Tips and ideas to save money and time troubleshooting personal computer hardware and software.
Computer Won't Start in Cold Weather?This is a page about when a computer won't start in cold weather. Computers generally like cold, dry environments, so determining the reason your computer won't boot during cold weather can be a challenge.
Computer Locked on the Windows Screen?My computer is locked up on the Windows screen. My son tried making himself the administrator and forgot the password to get past the Windows screen. Is there anything I can do to get past the Windows screen and set a new password?
Troubleshooting Problems with...This is a page about troubleshooting problems with computer files. When computer data and known files are hard to find or inaccessible, it can be very frustrating. It's important to have the right software to open your files.
Problems with Email View?My old emails from 2013-2012 are showing up, but NOT the 2014 current ones. What's happening?
Troubleshooting Problems With AOL...This is a page about troubleshooting problems with AOL email. Not all email programs work without any issues. Sometimes we may need help.
Getting Computer Out of Sleep Mode?This is a page about getting computer out of sleep mode. It can be amazingly frustrating when you are unable to get your computer to exit sleep mode.
Troubleshooting Computer SoftwareThis is a page about troubleshooting computer software. On occasion, your computer's browser software can begin behaving in ways that are frustrating. You may need to troubleshoot the problem in order to return to normal internet functionality.
Troubleshooting a Wireless Keyboard?This is a page about troubleshooting a wireless keyboard. Wireless keyboards can be a fantastic addition to your home office hardware. Unfortunately, when issues arise it can drive you insane.
Computer Screen Not Refreshing?This page is about computer screen not refreshing. When nothing you do helps get your computer working properly, it can be very frustrating.
Troubleshooting Windows XP?Alot of time can be wasted trying to determine why your computer isn't working properly. This page is about troubleshooting Windows XP.
Laptop Not Receiving E-mail and Printer Not Printing?My Toshiba Satellite P855-S5200 will not receive emails and my HP Photosmart 7520 all-in-one printer will not print anything.
Tips to Speed Up Your ComputerThis page contains tips to speed up your computer. Deleting unnecessary files and performing routine maintenance will help your PC run the best it can.
Buffering Problems With Streaming VideoThis is a page about buffering problems with streaming video. It is extremely frustrating when you are trying to view a video clip or movie to have buffering issues.
Troubleshooting Computer ProblemsThis is a page about troubleshooting computer problems. Computers are are great tools for home and office, when they are working properly.
Numbers Keypad Not Working?Why did my numbers keypad suddenly stopped working?
Keyboard Produces Numbers Instead of Letters?When I hit the J key on my laptop I only get the number 1. The K key gives me the number 2. How do I undo this? Thank you.
Restarting a MagicJack?How does one restart the MagicJack connection? I have been using MagicJack for three years. This is the first I got a request to restart.
PDA Hotsync Issue?I have an older PDA (Palm m505) that doesn't sync correctly. When I do a hot sync, it transfers all the data except the date book (calendar). Does anyone have any suggestions?
Free Computer Help From MicrosoftWhen your computer doesn't do what it is supposed to do, let your fingers do the walking. Microsoft has a great support system and it is free and some free only on website support. Got a virus? It has a free to run virus clean up and fix tools.
Function of Top Left Key on a Gateway Keyboard?I need to know what the function is of the top left button on my Gateway keyboard, model KB0532? It looks like a half moon. When I pressed it the computer shut off. Please help.
Email Contacts Icon Missing on Dell with Windows 7 OS?When I go to send an e-mail I have lost the word (icon) on my Dell (Windows 7) computer for the contacts.
New MagicJack Does Not Work With Windows XP?I had a MagicJack for 2 years. It worked great, but I had to replace it. I bought a new one and now get this message: "MJ not supported on your version of Windows, detected version, Win9x 4.10". I have WinXP.
Trouble Viewing Web Pages on a Notebook?I recently received an Aspire One notebook but when viewing web pages, I constantly have to scroll up and down and across to be able to see the whole page at the same time. Can this be fixed? If so, how?
Adjusting E-mail Screen Settings?Part of my contact list is covered by the width of my e-mail messages. How do I adjust the screen?
Restoring Icons to Toolbar?Some icons I regularly used have disappeared from my toolbar, like bookmark, e-mail, spellcheck, etc. How do I get them back and possibly find others I would like to have? Safety and privacy is important also. Can you help me? Are there tutorials?
Computer Monitor is Stuck at 800x600?Does anyone know how to set your graphics card so that your computer will recognize that it has higher graphics than 800x600?
Trouble Installing Seagate Driver for External Hard Drive?How do I install Seagate driver software? I installed my Seagate external hard drive ST3160026 easily the first time. When I tried to do it again because I changed computers, the installation wizard did not come out. I cannot install the software.
Firefox Cannot Find Server Error Message?Firefox won't let me get to links. I usually get to the first link, but when I click on a link in that web site I get a Firefox error, "Firefox cannot find the server" of whatever I'm trying to connect to. If I continue to click on the "try again" box it eventually goes on to it.
