Fix Your Computer Problem
Here you'll find information on how to correct many computer hardware and software problems. If the solution is unclear, you may need to determine the cause of the problem first.
Change the Default Program for a Specific File Extension in Windows 7
Windows 7 probably has a preferred program that opens when you try to launch files of a particular type. Follow these very easy steps for changing the program that starts when you open a particular kind of file in Windows 7.
Windows 7 probably has a preferred program that opens when you try to launch files of a particular type. Follow these very easy steps for changing the program that starts when you open a particular kind of file in Windows 7.
Update Drivers in Windows 7
A driver update is often needed to fix hardware problems like device manager error codes. Follow these easy steps to update a driver in Windows 7.
A driver update is often needed to fix hardware problems like device manager error codes. Follow these easy steps to update a driver in Windows 7.
Locate and Recover Data From Bad Sectors Within Recovery Console in Windows XP
Bad sectors due to a failing hard drive can cause damage that prevents your computer from starting. Use chkdsk to recover data from bad sectors from within Recovery Console.
Bad sectors due to a failing hard drive can cause damage that prevents your computer from starting. Use chkdsk to recover data from bad sectors from within Recovery Console.
Troubleshoot a DLL Error That's Being Caused by an Unknown Hardware Issue
Occasionally the underlying cause of a DLL error is hardware related. If you suspect that this might be the case with your DLL issue, the cause of your problem just got a bit more difficult to track down and probably more expensive to solve.
Occasionally the underlying cause of a DLL error is hardware related. If you suspect that this might be the case with your DLL issue, the cause of your problem just got a bit more difficult to track down and probably more expensive to solve.
Use System Restore to Undo System Changes in Windows 7
The System Restore utility in Windows 7 is a very valuable tool when you're working to solve a major Windows 7 problem. See steps on how to use System Restore in Windows 7 to revert to a previous system configuration.
The System Restore utility in Windows 7 is a very valuable tool when you're working to solve a major Windows 7 problem. See steps on how to use System Restore in Windows 7 to revert to a previous system configuration.
Use System Restore to Undo System Changes in Windows Vista
The System Restore utility in Windows Vista is a very valuable tool when you're working to solve a major Vista problem. See steps on how to use System Restore in Vista to revert to a previous system configuration.
The System Restore utility in Windows Vista is a very valuable tool when you're working to solve a major Vista problem. See steps on how to use System Restore in Vista to revert to a previous system configuration.
Use System Restore to Undo System Changes in Windows XP
The System Restore utility in Windows XP is an extremely valuable tool when you're working to solve a major problem. See steps on how to use System Restore in XP to revert to a previous configuration.
The System Restore utility in Windows XP is an extremely valuable tool when you're working to solve a major problem. See steps on how to use System Restore in XP to revert to a previous configuration.
Properly Scan Your Computer for Viruses, Trojans, and other Malware
Completely and correctly scanning your computer for malicious software (malware) like viruses, trojan horses, rootkits, spyware, adware, worms, etc. is often a very important troubleshooting step. A simple virus scan will no longer do.
Completely and correctly scanning your computer for malicious software (malware) like viruses, trojan horses, rootkits, spyware, adware, worms, etc. is often a very important troubleshooting step. A simple virus scan will no longer do.
Restore Deleted Files From the Recycle Bin
Need to get a file back from the Recycle Bin? Restore Recycle Bin deleted files easily with these steps.
Need to get a file back from the Recycle Bin? Restore Recycle Bin deleted files easily with these steps.
How do I Start Windows in Safe Mode?
There are lots of reasons you might need to start Windows in Safe Mode and they all involve attempts to solve specific Windows problems. Starting Windows in Safe Mode is easy in any Windows operating system.
There are lots of reasons you might need to start Windows in Safe Mode and they all involve attempts to solve specific Windows problems. Starting Windows in Safe Mode is easy in any Windows operating system.
How to Start in Safe Mode in Windows 7
Starting your computer in Windows 7 Safe Mode can help you diagnose and solve many serious problems, especially when starting normally is not possible.
