Articles in Category: ask-leo.com
These are articles that have been migrated from the old “ask-leo.com” site but have NOT yet been cleaned up or otherwise updated. They’re here primarily as a reference. We’ll be updating the more important and popular ones over time.
Someone from Outlook Express offered to clean my machine, should I let them?
Outlook Express is a program. It can’t pick up the phone and give you a
call! Find out why I think this is a scam.
How can I hook up my desktop computer in my basement wirelessly to a router on a floor above?
Hooking into a wireless from a basement apartment can be tricky, depending on
construction of the house and distance from the router. You also need the right
equipment.
How do I restore my passwords after replacing my motherboard?
A motherboard does not remember passwords. Missing passwords must be caused
by something else that happened while you switched the motherboard out.
Do I need updated drivers for my camera that stopped working after installing Windows 7?
This sounds like a driver problem. Pre-installed Windows comes with
drivers for all the equipment on your machine; an upgrade often may not.
Can I combine two hard disk drives into a single logical drive?
It is possible, but the result has a hidden danger to consider. In this case, it’s best to go with the supported option.
Should I let my son just focus on coding in school?
Coding is not just about coding. To function well in the work world, a
student also needs to learn the many other skills taught at school. Yes, there
are a few things I would have done differently.
Is a Quick Scan the Proper Default for Security Software?
A quick scan is going to find a good percentage of malware problems. You
should also consider a full scan at the right time.
I accidentally deleted all my drivers, now what do I do?
Deleting your drivers is not good! Time to get out that installation media.
Can I connect two computers to my dual-input TV?
Connecting two monitors to a computer is common. You can go the other way
and connect two computers to one monitor if you have the right drivers and
hardware.
Can I copy a bootable DVD to my hard disk to burn again later?
ImgBurn is the tool for copying bootable DVDs. Not only can you copy the DVD to your drive, but you can use ImgBurn later to remake the bootable DVD.
Why do all my programs crash with "stopped working"?
Using overly aggressive registry cleaners can lead to numerous errors. The
solution might be painful.
Can I open Outlook PST files read-only?
It is not possible, as I understand it, to open a .pst file that is on read only media. This is a side effect of how Outlook works.
How do I login to my old Hotmail account after I create a new one?
You can only be logged into one Hotmail account at a time in a browser
window. That often feels like the other account just “disappeared.”
Will a dual core processor run single-threaded programs?
The way dual core processors work is quite complex. They allow the computer
to do two things at a time, but that may only help for programs that are
written multi-threaded.
Why am I only sometimes getting newsletters I signed up for? Is there a subscription limit?
Fighting spam is an incredibly complex and unfortunately inexact effort. Spam filters use data from many places – including you – to determine what is and is not spam. I’ll review what steps you should take to maximize getting what you expect.
How do I test my backups to DVD?
Macrium Reflect has a backup-verify step in its backup process that will
help in testing for these kinds of problems.
How do I test my backup to make sure it will work when I need it?
Making regular backups is critical, but once you’ve got that set up, how do you know what you have will in fact work when you need it? I’ll look at a couple of approaches.
If someone starts using my old email address could they find my information?
Online email providers have stringent security functions in place to reduce
duplication and hacking of email as much as possible.
Can information I posted years ago on a social site be cached and found on the deep web?
The best way to stay safe online is to consider that anything you post can
be cached, seen, and even copied. Don’t post anything you want kept
private.
Does an internet installation with a FiOS cable protect my system from possible lightning strikes?
FiOS cables have fiber optics, but there may still be wires connecting your
house.
Do SSD drives have a limited life expectancy because they are flash memory?
USB drives are made with different longevity requirements than Solid
State Drives (SSD). Life expectancy is now well managed.
Why is my computer making a loud noise since I upgraded the motherboard?
The noise could be from several culprits, but the first suspect should
always be the fan.
Where can I find drivers for adjusting sleep option, screen brightness and HDMI port?
Missing drivers? Best place to search for drivers is on the manufacturer’s website.
Why is my dropdown of websites suddenly gone and Facebook telling me I have a new IP address?
Websites can be cleaned from your drop-down menus and IP addresses can
change. That in itself is not indicative of a hack. A few steps will increase
security.
How can I send a hyperlink in an email?
