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PC Support: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Free Key Finder Programs
Here are 13 free key finder (aka keyfinder) software programs to help make finding your lost product key or serial number easy. Key finder software finds keys and serial numbers by looking in the registry.
Free Windows Password Tools
Windows password recovery tools are used to recover the passwords used to log on to Windows. Here are the 7 best free Windows password recovery (password cracker) tools.
System Monitor Gadgets
Windows 7 gadgets can do more than show the weather or news. These 15 Windows 7 gadgets are useful as system resource trackers for CPU, RAM, and more.
Computer Won't Turn On
Detailed advice on what to do when your computer won't turn on. Here's what to do if your computer won't boot all the way, or won't start at all.
MJB Keyfinder Review
Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder v2.0.8 is one of the easiest, most effective and least expensive (it's FREE) key finder programs available.
Ophcrack Review
Ophcrack is simply the best free Windows password recovery software program available. See my full review of Ophcrack LiveCD.
Install DirectX
Where and how to download and update DirectX. Updating DirectX 11, DirectX 10, or DirectX 9 is easy and could improve game performance in Windows.
Find the Windows 7 Product Key
Lost your Windows 7 product key? Learn how to find your Windows 7 product key using a free key finder program which will extract your Windows 7 key from the registry.
Burn ISO Image
In most cases, you'll need to burn an ISO file to a disc before you can use it. See these easy instructions for burning an ISO image to a CD, DVD, or BD disc.
File Recovery Programs
Free file recovery software, aka free undelete software, can help recover accidentally deleted files. Here are 16 freeware (completely free) file recovery tools, reviewed and ranked.
Boot From Disc
Detailed instructions on how to make your computer boot from a CD, DVD, or BD disc. You may need to boot from a disc to install Windows, run diagnostic tools, and run live discs.
Windows 7 Drivers
List of the latest Windows 7 drivers, last updated May 22, 2012. Download Windows 7 audio drivers, sound drivers, printer drivers, and more.
Access BIOS
Access BIOS with these simple steps. Enter BIOS to make hardware configuration changes, set boot order, reset BIOS passwords and more.
EPUB File
An EPUB file is an Open Publication Structure eBook file. Learn how to open an EPUB file or convert an EPUB file to another file format.
Admin Password Win 7
A list of ways to find the Windows 7 administrator password. The admin password in Windows 7 is the password needed to access some advanced areas in Windows.
Find Office Product Keys
Instructions on how to find your lost Microsoft Office product key. A Microsoft Office product key is required to install Microsoft Office 2010, Office 2007, etc.
Find the Office 2010 Key
The Microsoft Office 2010 product key code can be difficult to locate. You need your Microsoft Office 2010 key code to reinstall Microsoft Office 2010 so follow these easy steps to locate the key.
500 Internal Server Error
The 500 Internal Server Error, also called an HTTP 500 error, is a generic error suggesting a problem with the website's server.
Find Windows XP Key
Can't find your Windows XP product key? Follow these easy instructions to locate the Windows XP CD key from within Windows!
ISO File
An ISO file is a single file containing all the data from a CD, DVD, or BD. The ISO file is a perfect representation of the entire disc. ISO files are sometimes called ISO images.
Format Hard Drive Win 7
Detailed tutorial on how to format a hard drive in Windows 7. You must format a hard drive to use it in Windows 7.
Safe Mode in Windows 7
A complete tutorial on how to start Windows 7 in Safe Mode. Starting Windows 7 in Safe Mode can help diagnose and solve many serious problems.
Blue Screen of Death Fix
Easy to follow tutorial to help fix a Blue Screen of Death. A BSOD might be caused by hardware or software so proper troubleshooting is important.
Change BIOS Boot Order
Detailed tutorial on how to change the boot order in BIOS. A change to the boot sequence will change the order in which devices are booted from.
Memory Testing Tools
A list of the best free memory test (RAM test) software. Test your memory with a RAM test program to find even the smallest problem with your computer memory.
Boot From USB
Instructions on how to make your computer boot from a USB device, like a flash drive or a USB connected hard drive.
Nothing Showing on Monitor
The most common way that a computer won't turn on is when the PC actually does power on but doesn't display anything on the monitor. If nothing is showing up on your screen then troubleshoot with this guide to find the cause of the problem.
Free Registry Cleaners
Many free registry cleaners exist that remove duplicate or unwanted entries from the Windows Registry. Download any of these freeware registry cleaners to repair registry problems.
