How to solve the 10 most common tech support problems yourself-COMPUTER

COMPUTERS

How to solve the 10 most common tech support problems yourself

Whether you’re dealing with your dad’s decade-old computer or your own custom-built gaming rig, troubleshooting PC problems is a part of everyday life. Before you make that $50 support call, though, try your hand at homebrew tech support. We spoke to some of the best support reps in the business about the most common problems they fix—and how you can do it yourself.

Try this first

I know it sounds like a no-brainer, but before you do anything else, restart your computer. Matthew Petrie of Falcon Northwest technical support says that most of his customers solve their problems with this simple step. “This long-standing maxim can work wonders,” says Petrie.

Regularly checking for operating system updates is important, because forgetting to do so could significantly impair your PC’s performance.

While you’re at it, make sure that your operating system is fully updated by running Windows Update. Neglecting updates could deprive you of important bug and performance fixes.

If you’re having problems with a peripheral, try switching it on and off. If that doesn’t work, try disconnecting and reconnecting the device. As a last resort, download the latest drivers and perform a full reinstall.

My computer is too slow

The first step to fixing a slow computer is to verify that your machine is the actual source of the problem. Videos that seem to buffer forever, and websites that take ages to load, may not be your computer’s fault. Geek Squad agent Derek Meister claims that many people mistakenly identify a slow system as the problem when “it’s actually not the computer, [but] their broadband connection.” See “Downloads are taking forever” below for instructions on how to use Speedtest.net to diagnose a slow connection.

If the problem is your PC, check whether you have plenty of free space on the hard drive holding your operating system. Windows needs room to create files while your system is running. If your hard drive is maxed out, performance suffers. Now is the perfect time to clear some space.

If your computer’s operating system resides on an overstuffed C: drive, clearing out some space could boost OS performance.

Microsoft’s System Configuration tool is your next-best bet for tackling slow performance. Many applications launch automatically when your machine boots up, which can stretch out boot time—especially on older, slower PCs. Make a habit of trimming the startup items. Open the tool by pressing Windows-R, typing msconfig, and pressing the Enter key.

Checking the Startup Item and Manufacturer columns is the best way to figure out which potential performance-killers you can safely disable. Avoid messing with any of the services and programs that have Microsoft Corporation listed as the manufacturer. Items such as AdobeAAMUpdater, Google Update, Pando Media Booster, Spotify, and Steam Client Bootstrapper are all fair game. Regardless, err on the side of caution: If you’re not sure what the program or service does, don’t disable it.

Windows’ System Configuration Tool lets you disable programs and services that automatically start when you boot your computer.

Once you’ve made all your changes, click OK and restart the computer. It should boot up quicker and feel noticeably faster.

Downloads are taking forever

Speedtest.net is your best friend when you're having connectivity problems. Run a speed test to see what your download and upload speeds are—ideally they should be at least 50 percent of your Internet service provider’s advertised speeds, with a ping under 100 milliseconds.

If the speeds seem solid, make sure that you aren’t inadvertently downloading or uploading anything. Many torrent downloading programs run in the background and minimize into the system tray instead of the taskbar.

A good speed test should give you an accurate assessment of your ping, download speed, and upload speed.

Check your network hardware. Updates for network cards aren’t all that common, but if your card’s manufacturer offers a newer driver, download it. Resetting your router and modem can help with connection problems, too. Most routers and modems have reset buttons, but pulling the power cable for a second or two can do the same thing. Don’t cut the power for much longer, or the hardware may reset itself to factory defaults.

Still having problems? Call your ISP, which can tell you whether the problem is on your end. As a last-ditch measure, the ISP could reset the master connection to your home.

My machine keeps restarting

Hardware problems are hard to diagnose and solve. First, confirm that you aren’t just getting the latest wave of Windows updates, which can automatically restart your computer during installation. Then work on updating all of your critical system drivers. Your graphics card, motherboard, and network card drivers are crucial.

“Sometimes it can be viruses, sometimes it can be adware, sometimes it can be overheating, and sometimes it can be something as simple as making sure your video card is updated,” Geek Squad’s Meister says.

Is your computer making weird noises? If you’re lucky all you’ll need to do is give the machine a thorough cleaning. Modern computers have safeguards that shut down the system if a component is overheating, which can be the cause of frequent restarts when you’re running resource-intensive programs or video games.

Pop-up ads are appearing on my desktop

If you’re not running your Web browser and are still getting pop-up ads on your desktop, you’ve most likely installed adware—a program that displays unwanted ads. Although benevolent adware exists, most of the time adware is up to no good. Getting rid of it isn't easy. “There’s a ton of little system-utility tools out there that promise to clean up everything, with names like PC Speed-up, PC Speed Pro, PC Speedifier,” Geek Squad’s Meister says. “A lot of times those programs are not going to do much. Some programs will work, others are snake oil.”

