TVCH FORUMS HOME . JOIN . FAN CLUBS . DONATE . CONTACT . CHAT  
                  Quick Links   TOPICS . TREE-VIEW . SEARCH . HELP! . NEWS . PROFILE
Archive through December 11, 2008

Reality TVClubHouse Discussions: General Discussions ARCHIVES: Jan ~ Apr 2009: All Things Technical: The Help Desk: Computer Problems? Ask Here (ARCHIVES): Archive through December 11, 2008 users admin

Author Message
Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Sunday, November 02, 2008 - 7:02 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
What is the "security warning" he's getting? And is it Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Flash?

More than likely, it's got to do with UAC (User Access Control). If he's turned it off, tell him to turn it back on (Start > Control Panel > User Accounts).

If that doesn't work, tell him to search the Adobe support site for "Windows Vista security warning" along with whatever product he's trying to install.

Heyltslori
Moderator

09-15-2001

Sunday, November 02, 2008 - 7:09 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Heyltslori a private message Print Post    
It was Adobe Flash, and it's that warning that comes up that says something like are you sure you wanna run this program? (Not sure of the exact wording)

I'll have him try your suggestions. Thanks Costacat!


Whoami
Member

08-03-2001

Monday, November 03, 2008 - 4:23 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Whoami a private message Print Post    
Csnog, I don't have that particular mouse, but I have one similar. The software that came with my mouse has a screen where I can assign my choice of functions to each button. This is not the same screen that comes with your OS that you access through Control Panel.

So I went Googling, and found what looks like the same idea for your mouse. Check it out HERE and see if it works for you.

Hope that helps!

Whoami
Member

08-03-2001

Monday, November 03, 2008 - 4:32 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Whoami a private message Print Post    
Or, if you're not into reading, it looks like they have a diagram there on how to disable the magnifier too:



Whoami
Member

08-03-2001

Monday, November 03, 2008 - 4:39 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Whoami a private message Print Post    
OK, so I don't look like too much a fool, that diagram above does look like what you would access through your control panel.

With my mouse, for some reason I can't access the special buttons with my control panel access, and have to go directly to my mouse's software, that looks like this:



So anyway, at least hopefully I helped you figure out how to change it once you find it! LOL.

My favorite buttons are the forward/back and scroll up/down buttons. When browsing the Net, I never have to head to the top of the page to click forward/back, or over to the side of the page to scroll up/down. Just a quick flick of the thumb or finger and I'm surfing like a pro!

Whoami
Member

08-03-2001

Monday, November 03, 2008 - 4:53 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Whoami a private message Print Post    
And, if you want a user's guide of some sort, it looks like you can go to Microsoft's website and download a pdf file to read up on:

Product Documentation

OK, I think I'm finally done!

Csnog
Member

07-18-2002

Monday, November 03, 2008 - 11:35 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Csnog a private message Print Post    
Thanks a whole bunches!!!

The magnifier was driving me nuts. I need glasses for distance not reading.

Jimmer
Moderator

08-30-2000

Monday, November 17, 2008 - 2:51 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jimmer a private message Print Post    
I have a hard drive question. The main hard drive on my computer has an NTFS file system. I just purchased an external USB drive which has been pre-formatted with a FAT32 file system.

Is there any advantage to reformatting the external drive to NTFS or is it not worth the effort?

My current OS is Windows XP. Thanks!

Draheid
Board Administrator

09-09-2001

Monday, November 17, 2008 - 3:20 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Draheid a private message Print Post    
The FAT32 system does not allow storage of files larger than 4GB where the NTFS does not have that limitation. NTFS also offers greater security, file-by-file compression ability, and a host of other features. However, the FAT32 is more compatible with older operating systems, or if you have multiple operating systems on the same machine, if either of these are a consideration.

Draheid
Board Administrator

09-09-2001

Monday, November 17, 2008 - 3:24 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Draheid a private message Print Post    
PS: Here is a good article about the above discussion.

Jimmer
Moderator

08-30-2000

Monday, November 17, 2008 - 5:34 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jimmer a private message Print Post    
Thanks Dra. I wasn't aware of (or had forgotten) the 4GB file limitation for FAT32. I've been formatting all my external drives as NTFS but I was a bit lazy this time and wondered if I should bother. I think there are also some rather odd differences in the way Windows handles daylight savings time or other time changes on NTFS vs. FAT32 drives. I guess I will stick with NTFS.

Mictay
Member

09-29-2006

Friday, November 21, 2008 - 4:41 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mictay a private message Print Post    
OK I'll be on my computer and then all of a sudden the whole screen will go blue and this is the message that I get:

A Problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.

