Computer Problems Solved for the Over 50s

Computer Problems Solved for the Over 50s

By Joli Ballew
August 2011
Pearson Education
Distrubuted by Trans-Atlantic Publications Inc.
ISBN: 9780273746355
225 pages, Illustrated
$34.50 Paper Original

1. Know Your Computer– 14 pages

1.1. Explore your system

1.1.1. Operating System (and possible upgrades)

1.1.2. RAM, CPU, system type

1.1.3. Computer and Workgroup name

1.2. Calculate free hard drive space

1.3. Learn the size of a folder

1.4. Find your Windows Experience Score

1.5. Explore internal hardware using Device Manager

1.6. Inventory external hardware

1.7. Explore programs listed the Notification Area

1.8. Explore the Start menu

1.9. Explore users

1.10. Create a Password Reset Disk

1.11. Create a System Repair Disk

2. Quick Fixes and First Steps – 20 pages

2.1. Input a valid product key

2.2. Reboot the PC (avoid hibernation if it causes problems)

2.3. Reconnect/turn on/plug in peripherals

2.4. Reboot modems and routers

2.5. Run Windows Update

2.6. Run Microsoft’s Fix It

2.7. Check the Action Center in Windows 7

2.8. Update a driver in Device Manager

2.9. Update Internet Explorer

2.10. Update third-party programs

2.11. Scan with Windows Defender

2.12. Replace missing system files with Sfc /scannow

2.13. Open Help and run a troubleshooting wizard

3. Free Up Hard Drive space – 11 pages

3.1. Delete unnecessary files and folders

3.2. Uninstall unwanted trialware

3.3. Uninstall unwanted software

3.4. Find and delete duplicate files

3.5. Delete unnecessary System Restore files

3.6. Run Disk Cleanup

3.7. Empty the Recycle Bin

3.8. Run Disk Defragmenter

4. Fix Hardware Problems – 23 pages

4.1. Identify problematic external hardware

4.2. Verify Windows Compatibility

4.3. Reconnect/turn on/charge/plug in devices

4.4. Troubleshootsound problems

4.5. Change settings for a Bluetooth device

4.6. Troubleshootprinter problems

4.7. Check for problematic devices in Device Manager

4.8. Let Windows update a driver

4.9. Locate a driver on the Internet

4.10. Download and install a driver

4.11. Rollback a bad driver

4.12. Replace incompatible hardware

4.13. Reseat nonworking internal hardware

4.14. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic

4.15. Add more RAM with ReadyBoost

5. Fix Software Problems – 13 pages

5.1. Browse menus (click Alt to see hidden menus)

5.2. Reinstall the software

5.3. Update the software

5.4. Run in Windows XP Mode

5.5. Use the Help option

5.6. Google error messages

5.7. Consider an alternate program

5.8. Uninstall an error-prone application

6. Resolve Boot Up Problems – 13 pages

6.1. Boot with Safe Mode

6.2. Run System Restore

6.3. Run System File Checker

6.4. Run Disk Check

6.5. Run Startup Repair

6.6. Boot to System Recovery Options

6.7. Do a Repair Installation

6.8. Google error messages

7. Diagnose and Repair Network Problems- 17 pages

7.1. Reboot modems and routers

7.2. Reseat all cables

7.3. Verify your network is private and shared

7.4. Run the network troubleshooter

7.5. Replace splitters, extenders, routers, modems, and/or cables

7.6. Reposition wireless access points

7.7. Remove unwanted networks

7.8. Create a Homegroup

7.9. Review Sharing settings

7.10. Configure Firewall Exceptions

8. Resolve Problems with Email – 24 pages

8.1. Verify you are online

8.2. Empty Sent and Deleted Items folders

8.3. Unblock attachments

8.4. Show images in emails

8.5. Enable links in emails

8.6. Label email as Not Junk

8.7. Label email as Junk

8.8. Get rid of an email stuck in your Outbox

8.9. Update the time and date on your PC

8.10. Back up email messages

8.11. Back up contacts

8.12. Decipher error messages

8.13. Verify Incoming and Outgoing Server Names

