Today we will analyse paragraph 3 of my post of August 2nd:
-"Yesterday my computer was working great but when I started it this morning, a message popped up, saying that the computer had been attacked by a virus.
Now I am not able to open any programs because the starting files have been corrupted. (This even includes opening the control panel and other Windows programs such as accessories and most important Windows System Tools, which incorporates System Restore.
However, the pop up message also tells me that a Virus Program "so and so", (If I click on the button), will scan the computer and find the culprit viruses.
I have done that, then the Virus Program "so and so" advises me that if I buy the program with a credit card, (normally in the$29.00 to $49.00 range), it will remove the viruses and all will be normal again..."
This happens quite frequently and there is nothing you can do to prevent such tricky methods by unscrupulous people and software makers, designed to get your money and information on your credit cards.
This happened to a good friend of mine a few weeks ago. I came over to his house to check his computer, tried many different ways to by-pass the problem, but nothing could be done, except of course let the "fishing" program do the scanning of the computer.FOR OBVIOUS REASONS I WAS NOT GOING TO ALLOW THAT TO HAPPEN.
I asked my friend, when was the last time he had used the computer without any problems. "well, last night after dinner I was using the computer and all was OK!"
Here is a situation that in most instances can be taken care of, AGAIN, by using SAFE MODE to the rescue.
I am repeating what I said in a very recent post a couple of weeks ago:
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer in a limited state. Only the basic files and drivers necessary to run Windows are started. The words Safe Mode appear in the corners of your monitor to identify which Windows mode you're using.
How do you get on "SAFE MODE"? it is really very easy:
Start the computer by pressing the the start button on your lap top or desk top and then immediately press F8 a few times "click, click, click", (you get the picture...). After a few moments, the monitor will show a lot of letters and file names scrolling down, until a page shows and gives you different choices to start the computer. Select "SAFE MODE".
The computer will then start in safe mode. If an existing problem doesn't reappear at this time, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers or registry errors as possible causes.
If your computer automatically starts in safe mode without prompting, a problem with your computer might be preventing Windows from starting normally. If you think the cause of the problem might be a recently installed program or device, you will now be able to use Windows System Restore in SAFE MODE:
Click "start/programs/accessories/system tools/system restore.
Once in "System Restore" go to a restore date and time prior moment your problem showed up.
In this case I went to a restore point and time available in the previous day, selected it,
clicked "restore" and waited for the computer to restore itself to that date and time selected. That did the trick and my friend was back in business.
Windows System Restore is one of the best components built in the program. Never forget to use it when needed. Also, make sure that you create restore points once a day for your own safety.
George Freire
Monday, August 30, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
15 Things Every PC User Should Know
This post is not new, however I was looking at older posts and thought that it might be very useful for those of you who did not read it:
From PCWorld comes very useful advice for you all computer users:
Do you know how to retrieve deleted files? When to click just once, as opposed to twice? Or the difference between a forward slash and a back slash? Those bits of critical knowledge are just three of the "15 Things Every PC User Should Know," as identified by PCWorld's How To guru Patrick Miller. Even if you're a longtime computer user, it should be worth your while to check in on Patrick's 15 PC gems. Who knows: There might just be a few goodies you're not taking advantage of.
--Editorial Director Steve Fox
Just click the following title below and enjoy:
15 Things Every PC User Should Know
George Freire
From PCWorld comes very useful advice for you all computer users:
Do you know how to retrieve deleted files? When to click just once, as opposed to twice? Or the difference between a forward slash and a back slash? Those bits of critical knowledge are just three of the "15 Things Every PC User Should Know," as identified by PCWorld's How To guru Patrick Miller. Even if you're a longtime computer user, it should be worth your while to check in on Patrick's 15 PC gems. Who knows: There might just be a few goodies you're not taking advantage of.
--Editorial Director Steve Fox
Just click the following title below and enjoy:
15 Things Every PC User Should Know
George Freire
Friday, August 13, 2010
HOW TO AVOID MAJOR PROBLEMS THAT CAN MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU TO ACCESS YOUR COMPUTER. PART 4
Today we will analyse paragraph 2 of my post of August 2nd:
"All of a sudden I cannot boot my computer up,I have given up!"
This problem, (if it was not the result of a serious virus attack), is normally caused by a corrupted file in the registry that got that way when a program or files download went sour, or a bad program installation after the download.
