Introduction

Backing up your data helps you protect your data from accidental loss if your hardware or storage media fails. For example, you can create a duplicate copy of the data on your hard disk and then archive the data on another storage device. If the original data on your hard disk is accidentally erased or overwritten, or becomes inaccessible because of a hard disk malfunction, you can easily restore the data from the archived copy.

By having a backup, users can quickly recover deleted or changed files thus increasing their productivity and reducing administrative costs.

Before You Begin Backing Up Your Data

The following sections cover the options that you should consider before creating backups of the information stored on your computers.

A. Select a Type of Backup Storage

The backup storage can be a hard disk drive (internal or external), a separate storage device such as an external hard drive, a re-writable CD drive, or an online source such as a self-service like SkyDrive or Dropbox, or a professional service from Data Storage Corporation.

Backing up to an external source is preferable because you can create a backup and store it in a different location from the computer. This protects against hard disk failure as well as loss from a fire or other catastrophic event (presuming that you’ve stored the backup media in a safe place).

If you choose to back up to a hard disk, make sure that it is a hard disk separate from your primary hard disk in case your primary hard disk fails. Backing up to a hard disk drive is convenient, but does not protect against a catastrophic event such as a fire or earthquake.

B. Select the Files to Backup

You may have your own types of files which you yourself may feel is important to you for your day to day operations.  We have put together the more common folder types clients consider important to most people for keeping secure:

My Documents                                        My Pictures              Internet Favorites                                   Music/Videos

Contacts/Address Book                       Outlook .PST

C. Select a Schedule

It is best to perform backups late at night, or on weekends. You can back up files that are open or in use, but it is safer to back up your files closed and during a slow use period for the computer. It is also preferable to immediately backup anything which may have taken many hours to create or cannot be easily recreated.

You should schedule a weekly normal backup of all of your data. A normal backup will copy all the files you select and mark each file as having been backed up. In addition, you can also schedule a daily differential backup. A differential backup copies files that have been created or changed since the last normal backup (the “differences”). It does not mark files as having been backed up so the changed file will also be backed up as part of the next normal backup. If you are performing a combination of normal and differential backups, restoring data requires that you have the last normal as well as the last differential backup.

After you Back Up Your Data, Test Your Backup

It is always recommended that you not only double check to make sure the data is able to be opened and viewed using the backup you just made, but you should also test the ability to restore the backup.  Make a plan to test it as if it was necessary to use that data right now.  If you don’t, chances are it might not work when you need it to.

1. Clean and Lean:  This process involves going through the programs listed in your computer and uninstalling those that you will never use or that came with it and are “junk” per se (i.e. useless or unused internet services programs, free trial programs, games, picture files, etc.).  All these eat up memory as the system is running and you would never notice it until your computer slows down in performance. Be sure to take advantage of Microsoft’s own built-in Disk Clean-Up utility as well.

2. Detect and Repair:  This process involves the Microsoft suite of programs installed on your computer and running the function of the same name from within the Help tab on the top navigation bar of each program.  This will make sure that your program runs as smoothly as possible.

3. Adjust and Tweak:  This process involves going through your internet settings and other system settings and making sure that no junk gets kept such as cookies, temporary internet files, history, etc.  Keeping these clean will keep personal information from eyes of snoops outside (via the internet) and inside (other people with access to your system).

4. Inoculate and Protect: This process involves getting an Antivirus program (like AVG or Panda Antivirus) and a Firewall established on your computers in order to protect your files and private information from being damaged, destroyed, or decimated by malicious programs which may already be residing in your computer either as self installations when visiting web sites or received as an email attachment (as innocent as a screen saver). You can also use Microsoft’s own Security Essentials program.

5. Search and Destroy – Ironically, the same name as a program which does just that, this process uses a sniffing program to detect adware and spyware which reside in your computer as part of the installation of downloaded programs or paid for programs.  These programs track your web site viewing, your key strokes, and other sensitive information such as passwords and credit card numbers you use on the web.  The Spybot Search and Destroy program is very helpfull in not only eliminating the current ones, but keeping your system clean of them each time you run the program. Lavasoft’s Ad-aware is another program which you can use as well.

6. Fix it and Rearrange it:  This is a two part process which should be done often – especially after doing all of the above processes.  It makes use of AVG’s PC Tune Up to find and fix any Windows related problems caused by deletion versus uninstallation of software, as well as fixing the registry files and shortcuts to make sure Windows continues to run smoothly.  The second portion is using Window’s own built-disk defragmentation program which assists in putting all similar files together in one part of the hard drive to make it faster for the computer to find it when it is trying to run a program.  Initially when a program is saved on to your hard drive it is fragmented and parts of it are scattered around.  Putting it all together saves time for the system to find it when initiating it.  It may save but a few nano-seconds, but that’s a lot in computer time.

