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PC Support: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
File Recovery Programs
Free file recovery software, aka undelete software, can help recover deleted files. Here are 16 completely free file recovery tools, reviewed and ranked.
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.
Free Key Finder Programs
A list of 14 free key finder software programs, ranked and reviewed. Keyfinders help find lost software product keys or serial numbers.
Computer Won't Turn On
What to do when your computer won't turn on. Here's detailed advice on what to do if your computer won't boot all the way, or won't start at all.
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.
Install Windows 8 USB
Here's how to install Windows 8 from a USB device like a flash drive. You'll need to properly format the USB drive and then copy the Windows 8 install files.
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.
Free Registry Cleaners
A list of the best freeware registry cleaners available today. Free registry cleaners remove duplicate or unwanted entries from the Windows Registry.
Find the Windows 7 Product Key
Lost your Windows 7 product key? Here's how to find your Windows 7 product key using a free key finder program which will extract the key from the registry.
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.
Burn ISO Image
In most cases, you'll need to burn an ISO file to a DVD before you can use it. Here are easy instructions for burning an ISO image to a CD, DVD, or BD disc.
Windows Update Frozen
Help on what to do when your computer gets stuck or freezes (locked-up) during the installation or configuration of a Windows update.
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.
BOOTMGR is Missing
How to troubleshoot BOOTMGR is Missing and Couldn't Find BOOTMGR errors that sometimes appear during a Windows 7, 8, or Vista startup.
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.
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.
Recuva Review
Recuva is the very best free file recovery program available. I highly recommend you try Recuva before any other undelete program.
Download Windows 7
Most download Windows 7 to reinstall it, after losing a Windows 7 DVD or never receiving one. But from where? Is it legal? I have answers!
Access BIOS
Access BIOS with these simple steps. Enter BIOS to make hardware configuration changes, set boot order, reset BIOS passwords and more.
Ophcrack Review
Ophcrack is simply the best free Windows password recovery software program available. See my full review of Ophcrack LiveCD.
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 free password reset tool.
Belarc Advisor Review
Belarc Advisor v8.3b is one of the better free system information tools. Here's my complete review of the latest version of Belarc Advisor for Windows.
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.
Clean LCD Screens
How to safely clean your flat screen monitor or TV. LCD, LED, and other flat screens require special care when cleaning because they can be easily damaged.
Create ISO Image
One easy way of backing up a disc is creating an ISO image of it. See these easy instructions for creating an ISO image file from a CD, DVD, or BD disc.
Safe Mode Windows 8
A tutorial on starting Windows 8 in Safe Mode. If you can start Windows 8 in Safe Mode, you might be able to fix whatever startup problem you're having.
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.
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 live CDs, etc.
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.
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.
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.
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, 8, Vista, or XP.
Free PDF Password Recovery
A list of the best free PDF password remover tools for Windows, plus free PDF password crackers and recovery programs for both user and owner passwords.
404 Not Found
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. Here's what to do.
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.
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.
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.
Public DNS Server List
A list of completely free, public DNS servers. This DNS server list was last updated in May 2013.
Windows 7 Drivers
List of the latest Windows 7 drivers, last updated May 7, 2013. Download Windows 7 audio drivers, sound drivers, printer drivers, and more.
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.
CMD Commands 1 of 3
A complete list of the over 280 Command Prompt commands across Windows 8, 7, Vista, and XP, including full descriptions of each CMD command.
ASO Windows 8
Here are several ways to access Advanced Startup Options, the menu of recovery and repair tools in Windows 8 including System Restore, Safe Mode, and more.
Forgot Password Win 7
Try not to panic if you forgot your Windows 7 password. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to overcome a forgotten password.
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.
Admin Password Win 7
A list of ways to find the Windows 7 administrator password. An admin password in Windows 7 is the one needed to access some advanced areas in Windows.
CCleaner Review
CCleaner is without a doubt the best free registry cleaner available. See my full review of CCleaner, a free program from Piriform.
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.
Find Windows 8 Product Key
Lost your Windows 8 product key? You may be able, under certain conditions, to extract your Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro product key from the registry.
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.
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.
Online Backup Services
A list of popular online backup services, updated May 2013. Online backup services backup your files to secure data centers over the Internet.
ISO File
An ISO file is a single file containing all the data from a CD, DVD, or BD. The ISO file (or ISO image) is a perfect representation of the entire disc.
Windows 8 Drivers
Download the latest Windows 8 drivers for your hardware, updated May 7, 2013. Download Windows 8 sound, video, printer, and other drivers.
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.
Code 43
How to solve the Code 43 error in Device Manager. Code 43 errors appear when a device reports general problems to Windows.