Starting your computer in Windows 7 Safe Mode can help you diagnose and solve many serious problems, especially when starting normally is not possible.
How to Start in Safe Mode in Windows Vista
Starting your computer in Windows Vista Safe Mode can help you diagnose and solve many serious problems, especially when starting normally is not possible.
Starting your computer in Windows Vista Safe Mode can help you diagnose and solve many serious problems, especially when starting normally is not possible.
Troubleshoot DLL Errors
DLL errors can be solved with a little troubleshooting. Fix DLL not found errors and missing DLL errors with these easy steps. Solve DLL file errors without downloading DLL files from unknown sources.
DLL errors can be solved with a little troubleshooting. Fix DLL not found errors and missing DLL errors with these easy steps. Solve DLL file errors without downloading DLL files from unknown sources.
How to Reseat Internal Data and Power Cables
Sometimes reseating the internal data and power cables in your PC can fix certain kinds of problems. Reseating cables simply means to unplug them and then plug them back in.
Sometimes reseating the internal data and power cables in your PC can fix certain kinds of problems. Reseating cables simply means to unplug them and then plug them back in.
How to Reseat a Desktop Memory Module
Sometimes reseating the memory in your desktop computer can fix certain kinds of problems. Reseating memory simply means removing and reinserting it into the motherboard.
Sometimes reseating the memory in your desktop computer can fix certain kinds of problems. Reseating memory simply means removing and reinserting it into the motherboard.
How To Check For Disconnected Monitor Power Cable Connections
Power cables often wiggle loose from monitors over time or after a move. The monitor power cable should fit firmly into the three-pronged port.
Power cables often wiggle loose from monitors over time or after a move. The monitor power cable should fit firmly into the three-pronged port.
What is the Proper Way to Reinstall a Software Program?
Reinstalling a software program is one of the more basic troubleshooting steps available to any computer user. Reinstalling a program that you suspect of having problems is a very valuable but often overlooked step when trying to solve a software problem.
Reinstalling a software program is one of the more basic troubleshooting steps available to any computer user. Reinstalling a program that you suspect of having problems is a very valuable but often overlooked step when trying to solve a software problem.
Properly Reinstall a Program in Windows Vista
Reinstalling a particular software program in Windows Vista is often a valuable troubleshooting step. Properly reinstalling any program involves uninstalling the program and then installing it again.
Reinstalling a particular software program in Windows Vista is often a valuable troubleshooting step. Properly reinstalling any program involves uninstalling the program and then installing it again.
Properly Reinstall a Program in Windows XP
Reinstalling a particular software program in Windows XP is often a valuable troubleshooting step. Properly reinstalling a program involves uninstalling the software and then installing the program again.
Reinstalling a particular software program in Windows XP is often a valuable troubleshooting step. Properly reinstalling a program involves uninstalling the software and then installing the program again.
PhoenixBIOS Beep Code Troubleshooting
PhoenixBIOS is a kind of BIOS manufactured by Phoenix Technologies. A majority of modern motherboard manufacturers have integrated Phoenix Technologies's PhoenixBIOS into their systems.
Several custom implementations of the PhoenixBIOS system exist in many popular motherboards. The AwardBIOS Beep Code Troubleshooting
AwardBIOS is a kind of BIOS manufactured by Award, now owned by Phoenix Technologies. Many popular motherboard manufacturers use Award's AwardBOS in their systems.
Other motherboard manufacturers have created custom BIOS software based on the AwardBIOS system. The …
AMIBIOS Beep Code Troubleshooting
AMIBIOS is a kind of BIOS manufactured by American Megatrends (AMI). Many popular motherboard manufacturers have integrated AMI's AMIBOS into their systems.
Other motherboard manufacturers have created custom BIOS software based on the AMIBIOS system. The beep code…
How to Clear the CMOS
Clearing the CMOS on your motherboard will reset your BIOS settings to their factory defaults. After clearing the CMOS, you'll need toaccess the BIOS setup utility and reconfigure your hardware settings.