By now you may have heard about the sister of Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg being upset over a picture posted on her personal Facebook account being posted on Twitter.  You may be asking how private those posts and pictures you put on Facebook really are. Apparently Randi Zuckerberg posted this picture so only her Facebook “Friends” could see it. Callie Schweitzer then posted it on her Twitter account. Callie Schweitzer while not a Facebook friend of Randi subscribes to her feeds and also is a Facebook friend of Mark and Randi’s sister. She apparently saw the picture because she is Facebook friends with the sister. Since her sister was tagged in the picture, Callie was able to see it. Callie thought that the picture was public since she subscribes to Randi’s posts on Facebook but this picture was not posted with access provided to subscribers.  It is not difficult to copy someone else’s picture that you see in Facebook. Click to open the picture and then right click.  An option to save will show among other options. Once saved, you can do with it as you wish including posting it to Twitter. On a personal note a friend of mine remarked how she was not able to download a picture of her and her daughters that her friend posted on Facebook. In a few seconds, I downloaded the picture and emailed it to her.

The protocol is to ask before posting someone else’s photos for others to see. Think of this as sending a letter to your friend who we will call “A”.  You do not expect that A will share the letter with others. A decides to share the letter with B and C. This is largely what happened here. The issue was not Facebook’s privacy settings but someone else sharing the picture above and beyond.  When you post to Facebook whether it be a picture, your writings, etc you should realize that it may be seen by those you did not intend to see it.  Note that while the picture was deleted by Callie Schweitzer, articles with the picture were posted online so it can be seen by all. I am using it in this article without compromising any confidences. And yes the man on the right side is Mark Zuckerberg himself.

The takeaway is to be careful of what you post on Facebook and other social media sites. Don’t put anything out there that you would not want to appear in a newspaper, seen by your boss, your parents, your children, etc.

If you have further questions about your privacy on Facebook and other social media sites I can be contacted at (917) 572-3468 or email me at mike@computerconciergeny.com .

My Facebook page provides information on the current goings on in the technology field. There are tips to better use your technology. For timely information, please visit and “Like” my page.

Computer Concierge NY LLC provides expert computer and technology services in the Queens, NY area. This includes Albertson, Bayside, Bayside Hills, Bay Terrace, Bellerose, College Point, Douglaston, Floral Park,  Flushing, Forest Hills, Great Neck, Jamaica Estates, Kew Gardens, Kings Point, Lake Success, Manhasset, Mineola, Munsey Park,  New Hyde Park, North Hills, North Shore Towers, Oakland Gardens, Plandome, Rego Park, Roslyn, The Bay Club, Thomaston, University Gardens, Williston Park, Whitestone and Other Areas in the Bayside, NY vicinity.  Our web services are provided worldwide.

If you suspect a computer has a memory problem that isn’t being automatically detected, you can run the Windows Memory Diagnostics utility by completing the following steps:

Step 1: - Click Start, type mdsched.exe in the Search box, and then press Enter

Step 2: - Choose whether to restart the computer and run the tool immediately or schedule the tool to run at the next restart.

Windows Memory Diagnostics runs automatically after the computer restarts and performs a standard memory test automatically. If you want to perform fewer or more tests, press F1, use the Up and Down arrow keys to set the Test Mix as Basic, Standard, or Extended, and then press F10 to apply the desired settings and resume testing.

When testing is completed, the computer restarts automatically. You’ll see the test results when you log on.

Note that if a computer crashes because of failing memory, and Windows Memory Diagnostics detects this, the system will prompt you to schedule a memory test the next time the computer is restarted.

1. Clear Browsing Data. When you surf the web your computer stores temporary files in your system so it can access the site quicker the next time you may visit it and other unwanted files such as tracking cookies. The problem with this is that after a few weeks or months of viewing web pages all those temporary files can really bog down your computer.

2. Disk Defragment. This does not free up space but it does organize files so that you computer will start up faster and be able to access programs faster than before.

3. Do a Disk Cleanup. Disk cleanups are a great way to clear up lots of free space, and the best part is the computer does all of the work for you! If you right click on your C: drive in My Computer, then click properties you should see the option to do a disk cleanup. By doing this the computer will search for all the files that are no longer necessary for you to be storing on your PC.

4. Download FREE PC Cleaning Software. Programs like CCleaner (google it to download for free!) are a great way to keep your computer clean, secured and running smoothly.

