Articles in Category: Administration
Items related to Leo, Ask Leo! and overall website and related operations and administrivia.
I've installed anti-virus software, but Windows says I haven't. What do I do?
Windows tries to ensure that you have anti-malware tools installed, and warns you if it thinks you don’t. Sometimes it’s wrong.
How Do I Add a Program to My Start Menu?
Most programs will add themselves to the Start Menu on installation. For those that do not, it’s a simple task to add to the Start Menu manually.
How do I uninstall software that doesn't provide a way to uninstall?
Most software installed on your machine should provide a mechanism for uninstalling. If not, there are ways but they require caution and a good backup.
My computer is crashing and having troubles, is it time to replace the power supply?
Computer crashes and other difficulties can certainly be caused by a failing or overtaxed power supply, but there are other places to look first.
A program is telling me to uninstall its competitor; should I?
On install, some anti-malware programs may warn you if issues might result. Occasionally, one of those issues is the presence of a competing product.
When will Hotmail return an undeliverable message?
Email services are now very inconsistent in how they approach undeliverable or “bounce” messages. We’ll look at why, and what you can count on.
Why would the defragger tell me I still need to defrag after it's done?
Occasionally, the disk defragmenter will tell you that you still need to defrag even after having just done so. We’ll look at why, and what to do.
How do I install an msi file that requires administrative privileges in Windows Vista?
Installation packages that use msi files may require administrative rights in Windows Vista, but it might not be obvious how to grant those rights.
Belarc Advisor – Detailed information about your computer's hardware and software
It’s often desirable to have a comprehensive list of all the hardware and software installed on your machine. Belarc Advisor is the way to get it.
Where Can I Find a Missing Windows File?
It is often possible to locate missing Windows files elsewhere on your hard disk, but when all else fails they can be found on your installation media.
Do I need a new computer to keep up with my faster internet connection?
If your new faster internet connection doesn’t perform as expected there are several things to look at, but the age of your machine probably isn’t one.
I have an old, old program I need to run in Vista, but it won't. Is there a way?
Windows Vista includes some settings that may help older programs designed for older versions of Windows to run with compatible settings.
Is a backup an alternative to having no Windows installation CDs?
If you’ve received a new machine without installation media, and you can’t get installation media, an immediate full backup can be an alternative.
Am I stealing someone else's IP address by resetting my router?
Resetting a router can cause it to revert to its default. If you’d been using a static IP it may revert to dyanmic configuration, but is that theft?
How do I recover a corrupt system file if my Windows was pre-installed?
Pre-installed copies of Windows often come without an installation CD, which makes some types of recovery difficult, and occasionally even impossible.
Does a sandbox or virtual machine help protect your privacy?
Sandboxes and Virtual Machines can help isolate you from certain types of threats. We’ll look at what they are and how they might, or might not, help.
How else can websites get my information?
We look at three additional ways that web sites, and others, might gain access to information you might not realize you’re providing.
Word Tips – Microsoft Word Tips, Tricks and Answers
If you use Microsoft Word at all, you’ll probably have frustrations or at least questions. Word Tips has the answers to the Microsoft Word problems.
WebDrive – Make FTP connections appear as virtual drives.
Transferring files via FTP requires special tools and interfaces. WebDrive is an FTP client making transferring files as simple as copying in Windows.
Why am I getting spam on this email address I use only for one newsletter?
There are many ways spammers harvest email addresses. While unlikely, simply sending and receiving email might well be enough.
How do I know if I have WPA or WEP I can use when traveling?
Wireless encryption hardware support is actually only half the battle. Knowing whether or not it will be used is the other. And it likely will not.
What's the difference between using Outlook Express versus my ISP's email?
Email programs, email access and email servers are all frequently confusing to many people. We’ll review where email goes, and how you can get at it.
How do I prevent auto-download or auto-start video?
Video embedded on web pages will sometimes begin to download, or even begin to play, before you hit play. We’ll look at one inelegant solution.
Please don't spam me!
Asking someone not to spam you when handing over your email address is probably ineffectual. Consider carefully before you give out your information.
Do I need to use a screen saver if I have an LCD screen?
Screen savers were initially intended to keep CRT monitors from burning images into the screen. Now there are other reasons to continue to use them.