You might nee…
Change the Default Program for a Specific File Extension in Windows Vista
Windows Vista probably has a preferred program that opens when you try to launch files of a particular type. Follow these very easy steps for changing the program that starts when you open a particular kind of file in Windows Vista.
Windows Vista probably has a preferred program that opens when you try to launch files of a particular type. Follow these very easy steps for changing the program that starts when you open a particular kind of file in Windows Vista.
Change the Default Program for a Specific File Extension in Windows XP
Knowing how to change the default program that runs when you open a particular type of file can really come in handy. Follow these very easy steps for changing the program that starts when you open a particular kind of file.
Knowing how to change the default program that runs when you open a particular type of file can really come in handy. Follow these very easy steps for changing the program that starts when you open a particular kind of file.
How Do I Change the Default Program for a Specific File Extension?
The main reason you may want to change the default program that's used to open a particular file extension is if the wrong program is opening the file and the file is not usable in that program.
The main reason you may want to change the default program that's used to open a particular file extension is if the wrong program is opening the file and the file is not usable in that program.
Troubleshoot Windows STOP Errors
A STOP error, aka blue screen error, is a serious Windows error. Fix STOP errors with this STOP error troubleshooting guide. STOP errors are usually hardware or driver related.
A STOP error, aka blue screen error, is a serious Windows error. Fix STOP errors with this STOP error troubleshooting guide. STOP errors are usually hardware or driver related.
Access the BIOS Setup Utility
Access BIOS with these simple steps. Enter BIOS to make hardware configuration changes, set boot order, reset BIOS passwords and more.
Access BIOS with these simple steps. Enter BIOS to make hardware configuration changes, set boot order, reset BIOS passwords and more.
Adjust the Color Quality Setting in Windows XP
Adjusting the color quality setting in Windows XP may be necessary to resolve issues with the color display on monitors and other output devices like projectors.
Adjusting the color quality setting in Windows XP may be necessary to resolve issues with the color display on monitors and other output devices like projectors.
Adjust the Colors Display Setting in Windows Vista
Making changes to the colors display setting in Windows Vista may be necessary to fix color problems on monitors and other display devices.
Making changes to the colors display setting in Windows Vista may be necessary to fix color problems on monitors and other display devices.
Adjust the Screen Refresh Rate Setting
Adjusting the refresh rate setting may be necessary to resolve screen flicker and other unstable display issues on monitors and other output devices like projectors.
Adjusting the refresh rate setting may be necessary to resolve screen flicker and other unstable display issues on monitors and other output devices like projectors.
Adjust the Screen Resolution Setting
Adjusting the screen resolution setting may be necessary to resolve issues with the display size on monitors and other output devices like projectors.
Adjusting the screen resolution setting may be necessary to resolve issues with the display size on monitors and other output devices like projectors.
BIOS Setup Utility Access Keys for Major BIOS Manufacturers
List of BIOS access keyboard commands for BIOS systems from Phoenix, Award, AMI (American Megatrends), and more! Access your motherboard's BIOS with these keyboard commands.
List of BIOS access keyboard commands for BIOS systems from Phoenix, Award, AMI (American Megatrends), and more! Access your motherboard's BIOS with these keyboard commands.
BIOS Setup Utility Access Keys for Popular Computer Systems
List of BIOS access keyboard commands for major computer systems from Gateway, Lenovo, Toshiba, Dell, eMachines, HP, and more! Enter BIOS easily with these key sequences.
List of BIOS access keyboard commands for major computer systems from Gateway, Lenovo, Toshiba, Dell, eMachines, HP, and more! Enter BIOS easily with these key sequences.
BIOS Setup Utility Access Keys for Popular Motherboards
List of BIOS access keyboard commands for motherboards from ASUS, MSI, abit, GIGABYTE, Intel, BIOSTAR, EVGA, and more! Access your motherboard's BIOS with these keyboard commands.