Ophcrack Tutorial
A complete tutorial with screenshots on using Ophcrack LiveCD v2.3.1 (Ophcrack 3.3.1) to crack a Windows password.
Recuva Review
Recuva is the very best free file recovery program available. I highly recommend you try Recuva before any other undelete program.
Free File Converters
Looking for a free file format converter? Here's a list of 100% free file converter programs for video files, audio files, image files, and more.
Clean LCD Screens
How to safely clean your flat screen monitor or television. LCD, LED, and plasma screens require special care when cleaning because they can be easily scratched and damaged.
Free PDF Password Recovery
A list of the best free PDF password remover tools for Windows, as well as free PDF password crackers and password recovery programs for both user and owner passwords.
MOBI File
A MOBI file is a Mobipocket eBook file. Learn how to open a MOBI file or convert a MOBI file to another file format.
Change the Windows XP Key
Easy instructions on how to change your Windows XP product key. Change your Windows XP key using special software or by making registry changes.
Windows 7 Commands 1 of 3
A complete list of Command Prompt commands in Windows 7. There are over 230 commands, referred to as CMD commands or DOS commands, in Windows 7.
Auto Login Win 7
Easy instructions on how to make Windows 7 login automatically! Configuring Windows 7 to auto login can substantially speed your PC's total boot time.
Repair Windows XP Part 1
A tutorial on how to repair Windows XP by completing a Repair Install. Repairing Windows XP this way will fix damaged files but will keep other data.
Driver Update Win 7
You'll need to update drivers in Windows 7 to fix hardware problems or enable new features. Follow these easy steps to update drivers in Windows 7.
NTLDR is Missing
There are many reasons that you might see an NTLDR is Missing error message. Learn how to easily fix the NTLDR is Missing error and other NTLDR errors.
Offline NT Password Editor Review
Offline NT Password & Registry Editor is a Windows password reset/remover tool that works nearly 100% of the time. See my complete review of ONTP&RE.
DAT File
A DAT file might be a video, email, or generic data file. Learn how to open a .DAT file or convert a DAT file to another file format.
Clean Install Windows 7 Part 1
A Windows 7 clean install tutorial with screenshots and full instructions. A clean install of Windows 7 is often the best way to install Windows 7.
Command Prompt Tricks
Nearly two dozen Command Prompt tricks and other Command Prompt hacks to help you get the most out of the Command Prompt in Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP.
Startup Repair Win 7
A tutorial for completing a Windows 7 Startup Repair. Running a Startup Repair is a good first troubleshooting step if Windows 7 isn't starting properly.
Winkeyfinder Review
Winkeyfinder is a run-of-the-mill key finder program but it does have a few extra features that you might find useful.
Hal.dll Errors XP
Missing hal.dll errors can be caused by boot.ini or hal.dll issues. Learn how to fix any missing or corrupt system32\hal.dll error.
Free Password Crackers
A list of free password cracker programs. These freeware password crackers will crack Windows passwords, PDF passwords, Word passwords, and more.
Download Windows XP
There are many places to download Windows XP. You'll usually want to download XP so you can reinstall it after losing your original Windows XP Setup CD.
Free Hard Drive Test Software
A list of free hard drive testing software programs. These hard drive test programs will do just that - test your hard drive for problems.
How To Clear CMOS
Three ways to clear the CMOS memory on your motherboard. Clearing CMOS will reset your BIOS settings to their factory default levels.
STOP Code List
A complete list of Windows STOP codes, often called Blue Screen error codes. STOP codes display on STOP error screens - the Blue Screens of Death (BSOD).
IDM Serial
Lost your Internet Download Manager serial number? Learn how to find your IDM serial legally, without cracks or keygens.
Update Drivers in Windows
Links to detailed instructions on how to update drivers in Windows, specific to your particular version of Windows.
STOP 0x0000007B
A troubleshooting guide for the STOP 0x0000007B code (INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE) on a Blue Screen of Death. These are usually driver, virus, or hardware issues.
Computer Not Receiving Power
There are several easy-to-solve possible causes to a computer that isn't receiving power. If you turn on your computer and it doesn't power on at all then try some of these easy troubleshooting steps.
Admin Password XP
The administrator password in Windows XP is the password used to access the Administrator account. You will at times need the administrator password so if you don't know it, you'll need to get your hands on it one way or another.
Computer Turns On Then Off
Is your computer turning off by itself immediately or at some point before the operating system loads? If so, you may be facing anything from a simple electrical short inside your computer to a serious hardware issue.
