of its Windows computers to download and install critical updates manually. Of course, many won’t, and they will leave themselves open to hackers and malware. Here's what you need to know...

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There are many cool Android apps that are not available for desktop Windows or Mac computers. But with a little work you can try Android apps without an Android-powered smartphone or tablet. Here are several ways to get Android and its apps running on your Windows PC or Mac OS desktop...

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When you start your computer, there are a bunch of programs that automatically run, before the familiar desktop appears. Most of them are essential; some are dispensable; and others may be malicious. Learn how to tweak your autoruns to improve performance and security...

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An operating system is an incredibly complex beast. If things go wrong with Windows, it can be difficult to track down the source of the glitch. But you can put away the chainsaw and sledgehammer, because there are plenty of free troubleshooters you can use to fix most problems. Here's my recommended list of free Windows problem solvers...

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Are you having a problem using or understanding certain Windows features? Are you getting error messages you don't understand? Having trouble with audio, video, printing, or getting connected to a network? Maybe you're concerned about privacy, security or performance. If so, the Microsoft Fix It Solution Center might be able to solve the problem with just a few clicks…

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Okay... you know that sticking with Windows XP is like driving with bald tires on an icy highway. But you don't want to spend even a dime on another version of Windows. Fortunately, there's a free alternative operating system that will do pretty much everything that Windows XP does. Read on to learn if it's the right choice for you...

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A reader asks: 'I have read that Microsoft will drop support for Windows XP on April 8th. Does this mean my computer will stop working? Will I need to buy a new PC?' If you're still clinging to Windows XP, you DO need to take action. Here's what you need to know about this looming deadline...

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Earlier this week, I published the first part of my essential addons for Windows users, focusing on security, office tools, and multimedia apps. As promised, here are more of my recommendations for productivity, customizing Windows, fixing common problems, and more. Read on for some awesome (and essential) free software...

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Microsoft Windows gets the job done when it comes to providing all of the essential elements of an operating system. It manages memory, stores and organizes your files, makes it easy to launch programs, and connects you to the Internet. But there are a bunch of free addons that I consider essential for users who want to do more than play Solitaire. Here's my list...

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Windows 8 is attempting to be a better alternative to old-school Windows. But it’s scaring off a lot of consumers who see a trusted, familiar face now radically transformed into something alien and confusing. One may as well consider other operating systems if there's going to be a learning curve anyway. Here are several alternatives to running Windows on your desktop, laptop or mobile device...

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If you are still clinging to Windows XP, it’s time to get serious about upgrading to another operating system. Microsoft will end all support for XP on April 8, 2014 -- one year from today. That may seem far off, and to some users it may seem trivial. But neither assumption is true. If you're still using XP, here's what you need to know now...

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Windows 8 is a radically new operating system that many users, consumer and business, are not prepared to adopt. Since its release last Fall, it’s appeared on only three per cent of desktops. If you want to cling to Windows 7 or, more desperately, Windows XP, how long can you do so and what should you expect? Here's the scoop...

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A hard drive glitch, a virus, or other data catastrophe can delete or damage critical system files in any operating system. Learn about free repair and recovery tools that can fix damaged Windows installations without having to reformat and reinstall everything from scratch...

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Is it safe to install ActiveX controls when websites prompt me to do so? I've read that ActiveX is a security risk, and should be avoided. What's your opinion of ActiveX?

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Suddenly I'm not able to create a Restore Point. I have been getting error message 0x80042306. I have tried reboot, tried Safe mode, neither has helped. I am thinking of doing a complete recovery, but thought I would ask you before taking this drastic step. Any help would be appreciated.

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Do I need Windows Live Essentials? I was reading a page on the Microsoft website that recommends installing this package of add-ons, but for most of them I either don't understand it or can't see why I would need it. Can you explain what each of the Essential tools will do for me?

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How do I make Windows XP run faster? My Windows startup is taking longer than ever, and once it finally stops churning, everything runs slower than it used to, when my computer was new. Any maintenance tips or tweaks to speed up Windows would be appreciated!

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Help! I downloaded a program that was supposed to remove spyware from my computer. But now I'm getting even MORE popups and my system freezes at random intervals. I tried to uninstall but can't find a way to get rid of this thing. What do you recommend?

