Computer Repair Tips for everyday users

Before you attempt to do anything mentioned here or elsewhere, please remember to always back up your data.

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Thursday, December 16, 2010

Active Directory Explorer v1.42

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963907.aspx
Active Directory Explorer (AD Explorer) is an advanced Active Directory (AD) viewer and editor. You can use AD Explorer to easily navigate an AD database, define favorite locations, view object properties and attributes without having to open dialog boxes, edit permissions, view an object's schema, and execute sophisticated searches that you can save and re-execute.
AD Explorer also includes the ability to save snapshots of an AD database for off-line viewing and comparisons. When you load a saved snapshot, you can navigate and explorer it as you would a live database. If you have two snapshots of an AD database you can use AD Explorer's comparison functionality to see what objects, attributes and security permissions changed between them.


Computer Repair Lakeland, FL
863-521-1079
      

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

How to Backup using Batch Files

Sometimes it is useful, or even necessary to simply copy existing directories to another hard disk or network drive, rather than using more complicated backup methods. Multiple directories can be backed up comparatively easy with a simple click, by creating and running a batch file. That file can be executed manually from your desktop, can be added to startup or scheduled for periodic execution as needed.

Batch files have comparatively easy syntax and can have many uses, so this method could also be a good learning experience by example. You can simply copy the text below, and paste it into Notepad. Create a new file with either .bat or .cmd extension, rather than txt.

http://www.speedguide.net/articles/how-to-backup-using-batch-files-1547
Visit SpeedGuide.net for full article and detailed command lines.


Computer Repair Lakeland, FL
863-521-1079
      

QuickBooks,Windows Vista 64bit PDF Printing Problems

Make the PDF Converter compatible with settings in a 64-bit OS environment.
Windows Vista:
Make sure that you are logged in as a user with administrator rights.
Click the Windows button, select Control Panel, and click Printers.
Right-click the QuickBooks PDF Convertericon and select Run as administrator and Properties.
Click Continue.
Select the Ports tab, then click the Add Port… button.
Select Local Port and click the New Port… button.
Enter PDF1 for the new port name and click OK. Close the Printer Ports window.
Ensure that the PDF1 port is selected in the Ports list.
Select the Advanced tab.
Select the Spool print documents radio button to make the options below it clickable.
Clear (uncheck) the box labeled Enable advanced printing features.
Select the Print directly to printer radio button again.
Ensure that Amyuni Document Converter 300 is selected in the Driver: drop-down arrow
Click the Apply button, and then click OK.

Important: In order for the changes to take effect, you must restart your computer.Reboot your computer and then try to print, email, or create a pdf from QuickBooks.


Computer Repair Lakeland, FL
863-521-1079
      

QuickBooks won't print

This issue most often occurs if that file has become damaged or corrupted
The printer settings for QuickBooks are stored in a file called QBPRINT.QBP. To fix the problem: Delete the QBPRINT.QBP file and allow QuickBooks to generate a new one.
Detailed instructions:
1 Open My Computer or Windows Explorer and navigate to the correct directory below for your version or QuickBooks.
2 For QuickBooks 2007: Windows XP:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Intuit\QuickBooks 2007
3 For QuickBooks 2007: Windows Vista: C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks 2007
( You might have to do an advanced search and search in hidden files)
4 For QuickBooks 2006 and earlier: C:\Program Files\Intuit\[QuickBooks Version]
1. Locate the QBPRINT.QBP file and delete it.
2. Open QuickBooks.
3. Click the File menu and select Printer Setup.
4. Click any one of the transactions in the Form Name drop-down and click OK. This will re-create the QBPRINT.QBP file. (This does not have to be done for each transaction.)
5. Open and print the transaction that was having problems.