Of course, since you are not able to boot the computer, you won't be able to use Windows System Restore, Registry cleanup or any other procedure that could help the situation.
But do not despair! That's why Windows has a very helpful mode of operation, "SAFE MODE".
What is safe mode?
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer in a limited state. Only the basic files and drivers necessary to run Windows are started. The words Safe Mode appear in the corners of your monitor to identify which Windows mode you're using.
How do you get on "SAFE MODE"? it is really very easy:
Start the computer by pressing the the start button on your lap top or desk top and then immediately press F8 a few times "click, click, click", (you get the picture...). After a few moments, the monitor will show a lot of letters and file names scrolling down, until a page shows and gives you different choices to start the computer. Select "SAFE MODE".
The computer will then start in safe mode. If an existing problem doesn't reappear at this time, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers or registry errors as possible causes.
If your computer automatically starts in safe mode without prompting, a problem with your computer might be preventing Windows from starting normally. If you think the cause of the problem might be a recently installed program or device, you will now be able to use Windows System Restore in SAFE MODE:
Click "start/programs/accessories/system tools/system restore.
Once in "system restore" go to a restore date prior to the date and time your problem showed up, click "restore" and wait. The computer will restore to that date and time when it was still working fine, and most likely you'll be in business again.
I hope that this will help those of you who did not know what to do when a problem like this all of a sudden hits you.
George Freire
"All of a sudden I cannot boot my computer up,I have given up!"
This problem, (if it was not the result of a serious virus attack), is normally caused by a corrupted file in the registry that got that way when a program or files download went sour, or a bad program installation after the download.
Of course, since you are not able to boot the computer, you won't be able to use Windows System Restore, Registry cleanup or any other procedure that could help the situation.
But do not despair! That's why Windows has a very helpful mode of operation, "SAFE MODE".
What is safe mode?
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer in a limited state. Only the basic files and drivers necessary to run Windows are started. The words Safe Mode appear in the corners of your monitor to identify which Windows mode you're using.
How do you get on "SAFE MODE"? it is really very easy:
Start the computer by pressing the the start button on your lap top or desk top and then immediately press F8 a few times "click, click, click", (you get the picture...). After a few moments, the monitor will show a lot of letters and file names scrolling down, until a page shows and gives you different choices to start the computer. Select "SAFE MODE".
The computer will then start in safe mode. If an existing problem doesn't reappear at this time, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers or registry errors as possible causes.
If your computer automatically starts in safe mode without prompting, a problem with your computer might be preventing Windows from starting normally. If you think the cause of the problem might be a recently installed program or device, you will now be able to use Windows System Restore in SAFE MODE:
Click "start/programs/accessories/system tools/system restore.
Once in "system restore" go to a restore date prior to the date and time your problem showed up, click "restore" and wait. The computer will restore to that date and time when it was still working fine, and most likely you'll be in business again.
I hope that this will help those of you who did not know what to do when a problem like this all of a sudden hits you.
George Freire
Friday, August 6, 2010
WHO WAS VISITOR # 3000?
Yesterday somebody hit visit # 3000!
Who was him or her?
On July 17 I posted the following:
"We are less than 100 more visits to our blog, to reach # 3000.
At the bottom of the blog page there is a counter, (as of now at 2911); when you visit the blog check the counter and if it shows 3000 you are the one!
Let me know and we'll have a surprise for you.
George Freire "
Well, I am still waiting for a name!
Don't be shy and let me know.
George Freire
Who was him or her?
On July 17 I posted the following:
"We are less than 100 more visits to our blog, to reach # 3000.
At the bottom of the blog page there is a counter, (as of now at 2911); when you visit the blog check the counter and if it shows 3000 you are the one!
Let me know and we'll have a surprise for you.
George Freire "
Well, I am still waiting for a name!
Don't be shy and let me know.
George Freire
Monday, August 2, 2010
HOW TO AVOID MAJOR PROBLEMS THAT CAN MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU TO ACCESS YOUR COMPUTER PART 2
My latest post talked about the most common problem areas experienced by those who ask me for help. Today I'll discuss # 1:
1-"My computer is so slow that I have to boot it long before I am ready to use it!"