The first of these products and the one I use most often by far is CCleaner. CCleaner is a one-stop-shop for removal of “junk” on your hard drive: temporary files, unwanted browser cookies, and other such files that aren’t doing anything other than wasting space. CCleaner has a registry cleaner which is great for sorting out the mess that the Windows registry can become after multiple program installs and uninstalls, to say nothing of what can happen after big (multi-file) Windows updates or service pack installs. Additionally, CCleaner has a host of system management capabilities including: installed programs, start-up entries, browser start-up entries, and system restore points. What takes the program from good to great is the fact that basic functions are incredibly simple, requiring the click of a single button.

The next program is my hands-down recommendation for de-fragmentation, though I must add a disclaimer due to technological advancement: if you own a machine that uses a solid-state hard drive (SSD), DO NOT DE-FRAGMENT YOUR DRIVE. EVER. For everyone else, there is Defraggler. With the deployment of Windows Vista, Microsoft decided that the end users didn’t need to see what was going on when their systems were being de-fragmented, nor did they need to know when it was going to be finished, or what had been done during the excessively long time it took the de-fragmentation utility to run. Microsoft decided it had over-played its hand in this area and returned marginal control and discretion access to the end users, but by then I was using Defraggler. Not only does it tell you exactly what is going on while you’re using it, you can use it to get in and de-fragment individual files (a useful ability when dealing with a hard drive that is too full). In more recent versions, Defraggler has included an indicator of how ‘healthy’ your hard drive is based on its S.M.A.R.T. status.

If you’ve never deleted a file that you didn’t mean to delete, odds are that you will at some point. Such a situation can range from annoying (I can retype that…) to dire (I can’t go back to Everest to retake those pictures…) Recuva can save you the time and effort of having to regenerate that file on your own by recovering the data before it’s over-written. In Windows, files aren’t really deleted unless you use a secure-erasure, which writes new data over the old file. Instead, the file’s location is removed from Master File Table (MFT) if you’re using NTFS (which you probably are) or the File Allocation Table (FAT) if you’re using an older system (both the MFT and FAT work like address books for all the files on your hard drive). This results in your system losing the ability to find the file, and so it appears to be gone. Recuva goes through your hard drive and looks for these files, then makes them active again by resetting the address of the file so your system can find it again.

The last tool that Piriform offers is called Speccy, and it’s quite handy to have around. Very few people keep a list of all the internal parts of their computers; generally speaking, enthusiasts are going to have every part memorized, but average users just want it to work. In either case or if you fall somewhere in-between, the need to know about a certain part of your PC may arise – this is where Speccy comes in. The program probes your system and returns the information on its parts in an easy-to-navigate interface. An example of how useful this can be is upgrading your computer – making sure all the parts you’re about to spend money on will work is time well spent. Is your processor or video card up to the challenge of running a new piece of software? Speccy can tell you if your computer is up to par. While it’s not a tool you use on a daily basis, it is one that you’ll likely wish you had if the need arises.

For the performance they offer at the humble price of free, Piriform products are worth your time.

Cannot create file: file name. Right-click the folder you want to create the file in and click Properties on the shortcut menu to check your permissions for the folder.

This issue may occur when the Temporary Internet Files folder is stored on a server on which you do not have sufficient permissions.

Solution

Important This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

322756 How to back up and restore the registry in Windows

To have us fix this problem for you, go to the “Fix it for me” section. If you prefer to fix this problem yourself, go to the “Let me fix it myself” section.

Fix it for me

To fix this problem automatically, click the Fix it button or link. In the File Download dialog box, click Run and then follow the steps in the Fix it Wizard.

Fix this problem 
Microsoft Fix it 50673

Notes

· This wizard may be in English only. However, the automatic fix also works for other language versions of Windows.

· If you are not on the computer that has the problem, save the Fix it solution to a flash drive or a CD and then run it on the computer that has the problem.

Fix it yourself

To resolve this issue, force Outlook to use a specific folder for temporary files. Modify the relevant Windows Registry key as follows:

Outlook 2000

If you are using Outlook 2000, follow these steps:

1. Start Registry Editor.

2. Locate and then click the following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\9.0\Outlook\Security\OutlookSecureTempFolder

Note You may have to manually create this registry key if it does not already exist on the system.
If Outlook is installed on a terminal server, use the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Terminal Server\Install\Software\MICROSOFT\Office\9.0\Outlook\SECURITY\OutlookSecureTempFolder

3. On the Edit menu, click Modify, and then add the following registry value:

Value data: Path and name of the folder that you want to use

4. Exit Registry Editor.

Outlook 2003

If you are using Outlook 2003, follow these steps:

1. Click My Computer, and then double-click drive C.

2. On the File menu, click New, and then click Folder.

3. Name the folder temp0.

4. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.