Computer Repair Lakeland, FL
863-521-1079
      

Backing up the Windows registry

Offered by Symantec but not a Symantec tool.
Run a tool to backup your Windows registry.
The backup is saved in C:\ with the file name SYM_REGISTRY_BACKUP.
RUN IT NOW

Manual Instructions:
Back up the entire registry (Recommended by Microsoft)
To back up the entire registry in Windows XP/Vista, follow the instructions in the Microsoft
Knowledge base article (Article ID 322756):
How to back up and restore the registry in Windows


To back up the entire registry in Windows Me/98, follow the instructions in the Microsoft Knowledge base article (Article ID 322754):
How To Backup, Edit, and Restore the Registry in Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows Me


To back up the entire registry in Windows 2000, follow the instructions in the Microsoft Knowledge base article (Article ID 322755):
How to back up, edit, and restore the registry in Windows 2000




Computer Repair Lakeland, FL
863-521-1079
      

Make your thumb drive bootable

Here are some sites I found that instruct you on how to make your thumb drive bootable:


Create Bootable USB Flash Drive for Windows 7 or Vista Netbook Install ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98xlSjTyCaQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwX9cmJ8BoM&feature=related


Tools You Might Need:
Virtual CloneDrive (Freeware)




Other sites for creating a bootable thumb/flash drive.
  1. http://www.ehow.com/how_4587665_thumb-drive-bootable.html
  2. http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/archive/usb-boot.mspx
  3. http://www.bootdisk.com/pendrive.htm
  4. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1846793,00.asp
Tools You Might Need:
HP Bootable Flash Utility



Computer Repair Lakeland, FL
863-521-1079
      

Email Settings for popular email accounts

Taken from DS Solutions. Visit their site for full details.
Mail Server Settings
Hotmail:
Hotmail Incoming Mail Server (POP3) - pop3.live.com
(logon using Secure Password Authentification - SPA, mail server port: 995)
Hotmail Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP) - smtp.live.com (SSL enabled, port 25)

Yahoo! Mail:
POP3 protocol and use the following mail server settings:
Yahoo Incoming Mail Server (POP3) - pop.mail.yahoo.com (port 110)
Yahoo Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP) - smtp.mail.yahoo.com (port 25)
POP Yahoo! Mail Plus email server settings
Yahoo Plus Incoming Mail Server (POP3) - plus.pop.mail.yahoo.com (SSL enabled, port 995)
Yahoo Plus Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP) - plus.smtp.mail.yahoo.com (SSL enabled, port 465, use authentication)

Google GMail:
Google Gmail Incoming Mail Server (POP3) - pop.gmail.com (SSL enabled, port 995)
Outgoing Mail Server - use the SMTP mail server address provided by your local ISP or smtp.gmail.com (SSL enabled, port 465)

MSN Mail:
MSN Incoming Mail Server (POP3) - pop3.email.msn.com
(port 110, using Secure Password Authentication - SPA)
MSN Outgoing Mail Server - smtp.email.msn.com
(select "My outgoing server requires authentication")

Lycos Mail Settings:
Lycos Mail Plus service:
Lycos Mail Incoming Mail Server (POP3) - pop.mail.lycos.com (port 110)
Outgoing Mail Server - smtp.mail.lycos.com or use your local ISP SMTP mail server

AOL Mail Settings
AOL Incoming Mail Server (IMAP) - imap.aol.com (port 143)
AOL Outgoing Mail Server - smtp.aol.com or use your local ISP SMTP mail server

Mail.com:
The Mail.com email service allows you to use POP3 and SMTP servers for accessing your Mail.com mailbox.
Mail.com Mail Incoming Mail Server (POP3) - pop1.mail.com (port 110)
Outgoing Mail Server - use your local ISP SMTP mail server

Netscape Internet Service Mail Settings:
Netscape Internet Service Incoming Mail Server (POP3) - pop.3.isp.netscape.com (port 110)
Netscape Internet Service Outgoing Mail Server - smtp.isp.netscape.com (port 25, using a secure SSL connection)

Tiscali Mail:
Tiscali Incoming Mail Server (POP3) - pop.tiscali.com (port 110)
Outgoing Mail Server - use your local ISP SMTP mail server