Find the Office 2007 Key
Easy instructions on finding your lost Microsoft Office 2007 product key. You'll need your Microsoft Office 2007 product key if you're planning on reinstalling the program.
Reset Password Windows 7
You can reset your Windows 7 password if you've forgotten it. Learn how to reset the password to your Windows 7 account with a Windows 7 password reset tool.
Code 10
Code 10 Error Message The Code 10 error is one of several Device Manager error codes . The Code 10 error
D3dx9_43.dll Error
D3dx9_43.dll Not Found errors usually indicate a DirectX problem. Don't download d3dx9_43.dll, fix the problem the right way.
Product Key
A product key, or CD key, is an alphanumeric code required by many software programs during installation. Unique product keys help prevent software piracy.
Disk Management Win 7
Disk Management in Windows 7 can be accessed from the Computer Management utility. Follow these steps to open Disk Management in Windows 7.
Test Power Supply
You can test a power supply with a multimeter or you can use a power supply tester. Here are complete tutorials on both PSU testing methods.
Repair Windows
A repair installation is often an easy fix for serious Windows problems. A repair install will copy over Windows but keep your files. Learn how to repair install Windows.
Forgot Password XP
So you forgot your Windows XP password? Don't worry - it happens to the best of us. There are lots of ways to find a Windows XP password that you forgot.
PC Login Now Review
PC Login Now is a fast and completely free Windows password reset/removal tool. See my complete review of PC Login Now.
404 Not Found Error
The 404 Not Found error, often called Error 404 or an HTTP 404 error, means that the webpage you were trying to load was not found.
Windows XP Recovery Console
A tutorial on entering Windows XP Recovery Console. You'll have to enter Recovery Console if you want to do advanced troubleshooting in Windows XP.
SFC Scannow
The sfc scannow option is the most useful way to run System File Checker. Using sfc with the scannow option will scan and repair important Windows files.
Keep Your PC Cool
Here are several ways to keep your PC cool. If your computer gets too hot it can stop working and cause permanent damage so keeping your PC cool is extremely important.
Forgot Password Vista
Forgot your Windows Vista password? Don't worry - it happens to a lot of people. We're supposed to make our passwords difficult to guess but sometimes we make them so complicated that we forget them ourselves!
Forgot Password Win 7
Forgot your Windows 7 password? Hey, it happens. Luckily there are several ways to find a Windows 7 password that you forgot.
Repair Replace Boot.ini XP
Easy instructions on repairing or replacing the boot.ini file in Windows XP. Boot.ini is an important file and could prevent Windows from booting if something is wrong with it.
Do NOT Download DLL Files
DLL download sites sometimes provide easy fixes for DLL problems by allowing single DLL downloads but you should NEVER use them. Here's why...
Delete Temp Files Vista
Manually cleaning out the Temp folder in Window XP is often a necessary maintenance step when the Windows
Operating System
An operating system, often shorted to simply OS, is a powerful software program that manages the software and hardware in a computer. Some popular operating systems include Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Mac OS.
Network Meter Review
The Network Meter gadget for Windows 7 monitors just about every valuable wired and wireless network metric you can think of.
Windows Freezes, Stops, or Reboots
How to troubleshoot Windows startup issues like freezing, stopping, or continous reboots - called reboot loops. When Windows freezes during startup, or stops or reboots, the problem could involve hardware or software.
BIOS Access by Computer Maker
List of BIOS access keys for major computer systems from Gateway, Lenovo, Toshiba, Dell, eMachines, HP, and more.
Repair XP MBR
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.
Partition Hard Drive Win 7
A tutorial on how to partition a hard drive in Windows 7. You have to partition a hard drive before you can format, and eventually use, it in Windows 7.
Xlive.dll Error
Xlive.dll errors are often caused by a deleted or corrupted xlive.dll file. Don't download xlive.dll, fix the problem the right way with these steps.
Test Hard Drive
There are many ways to test a hard drive for problems. Strange noises and persistent errors are good reasons to run a hard drive test.
Xirrus Wi-Fi Monitor Review
The Xirrus Wi-Fi Monitor gadget is probably one of the most unique Windows 7 gadgets out there. You have to at least try it.
Driver Update Windows XP
Updating a driver can fix problems between your hardware and Windows XP. Follow these easy steps to update a driver in Windows XP.