Avoid downloading programs that offer to speed up your PC or clean up your registry. Instead, use a trustworthy adware scanner like the free version of Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware tool.

Running a full scan with credible antivirus software is your first step. If that program doesn’t find and remove the adware, turn to Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free, a great utility for removing all types of malware. Just make sure to disable your standard antivirus software before running it.

“Multiple antivirus programs working at the same time will often result in problems,” Falcon Northwest’s Petrie says. “You only want one active, real-time antivirus scanner installed, but it doesn’t hurt to run an additional ‘on demand’ virus or malware scanner.”

Searching online for the name of the advertised product can sometimes yield solutions from fellow victims. If all else fails, there’s always the nuclear option: a complete system reinstall. It might take a long time, but it’s the only surefire way to remove adware or spyware. Remember to back up all your personal files.

Google doesn’t look right

Browser hijackers are a particularly nasty breed of malware. Such programs take over your Web browser and can stealthily redirect your Google searches and other queries to fake pages meant to steal your personal information or to further infect your system.

Running a real-time antivirus utility is the best way to stay safe. If your browser has already been hijacked, uninstall the browser and use your antivirus program in conjunction with Malwarebytes to remove the intruder.

My Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting

Spotty wireless connections can be a puzzler. Is it your computer? Your router? Your ISP? Try a few things before calling your Internet service provider.

Windows Network Diagnostics may not always solve your problem, but it will usually point you in the right direction.

Confirm that your computer is within range of your wireless router. Weak signals mean weak connections. Next, make sure your PC’s wireless card has the latest drivers. Try letting Windows troubleshoot for you by right-clicking the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar and selecting Troubleshoot problems.

I keep seeing ‘There is a problem with this website’s security certificate’

Sometimes the biggest problems have the easiest fixes. According to support technicians, the lion’s share of issues are due to an incorrect system clock.

The problem is probably with your computer.

Website security certificates sync up with your computer’s clock. Old computers in particular run the risk of having a dead CMOS battery—the watch battery in your computer that keeps its system clock ticking. Click the clock in the system tray and select Change date and time settings to correct any issues.

My printer won’t print

Let’s assume that your printer’s drivers are up-to-date, and that it has enough paper and ink or toner to print. Try turning the printer off and on. Unplug the printer and plug it back in. Check your printer’s print queue by looking for the printer icon in the system tray and double-clicking it. The print queue shows you the status of each job as well as the general status of your printer.

The print queue is your best bet for troubleshooting printer problems—just make sure that ‘Use Printer Offline’ isn’t selected.

Ensure that ‘Use Printer Offline’ isn’t checked. Sometimes, printing while your printer is turned off can cause Windows to set your printer to work offline, and that can stall jobs sent later.

I can’t open email attachments

If you have ever encountered an attachment that you couldn’t open, it was probably because you didn’t have the software necessary to view the file.

If you don’t have Adobe Reader or another PDF-compatible program, you won’t be able to open that TPS report.

The usual suspect is the .pdf file, for which you can download a free PDF reader. If your problem involves a different file format, a quick search on the attachment’s file extension (the three letters after the period in the filename) should tell you what type of program you need. If the attachment lacks a file extension (which might happen if it was renamed), adding it back should set things right.

My favorite program isn’t working on my new PC

Before you call tech support, make sure that the software you’re trying to run is compatible with your operating system. Older software might not function on Windows 8, and an app created for Mac OS X definitely won’t run on your Windows PC. A 32-bit program might run on your 64-bit operating system, but it doesn’t work the other way around.

Not all file types work on Windows. For example, files that have the .app extension run exclusively on Mac OS X.

If an online game balks, you might be missing the required plug-ins—Java and Flash are the usual culprits. Most browsers will alert you to install these items if necessary.

When to throw in the towel

Falcon Northwest’s Petrie recommends connecting with tech support for “any problems that you aren’t comfortable addressing personally.” When in doubt, it’s better to steer clear of voiding a warranty or potentially damaging your system. “Being aware of your own skill set and limitations is important,” says Petrie, because “it’s often easy to make matters worse.” If you think the problem is too complicated, call up a more knowledgeable friend, or bite the bullet and work with a professional tech support service.

