How-To

Here are some How-To tips and suggestions for you to solve some of the most common computer problems at home.  Check back often for more information!

Fixing A Boot Problem...

The BIGGEST MISTAKE most people make when trying to fix a book problem is to reload Windows.  If you reload Windows you just wiped out all of your Documents, Photos, Music and Programs. Backup all of your personal data first.

Always Backup All Data...

Always BACKUP all Personal or Business Data. A Virus or a Power outage or a Hard Drive over 3 years old may cause your computer to crash. Backup to CD, DVD or a USB Hard Drive.

If Your Internet Is Not Working...

This may come in handy if your internet is not working, especially after a virus is removed.

This is how to Reset Internet Explorer if you cannot get on the internet:

1. From Internet Explorer click on Tools

2. Click on Internet Options

3. Click on the Advanced Tab

4. Click Restore Advanced Settings

5. Click Reset

6. Click Apply

7. Click Ok

Now Internet explorer is reset to its factory settings.

If Your Computer Won't Boot Up...

Your computer won’t boot up:

You may see a menu come up where the first option is Safe Mode.  Arrow down to Last Known Good Configuration then hit the enter key.  If it boots all the way up then you are fine.  If not, call a technician.

What To Do About Online Virus Warnings...

Rule #1:  Don't click on any popup virus warnings!  Under the guise of being a Microsoft Virus Protection Program they will actually LOAD viruses onto your computer!

1. If a warning pops up, know what it is before you click Yes or OK.  Do NOT click on it if you do not know what it is.

2. You may visit a web page and something may pop up that says you have viruses.  If it is not from your purchased virus protection,  click on the X and close.  Something is probably trying to load a virus to your computer.

3. If something says Windows found viruses, it is not real - close out immediately. Windows does not have anything built in that looks for viruses.

4. MS Antivirus, Antivirus 2009, Antivirus 2010, XP Antivirus  are all Fakes.  These are in fact viruses themselves that want you to give them credit card info.

5. NEVER download FREE ANTIVIRUS unless you know it is coming from a reliable company (ex. Norton, McAfee etc.).  If you’ve never seen it on a store shelf then you may not be getting what you intended.  Just more trouble.