Find & Download Drivers
The very best place to download a driver for any piece of hardware is direct from the hardware manufacturer. Drivers downloaded from the manufacturer will be the most tested and up to date available.
CMD Commands 1 of 3
A complete list of the over 270 Command Prompt commands across Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP. Each CMD command is fully explained, including which version of Windows the command is available in.
Delete Password Win 7
You can remove your Windows 7 password as long as you're the only person with access to your PC. While it isn't a very security-minded thing to do, removing your Windows 7 password might be something to consider.
System Restore Command
Easy instructions on starting the System Restore process from the Command Prompt.
503 Service Unavailable
The 503 Service Unavailable error means that the web site's server is not available, usually due to maintenance or server overloading.
Change Password Win 7
Changing your Windows 7 password regularly is a good security habit. Changing your password in Windows 7 is pretty easy and is something you should do if you're having problems remembering your current password.
Serial Number
A serial number is a unique sequence of numbers and/or letters. Serial numbers are used to identify individual pieces of hardware and software.
All CPU Meter Review
All CPU Meter is a killer CPU monitoring gadget for Windows 7. It updates quickly and supports up to 24 CPU cores... yes, 24!
Xinput1_3.dll Error
Xinput1_3.dll Not Found errors usually indicate a DirectX problem. Don't download xinput1_3.dll, fix the problem the right way.
Windows Registry
The Windows Registry is where nearly all configuration settings are stored in Windows. The Windows Registry is accessed with the Registry Editor tool.
ONTPRE Tutorial
A complete tutorial, with screenshots, on how to use Offline NT Password & Registry Editor to remove or delete a Windows password.
Find the Windows Vista Key
The Windows Vista product key code can be difficult to locate. You need your Windows Vista key code to reinstall Windows Vista so follow these simple steps to locate the key.
WRT54G Default Password
Find the Linksys WRT54G default password, default username, and default IP address here, plus more help with your Linksys WRT54G router.
Binkw32.dll Errors
Binkw32.dll errors are caused by issues your game is having with the Bink Video codec. Don't download binkw32.dll, fix the problem the right way.
ProduKey Review
ProduKey is one of my favorite key finder programs mostly because it's still being actively developed. It's also a great tool to load product keys from other registries.
Format C
Here are 5 ways to format C drive. To format C means to format the drive that the operating system is on, which is usually the C drive.
Executable File Extensions
A list of executable file extensions. Files with any of these file extensions might be able to execute a task automatically.
Troubleshoot Beep Codes
Hearing beep codes when you turn on your computer? Beep codes are clues as to why your computer isn't working. Here's what to do.
Clean Install XP Part 1
After serious system problems it's often necessary to wipe your Windows XP system clean and start over from scratch. Follow this easy to understand, visual step by step guide to erasing Windows XP and performing a clean installation. Part 1 of 4.
MJB Keyfinder Tutorial
A complete tutorial on using Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder to find product keys and serial numbers for Windows and other software.
CBR File
A CBR file is a CDisplay RAR Archived Comic Book file. Learn how to open a CBR file or convert a CBR file to another file format.
Find Windows Product Keys
Links to instructions on finding lost Windows product keys, including the product keys for Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and more.
XML File
An XML file is an Extensible Markup Language file. Learn how to open an XML file or convert an XML file to another file format.
Open Device Manager XP
You might want to open Device Manager in Windows XP for several reasons. Open Device Manager in Windows XP from the Computer Management utility, the System applet in Control Panel, or from the Command Prompt.
Test PSU Multimeter
Detailed instructions on testing a computer power supply using a multimeter. Follow these steps exactly to determine if your PSU is working properly.
File Extension
A file extension is the group of characters, usually 3 or 4 in length, after the period in a full file name.
Password Reset Disk Win 7
Creating a Windows 7 password reset disk can really come in handy if you forget your account password. With it, you can easily reset your password and get right in to Windows 7.
Net Use
The net use command is used to manage shared resources. Learn more about the net use command and see several net use command examples.
DriveInfo Review
DriveInfo is the perfect Windows 7 gadget if you're concerned about your available hard drive free space or have several hard drives to keep track of.
D3dx9_41.dll Error
D3dx9_41.dll Not Found errors usually indicate a DirectX problem. Don't download d3dx9_41.dll, fix the problem the right way.
Restore Hal.dll XP
How to restore the hal.dll file from the Windows XP setup disc, one of several possible solutions to hal.dll errors in Windows XP.
Default Password XP
Knowing a default password for Windows XP would be very useful when your computer prompts you for an administrator password, or some other password, and you have no idea what to enter!
