Free
Help
Q. My computer
doesn't start up! I get the message "Missing command
interpreter". What could be wrong?
It
could be any number of things. The first thing to check
is the floppy drive and the CD-ROM. A Floppy Disk or a CD-ROM
left in the drive can cause this problem. It could also
be a CMOS problem. If you are familiar with the CMOS settings,
check to make sure they are OK. After that, you may have
a disk problem.
Q.
My computer is VERY slow. What could be the problem?
Most
likely you have a Virus or Spyware problem. Try running
Ad-Aware and Spybot, and run a few online virus scans.
Also,
a failing Hard Drive can cause your computer to be slow.
One of the symptoms of a failing Hard Drive is a clicking
sound coming from the computer. If your hard drive is failing,
you may soon lose some, or all of your info. Immediately
back up anything important!
Q. My computer
is acting funny. What could cause that?
Any number of
things!. One of the first things to do is check for viruses.
Also, if you installed some hardware or software immediately
before you had problems, this may be the source of your
problems. You could have some corrupted system files. You
may also have a hardware problem.
Q. My computer
doesn't keep the time. What could cause this?
Odds are your
CMOS battery needs replacing. If you feel comfortable poking
around inside your computer, you can most likely change
this yourself.
Q. My mouse
is hard to control, jumps around, or freezes at spots.
Sounds like you
might need to clean your mouse! If you're handy, a mouse
is easy to clean with a Q-tip and some alcohol. Also, the
new optical mice don't need cleaning nearly as often.
Q. I'd like
to upgrade my computer myself. Is there anything I should
know?
While many upgrades
are relatively easy to do, there are things to consider.
First, you should do the research and make sure that your
upgrade is compatible with your computer. Second, you, or
ANYONE who pokes around inside your computer should use
Antistatic procedures. Computers are VERY sensitive to static
electricity. A static discharge that you might not even
feel could damage or destroy components in your computer.
Often the damage may not even show until 6 months or a year
later.
Q. I use my
Printer a lot, and my Inkjet Printer cartridges are getting
expensive to replace. Can I refill them?
Yes. While the
procedure varies by brand and model, many cartridges can
be refilled with a refill kit and ink, available from many
sources. However, it is very important NOT to use a 'universal'
refill kit. Not only do the methods of refilling vary, but
the type of ink also varies by brand and model. It is also
important to use good quality ink, as poor quality ink can
clog the print head.
Q. Whenever
I try to connect to the Internet, I get an error message
- "No Dialtone", or "Unable to Connect to
Modem". What could cause this?
First, make sure
your computer's modem is connected to a working phone line.
To be sure, plug a telephone into the line and verify the
phone line works.
There may also be a driver or software issue. A call to
your Modem manufacturer or Internet provider may help.
It is also likely you may need a new modem. A nearby Lightning
strike can very easily damage the modem.
Q. I have
a few computers at home. Do I really need a separate printer
and Internet connection for each computer?
No! You sound
like a perfect candidate for a home network. A Network will
connect all your computers together and let you share files,
printers, and even an Internet connection. In the old days,
networks were complicated and expensive to set up. With
the new wireless network devices, not only do you not need
to pay to wire your house with ugly network cables, you
can move computers to other rooms and still be connected.
If you have a laptop, you may be able to surf the web from
any room in your house, or even outside! The range of a
good Wireless Network is about the same as a cordless telephone.
Home
Services Rates
Free Help Downloads
Advice Check-Up
FAQ Employment
Contact
Us
(c)
2003, 2004 Up and Running Computer Repair, LLC