At A-Tek Computer System, we compiled a list of common questions and possible solutions to our customers understand and possibly solve their own computer issues. Remember, it’s necessary to have basic computer knowledge before attempting the suggestions outlined in our FAQ’s. If your computer contains sensitive information, take it to a repairman as soon as possible.
How do I delete Internet cookies in Google Chrome?
- Click the Chrome menu on the browser toolbar.
- Select Settings.
- Click Show advanced settings.
- In the “Privacy” section, click the Content settings
- In the “Cookies” section, you can change your cookies settings.
How do I delete Internet cookies in Internet Explorer?
- On the Start screen, tap or clickInternet Explorer to open Internet Explorer.
- Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tapSettings.
(If you’re using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, and then click Settings.) - Tap or clickOptions, and then, under History, tap or click Select.
- Select theCookies check box, and then tap or click Delete.
What are Internet cookies?
Cookies are small files that websites put on your PC to store information about you and your preferences. Cookies can make your browsing experience better by letting sites remember your preferences or letting you avoid signing in each time you visit certain sites. However, some cookies might put your privacy at risk by tracking sites that you visit.
If I format or erase my hard drive will it remove a virus?
If your computer is infected with a virus formatting or erasing the hard disk drive and starting over will almost always remove any type of virus. However, keep in mind if backups have been made that contain the virus, other media or drives connected to the computer have a virus, your computer is connected to another computer on a network with a virus, and/or the virus is stored on some other type of software you use with your computer it can become re-infected if not properly protected.
Can a virus damage computer hardware?
No. Computer viruses are software code designed to spread to computer files and other computers, delete files, and cause other problems with the data on the computer. So if you’re experiencing an issue with a hardware device such as your printer, video card, sound card, etc. it is not due to a virus.
Does Windows come with a virus protection program?
All versions of Microsoft Windows do not come pre-installed with a virus protection program. This includes: Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista.
Windows 7 and 8 virus protection.
Microsoft Windows 8 includes a version of Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) that offers anti-virus and malware protection to Windows 8 users. Window 7 users may download this virus protection for free from Microsoft’s website. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security-essentials-download
What is a computer virus?
A computer virus is a software program that has been intentionally created to cause a user grief, spread to other computers, or destroy data on an individual’s computer. To help prevent a computer from becoming infected by a virus, software developers have developed anti-virus programs that stay active on the computer helping to protect it. It is important to realize that many computers do not come pre-loaded with these already installed and that if computers do come with these programs, the programs may expire within 90 days.
How do I determine my computer’s name?
Right-click My Computer. Click Properties. In the Properties window, click the Computer Name tab. Within this tab you’ll be able to see the full computer name, workgroup and also a description. If you wish to change the name or workgroup, click the Change button.
How do I map a network drive?
Open Microsoft Explorer. From Explorer, click the Tools drop down menu and click the option “Map Network Drive.” Specify the network drive or network computer as the folder. If the computer’s name was hope, to map to that computer, type \\hope – if you wished to map to a shared folder on the hope computer such as a mp3 folder, you would type \\hope\mp3. If a different username or login is required to connect to this computer or drive it must be specified in this window before clicking the finish.
I can’t connect to my network drive anymore?
Verify that the network cable is properly connected to the back of the computer. In addition, when checking the connection of the network cable, ensure that the LED’s on the network are properly illuminated. For example, a network card with a solid green LED or light usually indicates that the card is either connected or receiving a signal. Note: generally, when the green light is flashing, this is an indication of data being sent or received.
I lost my printer installation disk, how can I install my printer?
Thankfully a missing printer installation disk or disc is not the end of the world and will not require you to wait until a new diskette or CD can be sent to you. Today all printer and other hardware manufacturers are providing downloads on the Internet to their software programs and drivers that are included with their products.
How do I fix a paper jam?
Turn off the printer. Inspect the location or tray the printed paper ejects to. If the stuck paper is visible manually remove it. Remove all paper trays and any paper that may be stuck between the tray and the printer. If the stuck paper is visible manually remove it. Open the printer door that allows you access to the printer ink cartridges or toner and look for any stuck paper. If the stuck paper is visible manually remove it. Turn the printer back on.
My printer is printing smudged/distorted pages?
When printing on untraditional paper your printer may experience smudges, un-even or crooked text, and/or text that runs off the edges of the paper. Your printer may be printing fuzzy, blurry, and/or other faint text because of dirty print heads. All modern printers have some type of printer cleaning, self-test, and/or diagnose mode that can be performed to check and clean the printer’s print heads and other internal equipment used to print.
Are spaces allowed in email addresses?