BIOS Access by Motherboard
List of BIOS access keys for motherboards from ASUS, MSI, abit, GIGABYTE, Intel, BIOSTAR, EVGA, and more.
Free Video Converters
A video converter converts one kind of video file to another. Here are several free video converter software programs and online video converters.
Ntdll.dll Error
A troubleshooting guide for ntdll.dll errors, including C0000221 unknown hard errors and crashes. Don't download ntdll.dll, fix the problem the right way.
Wipe Hard Drive
Easy instructions on how to wipe a hard drive. A hard drive wipe will erase everything on the hard drive - something deleting and formatting can not do.
ASPX File
An ASPX file is an ASP.NET Source file. Learn how to open an ASPX file or convert an ASPX file to another file format.
Advanced Boot Options
The Advanced Boot Options menu is a menu of advanced Windows startup and troubleshooting modes, including Safe Mode.
E1000 Default Password
Find the Linksys E1000 default password, default username, and default IP address here, plus more help with your Linksys E1000 router.
System Restore Win 7
Detailed instructions on using System Restore in Windows 7 to undo recent driver, registry, and other important changes.
Memtest86 Review
Memtest86 is the best free memory test program available. Memtest86 is a thorough, accurate, and extremely easy to use RAM test tool.
Free Word Password Recovery
A list of the best free Word password recovery tools for Windows. Some Word password recovery programs might be called removers, unlockers, or crackers, depending on how they crack Microsoft Word passwords.
Code 43
How to solve the Code 43 error in Device Manager. Code 43 errors appear when a device reports general problems to Windows.
DLL File
A Dynamic Link Library, or DLL, file is a kind of file that contains specific code that many programs can share.
D3dx9_42.dll Error
D3dx9_42.dll Not Found errors usually indicate a DirectX problem. Don't download d3dx9_42.dll, fix the problem the right way.
Default Gateway IP
The default gateway IP address is usually the IP addressed configured for your router. Learn how to find the default gateway in Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.
Command Prompt
Command Prompt is a command line interpreter program available in Windows. Command Prompt is similar in appearance to MS-DOS.
D3dcompiler_43.dll Error
D3dcompiler_43.dll Not Found errors usually indicate a DirectX problem. Don't download d3dcompiler_43.dll, fix the problem the right way.
Seagate SeaTools Review
Both of Seagate's hard drive testing programs, SeaTools for DOS and SeaTools for Windows, are excellent, though one is better for certain hard drive problems.
Restore Files Recycle Bin
Need to get a file back from the Recycle Bin? Restore Recycle Bin deleted files easily with these steps.
Delete Password XP
As long as you're the only user on your PC, deleting your Windows XP account password will allow you to completely bypass the logon process. While it isn't a secure practice, removing your Windows XP password might be something to think about if you've been having serious problems remembering your password.
Data Destruction Software
Here are several free data destruction software programs, sometimes called disk wipe software or hard drive eraser software.
Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer system. Some basic computer hardware includes the motherboard, CPU, RAM, hard drive, etc.
Keyfinder Thing Review
Keyfinder Thing is a great at finding keys for some programs that others don't, but the lack of support for Windows 7 is big disadvantage.
UpperFilters LowerFilters
Detailed instructions on deleting the UpperFilters and LowerFilters values in the Windows Registry, a solution to many Device Manager error codes.
Public DNS Server List
A list of completely free, public DNS servers. This DNS server list was last checked for accuracy in May 2012.
Disable Auto Restart Win 7
Windows 7 is configured by default to restart immediately after a major system problem like a Blue Screen of Death. See the error message on the screen by disabling the automatic restart option in Windows 7.
Safe Mode in Windows XP
Starting your computer in Windows XP Safe Mode can help you diagnose and solve many serious problems, especially when starting normally is not possible.
Online Backup Services
A list of popular online backup services, updated May 2012. Online backup services backup your files to secure data centers over the Internet.
Hard Disk Drive
A hard disk drive is a hardware device in a computer that's used to store information like software and files. The primary hard disk is often called the C drive.
Download Windows Vista
There are many places to download Windows Vista. You'll usually want to download Vista so you can reinstall it after losing your original Windows Vista Setup DVD.
Change Password XP
Changing your Windows XP password regularly is a good habit to help keep your PC secure, as most of us probably know. Changing your password in Windows XP is easy and is something you should think about doing if you're having problems remembering yours.

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