Ever experience start up errors when Windows is
loading up?This can be very annoying. The most
common cause is due to entries in the start up
list that is due to improper un-installation of
programs.

Spyware and virus software as well can cause
similar issues that make you want to pull your
hair out. When spyware or viruses are removed the
harmful aspects of these types of software are
most commonly the only entries these removal
utilities address. Commonly the remaining registry
entries in the start up file often remain.

When addressing a start up issue it is best to note
the error or errors by logging the information. Once
you have logged the errors you are now ready to start
researching the error.

A common way of diagnosing start up errors is to use
the Google search engine by visiting www.google.com.
Input the error exactly as it appears. This will
result in a more efficient search query. By
referencing the offending module you can obtain
information on the module as to its manufacturer and
function.

You will find many different ways of addressing any
particular issue when you use a search engine. If the
entry pertains to a particular software title it is best
to contact their support to address the issue with proper
procedures for removal or re-installation.

You can download the Bug Doctor to
fix startup issues.

Another way to address start up errors is by using the
Microsoft msconfig utility. This utility can be invoked
by going to your start menu and selecting run. In the run
box input the utility name by typing msconfig and selecting
ok. Once the msconfig utility has loaded select the start
up tab. Review your entries noting if there are entries
that reference the particular module or software that has
been noted in the error. You can deselect these entries
which disables the call from the start up file.

If you cannot identify the entry in your start up folder
try disabling half of the entries then select the ok button
and perform a restart. If the condition of your computer
does not change repeat the process and re-enable the removed
entries. Attempt disabling the remaining entries and perform
another restart. If the issue at any point is alleviated
re-enable the items one at a time while performing a restart
after each until the offending entry is identified.

In most cases this will help you identify and remove the
issue. In cases the issue still exists and you have identified
a particular software title that is the cause you should
contact the software manufacturer for assistance.

Always remember most of these entries only serve to use up
memory resources and most arent needed, but if you have virus
or firewall software installed leave those entries enabled
unless they are the problem entries.

A quick note: Smashing or thrashing your computer doesn’t
help at least in these instances.

Try the Bug Doctor Download.

You listen to all their testimonials here and they will help you fix
any computer problems.

If you need a good registry cleaner for your PC try PC Registry Cleaner Version 2.0

With the presidents new energy bill daylight savings
time has been moved ahead of schedule by a few weeks.
The government’s reasoning behind the new daylight
savings time is that people may use less electricity
for lighting with the availability of more daylight
in the evening hours.

There have been many concerns by consumers about how
this will affect computers. For networked computers
or proprietary software this may be a concern, but
for home users If you apply your Microsoft updates
and patch any updatable software this should not
be a huge issue.

To insure your system will not be affected simply
visit the websites of the software titles you have
installed on your computer. If there is a known issue
with the new date and the software you have installed
the manufacturer will post the available patch
information on their support pages.

This is not to say all devices wont be affected.
Any device that can not be updated may be affected
by this change.

This change has moved from the month of April to the
second Sunday in March.

Don’t panic, now is the time to start your preparation
for migration to the new time change. Even if you
administer a large network of computers and devices you
still have time to contact your software and hardware
vendors for advice on possible complications.

Don’t get caught up in the hysteria surrounding this issue.

We have been considering bringing back the computer help forum here at PC911. You have surely noticed the complete redesign we have recently completed and we are thinking a forum would be a nice addition.

There will also be a paid computer support option available to everyone very soon. You’ll be able to purchase blocks of time with one of our certified technicians to help you fix your problem. Plus you will get several great bonuses only available from PC911.

Watch for more information soon!

With all my ranting on computer maintenance you would think one might achieve what others call “trouble free” computing…not a chance.

By no means am I saying that you cannot achieve at least a better computing experience, but “trouble free”?

First lets think about this. I have heard and I quote “Computers don’t make mistakes..its the user that makes em!”. Ok I gotta say this and I hope someone is listening. Computers are a great piece of technology, but remember the internal workings such as hardware and software are completely designed by a human animal. So wouldn’t that make them as fallible as the people who design them?

Honestly…computers are only as infallible as the engineer who designs the components or software.

Don’t give up hope though. You can make your experience at least a more pleasant one. Although reaching for an unattainable goal will simply frustrate you. The best tool you can have is knowledge.

Knowledge of your system and software. Use the tools provided by the pc or software manufacturer to help maintain a healthy system. Most hardware and software manufacturers incorporate an extensive knowledge base as well as update services to help you maintain your pc functionality.

Believe me… Any error you have experienced while using resources the manufacturer has already encountered in testing. It’s as
easy as searching a knowledge base or creating a trouble ticket in their support system.

I know…I know: Its alot to read and most of it can be extremely confusing. Just remember when trouble shooting there are a few key things to note in your search: What version of Windows are you using? What is the EXACT error you are experiencing? When is this error occuring? If it occurs in a particular software title then what version is that software title?

You cannot go wrong in your search for an answer to a particular issue if you have this information.

These details will help you point to a specific answer in a knowledgebase. Just as there are many causes to one particular problem there are just as many fixes for that problem. So when you get frustrated while trying to fix an issue…before you take it out on your tech support remember that.

Tech support is troubleshooting, and I assure you they are just as eager to remedy your issue as you are.

SO remember: In your search for “trouble free” computing, functionality may get better, it will never be totally problem free.

Learn how to use your computer like a professional with our computer training DVDs.
Over 50 hours of computer training videos

Over the years spyware has become a very problematic entity. Originally spyware was created to help companies taylor website experiences towards consumers. As of late this type of software has evolved to track your browsing and computer habits and even offers itself as a doorway to viruses.