MEMORY_MANAGEMENT

If this is the first time you've seen this stop error screen,restart your computer,if this screen appears again,follow these steps:

Check to make sure any new hardware or software is properly installed.If this is A new installation,ask your hardware or software manufacturer for any windows updates you might need.

If problem continues,diable or remove any newly installed hardware or software.Disable BIOs memory options such as caching or shadowing.


OK I no idea what any of this means or what to do,I have not put anything on this computer,it was giving to me A couple of months ago and I always have that happen at least once A day.

Sia
Member

03-11-2002

Monday, December 01, 2008 - 6:44 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Sia a private message Print Post    
We still live in the country, where we can still only get dial-up internet service, so DH gave me an early Christmas gift: an HP laptop with Vista on it. The Vista is hard to get used to, and it didn't seem to come with a user's manual. I've been trying to read the help sections, but most of that seems to load only when you are connected to the 'net. Problem is that I got AT&T wireless, BELIEVING that it would enable me to get and STAY on-line better than my dial-up connection, but it wasn't installed correctly or I don't know what I'm doing. It is quite tricky, and I'm getting old and senile. Things just don't come as easily to me as they did when I was in my 20s, as far as understanding computers. I used to be more current--when there was less you had to understand in order to use a p.c.!!

I think I'm supposed to hook only to the GSM network for wireless, and not to the Wi-Fi network, yet the box pops up occasionally asking if I want to use Wi-Fi. To test whether I'd get a better signal in a populated place, I took the notebook with me today because my kids' school was in session, but without bus service. Here in the McDonald's parking lot I get a wonderfully strong signal, while just 10 miles away at our house out in the boonies I can't seem to be able to get on reliably.

I have figured out that sometimes I need to press the "antenna" button next to the power button in order to make my wireless antenna begin to work. Other times it seems to let me load preliminary pages, but not get into the actual web-site, e.c. Yahoo!

Why are there so many useless things on the computer? For example, there are about 62 running processes on this laptop, and my desktop had about 31. It's impossible to know which things you can turn off without messing up the system.

I don't like the toolbar for this system, and I cannot figure out for the life of me how to use bookmarks. They used to be called Favorites in XP, and I loved that. Now I seem to be prompted to enter everything into some sort of Yahoo database to use favorites, and I don't want to do that. And I can't even select my home-page. Can anyone point me in the right direction so that I can use this computer more efficiently?

And does anyone have a suggestion for effective use of the computer in the car, LOL? I am balancing the notebook on top of the steering wheel while bracing it against my chest. It's inelegant-looking, to say the least. And it isn't the most comfy on the wrists. It will be handy this summer at the cottage, but I will need to find a way to make the battery last longer. This is confusing. The screen dims the second you pull out the power cord for the transformer/charger, and then the power seems to drain fairly quickly.

I have tried using sleep mode, but am confused as to whether I need to leave it plugged into the A/C outlet in the wall, too. When I didn't leave it plugged in, it seemed to bleed off the power from the battery relatively quickly.

Thenks for any advice you can offer. Oh, and it's hard to see the screen out in the daylight. Is there anyone who really loves his/her laptop and can tell me that I will be able to adjust to the changes. I will not complain to my husband, but he didn't actually ask for my input regarding this purchase, LOL. I might have steered him away from Vista if he'd ask. Any Vista fans--or haters--out there? Thanks for your help.

Sia
Member

03-11-2002

Monday, December 01, 2008 - 6:52 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Sia a private message Print Post    
I am also having problems using the e-mail functions. Eventually I want to ditch my dial-up service, but am currently using it to sign on from my desktop computer at home. Cost is $14.99/month for dial-up. There is a wireless system available for $59.99/month, with about $150 in installation/antenna that is a one-time expense. The AT$T wireless will cost $59.99/month, but I was unable to plug the antenna into my USB port in the desktop and connect to the internet. Is that because the computer is in the hallway and just can't get a good signal? It's hard enough at the kitchen table next to a big picture window.

I can't find my prepaid TracFone which I last used this past summer. It still has time on it, but I cannot find it at all. My sister swears by her Blackberry, and the guy at the AT$T store said that he'd recommend that because you can surf the net, etc., but I prefer having a full-sized keyboard. Also, I'm secretary of an organization and need to send out e-mailings as well as prepare newsletters using Word or another word processing program--and I use photos in my newsletters. I don't think the Crackberry would give me enough versatility. Any opinions out there?

If I ditch the dial-up account, I won't be able to compose e-mails, I think, unless I'm in my Yahoo account, or am I mistaken? I can't sent up this laptop with the correct Pop3 and SMPT?? server names in order to bring in my e-mail from my dial-up account. Where do I find that information? I am so confused!!! I don't know where to start to unravel this confusing mess. Thanks for any help you can offer.