This one is in most cases, (assuming that you have a decent anti virus program installed therefore no virus or other pestilent attacks are involved, ), is quite simple to handle:
There are many reasons why a computer may run slow, however, in 90% of the cases the main culprits are fragmented hard drives, a registry full of junk entries left over from deleted programs, downloads etc. and of course lots of junk and temporary files left over in the hard drive itself.
The longer you own the computer and take no action to handle the above situations, the worse it becomes, to the point that it may take many minutes just to boot, open a program or go to the Internet.
How can we take action? In most cases defragmenting the hard drive and cleaning up the registry will do the trick. Windows has a defragmentation program that is not too bad, but very very slow operating. There are much better programs that you can install free of charge that do an excellent job.
I use such programs that I install in my friends' computers, run them and presto a miracle takes place. My two favorite programs are "Advanced System Care" and "Defraggler",( which by the way I have recommended in older posts in this blog). Today we will discuss "Advanced System Care".
"Advanced System Care" can be downloaded from:
http://www.iobit.com/advancedwindowscareper.html
Clicking on the above address opens a website showing a green button "Download now free".
Downloading and installing is automatic and simple to do. Once installed the program screen shows 4 choices:
HOME - Shows the welcome screen with an overview of program version, last scan, statistics etc. This is for info only.
DIAGNOSE SYSTEM- This is the choice you must start with. It diagnoses the following:
System Optimization, Security Defence, Disk Defragment and Security Analyzer; click "scan"; if there are problems on any of the above, it tells you right away, click "repair" and pronto all will be well again.
MAINTAIN WINDOWS- After diagnosing the system, go to this choice. It will handle the following:
Spy ware Removal, Registry Fix, Privacy Sweep and Junk Files Clean; click "scan" and the program will identify any problems on the 4 above categories. Click "repair" and all problems found will be repaired and fixed in no time flat.
UTILITIES- This choice covers 3 sections, "Tuneup Tools", "Security" and "Administrative Tools". Each of these sections has many, many tools which are simple to use and almost self explanatory.
This program alone can get your computer rejuvenated and keep it in top shape. All you have to do is to run it at least once a week.
On my next post I'll discuss the program "Defraggler".
I hope the above will be of great help to some of you...
George Freire
1-"My computer is so slow that I have to boot it long before I am ready to use it!"
This one is in most cases, (assuming that you have a decent anti virus program installed therefore no virus or other pestilent attacks are involved, ), is quite simple to handle:
There are many reasons why a computer may run slow, however, in 90% of the cases the main culprits are fragmented hard drives, a registry full of junk entries left over from deleted programs, downloads etc. and of course lots of junk and temporary files left over in the hard drive itself.
The longer you own the computer and take no action to handle the above situations, the worse it becomes, to the point that it may take many minutes just to boot, open a program or go to the Internet.
How can we take action? In most cases defragmenting the hard drive and cleaning up the registry will do the trick. Windows has a defragmentation program that is not too bad, but very very slow operating. There are much better programs that you can install free of charge that do an excellent job.
I use such programs that I install in my friends' computers, run them and presto a miracle takes place. My two favorite programs are "Advanced System Care" and "Defraggler",( which by the way I have recommended in older posts in this blog). Today we will discuss "Advanced System Care".
"Advanced System Care" can be downloaded from:
http://www.iobit.com/advancedwindowscareper.html
Clicking on the above address opens a website showing a green button "Download now free".
Downloading and installing is automatic and simple to do. Once installed the program screen shows 4 choices:
HOME - Shows the welcome screen with an overview of program version, last scan, statistics etc. This is for info only.
DIAGNOSE SYSTEM- This is the choice you must start with. It diagnoses the following:
System Optimization, Security Defence, Disk Defragment and Security Analyzer; click "scan"; if there are problems on any of the above, it tells you right away, click "repair" and pronto all will be well again.
MAINTAIN WINDOWS- After diagnosing the system, go to this choice. It will handle the following:
Spy ware Removal, Registry Fix, Privacy Sweep and Junk Files Clean; click "scan" and the program will identify any problems on the 4 above categories. Click "repair" and all problems found will be repaired and fixed in no time flat.
UTILITIES- This choice covers 3 sections, "Tuneup Tools", "Security" and "Administrative Tools". Each of these sections has many, many tools which are simple to use and almost self explanatory.
This program alone can get your computer rejuvenated and keep it in top shape. All you have to do is to run it at least once a week.
On my next post I'll discuss the program "Defraggler".