8.14. Verify port settings

8.15. Reenter usernames and passwords

8.16. Create Rules to reduce email in your Inbox

8.17. Learn how to Reduce Spam

9. Resolve Problems in Internet Explorer – 12 pages

9.1. Check your Internet Connection

9.2. Upgrade to Internet Explorer 8

9.3. Reset Internet Explorer Settings

9.4. Use Compatibility View

9.5. Disable Add-Ons

9.6. Enable Cookies

9.7. Change Security Settings

9.8. Install a different web browser

10. Resolve Security Warning Messages – 12 pages

10.1. Know the difference between system and third-party messages

10.2. Install anti-virus and anti-spyware software

10.3. Uninstall unwanted manufacturer update software

10.4. Explore the Action Center

10.5. Resolve a problem in the Action Center

10.6. Google a message to find a resolution

10.7. Check the security report for a Web site

10.8. Turn off Security Messages

11. Remove a Virus or Spyware – 11 pages

11.1. First Steps

11.1.1. Close your email program

11.1.2. Disconnect from a home network

11.1.3. Back up uninfected data

11.1.4. Turn off System Restore

11.1.5. Disconnect from the Internet

11.1.6. Google error messages if they appear on a different PC

11.2. Run anti-virus software scans

11.3. Run Windows Defender

11.4. Get the Malicious Software Removal Tool

11.5. Use the Malicious Software Removal Tool

11.6. Chose and run an online scanner

11.7. Manually remove viruses and spyware

12. Fix problems with Media – 15 pages

12.1. Define specific file types that are unplayable

12.2. Learn what program you need to play a file

12.3. Obtain media software (QuickTime or iTunes, for instance)

12.4. Troubleshootprotected files that won’t play

12.5. Convert files to another format

12.6. Delete a file that won’t play

12.7. Configure Media Sharing

12.8. Share Media Folders

12.9. Troubleshoot DVD Playback

12.10. Troubleshoot TV Playback in Media Center

13. Find, Manage, and Share Files and Folders – 13 pages

13.1. Create a folder

13.2. Move or Copy a folder

13.3. Delete a folder

13.4. Share a folder

13.5. Configure Share Permissions

13.6. Add a Folder to a Library

13.7. Find a Missing File or Folder

13.8. Restore data from the Recycle Bin

13.9. Create a Search folder

13.10. Remove the Read Only Attribute from a Folder

14. Install Missing and Must-Have Applications –8 pages

14.1. Windows Live Essentials

14.2. Get a Windows Live ID

14.3. Windows Live Security Essentials (if you don’t have another ant-virus program)

14.4. Adobe Reader

14.5. Optional:

14.5.1. QuickTime

14.5.2. iTunes

14.5.3. Skype

14.5.4. PowerPoint Viewer

14.5.5. The Microsoft Compatibility Pack

15. Manage and Maintain your PC – 15 pages

15.1. Organize your pictures

15.2. Delete unwanted video

15.3. Revisit Media Center recording settings

15.4. Move data off of your PC

15.5. Compress files and folders

15.6. Run Disk Cleanup Regularly

15.7. Update Anti-Virus software regularly

15.8. Run Windows Update regularly

15.9. Perform backups regularly

15.10. Optimize Windows Regularly (Performance Troubleshooter)

Appendix A: Resolve Windows 7 Upgrade and Installation Issues – 10 pages

15.10.1. Review System Requirements

15.10.2. 32-bit vs. 64-bit

15.10.3. Installation Hangs

15.10.4. Invalid Product Key

15.10.5. Activation Errors

15.10.6. Dealing with Windows.old

15.10.7. Locating Transferred Files and Folders

Appendix B: Troubleshooters – 10 pages

i. Run Fix It

ii. Open the Performance Troubleshooter

iii. Run the Aero Troubleshooter

iv. Run the Network Troubleshooter

v. Open the Playing Audio Troubleshooter

vi. Open the Recording Audio Troubleshooter

vii. Locate additional Help Troubleshooters

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