Its very interesting that software that was originally designed to improve a consumers experience was later tailored to make us all pull our hair out.

In this day and age you can acquire spyware from many websites. Many companies offer such things as “free” gaming sites to lure you in and then they can infect your machine. One thing to look for on any website before you attempt downloading or installing there site software is to look for a seal of approval. There are companies dedicated to scanning sites and software for these infections. Many companies now days pay these vendors specifically to test there sites for these entities. Any site that has planned protection will display a seal of approval from the company.

We have all experienced the frustration that these entities can impose. Most users can experience anything from slowness while browsing all the way to the other end of the spectrum to capturing of vital information as well as total system failure due to compromise from a virus.

Remember in order to protect yourself from pulling out your own hair from frustration as well as protect your system from infiltration you must keep your virus software up to date. This alone will not protect your computer from infiltration by spyware, but will protect your computer from viruses. Everyone with a computer should own a valid virus software and subsequently keep that software updated weekly.

There are many utilities available for use to remove spyware. Some of these titles are removal utlilities only. A few of the more popular are Spysweeper and Ad-aware. Both offer a free version for consumer use. If you wish to have proactive scan options you do have to purchase a license as the free versions do not offer the proactive scan. However if you scan regulary using the free versions say weekly you can keep the effects down to a minimum.

I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. Helpful to keep your computing trouble free and in maintaining your hair supply. Of course if you have pulled all your hair from its roots due to frustration you can save some monitary value on visits to the Barber or salon. 

Happy Computing

Patrick
PC911

With the way technology evolves and changes is it ever conceivable that we will catch up?

Just when we think we are catching up someone releases a new version of an operating system or new and improved hardware. Upgrading your operating system often consists of upgrading your component hardware as well. This is very costly to the consumer.

As I do, you may exclaim the same….AGAIN?

With the new release of Vista we once again learn that the majority of us must upgrade our current hardware configuration in order for the new operating system to meet the minimum system requirements. I have an idea….why can’t manufacturers make their components and software more compatible? Well here is the answer: Technology based manufacturers make more money by requiring users to upgrade components or software when migrating to a new version. Yes It’s that simple. It’s nice to always have them looking out for you isn’t it?

I’m not saying these companies do not have a right to make a buck , but wouldn’t it be nice if they could just patch software or upgrade hardware drivers or firmware so we aren’t constantly having to spend our hard earned money? I can assure that isn’t going to happen.

Our best defense when we purchase a new computer is to research a little and see what the software we use requires as a minimum. As well you might research to see what upgrades are going to be made available and check the components against any new versions that will be released. I know………buying the best or fastest hardware can be way more expensive. In the long run proceeding this way can save a little money and the big headache of upgrading and transferring all of your data to a new system.

Always ask questions when selecting a new computer or software title. You may even want to purchase a subscription to technology based magazine. These magazines can be very helpful by guiding your choices with the informative articles about new technologies.

I intended this article for the purposes of maybe taking back just a little of that hard earned from technology manufacturers. Remember…….keep yourself informed.

Patrick
PC911

Have you ever been plagued with error messages after performing a Windows update? Remember when you receive updates from Microsoft most of the updates do pertain to known security issues. Just because these updates can fix known issue doesnt mean they will not cause other problems.

The biggest issue with using the updates feature is using the web updater. As we know you can have many communication issues while connected to the internet. These issues can cause installation problems in the files you are attempting to download. If available the safest way to install updates is to obtain the full installers rather than using the web update feature. Although Microsoft does not provide full installers for all updates they do for some.

Some of the most common problems you can experience are with updates to Internet Explorer, Outlook Express and Windows media player. Remember you always have the ability to revert back to a previous state by uninstalling service packs or updates. Although this does not always cure the issue as usually when you install the damage has been done by the installer and damage will still reside in the registry it is recommended to try reverting.

One thing to remember though, just because it comes from Microsoft it does not mean it is fool proof.

I always recommend backing up any valuable data and backing up the Windows registry before attempting any update. This is a good practice even when installing new programs. I know….I know this is very time consuming, but remember you could end up spending days trying to restore your system and data from a crash. As well you may recover your system without a back up but you will not always recover your data without one.

Anytime you are updating your operating system or system software be sure to read any available documentation on procedures before attempting the update.

I hope this may help save you some time with future computing.

Patrick
PC911

We have just added a new section to PC911 where we list hundreds of system processes running in a process list.

http://www.pcnineoneone.com/processes.php

We are working on a little download you can run and easily search through our site to find the processes running on your pc and see if you need to turn them off or if they are perfectly normal. It will be free to all our users.

Some processes are needed by some programs and others are not needed at all they are just slowing down the processing speed of your computer.

We also make a very nice photoshop tutorial video series that covers both photo shop and photo shop CS. This video tutorial series is one of our most popular. I will be posting some clips of our photoshop tutorial videos over the coming weeks.

We start by showing you the basics to setting up your computer, screen, and other settings for optimal image editing. Then go on into pretty much every aspect of photoshop.

You can watch your photoshop tutorial online or order the dvd version. Click here to read more

photoshop tutorial photoshop

One of the more popular video series we have done is our speed up your computer set of 7 videos. These videos have helped thousands of people speed up their computers. Listen just just a handful of happy users below.

You can watch all 7 of these videos for free at the link below and learn to speed up your computer. They are about 2 hours long total and you will need to reboot several times during the process but afterwards you will notice that your computer runs probably twice as fast as it did before.

http://www.pcnineoneone.com/training_videos/