I hope the above will be of great help to some of you...
George Freire
Sunday, August 1, 2010
HOW TO AVOID MAJOR PROBLEMS THAT CAN MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU TO ACCESS YOUR COMPUTER
As you know, many friends, (and friends of friends whom I never had met), call me quite often for help concerning their computer problems.
Most of the help they need falls into the following problem categories as explained by them :
1-"My computer is so slow that I have to boot it long before I am ready to use it!"
2-"All of a sudden I cannot boot my computer up, I have given up!"
3-"Yesterday my computer was working great but when I started it this morning, a message popped up, saying that the computer had been attacked by a virus.
Now I am not able to open any programs because the starting files have been corrupted. (This even includes opening the control panel and other Windows programs such as accessories and most important Windows System Tools, which incorporates System Restore.
However, the pop up message also tells me that a Virus Program "so and so", (If I click on the button), will scan the computer and find the culprit viruses.
I have done that, then the Virus Program "so and so" advises me that if I buy the program with a credit card, (normally in the$29.00 to $49.00 range), it will remove the viruses and all will be normal again..."
4- I use a pass word in my computer because I'm afraid that other people will be looking at my stuff. But gee! I forgot the pass word, I did not write it down, but I think it is bla, bla bla; I have tried them all but nothing works. I am locked out and I can't access all my financial information, word files, pictures, music files etc. etc. I am desperate!"
5- (Less frequently) " My computer will not start, I think my hard drive is a goner, (and in most instances it is), what am I to do? I have some files backed up, but all my programs and my OS are now all dead along with my hard drive. This is very serious, George please help me".
All of the above will sooner or later happen to you, if you do not use on a regular basis simple procedures so easy to follow and apply.
If you have been visiting this blog you know that there are so many free programs you can download and install on the spot, programs that if used on a regular schedule, will keep your computer in top operating shape and protected against most attacks, (fishing, spam, virus etc.).
If you are not a regular visitor, just check the archive list on the left column of the blog, where you can access every single one of the 160+ posts published since the blog was started.
In the next few days, I'll publish new posts addressing the above 5 problem categories. I will tell you how to avoid them or better still what to do if you find yourselves in such predictments.
Keep checking the blog, I promise you you'll enjoy what is comming and most of all you'll become better computer users and less frustated with your machine...
See you soon,
George Freire
Most of the help they need falls into the following problem categories as explained by them :
1-"My computer is so slow that I have to boot it long before I am ready to use it!"
2-"All of a sudden I cannot boot my computer up, I have given up!"
3-"Yesterday my computer was working great but when I started it this morning, a message popped up, saying that the computer had been attacked by a virus.
Now I am not able to open any programs because the starting files have been corrupted. (This even includes opening the control panel and other Windows programs such as accessories and most important Windows System Tools, which incorporates System Restore.
However, the pop up message also tells me that a Virus Program "so and so", (If I click on the button), will scan the computer and find the culprit viruses.
I have done that, then the Virus Program "so and so" advises me that if I buy the program with a credit card, (normally in the$29.00 to $49.00 range), it will remove the viruses and all will be normal again..."
4- I use a pass word in my computer because I'm afraid that other people will be looking at my stuff. But gee! I forgot the pass word, I did not write it down, but I think it is bla, bla bla; I have tried them all but nothing works. I am locked out and I can't access all my financial information, word files, pictures, music files etc. etc. I am desperate!"
5- (Less frequently) " My computer will not start, I think my hard drive is a goner, (and in most instances it is), what am I to do? I have some files backed up, but all my programs and my OS are now all dead along with my hard drive. This is very serious, George please help me".
All of the above will sooner or later happen to you, if you do not use on a regular basis simple procedures so easy to follow and apply.
If you have been visiting this blog you know that there are so many free programs you can download and install on the spot, programs that if used on a regular schedule, will keep your computer in top operating shape and protected against most attacks, (fishing, spam, virus etc.).
If you are not a regular visitor, just check the archive list on the left column of the blog, where you can access every single one of the 160+ posts published since the blog was started.
In the next few days, I'll publish new posts addressing the above 5 problem categories. I will tell you how to avoid them or better still what to do if you find yourselves in such predictments.
Keep checking the blog, I promise you you'll enjoy what is comming and most of all you'll become better computer users and less frustated with your machine...
See you soon,
George Freire
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