5.Locate and then click the following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Outlook\Security\

6. In the right pane, double-click OutlookSecureTempFolder.

7.In the Value Data field, type C:\temp0\ and then click OK.

8. Exit Registry Editor.

9. Restart the computer.

Outlook 2010

If you are using Outlook 2010, follow these steps:

1. Click My Computer, and then double-click drive C.

2. On the File menu, click New, and then click Folder.

3. Name the folder temp0.

4. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.

5.Locate and then click the following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\14.0\Outlook\Security\

6. In the right pane, double-click OutlookSecureTempFolder.

7.In the Value Data field, type C:\temp0\ and then click OK.

8. Exit Registry Editor.

9. Restart the computer.

Done!!

Mind you, some of our clients have satellite offices further afield, so it can take a bit longer to attend the site when things go wrong.

One particular case highlighted for us that, at times, replication is a good thing. We all know that duplicate content is a bad idea as it will attract a hefty Google penalty, but in the world of IT hardware, duplication can be beneficial. Let us explain.

One of our clients got in touch because their router had failed and they didn’t have a spare one on site. When we got to the office (yes, it was a satellite one) we discovered that the problem wasn’t with the router at all, it was the AC adapter that had failed. This was an easy fix, but took quite a bit of organisation because the router they were using was an old model and now discontinued. That meant getting hold of a discontinued router and AC adapter with the correct voltage was quite a task in itself.

In situations like this, we would recommend you buy two identical routers, especially if yours has additional configuration areas. Then you should replicate the router or (as with Drayteks) make a backup of the router and restore the backup to the spare router.

This will allow for contingency in the event of a malfunction, whether it’s the router or the AC adapter, saving you valuable down time.

MPM Computer Consultancy provides IT Services, Support and Training to sole traders and small businesses in Ipswich. Bury St Edmunds and surrounding villages.

There are many types of server categories; it could be an email server, file, print, web or even complex database servers. Maintaining a server involves keeping the server running as required and updated. Let us look at what really is involved in this massive computer maintenance activity.

Regardless of the operating system running on the servers, frequent updates of the OS are fundamental. They are to be done almost daily and it involves securely linking to, or downloading the updates from the main OS developer’s website. Critical are the Kernel and security updates.

Back-up of the organization’s and user data are also critical. This is can be set to automatically run overnight when the servers have less or no work load. Best IT maintenance practice calls for a non-automated verification and then backing up the backup, just to be safe. A good implementation of this system is a remote dataBack-up, that uses a cycle of exponential retention periods.

Storage usage maintenance by deleting redundant data like outdated logs goes a long way in keeping the servers running at peak conditions and creates more space for the important data to be stored. Management of User Accounts falls under server management. The creation of accounts with proper privileges for new staff and removing old ones to ensure high level security, in case a malicious former employee decides to sabotage your systems and data or use it for espionage. A regular change of password is also vital.

Database server maintenance involves ensuring its integrity by fixing corrupt databases, monitoring database requests and replications. If implementing a RAID system for storage, proper configurations and notifications should be set. Improper RAID execution or security might lead to server downtime and loss of data, which is what we don’t want.

A general server and computer maintenance procedure involves checking for hardware errors, normally from the log reports. And need I say this? The arrangement of the server room and the equipment therein contained should be orderly, especially the cabling. Long gone are days when it was considered cool and hip to have a disorganized server room, cables everywhere and rarely cleaned. Proper laying and labeling of the cables makes for proper server management. Regular cleaning and dusting of the servers and the room provides a favorable working environment and reduces the risk of unnecessary hardware failures due to dust bunnies and rat chewed cables.

I cannot say these are the exhaustive activities involved in server management, some will depend on specific server OS, for example an antivirus is not required on a Linux based server. High level of patience and round the clock availability of the server administrator is however key for top-notch server management.

Here are a couple of our latest cases – see if anything sounds familiar.

We were presented with a couple of laptops that had slightly different issues but the outcome was the same.

The first laptop was not connecting to the internet using Google Chrome, Internet Explorer or Firefox.  The PC would just bring up the blue circle of death then it would disappear after a couple of seconds.

We uninstalled Internet Explorer and reverted back to an older version.  This worked and opened successfully, then we tidied up the temp files, removed all the add-ons and toolbars and thought we’d cracked it.