Freeserve Mail;
Freeserve Incoming Mail Server (POP3) - pop.freeserve.com (port 110)
Outgoing Mail Server - use your local ISP SMTP mail server

Supanet Mail:
Supanet Incoming Mail Server (POP3) - pop.supanet.com (port 110)
Outgoing Mail Server - use your local ISP SMTP mail server






Computer Repair Lakeland, FL
863-521-1079
      

Connect e-mail from your Windows Live Hotmail into Outlook

Outlook Hotmail Connector provides a free solution for managing your Windows Live Hotmail e-mail, calendar, and contacts from within Outlook 2003, and 2010 free of charge.
Download Free Tool Here


Computer Repair Lakeland, FL
863-521-1079
      

Sunday, December 12, 2010

HP Learning Center, Free Classes

Learning center - classes Free, online classes, available 24/7:


www.hp.com/go/learningcenter



Computer Repair Lakeland, FL
863-521-1079
      

OUTLOOK.EXE continues running after you exit Outlook

Things that may keep Outlook open or hung up in task manager:
  1. Antivirus programs that support scanning email for viruses will tend to keep Outlook open.
  2. Many spyware and adware programs hook into Outlook and other email clients.
  3. Add-ins
  4. Other causes, see website for more details.
http://www.slipstick.com/problems/close.asp

Computer Repair Lakeland, FL
863-521-1079
      

APC Software / Firmware download

Looking for APC Battery Back-UPS software or to update the firmare?


You will need to know the model & part number of your item. Or you can just search by product name.


Software / Firmware Download



Computer Repair Lakeland, FL
863-521-1079
      

Create a system repair disc

To create a system repair disc:

Open Backup and Restore:
click Start button
click Control Panel
click System and Maintenance
click Backup and Restore


In the left pane, click Create a system repair disc, and then follow the steps. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Go to Microsoft's site and watch the video:
Learn how to create a system repair disc




Computer Repair Lakeland, FL
863-521-1079
      

Microsoft® Windows® Malicious Software Removal Tool

This tool checks your computer for infection by specific, prevalent malicious software (including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom) and helps to remove the infection if it is found. Microsoft will release an updated version of this tool on the second Tuesday of each month.


Download Here



863-521-1079
      

Friday, December 10, 2010

How to repair a corrupt Outlook pst or ost file

Have you found that your Outlook takes forever to open or opens in safe mode or recovery every time, or gives you errors, fails to send? Then you need to run the INBOX REPAIR TOOL.


With the INBOX REPAIR TOOL you can recover folders and items from a corrupted Personal Folders (.pst) file or offline folder (.ost) file in Microsoft Outlook 2002, Outlook 2003, and Outlook 2007.


I find it best to create a new pst/ost file first so you can use your outlook to send and receive while you fix your corrupt file.


You will need to run Scanpst.exe, which is a hidden file that is installed automatically when you install Windows. You can search for it by name showing hidden files when you do. You will need to know where your pst/ost file is so find that path out before you start.



Computer Repair Lakeland, FL
863-521-1079
      

Sunday, December 05, 2010

Modem/Router Default Password

Default Password List
Last updated: 10.22.2010


What a great site


http://www.phenoelit-us.org/dpl/dpl.html



Computer Repair Lakeland, FL
863-521-1079
      

Thursday, December 02, 2010

Windows 7 Personalization Gallery

Personalize your Windows 7 desktop with more themes, backgrounds & gadgets.




http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/downloads/personalize





Computer Repair Lakeland, FL
863-521-1079
      

HoBITS Technologies, Inc.: Do I need a Server? (Part 1)

HoBITS Technologies, Inc.: Do I need a Server? (Part 1): "Very often I am asked the question “Hector, do I need a server?”; my answer is “depends on your business”. What type of business do you hav..."



Computer Repair Lakeland, FL
863-521-1079