How do I access Hotmail using Outlook Express?
Outlook Express access to Hotmail is being phased out, as is Outlook Express itself. We’ll look at alternatives.
Do icons on my desktop mean programs are running or will they otherwise slow down my system?
Many desktops are completely cluttered with icons for various shortcuts. It doesn’t affect the computer’s performance, but it’s still messy.
Why is my PC's clock wrong?
Your PC’s clock is probably good, but not great. Left uncorrected it can drift and lose accuracy. There’s an internet service for that.
What are these 127.0.0.1 entries in my system hosts file?
127.0.0.1 is used in the hosts file by malware, anti-malware and ad blockers to block access to certain sites. The domains blocked will tell you which.
You may want to rethink your recommendation of this product I had problems with.
I value feedback on the recommendations I make, but quite often I hear about things I’ve not recommended at all, as if I had. We’ll look at why.
Why does Outlook tell me it wasn't closed properly?
Outlook maintains a database of your email in a file called a PST. If that file has not been properly closed it’ll be checked for errors on startup.
Can my ISP turn off my modem if I use bittorrent?
ISPs can take action based on the types of things you do on your internet connection. Turning off the modem might be possible, but unlikely.
FastStone Image Viewer – An easy to use tool to view, organize and manipulate images
There are many image viewing tools available. FastStone Image Viewer is free, fast, easy to use and includes several commonly used editing features.
Why do picture colors vary from computer to computer, or when I print them?
Color matching from device to device is difficult. Most monitors are not well calibrated initially, but doing so can return excellent results.
How can an infection like Antivirus XP 2008 happen?
Viruses seem to come at us from all directions, and lately that includes websites. We’ll look at how this happens and what you need to do to stay safe.
How do I get rid of this loading error on startup?
Errors about failing to load some file on startup or login are not uncommon. Typically they’re the result of malware or a failed or improper uninstall.
If everything's infected, how do I get anything done?
Sometimes it might seem like everything’s infected, but with a few steps and preparation you can work, surf and use the internet safely.
How can I tell from where an EXE file is being run?
Malware authors often attempt to hide their work by giving them the same name as system process. The difference comes down to location.
Why are some pictures blocked in email, and how do I stop that?
Blocking remote images in email is a common and important anti-spam technique. We’ll look at how to turn it off, and then discuss why you shouldn’t.
How do I block Windows XP Service Pack 3?
Windows XP Service Pack 3 is relatively stable for most people. If you have issues you may want to block Windows Update from installing SP3.
How do I reduce the amount of computer maintenance I'm supposed to do?
Computer maintenance need not be a huge burden. Setting a few utilities up to run automatically can reduce the amount of manual work dramatically.
How do I remove a pesky message in Windows Mail?
Windows Mail improves slightly on Outlook Express by keeping messages in separate files. That can be used to resolve issues with some messages.
How should I save files before reformatting my computer?
Reformatting a computer erases everything on the primary hard drive, so it’s important to save your data first. Backup solutions are often best.
Why am I being told I'm connected when I'm not?
If your computer is connecting unexpectedly, there are things you should check. You may have spyware, or your email program may have a mind of its own.
What do terms like "opt-in", "opt-out" and "double opt-in" mean?
Particularly when dealing with email, terms like opt-in and opt-out have specific meanings that often clarify what is, and is not, spam.
This Is True – Weekly Weird News, Humor and Insightful Commentary
This Is True publishes a weekly look at the strange and true events happening around the world. Always good for a laugh and thought provoking as well.
How do I get rid of a "Windows cannot find |sass.exe" error message on login?
Windows runs software when you log in, but if it can’t be found, Windows reports an error. This can happen after an incomplete virus removal.
Why are some of my file names blue?
Windows Explorer will display compressed files in blue. Files can be compressed to save disk space, but there are ramifications to consider.
How does Windows delete files, and what can I do to keep my files secure?
Windows file deletion can be a complex process that might not work as you expect. If you need to keep data secure, extra steps are likely required.
What are the $NtUnstallKB* folders in my Windows folder, and can I delete them?.
Windows Updates saves uninstall information into hidden folders that, with a little planning, can be deleted to free up disk space.