Steps on how to install windows 98 with pictures

Steps on how to install windows 98 with pictures

Installing WindowsThis is a step-by-step on how to perform a Fresh Install of Windows 98. What you are going to need for this:

1) Windows 98 CD
2) Windows 98 Product ID/Key
3) About 1-2 Hours

The screen shots on this page are taken from a Windows 98SE OEM install using only the CD, on a unpartition Hard Drive. If you all ready have Windows 98 installed, you can skip to (Step 07) and continue on or skip to (Step 13), to delete the partition and start at (Step 01). If you cant find your Windows 98 Product Key then skip to (Step 14) before doing any of this.

(Step 01)
You need to make sure that you have the BIOS/Startup, so that the CDROM drives boots before the Hard Drive. To do this, you need to enter the BIOS/Startup by pressing: ESC, F1, F2, or DEL. Usually during POST (boot up) there should be something on the bottom stating on how to enter the BIOS/Startup. Press the button that it says to press or try one of the above until you enter BIOS/Startup Menu. Now using the arrow keys, there should be a tab that says, Startup/Boot Order. Under that should be a list with a list of options, make the 1st Boot - Floppy/3.5 Floppy, 2nd Boot - CDROM, 3rd Boot - Hard Drive, 4th Boot - Other. Place the CD in the CDROM Drive, save and exit the BIOS settings.

(Step 02)

After exiting the BIOS the computer will restart. You will get the above screen after the computer finishes POST. Select Boot from CD.

(Step 03)

After selecting Boot from CD the above screen will come up. Select Start computer without CD-ROM support.

(Step 04)

When if finishes loading, you will see the above screen with A:\. Type fdisk and then press enter. This is how the screen should look:

A:\fdisk


(Step 05)

You will come to the screen above. Press Enter.


After that you will come to this screen, press 1 then Enter.


You will then come to this screen, press 1 then Enter.


Now the program will check the Hard Drive, and then will make the partition. Press Y then Enter.


After that is done you will come to this screen, press ESC. You will then come back to the black screen with A:\. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del. This will restart the computer.

(Step 06)
You will then come back to the Boot Select Screen. Select Boot from CD-ROM.

(Step 07)

Select Start computer with CD-ROM support. The computer will now have CDROM support; you will come to the black screen with the A:\. Now type D:\WIN98\format C:

This is how the screen will look:

A:\D:\WIN98\format C:


You will be asked if you want to proceed with the format. Press Y, and then Enter. Depending on the size of the Hard Drive, this may take a while. After it is done formatting, press Enter (Do not enter a label).

(Step 08)

Now it is time to start the install of Windows 98. After pressing Enter, you should be at the A:\. Now type D:\WIN98\setup. This is how the screen should look:

A:\D:\WIN98\setup

Before the install can start the Windows 98 setup need to check the Hard Drive. Press Enter, this also takes long time depending on the size of the Hard Drive.

(Step 09)

After scandisk has finish, and the files have been copied, you will come to this screen. Click Continue.


Select C:\Windows, and then click Next.


Select Typical, and then click Next.


Select Install the most common components, then click Next.


This here is optional; change the values for Computer Name, Workgroup.

Computer Name: MyComputer
Workgroup: Home

After you have made the changes, click Next.


Select your location, click Next.


Click Next, you can choose to make a Windows 98 Startup Disk, if so then insert a floppy then click OK, if not the click Cancel.


After the Startup Disk is completed, if you choose to make it, click Next to start copying Windows 98 files.


After the files have finished copying, remove the Windows 98 Startup Disk, and click OK to restart the computer.

(Step 10)

You will come to the Boot Select Screen, select Boot from Hard Drive.


The next screen you will see will be the Windows 98 Splash Screen.


Enter the User Information, and then click Next.


Read and agree to the EULA, then click Next.


Enter the Windows 98 Product ID/Key, and then click Next.


Click Finish.

(Step 11)
The computer will restart, select Boot from Hard Drive. The Windows 98 Splash Screen will come up. Windows is now finishing the last minute settings.


During those last minute settings, you will need to set the clock. Once done, click Apply then OK


The Windows Install is also most complete, and after it finishes the computer will restart.

(Step 12)
For the last time the Boot Select Menu will come up, select Boot from Hard Drive. The Windows 98 Splash Screen will appear; after it goes away Windows will install any drivers need.


Congratulations, you have installed Windows 98

Step-by-step guide to installing Windows 8 With Pictures

In this guide I will cover the installation of Microsoft Windows 8 Release Preview 64-bit from a installation image. The installation of 32-bit and 64-bit are the same as this guide. I will try to explain certain options and provide helpful hints along the way, so rather than just following the guide, you can understand the reasoning behind the decisions.

If there are any mistakes please draw my attention to them and I will correct as needed. I have tried to make this as simple as possible, whilst covering the vast majority of scenarios users will come across whilst installing this operating system.

