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Archive through January 13, 2004

The TVClubHouse: Archives: 2004 January - Arpil: Computer Problems? Ask here... (ARCHIVES): Archive through January 13, 2004 users admin

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Kimmo

Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 6:40 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
This isn't a computer problem per se, but do you know what programs there are online that I could download to shrink my digital photos for posting to TVCH? I only have Corel PhotoHouse and have heard people mention on and off a program that automatically shrinks pics, but no specifics.

Draheid, thank you so much for directing me to the right resources for my embarrassing spyware problem last month. I have Search and Destroy on both my home and work PCs now. I still don't understand how that happened at work! Ugh.

Draheid

Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 8:24 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Kimmo: I recommend Irfanview for a very easy to use graphics program. You can get it from www.irfanview.com

There was a good discussion about it in another thread over here recently. I think you will find it quite versatile.

Hope this helps. And you're welcome for the previous help - anytime. :)

Edited: Try THIS LINK to download. Apparently the home site has been taken offline.

Luvmyjrt

Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 8:42 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Dra: For several weeks my PC running Windows XP has been very sluggish and shutting down at odd times. I have run ad aware and found many ads that I have deleted and also defragged. I want to remove many things from my start up file, but can't figure out how in XP like I could in Win 98. Also, there are several files in my Add/Remove programs named Windows XP Hotfix I'm not sure if I should delete. And finally, I have CNET Download Manager that won't delete at all. PC just freezes. Any hints or tips? Thanks as always!

Draheid

Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 9:08 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Luvmyjrt: It sounds to me like you have some background processes that are resulting in sluggish response on your computer. There are several areas that can load programs at startup and there are several ways to remove some of them too.

My first recommendation is to Add/Remove anything you do not want or need on your computer. If you are having difficulty removing some programs, try starting the computer in 'Diagnostics' (aka Safe) mode by this: Click 'Start - Run' then type MSCONFIG and press [Enter]. In MSConfig, you can select this mode, apply, then restart your computer. This should prevent anything but the most essential programs from loading and preventing you from uninstalling them.

As for the 'Hotfixes', those are most likely resulting from Windows Update at Microsoft. They are necessary for you to have so I recommend you leave them alone.

Once you have removed everything you want to remove, go into 'Start - Run' then MSCONFIG again and reset to 'Normal Startup' and see how things are doing. If you need to disable more items from starting automatically, first check the folder 'Start - Programs - Startup' and see if there is anything you can remove there. Take a look at your System Tray (the area left of the time on your toolbar) and see if there are any programs running there you don't need. Most of those can right-click to access their menu and you should be able to disable them through their own configuration.

Final way to remove things from running at startup is to use MSConfig again ('Start - Run' MSCONF [Enter]) and use a 'Selective' startup then browse each tab for things that look familiar enough to you that you can comfortable disable them.

All this should help a great deal with the sluggishness, however, I'm not certain why it would be shutting down. Unless there are problems that the above information may eliminate. Try these things first and let me know how that helps.

Good luck.

Kimmo

Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 9:56 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Thanks, Draheid-- I hadn't even looked in that Snapfish/etc thread before because I thought it was just about photo sites! That really helped.

Abbynormal

Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 10:48 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
We have a new Compaq Presario 2100 laptop. What are the absolute must-have programs I need to download to keep it safe while online? I have a Norton 2002 disk and that is it. I don't want the laptop to get all messed up the way this one I am on is. It will be a miracle if this post goes through!

Draheid

Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 11:10 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Abbynormal: First go to Zonelabs.com and download and install their free ZoneAlarm firewall program. Second, purchase a NEW Anti-Virus program that includes a CD for emergency recovery if necessary. I recommend a NEW copy ever couple of years in order to have a fairly recent emergency CD on hand. Next I would suggest you download and install Ad-aware 6 on there and run that occasionally.

That's 'off the top of my head' for starters. If I think of anything else, I'll post it here later but this should get you started.

Hope this helps.

PS: Here is a link to download the free ZoneAlarm direct

Luvmyjrt

Sunday, January 11, 2004 - 4:13 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Unfortunately, my computer is still feeling unwell. I have decided I would like to do a System Restore to get my PC back to its original factory settings. My concern is, I run Charter High Speed Internet via a cable mode. If I do a restore, will my pc recognize my internet connect or will I need to have a tech come out? I am running Windows XP and have an ethernet cable modem. Any help would be appreciated. You all are THE BEST!

Jed245

Sunday, January 11, 2004 - 4:31 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Luvmyjrt... windows xp should recognize your connection fairly well. And with xp instead of a full factory restore you can reinstall windows drivers. That will still leave all the programs on your pc and your internet connection will be intact.


That might be a better first step at fixing your pc. If that doesn't work and you still feel the need to do a complete restore you should be fine using windows xp to find your connection.

The connection wizard in windows xp is fairly easy to use.

You might want to consider a few things however, Did your internet service provided send you an install disk?

If not do you have a static or dynamic IP address?

Static means you had to put it in yourself or have a tech do it, and dynamic means it configured it for you. (Well basically)

If you need to know how to find out just ask and I can walk you through it easy as pie. :o)

Jed. :o)

Abbynormal

Sunday, January 11, 2004 - 4:35 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Thank you very much Draheid, I will take your advice.

Azriel

Sunday, January 11, 2004 - 6:08 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
This is probably a simple thing to fix, but I don't know how.

I turned on my pc this morning and my desktop was too big for the screen. My start button and a bunch of the icons on the side don't show up on the screen. It was fine when I turned it off last night so I don't know how it happened.

Can someone tell me how to fix it, please?