After a reboot we were back to square one – no internet access.  So we started the system up in safe mode to check what was starting up and also to run a anti-virus check – after an hour and a half we had 183 problems reported on the laptop – 3 of these were serious.

Three scans later the system was ‘clean’ so we thought we’d try the same thing again by uninstalling Internet explorer. But the same thing happened; it ran OK until there was a reboot of the system.  So the virus’ on this occasion won and we ended up backing up the data (checking this was clean) rebuilding the laptop with the operating system then restoring the data.  All now works well.

The second laptop was slightly different in that the user wasn’t running any AV software.  They were receiving an error message when using any social media software.  After running a malware scan we found 28 issues with the laptop, one of these was deemed serious.  After loading the laptop in safe mode, we installed an AV product and selected the evaluation period and ran another scan, this found another two problems, one serious. After running a System File Checker scan we found no end of windows files that could not be repaired.  So we decided to backup the customer data rebuild the laptop with the operating system, then restore the data back.  All now works well.

This advocates regular check-ups of machines, spring clean them occasionally and also run a recommended anti-virus application such as Bullguard and make sure it is kept up to date and scan regularly.

MPM Computer Consultancy provides IT Services, Support and Training to sole traders and small businesses in Ipswich. Bury St Edmunds and surrounding villages.

Windows 8 is the latest, totally reworked Microsoft operating system. Even though Microsoft’s developers did a lot to improve overall stability of the new Windows, there is still a lot you can do in terms of maintenance to make your new Windows 8 stay fast. Here are essential Windows 8 maintenance tips that you should know.

Configure scheduled maintenance

Windows 8 has an option to schedule all sorts of maintenance tasks, such as security scans, software updates, system diagnostics, defragmentation and so on. Unfortunately, by default the time for these tasks is set to 3 a.m., which is not very convenient. To make the most out of scheduled maintenance, change the time to when your PC is on but you are not using it. Lunchtime is ideal. To change Windows 8 maintenance schedule:

1. Launch the Control Panel and go to System and Security
2. Then go to Action Center and open Maintenance
3. Select Change maintenance settings to configure maintenance or click Start maintenance if you want to perform it manually

If you want, select the option for the system to wake your computer for maintenance.

Make Administrative Tools accessible

Experienced users who like to be able to monitor everything their computer does would be a bit disappointed by the default Windows 8 configuration because their favorite tools, such as Task Scheduler and Resource Monitor, are well hidden. Luckily, it’s easy to make them accessible:

1. Open the Charm bar, select Settings and then select Tiles
2. Change Show administrative tools to Yes
3. Click on an empty part of the Start screen
4. Scroll to the right and you’ll find Task Scheduler, Resource Monitor, Event Viewer and other handy tools there

Get the traditional Start menu back

While Windows 8′s interface is modern and pretty, a lot of users are missing the good old Start menu. If you are one of them, install Start8 – a free app from Stardoc, and the traditional Windows Start button and Start menu will be back.

Use shortcuts

Just like any version of Windows, Windows 8 has a lot of useful shortcuts. Here’s a list of the most essential ones:

• Win : switch between the Start screen and the last-running Windows 8 app
• Win + C : displays the Charms: the Settings, Devices, Share and Search options
• Win + D : launches the desktop
• Win + E : launches Explorer
• Win + F : opens the File Search pane
• Win + H : opens the Share pane
• Win + I : opens Settings
• Win + K : opens the Devices pane
• Win + L : locks your PC
• Win + M : minimizes the current Explorer or Internet Explorer window
• Win + O : toggles device orientation lock on and off
• Win + P : switch your display to a second display or projector
• Win + Q : open the App Search pane
• Win + R : opens the Run box
• Win + U : open the Ease of Access Center
• Win + V : cycle through toasts (notifications)
• Win + W : search your system settings
• Win + X : displays a text menu of useful Windows tools and applets
• Win + Z : displays the right-click context menu when in a full-screen app
• Win + + : launch Magnifier and zoom in
• Win + - : zoom out
• Win + , : Aero peek at the desktop
• Win + Enter : launch Narrator
• Win + PgUp : move the current screen to the left-hand monitor
• Win + PgDn : move the current screen to the right-hand monitor
• Win + PrtSc : capture the current screen and save it to your Pictures folder
• Win + Tab : switch between running apps

When I was in tech school, my instructor shared this story with our class. He had been doing something on his computer, putting it together, I think. I don’t remember. Anyway, something on his CD-ROM drive wasn’t working. He tried all sorts of things but he was ready to pull his hair out so he had to call tech support. (There’s always someone out there that knows more than you!)

The tech support went over the usual basics, which he confirmed he had already tried. They had to send someone out to his home.