Trouble Connecting to the Internet on New Laptop?My husband bought me a laptop for my birthday. Problem: I can not get on the internet. When I bring it back to Staples, it works fine. When I try it anywhere else it doesn't. I have tried the library, but it won't go anywhere, but the library web site. anyone who has one.
Trouble Running Anti Virus Software on Infected Computer?I have an Acer Aspire laptop that I feel is infected. I am trying to run CCleaner and/or Super AntiSpyware from an flash drive, but the machine does not find any files on the removable drive. I can see the files on my desktop where I downloaded them from...
Google's Back Button Issue In Internet ExplorerBack-button not working in Google? If your back-button has stopped going back to the previous page(s), you can do one of two things:
Computer Only Operates in Safe Mode After Adding Memory?Memory was added to a Dell computer, now it only operates in the safe mode. Does anyone have this problem and how do you fix this?
Why Can't I View E-mail on Both My Laptop and Desktop?I can get my email on my lap top, but when I go to my desktop I can't pull it up. Do I need to access or change the stmp or proxy server or POP or something? Thanks.
How Easy is it to Install the MagicJack?I bought a Magic Jack at Walmart for $39.95 over 5 months ago; but I haven't yet attempted to hook it up. I have done lots of reading about it, both on various forums and at magicjack.com itself.
Problems With Windows OS Computer at Startup?My computer starts with 2 prompts:
Unable to Print From Print House 4?I have used Print House 4 for many years and have loved it from the start. I am finding that something seems to be making it unstable as I am having trouble sending completed pages to the printer.
Cannot Write to a Erased CD-RW?I can copy files to a new CD-RW, but if I erase this disc and want to place new files on it, it won't accept them even though the disc is now blank. What's the problem?
Computer Not Detecting Audio Output Devices?I recently updated my computer from Windows XP to Windows Vista Ultimate. The problem that I have is that when I hooked up all the wires even the speakers, it said that no audio output device is installed. Can someone help me?
MagicJack Won't Boot?My MagicJack won't boot. It says that I am not on the internet and I am fast speed.
Computer's USB Ports Not Working?I recently had to replace my hard drive; when I hooked it up again (I did not take a picture of the back as you suggested, however all of the connections can only go one place with the exception of one which can go in four places.
Internet Connection Intermittent When E-mailing
?Every time I go on line to send a message, a box comes up saying I'm connected. Then it goes off ever time I send or get e-mail. This keeps happening and it's driving me crazy. Can you help?
iPod Not Connecting to iTunes?Every time I connect my iPod (Nano) to my computer it says that it's not downloading correctly. I have restarted iTunes and my computer but it keeps connecting then a few seconds later disconnecting. It's driving me insane! What can I do?
Computer Toolbar is Black?Why is my toolbar black? I turned on my computer today and I can't see anything on my toolbar, it is black. Everything I have tried hasn't worked. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Printing a Degrees Symbol?When I hold down the Alt. key and type 0176 it types the degrees symbol which is great but when I print the recipe card it puts a capital A in front. Please let me know if anyone else has this problem and how to fix it.
Printing From an External Hard Drive?How do I print from an external hard drive?
Problems Opening Thriftyfun Website?I have been having problems for a while now on this website. My computer keeps freezing up. When I type www.thriftyfun in my address bar the only thing comes up is the title or top portion of the home page. The "refresh" key helps sometimes.
Restoring a Shortcut on Desktop?How do I get the Internet Explorer icon back on my screen?
Retrieving Deleted Email from Hotmail?I use hotmail on Windows XP and I accidentally deleted my "keepers" email file. I tried retrieving it by doing a "systems restore" to an earlier date, but that did not work. Any suggestions?
Removing a Window from My Computer's Desktop?I wanted to install a shortcut on my desktop to your site and instead installed a window and I want to remove it. How can I remove the window from my desktop? Thanks.
Joystick Not Working With Windows Vista?I have Windows Vista (32bit) trying to run MS Combat Flight Sim.1 with a Logitech Attack 3 joystick. The joystick will calibrate through cfs, but will not control the game. Please help.
Emailed Pictures Not Working?Why do I not get pictures in most of my e-mails? I get small squares in the left hand corner of the boxes, they are red. Please help if possible. Thank you.
Computer Deleted My Emails?I opened my mail this morning and it said I had 12 new messages, I deleted the first one and then suddenly the screen "rebooted", meaning that it went blank then came up again and all my new (12) emails were deleted. Can you help?
Dell Laptop Not Staying Connected to the Internet?I bought a dell laptop from ebay, it works good but I cannot keep it connected to the internet using a router which is new. It has internal WiFi in it. We have tried everything we can think of. It will let you on for awhile and then kick you off and you can't get back on.
Problems With Yahoo Messenger?While I'm chatting in Yahoo Messenger I can't see my written words or see what the other person writes to me. Although I can speak to him by mike.
Computer Pages Advancing Automatically?How do I stop my computer pages from automatically advancing?
Restoring Icons On Computer Task Bar?I have a Windows XP Computer and I'm having problems in restoring the small icons in the narrow blue task bar on the bottom of my desktop. This is the bar where the Start button is located. I've tried dragging and dropping the large icons from the desktop into the bar and have had no success.