List of BIOS access keyboard commands for motherboards from ASUS, MSI, abit, GIGABYTE, Intel, BIOSTAR, EVGA, and more! Access your motherboard's BIOS with these keyboard commands.
Boot to Windows XP Safe Mode With Command Prompt
Starting your computer in Windows XP Safe Mode with Command Prompt can help you perform advanced diagnostics and solve many serious problems.
Starting your computer in Windows XP Safe Mode with Command Prompt can help you perform advanced diagnostics and solve many serious problems.
Boot to Windows XP Safe Mode
Starting your computer in Windows XP Safe Mode can help you diagnose and solve many serious problems, especially when starting normally is not possible.
Starting your computer in Windows XP Safe Mode can help you diagnose and solve many serious problems, especially when starting normally is not possible.
Change the Boot Order in BIOS
Changing the boot order of the bootable devices on your computer like your CD drive, hard drive and flash drive is very easy. The BIOS setup utility is where you change boot order settings.
Changing the boot order of the bootable devices on your computer like your CD drive, hard drive and flash drive is very easy. The BIOS setup utility is where you change boot order settings.
Check for Causes of Electrical Shorts in a Computer
Electrical shorts inside a computer are usually caused by stray pieces of metal that form an electrical connection that shouldn't normally exist. Electrical shorts can cause the PC to power off without warning and without an error message. They can also cause the PC to not power on at all.
Electrical shorts inside a computer are usually caused by stray pieces of metal that form an electrical connection that shouldn't normally exist. Electrical shorts can cause the PC to power off without warning and without an error message. They can also cause the PC to not power on at all.
Check For Loose PC and Monitor Power Cable Connections
Power cables often wiggle loose from PC cases and monitors over time or after a move. Checking every point where electricity is delivered to the computer system is usually the first step when a computer isn't receiving power.
Power cables often wiggle loose from PC cases and monitors over time or after a move. Checking every point where electricity is delivered to the computer system is usually the first step when a computer isn't receiving power.
Degauss the Monitor
It may be necessary to degauss a monitor to improve the color around the edges of the screen. This kind of discoloration is caused by magnetic interference around the monitor.
It may be necessary to degauss a monitor to improve the color around the edges of the screen. This kind of discoloration is caused by magnetic interference around the monitor.
Delete Internet Explorer 7 ActiveX Controls
Deleting Internet Explorer 7 ActiveX Controls one by one can be a useful troubleshooting step to solve IE7 problems that may be caused by ActiveX Controls.
Deleting Internet Explorer 7 ActiveX Controls one by one can be a useful troubleshooting step to solve IE7 problems that may be caused by ActiveX Controls.
Device Manager Error Codes
Device Manager error codes are special error codes and error messages that are reported in the device status area in Device Manager. Error codes in Device Manager are generated when you have device driver issues, system resource conflicts, etc.
Device Manager error codes are special error codes and error messages that are reported in the device status area in Device Manager. Error codes in Device Manager are generated when you have device driver issues, system resource conflicts, etc.
Disable Data Execution Prevention for Explorer.exe in Windows XP
Disabling Data Execution Prevention (DEP) for the Explorer.exe process can sometimes fix certain error messages and system issues.
Disabling Data Execution Prevention (DEP) for the Explorer.exe process can sometimes fix certain error messages and system issues.
Disable Protected Mode in Internet Explorer 7
Protected Mode in Internet Explorer 7 is a valuable feature designed to protect from malicious exploits. Protected Mode can cause problems, however, and these steps show how to disable the feature.
Protected Mode in Internet Explorer 7 is a valuable feature designed to protect from malicious exploits. Protected Mode can cause problems, however, and these steps show how to disable the feature.
Disable the Phishing Filter in Internet Explorer 7
The Phishing Filter feature in Internet Explorer 7 can be very useful but not everyone finds it valuable and it can sometimes even cause problems. Disabling it is very easy.
The Phishing Filter feature in Internet Explorer 7 can be very useful but not everyone finds it valuable and it can sometimes even cause problems. Disabling it is very easy.
