Articles in Category: Administration
Items related to Leo, Ask Leo! and overall website and related operations and administrivia.
Why can't I post a comment on your website?
In order to post comments on a website, you need to have your computer
configured in a way so that spam prevention programs can work. Otherwise, you’ll
get errors.
Why can't I copy this large video from my camera to my PC?
Copying a large video from a camera should just work – unless there is not
enough room, or errors, on your hard drive.
Why are my Office programs suddenly taking a long time to start and stop?
Office programs that take a long time to start and stop is a tough one to
diagnose long distance. There are a few steps to try to get you back up to
speed.
How do I get Windows Live Mail to increase my storage allocation?
Windows Live Mail storage should increase as you need more space, although it
might be better to use your own PC for your email storage and bypass online
limits.
How can I safely wipe and dispose of old hard drives?
You can safely wipe old hard drives using a USB connector and free software.
Giving them away will require a local solution.
How do I get rid of Google Redirect/YellowMoxie?
Google Redirect/YellowMoxie sounds like a virus. Time for some step-by-step
malware cleaning of the computer.
How do I install Windows 7 within Windows 8?
Installing Windows 7 within Windows 8 is a great way to have both operating
systems available on one computer. It can be done with Virtual Machine
software.
Can I install my copy of Windows 7 into a virtual machine running that same copy?
Can you re-install a copy of Windows 7 into a virtual machine on the same
computer? There is only one way to tell.
Is there a way to determine if someone actually sent me an email if I didn't receive it?
Determining if an email was sent when someone says they sent it is tricky to
impossible. Email is just too easy to forge.
How Do I Burn the Latest Ubuntu to CD?
Burning Ubuntu to CD can no longer be done with the latest release. The file
is large enough to need a DVD disc.
How do I view a full-screen application in a window in Windows 8?
Along with the new tiled Start menu, Windows 8 includes some new default behavior, causing some to believe that applications only run full-screen. For traditional apps, that’s simply not true.
Why is my email bouncing because of too many being sent at once?
Too many emails sent at once can trigger spam filters on your email account
and cause return error messages.
Why won't a picture copied into Word from a webpage always print?
A picture copied into Word won’t print if hidden code from the web page is
not copied correctly into Word. There is an easier way to print the
information.
Is CCleaner deleting System Restore points?
CCleaner and System Restore points may or may not be related. Either way, a
good backup will keep you safer than System Restore can ever do.
Is online email ever really deleted permanently?
Online email is probably not permanently deleted – although for all practical
purposes, you should assume you do not have access to those backups.
Is there a way to save two copies of a file in two places at once?
Saving two copies of a file in different locations can be done… but it’s
pretty tricky!
Do I need these 32-bit updates listed for applications I'm running in my 64-bit edition of Windows?
Updates for 32-bit software may be needed on a 64-bit operating
system, because 32-bit software might be running on that machine.
Leo's 2013 Sabbatical
On January 1st, 2013, I announced that I’d be taking a couple of months off.
Should I reboot into Linux to do my online banking?
Using Linux for banking can certainly increase your online security a notch. Is it
necessary? Well, that’s a matter of opinion.
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.