Trouble Removing External Hard Drive?My external hard drive frequently can't be removed from the computer because "a program is accessing it". How do we stop the program from accessing it so I can disengage the Freeagent by Seagate?
Speakers Don't Work On My Dell?Speakers won't work on my dell.
Transferring Camcorder Tapes to Computer?I need help figuring out how to transfer our home movie camcorder tapes to my computer. I have windows xp professional with windows movie maker. I have an a/v out connection on the camcorder. It's a Quasar VM-D51 model palmcorder. Thanks for your help.
Installing High Speed Internet Without Using Disc?I have the installation kit from AT&T/SBC, but my computer friend who deals with these companies and knows the 'ins and outs' and 'behind the scenes stuff' said that since I'm keeping my AOL e-mail address that I don't need to use the disc?
Improving Scanner Quality?The situation is that when I write on a sheet of paper and then scan it, the one from work comes out dark and legible and the one I have at home is substantially lighter. (The scanner at work probably cost between $400 and $1,000. Mine was maybe $125 and is so old I don't recall when I bought it.)
Trouble Downloading on the Internet?I hope someone can help me. When I go to download something or go to a coupon page to get coupons when I hit download the screen automatically goes blank and at the bottom left hand side it says Done - without even downloading. I was always able to download before through Adobe and now it doesn't seem to work. Is there a way to find out if I still have Adobe on my computer and could there be something on here that is causing it to be blocked?
Screen Size Problems?Please help me with my screen size, when it is minimized the sides are crooked and when large the sides are off the screen. What did I hit? (Please be kind as I am 76 yrs.
Help With HP Printer & Windows Vista?My computer is a Windows Vista. My copier is an HP Deskjet D1341. Sometimes when I try to copy something it says "offline" and won't print. Then suddenly it starts copying and won't stop. It just made 10 copies of "Busy Day Chocolate Cake". This thing is wasting inkjets and paper. Why does it do this and how do I get it to stop? By the way, it didn't come with an instruction manual, just a diagram showing how to hook it up and a big, fat booklet of other expensive products I can buy from the company. Thanks for any help.
Help With Computers?I'm a bit new to using computers and I've just seen my account in ThriftyFun. I'd like to sort it out and delete a few things from my bookmarks that I don't need anymore. Please, how to delete from bookmarks and change stuff from one folder to another? Sorry, I sound stupid, but this is all new to me. Thanks.
One Login Not Working on a Multi-User Computer?My husband & I share a laptop computer. We have separate log-ins. His side is working fine, but when I try to log in on my side, nothing works.
Internet Explorer Becoming Corrupt When I Update It?My IE (internet explorer) becomes slightly corrupt every time I get an update from Microsoft. Do you have any suggestions? I like g-mail, but Firefox is having trouble with it, so abandoning IE is something I can't do.
Getting Rid of Pop Ups?Could someone help me with pop ups on my PC? They are driving me crazy. It started about a week ago. Not one will pop up, but several. Almost seems like it starts with a Microsoft Ex pop up.
I Stopped Receiving Some Newsletters?For some unknown reason, two of my favorite newsletters haven't come in for at least a week. No idea what happened to them. I deleted the last ones, so I don't have an email to check and see.
Problems Transferring Callwave to a New Computer?I recently purchased a new computer. I had Callwave on my old computer and fax. I have forgotten my password. I have asked several times to have it sent to me so I can switch to this new computer and have Callwave on this one, but so far, no one has sent me my password.
Problems with Screen Resolution?My screen resolution is set to 1280x1024. Currently it's only a black screen that says "Need to set screen resolution to 1280 x 1024@60Hz@", but I can't do that because I cannot access settings in Windows to change the resolution.
HP Wireless Keyboard Not Working?I bought a HP wireless keyboard; it worked great, until Friday Jan. 3, 2014. Now my number lock doesn't work and none of my numbers on my number pad work.
Windows Update Removed Desktop Clock Gadget?How can I find what Windows has done with my desktop gadget clock? After an update the whole thing disappeared and seems to be nowhere on my computer. The gadget app was my clock.
Uninstalling Bluetooth Drivers?My Dell won't let me uninstall my corrupted Bluetooth drivers so I can install new ones. Does anyone know how to convince it to let me uninstall? It is a Dell Inspiron 64 Bit, Windows 8. The photo shows what I'm getting. It won't let me do anything.
Computer Screen Resolution Fluctuating?My screen is going from normal to a bigger size. When this happens an icon appears at the tip of the arrow. Sometimes the screen goes back to normal size automatically while I am still browsing or I have to change it to the 100%.
Computer Getting Disk Error Message and Won't Start?Few month ago my total system burned down. I needed to replace SMPS, motherboard, DVD writer, and graphix card. Now my desktop won't start up if it is not on for one day. During boot it is showing that a disk error occurred. Sometimes it shows, "could not find boot media". Then needs to wait until it heats up or has to be put in the sun. Then it starts work fine.
