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.
Why does my dial-up connection drop every so often?
Dial-up connections can drop because of noise on the line. There are several
sources to look for and only one remedy.
Why can't I resize this window?
Resizing a window may not be possible. It really depends on the state of the window
and the requirements of its designer.
Can I move a hard drive from a computer using an Intel CPU to one using an AMD CPU?
You can move a hard drive from one computer to another… but it may take a
re-install of Windows for the software to work with the new hardware.
How do I install something if I keep getting an LUA error message?
LUA error messages are there as a line of defense to protect your computer
from malware. You’ll need to be running as administrator.
How do I backup my AOL email?
Backing up online email is important, and easily done using the IMAP email
protocol to download to an email program on your home computer.
How do I put two labels on a message in Gmail?
Gmail labels for messages can be a bit confusing until you realize that
labels are labels.
What's this thing called "PROGRAM" in my Start menu?
A program in the Start menu can be located as a file on disk. It can then be
researched to discover exactly what it is for and what it should do.
Is there an easier way to combine documents than Copy/Paste?
Combining documents with the Copy/Paste commands is as simple as copying the text from each document and combining them into one master document.
How do I fix "COM surrogate stopped working" when browsing pictures?
“COM surrogate stopped working” may mean that two pieces of Windows have
stopped talking with each other. There are several repair options to try.
Is Yahoo email safe?
Yahoo email is safe enough… depending mostly on you, the user, and your personal
safety habits.
Why do I still get Office 2010 updates after uninstalling it?
Are Office 2010 updates still appearing when you’ve elected to run 2003? It might
not be a problem.
Why can't I write any files to my C: drive?
Writing files to C: drive could be hitting up against two problems… both
of which are there for your protection.
How does in-flight WiFi work?
In-flight WiFi works much like an internet cafe and should be used with the
same cautions.
How do I make links in documents attached to email clickable?
If links in attached documents aren’t clickable it’s because the program you
are opening them in is not making them clickable. It’s not your email
program.
A technician resolved a bluescreen I was having by removing several anti-malware programs. Why?
Several anti-malware programs can cause conflicts if they are all trying to
run real-time scans together.
How do I block any trace of Facebook from my computer?
Blocking Facebook from your computer is ultimately not possible. There are
a few steps you can take to manage how it affects your life, including not
letting it bug you.
Can I retrieve the old emails I sent and received from my email provider?
Retrieving old emails is only possible if your ISP keeps backups of files
from that time. It’s unlikely.
Can I change what page Hotmail returns me to when I log out?
Hotmail’s home page will always be the page that Hotmail sets for you when
you log out. It’s the price of their free service.
Will a desktop and a laptop of the same specification have the same performance?
Desktop vs. laptop performance is hard to compare because laptops generally have special power-saving hardware installed.
2012 Most Popular Articles
It’s time for a year-end round up of Ask Leo!’s most popular articles. I’ll present two lists this year: most read and most commented on.
How do I get senders that I've marked as spam to end up in the spam folder thereafter?
Getting spam into the spam folder is tricky because spammers constantly change
their names and email addresses. The best you can do is train your filters.
Why did Microsoft not provide the option of Windows 8 without Metro?
Windows 8 without Metro is possible through several desktop interface
options. But really, it’s better to move forward.
How do I change the default settings for my printer?
Default settings for printers are located in Properties for the printer
icon. Settings configured there should become the default settings.
Why is my bank sending me secure messages as attachments?
A bank sending messages as attachments doesn’t understand security. This sounds like phishing.
How do I download Picasa without getting an additional toolbar?
If your download is getting an additional toolbar, you may need to check
Advanced options before allowing the files to download.
Why can't I get Flash to work in Internet Explorer on my 64 bit Windows 7 machine?
Flash in 64-bit Internet Explorer won’t work if it is the 32-bit version of
IE running on a 64-bit machine. Confused? You’re not alone!