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.
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 tiny problems with your computer memory.
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.
403 Forbidden
The 403 Forbidden error means that whatever resource or webpage you were trying to access is forbidden from being accessed. Here are some things to try.
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.
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.
Find Office Product Keys
Instructions on how to find your lost Microsoft Office product key. An Office product key is required to install Microsoft Office 2010, Office 2007, etc.
502 Bad Gateway
The 502 Bad Gateway error means that two different servers involved in loading a web page (or other task) are not able to communicate properly.
Install Windows 7 USB
Before you can install Windows 7 from a USB flash drive, you must properly format the drive and then copy the setup files to it. Here's how.
Find the Office 2010 Key
Lost your Microsoft Office 2010 product key? As long as it's still installed, you can extract your Office 2010 key code with a free keyfinder tool.
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.
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.
Command Prompt Windows 8
A guide on accessing Command Prompt in Windows 8. You'll need to open a Command Prompt window to execute most commands in Windows 8.
System Restore Win 7
Detailed instructions on using System Restore in Windows 7 to undo recent driver, registry, and other important changes.
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.
Clean Install Windows 8 Part 1
A Windows 8 clean install tutorial with detailed instructions and screenshots. A clean install is usually the best method of installing Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro.
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.
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.
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.
Code 10
How to solve the This device cannot start. (Code 10) error in Device Manager. Code 10 errors are often due to driver issues.
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).
Download Windows XP
There are many places to download Windows XP if you've lost your original disc. However, few if any Windows XP download sources are likely to be legal.
STOP 0x0000007B
How to fix the STOP 0x0000007B code (INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE) on a Blue Screen of Death. These are usually driver, virus, or hardware issues.
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.
Update Drivers in Windows
Links to detailed instructions on how to update drivers in Windows, specific to your particular version of Windows.
Admin Password XP
The Windows XP administrator password is the one used to access the Administrator account. Here are several ways to find your Windows XP admin password.
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!
32-bit 64-bit Windows 8
Not sure if you have a 64-bit or 32-bit version of Windows 8? You need to know so you install the correct drivers and software. Here's how to find out.
Ophcrack Tutorial
A complete tutorial with screenshots on using Ophcrack LiveCD v3.4.0 (Ophcrack 3.4.0) to crack a Windows password.
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...
Data Destruction Software
Here are several free data destruction software programs, sometimes called disk wipe software or hard drive eraser software.
Internet Speed Test Sites
A list of free Internet speed test sites, updated May 2013. An Internet speed test, or broadband speed test, tests your available bandwidth.
BIOS Access by Computer Maker
List of BIOS access keys for major computer systems from Gateway, Toshiba, Dell, Sony, eMachines, HP, Lenovo, Acer, and more.
Code 19
How to solve the Code 19 error in Device Manager. Code 19 errors are usually caused by registry issues.
Command Prompt
Command Prompt is a command line interpreter program available in Windows. Command Prompt is similar in appearance to MS-DOS.
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.
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.
Control Panel Windows 8
A tutorial on opening Control Panel in Windows 8. Control Panel contains links to most of the tools used to configure various aspects of Windows 8.
Free Password Crackers
A list of free password cracker programs. These freeware password crackers will crack Windows passwords, PDF passwords, Word passwords, and more.
MJB Keyfinder Review
Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder v2.0.9.5 is one of the easiest, most effective and least expensive (it's FREE) key finder programs available.
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.
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.
Repair Windows
A Startup Repair or repair install is an easy fix for some Windows problems. These repairs replace damaged or missing Windows files. Here's how to do it.
Windows 7
Basic information about Microsoft Windows 7 including editions, service packs, release date, minimum and maximum hardware, and more.
Clean Install Windows 8 Upgrade
Here's how to clean install an upgrade licensed copy of Windows 8. This works with the Windows 8 Pro Upgrade or Windows 8 Upgrade downloads from Microsoft.
Default Gateway IP
The default gateway IP address is usually the IP address configured for your router. Learn how to find the default gateway in Windows 8, 7, Vista, or XP.
Executable File Extensions
A list of executable file extensions. Files with any of these file extensions might be able to execute a task automatically.
Download Windows 8
Want to download Windows 8 instead of buying it on disc? Need to download Windows 8 to replace a DVD or ISO? Are there free copies available? I have answers!
RAR File
A RAR file is a Roshal Archive Compressed file. Learn how to open a .RAR file or convert a RAR file to another file format.
Erase Hard Drive
Easy instructions to completely erase a hard drive. To truly erase hard drive data forever, you may have to do more than format the drive or delete files.