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It's pretty scary when your computer won't start. The cause may be easy to find and fix, or it may take a trained technician and hundreds of dollars. Here are some troubleshooting tips you can try when your computer won't start...

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If your computer is starting up slowly or it sometimes hangs for several seconds, geeky friends will ask if you have cleaned your registry lately. Registry cleanup is one of the standard prescriptions for computer performance problems. But what is the Windows registry, and is registry cleanup really necessary? Can it be dangerous to your computer's health? Here's the scoop...

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Windows keyboard shortcuts are combinations of two or more keys (or a key and a mouse button) that, when pressed simultaneously, perform a task that would normally require moving the mouse around, clicking, and possibly navigating sub-menus. Windows keyboard shortcuts save time and wrist motions. Here are some you should know...

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The Windows taskbar - that narrow strip of icons at the bottom of your screen - is a nuisance to some and a fertile world of productivity for others. Learn the non-obvious secrets of the taskbar, you'll be glad you did. Read on and learn how to master the taskbar...

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Sometimes, something goes wrong with your Windows XP installation. It could be due to a hardware glitch, a software error, malware, a lightning strike, or who knows what else. In the worst case, Windows XP won't boot at all; you get a black screen and a message like disk boot failure, Invalid partition table, or missing operating system. Or Windows may boot up, but you keep getting error reading disk or file not found errors. In other cases, everything seems okay, but you can't access the Internet. Here are some time-tested tools and techniques to repair your Windows XP system...

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We have a need for speed when it comes to computing. Whether a computer is brand new or several years old, it's never fast enough. Here are a few tips to make your computer run faster...

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I just installed Windows 7 on a new desktop, and I want to trick it out. Where can I download new cursors, icons and backgrounds, and how are they installed?

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When I start my computer, I always get some sort of 'error in registry' message. Things seem to work okay after that, but it makes me wonder if there is a problem that should be corrected. Will a registry cleaner fix this?

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If you feel your computer is sluggish, what's going on? One reason could be your Windows startup programs. let's take a look at how to manage your startup programs, and pump some speed back into your system...

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I tried to run System Restore and got this error message: 'System Restore did not complete successfully. Your computer's files and settings were not changed.' Uggh. Why does this happen, and what can I do about it?

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I keep getting an error that says 'Data Execution Prevention - To help protect your computer, Windows has closed this program.' What is Data Execution Prevention, and why is it suddenly blocking programs that I've been using for years?

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System Restore is a great feature in Windows that lets you roll back the clock on system changes. Have you ever wondered how System Restore affects your computer's resources, performance and what's really going on behind the scenes? Read on...

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Whenever I go to Microsoft's website, it nags me to install a thing called Silverlight. What is Silverlight, and do I really need it on my computer?

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Task Manager is a utility built into Windows that lets you monitor the applications and hidden services running on your PC. You can also use it to force a task to shut down; get an idea of how well your Internet connection is doing; or see exactly what users are currently logged into your PC. Read on to tap in to the power of Task Manager...

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I've heard conflicting stories on the effectiveness of registry cleaners. Do they really help? If so, which registry cleaner do you recommend?

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What's the difference between virtual memory and real memory? And how can I add more virtual memory to my computer?

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If I'm using my laptop away from the office and I choose to print something and select print to file (since I don't have a printer with me) it creates a .PRN file, but how can I print that file later?

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My computer seems to get slower and slower. A friend told me I need a registry cleaner. Will that really help? If so, where can I get a good free registry cleaner to do the job?

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How can I password protect a file on my Windows XP system? I want to add a password so that nobody can open the file without knowing the password. I tried the Sharing and Security option, but there was no place to enter a password. There must be a way...

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I've heard that Microsoft just released a new service pack for Windows XP. Is SP3 going to make my XP machine run faster and jump higher? Or should I avoid it? I remember the SP2 hassles... What's your take on XP SP3?

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Why choose between Windows and Mac? Now you can run BOTH operating systems side-by-side on your Mac desktop. Here's the scoop on how to run Windows on your Mac...

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Devoted fans of Macs and PCs have been in heated debate for years, even before those I'm a Mac, I'm a PC commercials ever appeared. Let's set aside the question of which camp is right and focus on the reasons why some people choose a Mac over a PC, and the major differences between the two operating systems, for the benefit of those who are considering a switch from Windows to a Mac...