Will securely deleting recoverable files leave my actual files intact?
Deleting recovered files can be done with several utilities to clean up free
space and make the old files completely unrecoverable.
Why can't I download mp3s in Chrome when I can in IE?
Downloading mp3s in Chrome can be enhanced by using Google Reader, which can
also help manage your RSS feeds and podcasts.
How do I delete the My Documents option from my Start menu?
You can delete options from the Start menu through the dialog box that is
activated by a right-click.
Why do my network drives disconnect when my computer goes into a power-saving mode?
Power mode settings may disconnect network drives when the computer goes
into standby or hibernate. Depending on your drivers, there may be available
adjustments.
Can a router be infected with malware?
It’s rare for a router to be infected with malware. More commonly, viruses
and spyware will infect the computer and then make changes to the router
configuration.
Why do some unsubscribes require me to retype my email address?
Retyping your email to unsubscribe is an unnecessary barrier to being removed
from an email list. With today’s technology, it should not be required.
How do I pick a wireless USB adapter?
Picking a wireless USB adapter is fortunately not a huge problem. It is
often good to go with a recommended solution, so you know you’ll be able to get
support.
Why isn't Malwarebytes Anti-malware recommended as standard security more often?
Malwarebytes for standard security is best used as a first step in a cleanup
job. It’s a great program to pull out when you suspect you have a problem.
How do I get my backup program to put the backup where I want?
Getting backup files where you want requires a proper backup program.
Windows backup on Vista computers has difficulties in that direction.
Why are hibernate and standby so difficult to get right?
Hibernate and standby are difficult to get right because there is a lot
involved in shutting down and recovering a computer system.
How do I get this video camera to work with Windows?
Getting a video camera to work in Windows requires the correct drivers.
You’ll run into problems if they are not available.
Why does some email arrive with the wrong sent time?
Email with the wrong time on the sender’s computer can result in a strange
sort order on the receiver’s end.
Will backup programs run if my computer is hibernating or in standby?
Backing up in hibernate or standby is generally not possible, unless your
backup program has a method of waking the computer up before the process
starts.
Is web-based email more secure than using a PC email program?
Web-based email is probably not more secure than running a PC-based
program… but as always, backing up is!
Why does Internet Explorer keep stopping and restarting?
Internet Explorer restarting over and over could be caused by a number of
things from add-ons to hardware acceleration.
Is there a way to test a machine that won't boot to see if the BIOS is the problem?
Testing for a BIOS problem is probably not possible on a computer with a
problem this severe. It may need professional diagnosis.
Can I upgrade my motherboard and CPU and have Windows just reconfigure itself?
Upgrading a motherboard and CPU can be tricky if you need to preserve data
and settings. I have one possible suggestion for a work-around.
Does getting a BluRay drive for my computer require a hardware upgrade?
A new BluRay player should just work although hardware may need to be
upgraded depending on video and CPU requirements.
How do I get Windows Explorer to sort in the correct order?
Windows Explorer sort order can be set by clicking on the column headers. It
works the same in application’s Open and Save dialog boxes.
Is there a difference between a USB Flash Drive and USB External Hard Disk?
USB Flash Drives and USB External Hard Disks can be used on your computer in
much the same way. There may be a few formatting requirements.
How do I make pop-up tooltip balloons stay up longer so I can read them?
Pop-up tooltip balloons can sometimes disappear before you have a chance to
read them. There are a few ways to capture them before they go away and no need
to stress over it.
Why are all my files automatically being compressed?
Automatically compressed files may or may not slow down a computer. It
depends on the speed of the disk and processor.
Why can't I send mail from my hotel room?
Hotels and other locations that provided internet connectivity, both free and as an add-on service, often take steps to avoid being exploited by spammers. This can affect your ability to send email.
Why is my new computer's internet access slower than that of my old computer?
A new computer’s internet access can be slowed down by the internet
connection itself or by trying to run too much software. There are a few
places to look.