Disable the Windows Firewall in Windows XP
Disabling the Windows Firewall in Windows XP is sometimes necessary to solve certain problems, especially if another firewall is already running.
Disabling the Windows Firewall in Windows XP is sometimes necessary to solve certain problems, especially if another firewall is already running.
Enter Windows XP Recovery Console
The Windows XP Recovery Console is a command line based, advanced diagnostic mode that can help repair major system problems like those that prevent Windows XP from loading.
The Windows XP Recovery Console is a command line based, advanced diagnostic mode that can help repair major system problems like those that prevent Windows XP from loading.
Install DirectX 9 in Windows XP
Microsoft frequently releases updated versions of DirectX 9 and installing the latest version may be the fix to a DirectX problem you're having or may give you performance increases in your games and graphics programs.
Microsoft frequently releases updated versions of DirectX 9 and installing the latest version may be the fix to a DirectX problem you're having or may give you performance increases in your games and graphics programs.
Lower the Video Card Hardware Acceleration in Windows XP
Sometimes the processing power in the video hardware that helps accelerate graphics and improve performance can cause problems inside of Windows XP. Lowering the hardware acceleration may help.
Sometimes the processing power in the video hardware that helps accelerate graphics and improve performance can cause problems inside of Windows XP. Lowering the hardware acceleration may help.
Microsoft Knowledge Base
If you use any Microsoft software at all, including Windows or Office, their official support site is a valuable resource. The documentation here is excellent with step-by-step resolutions to almost any problem or error message you might encounter.
If you use any Microsoft software at all, including Windows or Office, their official support site is a valuable resource. The documentation here is excellent with step-by-step resolutions to almost any problem or error message you might encounter.
Move the IE7 Temporary Internet Files Folder to Default Location XP
By default, the Temporary Internet Files folder in Internet Explorer 7 is located in the C:\Documents and Settings\[username]\Local Settings folder in Windows XP. Moving the folder from here can cause issues.
By default, the Temporary Internet Files folder in Internet Explorer 7 is located in the C:\Documents and Settings\[username]\Local Settings folder in Windows XP. Moving the folder from here can cause issues.
Recovery Console Commands
Many commands are available in Recovery Console to help resolve major system problems like damaged master boot records or corrupt boot.ini files. Here is a complete list of Recovery Console commands with detailed information on how to use them.
Many commands are available in Recovery Console to help resolve major system problems like damaged master boot records or corrupt boot.ini files. Here is a complete list of Recovery Console commands with detailed information on how to use them.
Rename the NLSPATH System Variable in Windows XP
The NLSPATH system variable has been known to cause problems like the ntdll.dll error. Renaming the NLSPATH variable can resolve this specific issue.
The NLSPATH system variable has been known to cause problems like the ntdll.dll error. Renaming the NLSPATH variable can resolve this specific issue.
Repair Damaged or Corrupted Thumbs.db Files
Thumbs.db files, files which contain copies of the small thumbnail images seen when viewing photos or pictures in folders in Windows, can sometimes become damaged or corrupted which can cause some very specific problems in Windows.
Thumbs.db files, files which contain copies of the small thumbnail images seen when viewing photos or pictures in folders in Windows, can sometimes become damaged or corrupted which can cause some very specific problems in Windows.
Repair or Replace Boot.ini in Windows XP
The boot.ini file is a hidden file that is used to identify in what folder on which partition and on which hard drive Windows XP is located. Boot.ini can become damaged, corrupted or deleted for a number of reasons and is usually brought to your attention by an error message.
The boot.ini file is a hidden file that is used to identify in what folder on which partition and on which hard drive Windows XP is located. Boot.ini can become damaged, corrupted or deleted for a number of reasons and is usually brought to your attention by an error message.
Repair Password List Files
Password list files can sometimes become damaged or corrupted which can cause a number of problems in Windows.
Password list files can sometimes become damaged or corrupted which can cause a number of problems in Windows.