The tech person that answered the call came out, looked at a couple things, then checked a box.

Just like that – his problem was fixed. For $50.

The tech still had to charge the minimum fee for making a house visit. But my instructor could’ve saved the money had he just tried a few more things to fix his problem. It wasn’t that he didn’t know about the box to check – it was that he simply forgot to even take a look at it.

Back to my stupidity, mere moments ago. I was reading a Photoshop tutorial to try to learn how to do something. I tried it at least three times before I started searching for another set of instructions.

I couldn’t figure out what was going on! The instructions were written pretty clearly, and I was following along step by step. Yet I wasn’t getting the same results and wasn’t seeing what the example pictures showed.

I was convinced that the person who wrote the instructions had simply missed a step.

This was a tutorial involving layers and masks. If you aren’t familiar with them, think of using a stencil. Our stencil itself is the white mask (opaque), and the paper you are writing on is the black mask (transparent).

In short – you have to draw white on a black mask to get a part of the picture to show through. Despite having done this multiple times now, this is what I was having trouble with. I was coloring white all over my black mask and it wasn’t showing up at all!

I tried fooling around with a mask apart from going through all the steps and lo and behold, it didn’t work because I wasn’t on the paintbrush. DUH!

I went back through the steps one last time and whaddaya know – they worked perfectly.

The same instructor that made this $50 mistake also drilled it into our heads that the first course of action for a tech support is to ask “Is it plugged in?” This may sound overly simple, to the point of insulting. But much of a tech support person’s job isn’t fancy or high-tech. It’s knowing what sorts of things someone might be forgetting to do.

Even at work, we have contracted tech support personnel. They work somewhere else in the building and I have no idea where that is, but there are only a few people supporting our entire location (fairly large). That said, if there is a problem, they want to know how urgent it is.

One of them told me one day that he has received frantic and angry calls from people essentially saying their computer isn’t working because the screen is black. They need it fixed “NOW!”

In an effort to help the person more quickly as well as save time for themselves, they try to go over a few basics with the caller to see if they will really need live help. The caller will get frustrated at the implication that they may be able to (and should, if possible) fix their own problem. They staunchly refuse to go over the basic steps.

The tech comes out and what is the problem?

Take a guess: Fried computer? Needs a new monitor? Nope.

The monitor was off. A simple press of the power button and – problem solved.

The point in all this is that even for the best-paid, most knowledgeable tech support personnel, many problems have very simple solutions that someone has overlooked.

In the interest of this being a tech blog for beginners, let me assure you that I am not suggesting you should know these things if you do not. If you need help, then you absolutely should ask for it. And, you should never feel bad for asking.

But if you are comfortable with your computer enough to do a little bit of investigative work, make sure everything is plugged in securely and check any basics you do know about.

That way, hopefully you won’t end up paying $50 for someone to come check-mark a box for you.

Before retiring, it will be a good idea to disconnect electrical power to televisions, computers, printers, etc.  Have copies of any prescriptions.  Use a smartphone if you have one or a phone with a camera to take a picture of them.

If you bank online, you may want to make sure that all bills that need to be paid in the next several days are accounted for and that you have money in your accounts to cover any recurring and other payments that you have set up.  If you lose power, you may not be able to pay these bills and transfer money between accounts till power is restored.

Most of all be safe.  Being safe is of utmost importance. Use common sense.  Fill up water bottles, tea pots, etc..

As always I can be reached at (917) 572-3468 for your technology problems.

My Facebook page provides information on the current goings on in the technology field. There are tips to better use your technology. For timely information, please visit and “Like” my page.

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Directions: 6 train to Cypress Ave

Contact: 718.991.8400

Website: www.perscholas.org

Cannot create file: file name. Right-click the folder you want to create the file in and click Properties on the shortcut menu to check your permissions for the folder.

Important This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

322756 How to back up and restore the registry in Windows

To have us fix this problem for you, go to the “Fix it for me” section. If you prefer to fix this problem yourself, go to the “Let me fix it myself” section.

Fix it for me
To fix this problem automatically, click the Fix it button or link. In the File Download dialog box, click Run and then follow the steps in the Fix it Wizard.

Fix this problem 
Microsoft Fix it 50673

Notes

·         This wizard may be in English only. However, the automatic fix also works for other language versions of Windows.

·         If you are not on the computer that has the problem, save the Fix it solution to a flash drive or a CD and then run it on the computer that has the problem.

Then, go to the “Did this fix the problem?” section.