Jed245

Sunday, January 11, 2004 - 6:22 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Have you tried the adjustments on your monitor? there should be size adjustments on the front or back of your monitor ya might wanna try em out. :o)

If not try restarting your computer. The monitor's electron gun in the tube might be adjusting gain incorrectly. Also try turning the monitor off and on a couple of times.

Jed. :o)

Jmm

Sunday, January 11, 2004 - 6:23 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Azriel, Have your tried resetting the screen resolution on your desktop? You know the right click on the desktop, left click on the properties thing. Dra says give it a try. LOL

Jed245

Sunday, January 11, 2004 - 6:42 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
The screen resolution might work, but, that should only change the size of the icons on desktop not the actual size of the desktop.

If screen resolution is the problem you should still be able to see your start button it might be really small or really big though. :o)

Jed. :o)

Azriel

Sunday, January 11, 2004 - 6:55 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Okay, well I feel silly now. I went to properties like Dra suggested Jmm and changed the resolution till the desktop fit my screen, but then everything was very tiny
and when I viewed webpages
they were all smooshed up
on the side of the screen


So, I changed the resolution back to what it was originally and then as Jed suggested I looked at the front of my monitor. Low and behold there was a button that said - Auto - I pushed the button and baddabing baddaboom my screen adjusted back to normal.

Thanks for the help!!!

Juju2bigdog

Sunday, January 11, 2004 - 9:22 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Hey, Jed, good to see you over here. Not that Draheid doesn't keep us all running smoothly just about ALL the time, but sometimes I feel guilty about asking him stuff. -> Draheid

So, uhhhhhhhhhh, Jed? Did you see how low most of us scored on the geek test, while you scored 89.4 and you decided we need all the help we can get? Sadly, it is SO true.

Jed245

Monday, January 12, 2004 - 3:30 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Thanks juju.

heheh... Nahh I just saw that I was such a geek that I needed to come in here and feed my inner geek. :o) Sides I am a techie so why not act like it sometimes. :o)


Jed. :o)

Luvmyjrt

Monday, January 12, 2004 - 7:41 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Dra: I do not have a disk to install my internet. I am not sure if I have a dynamic or static connection. I am an idiot! I am planning on doing a full restore since my son has loaded the computer up with so much crap, I feel it's the only way out. I did try the add/remove programs but there are some that just won't leave (CNET Download manager) so I am fed up and frustrated. Would you recommend that I know my IP address before doing the restore? If so, how would I find such an animal? Thanks for all your help!

Draheid

Monday, January 12, 2004 - 8:29 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Luvmyjrt: Either way you want to go, you shouldn't need a technician to assist you in setting up your connection after you have finished the restore. If XP doesn't automatically setup your connection, you should be able to have their helpdesk walk you through the setup over the phone.

If you would like to verify the status before you begin, you can do so by the following steps:

1. Click 'Start - Settings'
2. Point to 'Network Connections' and right-click then left-click on 'Open'.
3. Click on any 'connections' listed and you should see the information in the left side of the screen indicating the type of setup (manually or automatically) you are using.

Most likely it is set to automatic in which case you shouldn't need any help as XP should default to that setting upon recovery.

If you find it is set manually, let me know and I'll explain what information you should write down before you proceed with the restore.

Hope this helps.

Jed245

Monday, January 12, 2004 - 8:49 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
sounds strangely familiar.....^^^^^

Luvmyjrt

Monday, January 12, 2004 - 9:13 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Great, thanks so much! I will do this immediately upon getting home!

Juju2bigdog

Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 11:23 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
On the road with the laptop. Have access to friend's computer right now. Past quite a few times I have used the laptop on the road, I have gotten the blue screen of death when trying to dialup to Juno. (when I get home, I forget to check on it, lol) Sometimes it has cured itself. Sometimes reinstalling Juno works. This morning I re-installed Juno (it worked after I re-installed Juno in the motel yesterday). Blue screen of death.

Okay, so there is more than one way to skin a cat. I also have Netzero dialup, which uses a little bitty dialing program, not the full Juno-type set-up. It worked to dial in. Then I could start Juno and pull down e-mail into the laptop. Tried to use the same trick with Netzero to send Bigdog's e-mail. Now, it says unable to detect a dial tone, upon multiple tries and restarting the computer.

Went to System Manager and reinstalled modem drivers. Still does not detect a dial tone.

Sounds like a bad modem, doesn't it? This laptop was a new/refurbished one in late 2000, Gateway Solo 1150. It came with a bad modem, which gave me absolute fits until I got it replaced under warranty, which is of course expired now.

Anybody got any ideas of what I can try? How hard is it to replace a laptop modem myself?

Yeah, I can also call Gateway, since I have lifetime phone help on the laptop. That will be a later resort. Gotta stop tying up the phone line here first, before I can call them. LOL.

There IS a Gateway store in San Francisco area, but it is in Berkeley, not convenient to getting to.

Lostintheglades

Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 11:30 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
JuJu....I tmay not be the modem. Is there a physical phone nearby on the same line that you can check for the dial tone? Sometimes the line doesn't get disconnected properly and if you pick up a phone and reset the receiver so that you hear a dial tone then the modem can detect it again. This would happen on our modems at the office sometimes when calling UPS or FED-Ex.

Luvmyjrt

Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 12:06 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Dra: Thank you for your help, I have restored my computer and all is well. Could you please provide the name of a good, free pop up stopper? Thanks again!

Draheid

Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 12:21 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Lumyjrt: I use the built-in blocker in Netscape v7 and have been very happy with it. There are a few alternatives discussed in another thread on the board over here that you may want to review. It seems there is a google toolbar you can download and install that works as well, especially if you're using Internet Explorer.

Hope that helps.