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Monday, December 01, 2008 - 9:13 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
You should have two options when you want to sleep (although I can't remember exactly in Vista): Standy and Hibernate. Hibernate stores everything in memory and then shuts down and there is a very minimal drain on battery power. Standby does much the same except it doesn't store everything in memory so it essentially is still sorta running. It'll draing your battery faster.

You can still compose email if you're not online providing you are using an email client and not a Web-based client. As far as the POP and SMTP settings, you need to call your internet provider and ask them for that information (or else go to their support web site and look it up).

I absolutely resent the use of the word "Crackberry" (I think it's rude to both RIM and the users) but I have a Blackberry Curve for work and a Blackberry Pearl from home. My enterprise email account is accessed from the Curve and my home email is accessed from the Pearl. You are not going to compose newsletters on either device, and nor should you. They are not intended to replace a computer, only to allow you to do some work (mostly stay connected) when you are away from one.

Your display settings are adjustable on the computer. You can always turn the lighting up or down. The reason it dims slightly when you unplug the cord is because the light displayed drains power. So the dimmer the screen the less power used. If you plan on using it outside, you'll have to find someplace where there isn't sun. This is normal common sense.

If you can't get things working, you should be calling either your internet provider (AT&T) or the help desk for the computer. (Probably in that order.)

And there are dozens of Vista books out there, so I would go buy one to learn how to use the new operating system. Or go buy Windows XP and install it.

Sia
Member

03-11-2002

Thursday, December 04, 2008 - 11:15 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Sia a private message Print Post    
Problem: the screen pops up lots of little windows when I use the touchpad, although it didn't do that at first. The little windows are the drop-down lists that typically appear when you right-click, but I haven't right-clicked. I think I adjusted the sensitivity of the touchpad in some way, but have been unable to find just what I did so I can set it back to normal. Any suggestions? I have looked at "Ease of access" functions, yet haven't run across what I might have changed there.

Rissa
Member

03-20-2006

Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 6:28 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Rissa a private message Print Post    
UGHH!!! I am trying to download ICQ. It gets to 4% and then stops, no error messages, just no progress. I have this issue for other programs as well. I can't get Flash (adobe) to download, my Itunes update stops partially done. I thought maybe it was my computer's security settings so I temporarily suspended all firewall/virus protection, no difference. The programs always stop downloading at the same point (IE the %4 for ICQ). Any suggestions? I am sure it's a setting but I can't imagine what.

ETA I am the computer's only user and am set up as Administrator

Colordeagua
Member

10-25-2003

Thursday, December 11, 2008 - 8:05 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Colordeagua a private message Print Post    
Bob or anyone, KNOCK-ON-WOOD, my computer has been working fine. Yesterday I got notice that my Norton anti-virus will expire on Jan. 9 and be automatically renewed. Haven't had any problems with it. Does it's thing quickly every Friday evening. Earlier this year when I was having various problems, had planned on getting rid of Norton when it expired. But now . . . ? Would you still recommend I change it? To what? If so, guess I'll be calling Jennifer. Remember her?

Jimmer
Moderator

08-30-2000

Thursday, December 11, 2008 - 8:14 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jimmer a private message Print Post    
I've never been much of a fan of Norton. In the past, I wouldn't have hesitated a second to recommend that you switch to AVG. However, I haven't been very happy with the newest version of AVG (it is much slower and bulkier than previous AVG's) so if Norton is working well for you, you might want to stay with it.

I'll be interested in hearing other's comments as well.

Csnog
Member

07-18-2002

Thursday, December 11, 2008 - 8:44 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Csnog a private message Print Post    
AVG has stopped 2 attempted hijackings this week for me and I have to make a decision on Norton as well. I do have SUPERAntiSpyware, and wonder what you think about the program?

Colordeagua
Member

10-25-2003

Thursday, December 11, 2008 - 8:50 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Colordeagua a private message Print Post    
Same here about AVG. We have a popular local radio program weekly on Wednesday nights about computers. They used to tout AVG, but not any more.

Ladytex
Member

09-27-2001

Thursday, December 11, 2008 - 9:50 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ladytex a private message Print Post    
I switched from AVG to Avira earlier this year.

Babyruth
Member

07-19-2001

Thursday, December 11, 2008 - 11:06 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Babyruth a private message Print Post    
Ditto on the new AVG being s-l-o-w. I don't like it.

Juju2bigdog
Member

10-27-2000

Thursday, December 11, 2008 - 12:18 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Juju2bigdog a private message Print Post    
I HATED the new AVG, after using it and loving it for about 5-6 years. I now consider it to be bloatware. I went with Avira before Ladytex did. LOL.

Babyruth
Member

07-19-2001

Thursday, December 11, 2008 - 12:51 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Babyruth a private message Print Post    
ok where do we get this Avira? :-)