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Today's Tips 07/22/2006
Get System Info From Windows XP's Help And Support Center!
When you need to investigate Windows XP system hardware and software,
you probably use the System Information tool found on the Start | All
Programs | Accessories | System Tools menu. However, Windows XP's Help
and Support Center provides an alternative System Information tool that
you definitely should investigate.
Instead of a tree-like structure like the one in the main System
Information tool, the one in the Windows XP's Help and Support Center
essentially creates a Web page, complete with tables and graphics.
Want to access the Help and Support Center's System Information tool?
Here’s How:
1. Go to Start | Help And Support.
2. Under the Pick A Task heading on the Help And Support Center page,
click Use Tools To View Your Computer Information And Diagnose Problems.
3. On the Tools page, select My Computer Information in the Tools
column.
4. On the My Computer Information page, select any of the links to view
a graphical report of your system.
As you'll see, this interface not only makes the information easier to
digest, but you'll also find links to other resources, both in the
operating system and on the Internet, that will help you gather more
information or solve problems.
This is a good source for information but when someone
signs up for my
Email Support Service I request that they Download and Run The AIDA32 -
System Information Program.
You can read more about this on my website at
http://www.internetfixes.com/aida32/index.htm
This is a great program for the PC Owner and the Help Desk Person
because it lists all the hardware/software with drives and Links to
download updated drivers. This is a good program to run just before you
are going to reformat a computer and reload the Operating System. Save
the Report File from ADIA32 to a floppy or another computer and if you
run into driver problems you know what you have and where to get the
drivers without opening the case.
Gary Chambers
Learn How To Disable Windows Messenger!
Windows Messenger is a simple yet useful application for instant
messaging (IM). However, if you use a different IM application, such as
ICQ, you may want to prevent Windows Messenger from automatically
running.
There are several ways you can disable Windows Messenger. For Windows XP
Professional computers that run Windows Messenger versions 4.0 and up,
use the Group Policy Editor. Here's how:
1. Run Gpedit.msc.
2. Drill down to Local Computer Policy | Computer Configuration |
Administrative Templates | Windows Components | Windows Messenger.
3. Select Do Not Allow Windows Messenger To Run.
4. Within the dialog box, choose Enabled.
5. Click OK and close all the remaining windows.
To disable Windows Messenger, versions 4.5 and up, for Windows XP
Professional and Home Edition computers, you can edit the registry.
I don't publish the actual hacks in my
newsletters! You can get this one at my
Customer Support Site!
This is a Free Site that I am combining several sites to. All that
you have to do is register if you haven't already!
Note: Editing the registry is risky, so be sure you have a verified
backup before making any changes.
Gary Chambers
Problems With Your Home Network And Broadband Routers!
If you have Cable or DSL Internet service, you probably have a router
dedicated to your Internet connection. This is neither good nor bad. It
just means that when you can't connect to the Internet from computers on
your network, you have a likely culprit you should quickly eliminate as
a source of the problem. Check the documentation that came with your
router for troubleshooting connectivity problems, but first read this
general advice:
Try connecting one of your network computers directly to the Internet
connection modem if it's separate to see whether you're still getting a
signal from the modem. If that computer can connect to the Internet
through the modem, you know the modem and the computer are likely okay
and you can probably isolate the router as the source of the trouble.
You can restart a router—all you need to do is turn it off (if needed),
unplug it, wait for 20 seconds, and plug it back in. Check the lights to
make sure they appear normal and indicate full functionality.
If you still haven't tracked down the issue and the documentation
doesn't help, call your ISP and ask about any known issues that may help
you!
Gary Chambers
Dealing With XP Restore And Repair Issues!
If you are like me you don’t like to hear the words Restore and Repair
when working on a computer! It happens to all of us and I hope the tips
coming in the next week will you’re your next repair or restore a little
less pain-full especially if you are working on a dead line!
Microsoft has provided us with specific tools to help us deal with these
situations. While this may seem like very little comfort when compared
to XP's many shortcomings, these tips can often keep a bad day from
getting a lot worse, if you know what I mean.
I will start by looking at some tips and utilities for dealing with XP
issues before jumping into a XP reinstall.
Last known good config:
Always the easiest to try first before settling for a reinstallation of
Windows XP. Reboot the PC and tap F8 while you wait for boot options to
be displayed for you. Once there, choose "Last known good
configuration."
Watch the newsletters in the coming week for more on System Repair And
Restore Issues!
Gary Chambers
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