Computer Problems Solved for the Over 50s In Simple Steps

<p>Contents</p> <p>Top 10 Computer Problems Tips</p> <p>1 Set a password</p> <p>2 Uninstall unwanted software</p> <p>3 Run the System Configuration utility</p> <p>4 Improve performance with ReadyBoost</p> <p>5 Add an external hard drive</p> <p>6 Review shared settings</p> <p>7 Create a homegroup</p> <p>8 Get Windows Live Essentials</p> <p>9 Enable the Guest account</p> <p>10 Share media over a network</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>1 Know your computer</p> <p>Explore your system</p> <p>Find your Windows Experience Index</p> <p>Calculate free hard drive space</p> <p>Explore programs listed in the Notification area</p> <p>Explore your hardware in Device Manager</p> <p>Explore the All Programs menu</p> <p>Create a password reset disk</p> <p>Create a system repair disk</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>2 First steps and quick fixes</p> <p>Set a password</p> <p>Run Windows Update</p> <p>Update third-party programs</p> <p>Check the Action Center in Windows 7</p> <p>Scan with Windows Defender</p> <p>Reboot the PC, modems and routers</p> <p>Use System Restore</p> <p>Update a driver</p> <p>Replace missing system files</p> <p>Run the System Configuration utility</p> <p>Locate Help</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>3 Free up hard drive space</p> <p>Delete unnecessary files and folders</p> <p>Search for and delete specific file types</p> <p>Uninstall unwanted software</p> <p>Delete unnecessary System Restore files</p> <p>Delete unwanted media files</p> <p>Run Disk Cleanup</p> <p>Empty the Recycle Bin</p> <p>Access Disk Defragmenter</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>4 Fix hardware problems</p> <p>Understand common hardware problems</p> <p>Verify Windows compatibility</p> <p>Improve performance with ReadyBoost</p> <p>Troubleshoot sound problems</p> <p>Troubleshoot printer problems</p> <p>Locate a driver on the internet</p> <p>Download and install a driver</p> <p>Rollback a bad driver</p> <p>Add an external hard drive</p> <p>Reseat non-working internal hardware</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>5 Fix software problems</p> <p>Browse menus for Help</p> <p>Update software</p> <p>Reinstall software</p> <p>Run in Windows XP mode</p> <p>Google error messages</p> <p>Consider an alternative program</p> <p>Uninstall an error-prone application</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>6 Repair boot problems</p> <p>Restart the computer</p> <p>Boot to the Last Known Good Configuration</p> <p>Boot with Safe mode (and then reboot)</p> <p>Choose Startup Repair</p> <p>Boot with your system recovery disk</p> <p>Perform a repair installation</p> <p>Run Disk Check</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>7 Diagnose and repair network problems</p> <p>Review troubleshooting tasks already introduced</p> <p>Verify required hardware is powered on</p> <p>Reconnect cables and connections</p> <p>Reposition wireless access points</p> <p>Run the network troubleshooter</p> <p>Replace damaged cables, splitters and other hardware</p> <p>Verify your network is private</p> <p>Review sharing settings</p> <p>Create a user account</p> <p>Require a password</p> <p>Remove unwanted networks</p> <p>Create a homegroup</p> <p>Join a homegroup</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>8 Install missing and must-have applications</p> <p>Download and installation basics</p> <p>Get Windows Live Essentials</p> <p>Get a Windows Live ID</p> <p>Get Microsoft Security Essentials</p> <p>Get PowerPoint Viewer</p> <p>Get Adobe Reader</p> <p>Consider QuickTime</p> <p>Consider iTunes</p> <p>Consider Skype</p> <p>Consider Firefox</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>9 Fix email problems</p> <p>Change how often Mail checks for email</p> <p>Show images and enable links</p> <p>Unblock attachments</p> <p>Label email as Junk</p> <p>Label email as Not Junk</p> <p>Apply a junk email filter</p> <p>Empty Sent and Deleted Items folders</p> <p>Get rid of an email stuck in your Outbox or Inbox</p> <p>Update the time and date on your PC</p> <p>Decipher error messages</p> <p>Export contacts</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>10 Resolve problems with Internet Explorer 8</p> <p>Rule out network problems</p> <p>Use Compatibility View</p> <p>Change security settings</p> <p>Verify cookies are enabled</p> <p>Manage add-ons</p> <p>Reset Internet Explorer settings</p> <p>Run the Malicious So</p>