Step 1:
The first thing you should do is head to http://www.techspot.com/downloads/5330-windows-8-release-preview.html and download the installation image for your chosen architecture. The image used in the creation of this guide is the 64-bit (x64) ISO.

Step 2:
Using your disc burning software, burn the .iso you downloaded to a DVD.

Step 3:
Before you go any further, ensure all important data is backed up in case of data loss on your drives. This guide assumes you have media backups of your hard drives and you are safe to proceed.

Warning: Installing another operating system without first ensuring you have backups of your current files and operating system is a big risk. If you have no data to lose or you’ve backed up important data, you’re ready to proceed. YOU are responsible if you lose data.

Disclaimer: It goes without saying, that neither me or TechSpot accept any liability or responsibility for any errors or damages made to your computer during, or after installing this operating system. It is up to the user to ensure proper backups are made of important documents and files.

Step 4:
Ensure you have a network cable connected, restart your computer, and boot from the DVD drive.

Step 5:
The DVD will begin to load up, and you'll be presented by the following screen as the installer starts.

Step 6:
Once loaded you will see the following screen.

Select your location, keyboard and regional language settings as required and click "next" to continue and you'll see the following box:

Click "Install now" to continue with the installation.

Step 7:
You'll then be asked to provide the product key to activate Windows.

Enter the product key as written in the screenshot above. For the sake of clarity, the product key isTK8TP-9JN6P-7X7WW-RFFTV-B7QPF for both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

Once you have entered the product key, click "next" to continue to the next step.

Step 8:
Before you can proceed with the setup any further you're required to accept Microsoft's license terms, as below.

Read the terms, and once you're happy, tick the "I accept the license terms" box, and click "next" to continue to the next step.

Step 9:
You will be greeted with the following screen.

For the purposes of this guide, we'll assume you are performing a fresh installation of Windows 8 Release Preview. Therefore, this tutorial covers the "Custom" option which will install a fresh copy of Windows 8 Release Preview onto a clean hard drive, without backing up and restoring any existing files or settings.

The first option, "upgrade" will allow those running previous versions of Windows to upgrade to Windows 8 whilst keeping all files, settings and applications during the setup of the new operating system.

Step 10:
The setup will then continue and start the disk manager as below.

Select the correct drive to use for the installation of Windows 8 Release Preview, and click "next" to continue. For those trying this in a Virtual Machine, 20-25GB of hard drive space is more than adequate.

Note: This step is the last point in which you can abort the installation without permanent data loss to drives. Please ensure you have working backups before proceeding further.

Step 11:
Windows setup will then begin to install Windows 8 Release Preview to the hard drive, and will work through several stages as detailed below.

The installer may restart during the installation stage as it configures the computer to run the new operating system.

Step 12:
Once complete, it will reboot again and setup the computers devices and finalize the installation, as below.

Once this stage has finished, you will be greeted with the following screen.

Select your preferred colour scheme for Metro, and then name your computer. The PC name is used to identify the computer on local networks and ideally should be named so that other users your network can identify who the computer belongs to. Then click "next" to proceed.

Step 13:
You will then be greeted with the following window.

At this point you can specify the final settings required in the configuration of your new Windows installation. You can either choose "use express settings" or click "customize" to change the express settings.

If you are unsure, it is best to choose the first option. The installer will then configure the final settings and move onto the next step.

Step 14:
The next step asks you if you wish to sign into your PC using a Windows Live account.

Unlike previous versions of Windows, Microsoft's new operating system heavily integrates the Redmond-based firms Windows Live features, including messenger, contacts, calendar and mail.

Signing in using your Windows Live account also offers Windows 8 users additional benefits like the ability to download additional apps from the Windows Store and automatic synchronization of all your Windows 8 computers so they look and feel the same regardless of which one you're using.

Note: Your Windows Live ID also becomes your username for Windows 8 Release Preview, and uses your Windows Live ID password to log in.

Enter your Windows Live ID, and click "next" to continue.

You will then be asked for your password for your Windows Live account. Click "next" to continue.

The final step of integrating your Windows Live account with your new installation of Windows 8 Release Preview requires you to provide additional verification information. For those that have previously set this up, the fields will be completed already. Verify they are correct, or add the required information and click "next" to continue.

Step 15:
Windows 8 Release Preview will then complete its final configuration.

Once complete, it will then boot into Windows for the first time, as below.

Installation is now complete, and you can enjoy your new OS and begin exploring its features.

Feedback and comments are welcome. If you feel something is missing or you would like to see something in particular covered in future tutorials let us know in the comments section, or contact me directly