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.
WU Settings Windows 8
Instructions on how to change Windows Update settings in Windows 8 which control automatic updating, your computer's maintenance window, and more.
WRT54G Default Password
Find the Linksys WRT54G default password, default username, and default IP address here, plus more help with your Linksys WRT54G router.
PSD File
A PSD file is an Adobe Photoshop Document file. Learn how to open a .PSD file or convert a PSD file to another file format.
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.
Change Password Win 7
Easy instructions on how to change your Windows 7 password. You should change your Windows 7 password on a regular basis to help keep it secure.
Delete Temp Files Vista
Instructions on removing files in the Temp folder in Windows XP. These temporary files are no longer in use by Windows XP and can be removed.
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.
Fix WU Problems
A detailed tutorial on how to correct problems caused by Windows updates, including security updates pushed by Microsoft on Patch Tuesday.
Advanced Boot Options
The Advanced Boot Options menu is a menu of advanced Windows startup and troubleshooting modes, including Safe Mode.
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.
Forgot Password XP
Forgot your Windows XP password? Don't worry, here are several things to try to get back that forgotten password, including hacking into your own computer.
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.
Windows Service Packs
Where to download Microsoft Windows updates and service packs, updated May 2013. Download Windows 8.1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows Vista SP2, Windows XP SP3, and more.
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.
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.
Force or Stop Safe Mode
Here's how to force Windows to start in Safe Mode on the next reboot, assuming you can't do so in other ways like from Startup Settings or the F8 menu.
Delete Password Win 7
If security isn't a concern, you can remove (delete) your Windows 7 password, allowing unrestricted access to your Windows 7 computer. Here's how.
Rebuild BCD Windows
A tutorial on rebuilding the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store in Windows 7 or Windows Vista. The bootrec command is used to rebuild the BCD.
Scan for Malware
Here's how to completely and correctly scan your computer for malicious software like viruses, trojan horses, rootkits, spyware, adware, worms, and more.
TGZ File
A TGZ file is a GZIP Compressed Tar Archive file. Learn how to open a .TGZ file or convert a TGZ file to another file format.
DMG File
A DMG file is a Mac OS X Disk Image file. Learn how to open a .DMG file or convert a DMG file to another file format.
DOCX File
A DOCX file is a Word Microsoft Office Open XML Format Document file. Learn how to open a .DOCX file or convert a DOCX file to another file format.
Free Audio Converters
A list of the best completely free audio converter software programs. Free audio converter programs allow you to convert one kind of audio file into another.
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.
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 damage so keeping the temperature down is important.
UpperFilters LowerFilters
Detailed instructions on deleting the UpperFilters and LowerFilters values in the Windows Registry, a solution to many Device Manager error codes.
WPS File
A WPS file is a Microsoft Works Document file. Learn how to open a .WPS file or convert a WPS file to another file format.
Operating System
An operating system (OS) is software that manages software and hardware in a computer. Some operating systems include Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Mac OS.
ONTPRE Tutorial
A complete tutorial, with screenshots, on how to use Offline NT Password & Registry Editor to remove or delete a Windows password.
Change Drive Letters Win 7
Easy instructions on how to change drive letters in Windows 7. You can change the letter assigned to any drive... except the one Windows 7 is installed on.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer system. Some basic computer hardware includes the motherboard, CPU, RAM, hard drive, etc.
DOS Commands
There are nearly 100 DOS commands available in MS-DOS. See a complete list of MS-DOS commands, commonly referred to as DOS commands.
BIOS Access by Motherboard
List of BIOS access keys for motherboards from ASUS, MSI, abit, GIGABYTE, Intel, BIOSTAR, EVGA, and more.
Free Word Password Recovery
A list of free Word password recovery tools. A Word password recovery program might be called a remover or unlocker depending on how it cracks the password.
Disk Management Command
Disk Management can be opened from Control Panel but it takes several clicks to get there. Try opening Disk Management via its command for a quicker start.
Shutdown
The shutdown command is used to shut down or restart remote computers. The shutdown command will also shut down, restart, hibernate, or log off your own PC.
Restore Files Recycle Bin
Need to get a file back from the Recycle Bin? Restore Recycle Bin deleted files easily with these steps.
Clean Install Windows
A Windows clean install is useful for fixing serious Windows problems. A clean install will erase everything from your computer. Here's how to do it.
Find the Office 2007 Key
Easy instructions on finding your lost Microsoft Office 2007 product key. You'll need your MS Office 2007 product key if you're planning on reinstalling it.
File Extension
A file extension is the group of characters, usually 3 or 4 in length, after the period in a full file name.

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