Repair the Master Boot Record In Windows XP
Repairing the master boot record on your Windows XP system is accomplished using the fixmbr command, available in Recovery Console. This is necessary when the master boot record has become corrupt due to a virus or some kind of damage.
Repairing the master boot record on your Windows XP system is accomplished using the fixmbr command, available in Recovery Console. This is necessary when the master boot record has become corrupt due to a virus or some kind of damage.
Reseat Expansion Cards
Sometimes simply reseating an expansion card - like a PCI card - can fix many issues. Reseating a card simply means removing and reinserting the card.
Sometimes simply reseating an expansion card - like a PCI card - can fix many issues. Reseating a card simply means removing and reinserting the card.
Reset Internet Explorer 7 Security Settings to Default Levels
Resetting Internet Explorer 7 security settings to their default levels could help resolve some browsing problems if the security options have been configured incorrectly.
Resetting Internet Explorer 7 security settings to their default levels could help resolve some browsing problems if the security options have been configured incorrectly.
Restore a Missing DirectX 9 DLL File in Windows XP
DirectX 9 DLL "missing" and "not found" issues are common with games and graphics programs. Don't download DLL files - safely restore a single DLL file from the DirectX 9 package.
DirectX 9 DLL "missing" and "not found" issues are common with games and graphics programs. Don't download DLL files - safely restore a single DLL file from the DirectX 9 package.
Restore Hal.dll From the Windows XP CD
The hal.dll file is a hidden file that is used by Windows XP to communicate with your computer's hardware. Hal.dll can become damaged, corrupted or deleted for a number of reasons and is usually brought to your attention by the "missing or corrupt hal.dll" error message.
The hal.dll file is a hidden file that is used by Windows XP to communicate with your computer's hardware. Hal.dll can become damaged, corrupted or deleted for a number of reasons and is usually brought to your attention by the "missing or corrupt hal.dll" error message.
Restore NTLDR and Ntdetect.com From the Windows XP CD
The NTLDR and Ntdetect.com files are important system files that are used by your computer to start the Windows XP operating system. These files can become damaged, corrupted or deleted for a number of reasons and are usually brought to your attention by the "NTLDR is Missing" error message.
The NTLDR and Ntdetect.com files are important system files that are used by your computer to start the Windows XP operating system. These files can become damaged, corrupted or deleted for a number of reasons and are usually brought to your attention by the "NTLDR is Missing" error message.
Scan Your Hard Drive Using Error Checking
Scanning your hard drive using Error Checking can help diagnose and even correct a wide range of hard drive errors.
Scanning your hard drive using Error Checking can help diagnose and even correct a wide range of hard drive errors.
Selectively Disable Internet Explorer 7 Add-ons
Disabling Internet Explorer 7 add-ons, one by one, is a useful troubleshooting technique to solve Internet Explorer 7 problems that may be caused by add-ons.
Disabling Internet Explorer 7 add-ons, one by one, is a useful troubleshooting technique to solve Internet Explorer 7 problems that may be caused by add-ons.
Update Drivers in Windows Vista
A driver update is often needed to fix hardware problems like device manager error codes. Follow these easy steps to update a driver in Windows Vista.
A driver update is often needed to fix hardware problems like device manager error codes. Follow these easy steps to update a driver in Windows Vista.
Update Drivers in Windows XP
A driver update is often needed to fix hardware problems like device manager error codes. Follow these easy steps to update a driver for your hardware device.
A driver update is often needed to fix hardware problems like device manager error codes. Follow these easy steps to update a driver for your hardware device.
Write a New Partition Boot Sector To a Windows XP System Partition
Writing a new partition boot sector to your Windows XP system partition is accomplished using the fixboot command, available in Recovery Console. This is necessary when the partition boot sector has become corrupt due to a virus or some kind of damage or is unstable thanks to configuration problems.
Writing a new partition boot sector to your Windows XP system partition is accomplished using the fixboot command, available in Recovery Console. This is necessary when the partition boot sector has become corrupt due to a virus or some kind of damage or is unstable thanks to configuration problems.