Computer Problems Solved for the Over 50s In Simple Steps

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Computer Problems Solved for the Over 50s
Contents at a glance
Contents
Top 10 computer problems tips
	1: Set a password
	2: Uninstall unwanted software
	3: Run the System Con guration utility
	4: Improve performance with ReadyBoost
	5: Add an external hard drive
	6: Review sharing settings
	7: Create a homegroup
	8: Get Windows Live Essentials
	9: Enable the Guest account
	10: Share media from Media Player
1 Know your computer
	Introduction
	Explore your system
	Find your Windows Experience Index
	Calculate free hard drive space
	Explore programs listed in the Notifi cation area
	Explore your hardware in Device Manager
	Explore the All Programs menu
	Create a password reset disk
	Create a system repair disk
2 First steps and quick fixes
	Introduction
	Set a password
	Run Windows Update
	Update third-party programs
	Check the Action Center in Windows 7
	Scan with Windows Defender
	Reboot the PC, modems and routers
	Use System Restore
	Update a driver
	Replace missing system fi les
	Run the System Confi guration utility
	Locate Help
3 Free up hard drive space
	Introduction
	Delete unnecessary fi les and folders
	Search for and delete specifi c fi le types
	Uninstall unwanted software
	Delete unnecessary System Restore fi les
	Delete unwanted media files
	Run Disk Cleanup
	Empty the Recycle Bin
	Access Disk Defragmenter
4 Fix hardware problems
	Introduction
	Understand common hardware problems
	Verify Windows compatibility
	Improve performance with ReadyBoost
	Troubleshoot sound problems
	Troubleshoot printer problems
	Locate a driver on the internet
	Download and install a driver
	Rollback a bad driver
	Add an external hard drive
	Reseat non-working internal hardware
5 Fix software problems
	Introduction
	Browse menus for Help
	Update software
	Reinstall software
	Run in compatibility mode
	Google error messages
	Consider an alternative program
	Uninstall an error-prone application
6 Repair boot problems
	Introduction
	Restart the computer
	Boot to the Last Known Good Confi guration
	Boot with Safe mode (and then reboot)
	Choose Startup Repair
	Boot with your system repair disk
	Perform a repair installation
	Run Disk Check
7 Diagnose and repair network problems
	Introduction
	Review troubleshooting tasks already introduced
	Verify required hardware is powered on
	Reconnect cables and connections
	Reposition wireless access points
	Run the network troubleshooter
	Replace damaged cables, splitters and other hardware
	Verify your network is private
	Review sharing settings
	Create a user account
	Require a password
	Remove unwanted networks
	Create a homegroup
	Join a homegroup
8 Install missing and must-have applications
	Introduction
	Download and installation basics
	Get Windows Live Essentials
	Get a Windows Live ID
	Get Microsoft Security Essentials
	Get PowerPoint Viewer
	Get Adobe Reader
	Consider SkypeTM
	Consider Firefox
9 Resolve email problems
	Introduction
	Change how often Mail checks for email
	Show images and enable links
	Unblock attachments
	Label email as Junk
	Label email as Not Junk
	Apply a junk email fi lter
	Empty Sent and Deleted Items folders
	Get rid of an email stuck in your Outbox or Inbox
	Update the time and date on your PC
	Decipher error messages
	Export contacts
10 Resolve problems with Internet Explorer 8
	Introduction
	Rule out network problems
	Use Compatibility View
	Change security settings
	Verify cookies are enabled
	Manage add-ons
	Reset Internet Explorer settings
	Run the Malicious Software Removal Tool
	Get online support
	Check for an update
	Show toolbars
	Delete unwanted Favorites
11 Resolve security warning messages
	Introduction
	Know the difference between system and third-party messages
	Explore the Action Center
	Resolve a in the Action Center
	Uninstall unwanted manufacturer update software
	Check the security report for a website
	View all parts of an email
	Turn off security messages
12 Remove a virus
	Introduction
	Know the signs of a virus
	First steps
	Install anti-virus updates
	Run anti-virus software scans
	Choose an online solution
	Use the Malicious Software Removal Tool
	Look on the internet for removal instructions
	Final steps
13 manage and share data
	Introduction
	Review sharing settings
	Create a folder
	Move or copy data into a folder
	Delete a fi le or folder
	Share a file or folder
	Confi gure specifi c sharing permissions
	Understand libraries
	Create a new library
	Find a missing fi le or folder
	Restore data from the Recycle Bin
	Create a search folder
	Remove the Read-only attribute
14 Fix problems with media
	Introduction
	Move media fi les into media libraries
	Clean up your media libraries
	Share media from Media Player
	Access media over your network
	Learn what program you need to play a fi le
	Obtain third-party media software
	Associate a fi le type with a program
	Set multiple fi le associations
	Convert fi les to another format
	Troubleshoot DVD playback
	Change record settings in Media Center
15 Manage and maintain your PC
	Introduction
	Delete unwanted data
	Compress fi les and folders
	Move rarely used data off of your PC
	Organise your fi les in folders
	Enable the Guest account
	Keep your desktop clean
	Pin items to the Start menu or taskbar
	Review reports and solutions
	Keep your computer up to date
16 Install hardware to improve performance
	Introduction
	Install a digital camera, webcam or media card
	Install a printer
	Install software
	Change when the computer sleeps
	Change what happens when you press the Power button
	Top 10 computer problems solved
		1: There’s something wrong with my computer. It was ne yesterday
		2: I have a piece of hardware that recently stopped working or responding
		3: How can I be sure that my computer is up to date and protected from the latest security threats?
		4: I keep seeing popups that say I have a with my computer
		5: I can’t connect to the internet
		6: Every time I open or use a speci c third-party program, something bad happens to my data
		7: My computer won’t boot up. I can’t get to the Welcome screen
		8: I’ve rebooted my computer, modem and router, but I still can’t connect to the internet
		9: I can’t afford an anti-virus program, so my computer is unprotected
		10: I am getting errors that I’m low on memory