Let me fix it myself

To resolve this issue, force Outlook to use a specific folder for temporary files. Modify the relevant Windows Registry key as follows:

Outlook 2000

If you are using Outlook 2000, follow these steps:

1.     Start Registry Editor.

2.     Locate and then click the following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\9.0\Outlook\Security\OutlookSecureTempFolder

Note You may have to manually create this registry key if it does not already exist on the system.

If Outlook is installed on a terminal server, use the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Terminal Server\Install\Software\MICROSOFT\Office\9.0\Outlook\SECURITY\OutlookSecureTempFolder

3.     On the Edit menu, click Modify, and then add the following registry value:

Value data: Path and name of the folder that you want to use

4.     Exit Registry Editor.

Outlook 2003

If you are using Outlook 2003, follow these steps:

1.     Click My Computer, and then double-click drive C.

2.     On the File menu, click New, and then click Folder.

3.     Name the folder temp0.

4.     Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.

5.     Locate and then click the following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Outlook\Security\

6.     In the right pane, double-click OutlookSecureTempFolder.

7.     In the Value Data field, type C:\temp0\ and then click OK.

8.     Exit Registry Editor.

9.     Restart the computer.

Outlook 2010

If you are using Outlook 2010, follow these steps:

1.     Click My Computer, and then double-click drive C.

2.     On the File menu, click New, and then click Folder.

3.     Name the folder temp0.

4.     Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.

5.     Locate and then click the following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\14.0\Outlook\Security\

6.     In the right pane, double-click OutlookSecureTempFolder.

7.     In the Value Data field, type C:\temp0\ and then click OK.

8.     Exit Registry Editor.

9.     Restart the computer.

Now here’s the part that will make you laugh. Though I know a great deal about marketing and sales, I know very little about the technical aspects of computer maintenance and management. And, my computer guy was on a four-day skiing trip in the mountains! So where’s the growth? After many telephone conversations with incredibly patient tech support people at both the previous host and the new one, yours truly learned how to transfer domains, set up the new email boxes, initiate domain privacy, schedule the auto responder, etc. For you tech savvy folks, this is all easy-peasy. For those of you more like me, here are some of the things I know now that I wish I had known previously:

Today’s question, from Diane from Leominster: “What do I need to keep my new computer healthy?”

Many people don’t realize that computers do need attention and maintenance.

Most computers don’t need much for physical maintenance (we recommend proper ventilation, a good battery backup power supply, and protection from excessive humidity), but they do need regular attention.

1. Backups, backups, backups! We now offer an automated (because you won’t run it yourself), online (to protect your from fire/theft/etc), and monitored (because it’s IMPORTANT) backup solution for home users to complement our more advanced business-grade backups. Contact us for details, plan starts around $15/mo.

2. Antivirus. All computers, Windows, Mac, or linux, need software protection. GFI VIPRE has worked well for us and runs well on older computers. We don’t recommend Norton/Symantec or MacAfee products. But yeah, even Mac computers need active protection with automatic updates.

3. System Updates. You should schedule Automatic updates to run, well, automatically. Any system now can be configured to run these updates at a time when you’re not using your computer…for most people this is at night. Most updates fix security problems or solve usage issues, and they’re almost always safer than NOT installing them. And if you’re running Windows make sure you activate Microsoft Update to included MS Office patches as well.

4. Other updates. Make sure your Java, Flash, and Adobe Reader are all kept up-to-date.
a) Java: go to http://www.java.com and click “Free Java Download.” Watch it during the install, though, as it will often try to sneak in the worthless MacAfee safe-scan tool, or the equally-worthless Ask toolbar. Un-check the boxes for those.

b) Adobe Flash and Reader. Go to http://www.adobe.com and look at the bottom-right for “Get Flash” and “Get Reader.” Again, make sure you’re ONLY getting what you want, un-check the boxes for the other crud.

And whenever Adobe Flash, Adobe Reader, or Java ask to do updates, let them!

Otherwise….we haven’t found much value in cookie cleaners, registry “optimizers,” and disk defrags, even the legit ones.

Got questions? Send them to CharlandTech via Facebook, post as a comment on this article, Tweet ‘em to @gregc00 or @CharlandTech, or find another creative way to get them to us.

Today’s post isn’t one about marketing, but it is a problem many people come into contact with- Switching your website host. This is often a very long and drawn out process, and in my opinion; creates a lot of unnecessary stress. Therefore, I am posting my experience with a walk through of how to transfer your website host in the hopes that it will help save you some of the headache I incurred. Hope you’re having a great week!I decided to switch web hosts. I found a new service and purchased a plan with them. I paid my existing host for an additional month. I placed the hosting service cancellation order with their assurance that my website would be hosted by them through the balance of the paid period. NOT! At the beginning of the business day on Thursday, my website was down – “Under Construction” was what visitors got – and I was told it could not be retrieved. My email did not work (same host), and messages were being bounced back stating my email box was unknown. The short version – my website host cancelled my service, so my website and any email coming through it was not available – ANYWHERE. Though the new host was contracted, the site had not yet been transferred to them.

