Computer Troubleshooting

Computers are machines, and machines are prone to breakdowns and problems. A computer can have issues in either of its two main components--hardware or software. While software issues are...

A hard drive is a storage device that stores information contiguously on the platters. The platters are the central component of the hard drive that stores and retrieves the ones and zeros you...

Removing the keys from a laptop requires removing the entire keyboard. You may need to do this if a key sticks, if you spill something on your laptop, or if you have to do some maintenance to...

The Aspire line is one of the most well known within the Acer line, and many computer owners have purchased and use these popular machines. Even though the Aspire line is generally quite reliable,...

One of the more popular features of computers running Windows Vista is the ability to use remote desktop access. Remote desktop access gives you the opportunity to log in to another computer that...

As a Fujitsu Lifebook owner, the first step you take when setting up your computer is deciding on a security passcode. If, for some reason, you suspect your passcode has been compromised or are...

A virus can ruin a perfectly healthy computer. A virus can steal your personal information and even frame you for collecting child pornography, according to an article in The Huffington Post....

A Dell Resource CD contains device drivers, diagnostic programs, utilities and user guides specific to a given model of Dell computer. The Resource CD is shipped with the computer, and is packaged...

Lost passwords can be disastrous. If you have lost the password to a Microsoft Word document there is a simple and effective way to make an attempt at retrieving it called a brute force attack. It...

If you receive a message on your computer "NTLDR is Missing," your computer is telling you that it is missing a vital file or files that Microsoft Windows needs to start your computer.

When you delete a file, it is never actually deleted. Most of the time, it is simply moved to the recycle bin. If it is "permanently" deleted, it can still be recovered rather easily. So, if you...

A laptop allows you to access your email, documents and computer software while on the go. Laptops are an indispensable tool for mobile users and businesspeople, and are made by all major computer...

Ares Ultra is a P2P (peer-to-peer) file-sharing program that lets you connect with millions of users across the world. Because of potential copyright issues, the legality of such programs has been...

One of the most integral components of a laptop is the system clock. The clock not only tells the time, but it also indicates when the whole computer system should get an upgrade. With an outdated...

Sometimes accessing the BIOS setup screen on your computer is necessary for certain configurations, such as to set up a supervisor password, or to make the computer detect a newly installed hard...

There is nothing more frustrating than a sluggish laptop. Thankfully, Windows has provided multiple ways to speed up a wireless laptop or a PC. With just a little patience, and some basic...

File sharing on Windows computers allows you to share documents, pictures, music and more with other users on the computer and with other users on a network. When you enable it, you can set limits...

The Adobe Photo Downloader is a photo add-on that automatically searches for and downloads photos from attached memory cards, cameras and mobile phones. It is installed by Adobe Photoshop Elements...

CompTIA's A+ Certification provides entry-level acknowledgment of a PC technician's skills and know-how. Some employers and clients will demand A+ certification prior to hiring you. While you may...

You plug the Ethernet cable into your laptop's Ethernet port and start connecting to the Internet. When you're ready to unplug the cable, it doesn't release from the port. You press down on the...

Spybot Search & Destroy is a security tool that allows you to search for and remove malicious programs such as spyware, tracking cookies and more. Once you install it, its icon remains on the...

In Windows, the far right area of the taskbar, at the bottom of your screen, is called the "notification area" or "system tray." It displays the system clock and various icons, including a...

Antivirus programs are security tools that protect your computer from dangerous threats such as viruses, Trojans, spyware, worms and more. They vary in protection strength and monitor your...

Hibernation in Windows computers allows you to conserve power, especially if you are using battery power on a laptop. It is a feature that shuts down Windows without turning off the computer or...

The Windows Scheduler is a program that starts when you boot your machine. It is used to schedule functions like defragging a hard drive or running a backup application. The Scheduler can be used...

The winload.exe virus is a nasty bug that can do a variety of annoying things to your Windows-based PC. From keeping you logged out to changing system settings, nothing is more annoying than...

People are told constantly to brush their teeth and floss, but some still lose their teeth to bad dental hygiene. Computers and the data stored on them are in the same predicament. Computer users...

A .bat file is a type of file that contains basic, DOS syntax. These files can load programs, change settings or even partition a hard drive. A bat file is created in a simple text editor like...

If you want to start over or get rid of a bunch of programs, sometimes it's just easier to format the hard drive. If your laptop doesn't have a CD-ROM drive, you can still format the laptop with...

Keyboard loggers are designed to keep track of every key that is pressed on the keyboard. They have some positive uses, such as monitoring a child's Internet activity or keeping track of employee...

HP Pavilion CRT and flat panel monitor issues can arise from incompatible devices, a faulty AC outlet, damaged or disconnected video cables, loose power cords or incompatible display resolution....

You might have a computer virus if your computer starts running slowly, freezing up, getting pop-ups, or generally won't operate correctly. Many viruses can be wiped away with antivirus software,...

There are a number of reasons why your computer slows down. If you have exhausted time and possibly money but couldn't find a solution, it might be time for a big cleanup. Just like our homes,...

A Trojan virus is not always easy to detect on a computer system. It typically takes on the appearance of something good or useful for your computer when, in fact, its purpose it to do harm to...

eMachines flat-screen monitors offer high quality at low cost. eMachines flat-screen monitors are compatible with most brands of PCs. Issues with eMachines flat-screen monitors can arise from...

Converting an MP4 to MP3 can be done by using any number of free conversion programs (e,g,. Any Video Converter). MP4, or Moving Picture Expert Group-4, is a video format. It is used frequently by...

When your PC stops making sound, there's an underlying problem that needs to be fixed. Fortunately, most sound problems are relatively simple to fix, and the sound can be on again with a few...

Devices that use USB (Universal Serial Bus) can perform a wide variety of functions. Keyboards, mice, external hard drives, optical drives, microphones, headphones, printers and scanners can all...

Microsoft released Windows Vista to computer manufacturers in late 2006; the company released it to consumers in early 2007. Although Vista is not without glitches, errors and other problems, it...

If you have trouble connecting USB devices to your Windows XP machine, there are a few things you can try to do and fix the issue. The problem can be with the hardware of your machine, but if the...

Performing a memory upgrade on an HP Pavilion PC--as well as any other PC--can have a positive overall impact on overall video, software and hardware performance. Sluggish response in a computer...

Restoring an HP laptop or desktop computer from a backup image is very simple with the HP Total Care Advisor utility provided on all HP machines. The HP Total Care Advisor software uses the...

Over time, due to prolonged use, a multitude of files and programs, computer malware or spyware, or just the effects of age, a computer will eventually begin to slow down. There are many factors...

A computer virus is a malicious program that installs itself onto your computer without your permission. Unlike a computer virus, a worm does not need to infect a program on your computer for it...

Changing the start-up sound in Windows is quite simple---if you're using an older version of Windows, that is. For those using Windows XP or earlier, you will need to access your control panel and...

Lexplore.exe is a virus that can infect your computer through infected files, browser exploits or other methods. It is particularly dangerous because it can send your personal information to the...

A USB device is a quickly installable accessory to a desktop or laptop machine. USB is a standard connection that interfaces the hardware devices with the operating system. A USB port has become a...

MP4 is short for "Moving Picture Expert Group-4." It is a video format most common in cell phones and portable media players. MP3 is short for "MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3." MP3 is the most common audio...

Bar codes are a technology that stamps information on packages, which helps retail stores easily scan and enter the information to a computer system. Retail stores use bar codes to read the...

The ability to connect to your Dell computer remotely is an excellent troubleshooting tool. With this remote capability, you can connect to your work computer from home, you can connect to your...