Sometimes, it’s as easy as typing or pasting in the link. If that doesn’t
work, another simple step may be necessary.
Why did this Win32/OpenCandy malware come back, and how do I really get rid of it?
The world of malware and malware removal is complex. Occasionally, malware can’t be removed by some tools. Occasionally, it will return quickly. I’ll look at why and my approach to dealing with persistent pests.
Is the 'Keep Me Signed In' Option Immune to Password Changes?
If you check Keep Me Signed In when signing in to an online service, the idea is that you don’t have to specify your password again… unless you change your password.
Should I worry that Firefox wants to disable add-ons when it updates?
It’s inconvenient that Firefox’s new version numbering system sometimes
requires add-ons to be disabled for short periods of time. But the real
question is: do you need all those add-ons?
Why is my screen sometimes covered with random pipes, and often freezes?
Those crazy pipes running around on your screen is a standard Windows screen saver… but freezing indicates a problem.
Does configuring the number of CPU cores used during boot help anything?
Don’t touch that setting! This is a common myth about Window’s boot
configuration and changing it could only make things worse.
How can I download Internet Explorer?
Internet Explorer, most commonly, downloads from Microsoft as part of automatic updates. Find out how you can get it manually.
Can I use ImgBurn to create a restore file for a GPS Navigator?
It is unlikely that manufactures of devices like cameras and GPS navigators
would allow users the kind of access needed to restore an ISO file. But, there
is a way to test that flash drive question.
Is there a free way to set up an XP machine to delete everything added since powerup?
There used to be a software that provided this service, but it required
administrative access. Your options may be limited.
Is it okay to run several malware scans at the same time?
I tend to avoid simultaneous virus scans. What’s more important is to make
sure your several tools are not competing as they search for various types of
malware.
How do I tell if a blue screen 'CRC Fail' error is coming from my motherboard, hard drive, or RAM?
The place to start is with your hard drive although this error can also come
from RAM and the motherboard. But, start with that hard drive…
Should I set up two partitions on my hard disk?
There’s a diversity of opinion on the topic. I’ll look at why I recommend only a single partition per hard drive and what partitioning does and does not get you.
When I use DBan will it nuke USB drives and all my partitions?
DBan has a user interface that allows you to select drives to be nuked. Be
sure to look at your options as you move through the process.
Can I delete email simultaneously from both my PC and iPad?
It boils down to the difference between POP3 protocol and IMAP, but you’ll
need to reconfigure your email account and keep an eye on your quotas.
How do I save a large amount of information across multiple DVDs?
You have 16 gigabytes of data and 4.7 gigabyte DVDs. I’ll look at the various approaches to splitting that data across multiple discs.
What is Java and what will happen if I uninstall it?
When we say “Java,” it can be two completely different things. First, we have
to decide which you are talking about.
Is Virus and Salutations Center and MS Safety Scanner Safe?
Those names are just enough “off” to be suspicious. Internet Explorer might
be blocking it for a very good reason!
Is a dual core processor really better? Or is it just a gimmick?
A computer with a dual processor can finally do several things at the same time. That gives programs a lot more options for speed.
How do I get access to a second-hand PC that's password protected?
Getting into that old computer is probably not a good idea. Better to start
from scratch.
How do I stop websites from knowing what I'm doing?
The simple act of getting online shares a certain amount of information
about you with any website’s tracking code. Does anything really need to be
done about that?
Why does my hard drive just spin and then shut off?
Spinning and freezing is not a good sign for this hard drive. There is
usually only one easy way to get on with your life in a case like this.
Why does my mouse curser freeze so I have to shut down with my keyboard?
A frozen cursor is common with wireless mice. But there are a few steps that you can take
to help diagnose the problem.
Why do I get obviously wrong locations from IP addresses?
It’s no surprise that locations from IP addresses often come out wrong. In
fact, Google has mapped us in a way that might surprise you.
Is It Dangerous to Use a Wireless Mouse or Keyboard?
Most newer wireless keyboards have good encryption on them and limited
range. But, you should still know the danger of getting sniffed.
Why did a CD disc explode in my computer?
A CD disc explodes inside a machine! Now, how do you find out how much damage
it has done?
Will turning off programs save me from hackers when I get online?
Many computers are online all the time, receiving no additional threat from
hackers. It’s your browsing habits that matter.