Now here’s the part that will make you laugh. Though I know a great deal about marketing and sales, I know very little about the technical aspects of computer maintenance and management. And, my computer guy was on a four-day skiing trip in the mountains! So where’s the growth? After many telephone conversations with incredibly patient tech support people at both the previous host and the new one, yours truly learned how to transfer domains, set up the new email boxes, initiate domain privacy, schedule the auto responder, etc. For you tech savvy folks, this is all easy-peasy. For those of you more like me, here are some of the things I know now that I wish I had known previously:

1. If you cancel your web hosting service on a specific day, make the transfer to the new host as soon as possible. Do not wait. Even the best of transfers can take up to 72 hours. I was told most .com sites are quicker, but there’s no guarantee.

2. Make sure you save these three VERY important codes:

• The new authorization code for your domain, acquired from your current host
• The transaction ID
• The security code

The new host gives you these last two codes.

3. Change the name servers before you put the transfer in progress. “Name servers” are not pieces in a board game. They have to do with pointing your domain to the right place out there in cyberspace. And it’s tougher to do if you already have your domain transfer in progress. Name server updates can take up to 72 hours to become active.

4. Transferring your domain does NOT automatically transfer your email. You have to configure that through your email program. Beware, they’ll ask for things like IP addresses. Many hosts offer a tutorial. Thank Heaven mine did, and it was written for those of us with low bar tech knowledge.

5. To get help for Tech Support by phone, you will need your customer or account number, your domain name, and your call-in pin code. You’ll also need your account password for on-line assistance. Or just ask your  teenager – mine was gone.

6. Create a file to save ALL these important numbers, including telephone numbers for your web host’s tech support, your computer person’s cell phone (if they dare give it out), and for emotional support, your mother’s.

I am sure there are many more lessons in this experience, but for one day, this is plenty. May these tips help those of you who are climbing the technology learning curve like me, and for those of you already on top of it, may they make you smile.

Julie Wassom
“The Speaker Whose Message Means Business”
Marketing and Sales Speaker/Consultant/Author
Call me: 303-693-2306
Fax me: 303-617-6422
E-me: julie@juliewassom.com
See me: www.juliewassom.com

Call Now (702) 997-2028

COMPUTER PLUS+ CERTIFIED TEAM

All Computer PLUS+ field service technicians come qualified with Microsoft Certifications, A+ Comptia Certification, A+ Network. And a degree of experience that will guarantee an excellent experience for our customers.

COMPUTER SERVICES NETWORK PROS

Our team is ready to go, armed with the tools for success. Serving the entire Greater Phoenix area since 2006. We are super fast and very reliable, let us show you what we can do for you. Call now and speak to one of our friendly representatives.

PARTS AND SERVICE GUARANTEE

Our parts and service guarantees are the best in the industry, and we keep it simple. If you buy a part from us, we warranty the part as long as the manufacturer does. And if we install it we guarantee that it will work as intended.

COMPUTER AND NETWORK SET UP

Computer system setup, new or moving. Do you need a qualified computer network technician? Then call us, we can set up your computer, network, printer and any computer peripheral equipment. We come to you call now and get it done today.

Call Now (702) 997-2028

We have put together some helpful links for you

Helpful computer links

Some of our customers ask us:

• How do I keep my kids from viewing websites that I do not approve of?
• My kids are alwasy on the computer, how can I limit them without them getting mad?
• Are there internet laws, and computing laws?
• Does my wordpress blog have a vulnerability issue?
• Is there a way to report an internet crime?
• Is there really internet censorship?
• Can hackers get in real trouble?
• More computer crime laws for the state of Arizona.
• What is computer security, it it deifferent from virus security?
• Looking for a laptop computer? Make sure you check out the best 5 reviews on CNET.com
• Looking for a desktop computer? Make sure you check out the latest desktop reviews on CNET.com
• Read about the latest news in the Computer World
• News from around the globe related to the computer industry from PCworld.com
• See computer laptop and desktop reviews from PCmag.com
• Check out the consumer reporting groups on line website consumerreports.org
• Check out more from Computer Stupidities
• Read more from Computer Stories
• Latest news abour internet laws from the UK, see more about free speach protected on social media.
• Top ten reviews from toptenreviews.com

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