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I had a problem with Windows XP. A friend entered the registry and did something to it. Now every time I turn the computer on I get a notice saying that Windows Installer is preparing to install. I can't now open pps or ppt attachments. I don't know how to fix the problem and I don't want to reformat my computer. Any suggestions?

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I read in another newsletter that Microsoft's Genuine Advantage for Windows is spyware. Microsoft seems to be forcing it on me every time I try to update my system. Is Microsoft trying to poke into our private files with spyware?

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I've heard that Windows XP will run faster if you disable something called PreFetch. Apparently Windows remembers everything you have done and, in a misguided attempt to be helpful, pre-loads all the files and links when XP boots. What's your opinion on disabling PreFetch?

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All of a sudden, the Run and Search options are missing from the Windows XP Start Menu. What caused this, and how can I get them back?

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After helping a friend clean up a nasty spyware infestation, we had one remaining problem. Windows would say RPC Server is Unavailable when starting up, and also later when trying to print or install new software. Some other things just didn't work, like copy and pasting text, and right-click menus. Here's how I solved the problem and got the RPC server running again...

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I'm having trouble starting up my Windows XP system. A friend told me to run the Recovery Console from the bootup screen, and then enter some commands. But I don't see a Recovery Console option when I turn on the computer. I'm not even sure what the bootup screen is... help!

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I want to take a screenshot of my screen and save it in a graphics file, so I can email it to a friend. Do I need to purchase or download special software to do this?

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I was trying to fix a spyware problem and it seems I messed up my computer. Now when I start Windows XP, I get the 'MBR Corrupt' and 'Error loading operating system' messages. What should I do?

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I have Windows XP and the system has gotten very slow and flaky. I would like to learn how to reformat the drive. Can you teach me in simple English how to completely format the drive and then re-install the operating system? Yes, but... you might want to think about some alternatives first.

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Microsoft has announced a new service called Windows OneCare. Is it something you need for your computer? Maybe... If you're worried about not doing everything you should to keep your PC optimized and safe, then Windows OneCare is something that may help.

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I am using XP home with a cable modem connection, and quite often using while online, I get the error of can't find the server. I just lose my internet connection, and it says my TCP/IP needs resetting. How do I do that and what causes the internet dropout?

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I wonder if you know what it means when a dark blue screen comes up saying Windows has encountered an error. It shows Bad Pool Caller and a lot of things about reinstall. The tech info is Stop with lots of 000, etc. This has happened to me twice about 2 weeks apart. What is going on?

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Suddenly Explorer can no longer display thumbnails. Except for .bmp files all I get is black line box with the blue E -- NOT a thumbnail of the .jpg or .gif file. Short of FORMAT what can I change to fix this annoyance?

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I'm trying to clean my computer like you suggested but when I run ScanDisk it keeps restarting. Finally I get a message ScanDisk has restarted 10 times because Windows or another program has been writing to this drive. You mention disabling my screen saver, do you mean remove that program until I have finished with the ScanDisk and defrag?

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I have a large number of icons in my system tray (in the left hand lower corner of the screen) which I don't use and would like to remove. Do they in anyway slow down the computer?

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As a fairly new computer user, I find that deleting files is a problem for me. When I want to delete a file, I get a message that I should check to see what the file does before I delete it because I could cause a problem and there is no correction for it. Where do I go to find out what a specific file does?

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I get messages informing me of viruses and asking me to download patches at www.spw5e.com and www.updatepatch.info. Are these downloads safe? Ackkkk, NO! Run for the hills!

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I used the MS fax program in Windows XP for sending faxes on my telephone line. After installing SP2 updates, the program doesn't work. The fax console reports All fax printers are inaccessible and I also get a Microsoft Shared Fax Driver is not installed message.

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I set my CD drive so it will not start automatically when a CD is loaded. I would now like to reverse that setting, but I can't figure out how to do it. Can you help? Sure, the Autoplay setting for CDROM drives can be easily turned on or off. Here's how...

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A reader asks I had the SCANDISK program in Windows 98. Now I'm running Windows XP and I can't find ScanDisk. Is it under another name? The short answer is YES...

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