Just like an Internet URL no spaces are allowed in an e-mail address. However, names can be broken up using a period; for example, John Smith may have an e-mail address: john.smith@computerhope.com or john.s@computerhope.com because no spaces are allowed in the e-mail address.
I can’t receive any email attachments?
If the e-mail box is full of other e-mail messages and/or your storage space is only a few megabytes it’s possible that the attachment being sent cannot be received. Often if this problem is occurring the person sending the e-mail should get a response back from your e-mail server indicating that your mailbox is full and/or has exceeded its allocated size. Because computer viruses and other malware are best distributed through e-mail, many e-mail service providers, companies, and e-mail programs prevent certain types of file extensions from being distributed or received through e-mail. For example, Microsoft Outlook protect its users by automatically disabling certain file extension types from being received in e-mail.
I am unable to send or receive email?
Verify that your computer is able to see the Internet and/or other computers to ensure that your computer is not encountering a connection issue, which would be causing your e-mail issue. Ensure that your Internet e-mail server or your Network e-mail server is not encountering issues by contacting either your Internet Service Provider or your Network administrator.
How can I recover a file from the recycle bin?
Double click the recycle bin icon on your desktop, here you will see all of the files within your bin. Select the files you wish to recover, right click and choose restore.
Is it safe to turn off a Windows computer without doing a shut down?
Users should not simply press the power button or restart the computer while Windows is still running unless there is an issue with the computer. Microsoft has included the shutdown feature because it enables a computer to go through all the all the necessary steps that are required before turning off the computer. In fact many versions of Microsoft Windows will check the computer for any problems if the computer is not shut down properly.
How can I update my Microsoft Windows computer?
If you are running Microsoft Windows 98, Windows 98 SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP, or a later version of Microsoft Windows, you are eligible to update Microsoft Windows, and in some cases, your computer hardware with the latest drivers through Microsoft’s update site, visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
How do I get into safe mode?
To get into the Windows 2000 / XP Safe mode, as the computer is booting press and hold your “F8 Key” which should bring up the “Windows Advanced Options Menu”. Use your arrow keys to move to “Safe Mode” and press your Enter key.
How can I clean my keyboard?
The keys on a keyboard are only clipped on, with a knife or other thin object carefully pop the keys off, this will allow you to clean under the keys as well as cleaning the keys themselves.
The wheel on my mouse isn’t working properly, what do I do?
If you’re running any version of Microsoft Windows and are encountering issues with the mouse wheel first attempt to adjust the mouse settings through the Mouse Properties window. This window can be accessed by opening the Control Panel and double-clicking the Mouse icon.
Why is my mouse acting erratically?
Users who have an optical mechanical mouse (most common mouse for desktop computers) are likely experiencing erratic behavior because the mouse is not clean or is dirty. If you’ve cleaned the mouse and continue to encounter issues and this mouse has worked in the past fine unfortunately your mouse is likely defective. One additional test that can be done to help determine if this is the case or not is to connect the mouse to another computer. Otherwise we suggest replacing the mouse.
There are black borders on my screen, what do I do?
If the resolution was recently changed it is possible for the monitor to not auto adjust or shift to the correct size. If this occurs, the resolution can be changed back to the original setting or you can manually adjust the monitor. If a black border exists on the monitor it can generally be resolved by manually adjusting the horizontal or vertical width. Because each monitor is different, the method of adjusting this setting will vary; consult your monitor documentation.
What do I do if the image on screen is distorted or skewed?
You may receive a distorted image when the cable is loose or defective. Disconnect the video cable going from the back of the computer and verify that no pins are bent, burnt or broken. Once verified re-connect the monitor cable. If the refresh rate is not properly set the monitor may have a wavy or an appearance that lines are going down or across the monitor slowly or fast, this may also cause a flickering affect. A distorted image can be caused by magnetic or other types of interference. Verify no speakers, fans or other magnetic devices are close to the monitor.
There is no display on the monitor, what do I do now?
Make sure the monitor is on. If no power light (green or orange light) is seen on the monitor display try pressing the power button until it comes on. If your computer monitor was on and you stepped away from the computer and upon returning it was black it’s likely that the computer is asleep. Try moving your mouse, clicking the mouse buttons, and/or pressing any key (space bar) on the keyboard to wake it up. Make sure that the monitor is connected properly to the back of the computer.
What do I do if my hard disk fails to work?
As with most computer errors, your first step is to shut down your computer and restart it. This will help you confirm whether or not you actually have a hard disk problem. If the disk is severely damaged then your computer will probably fail to restart properly. If this is the case then contact A-Tek Computer Systems, this is a job for the professionals.
What do I do when my computer crashes?
There are many reasons why a computer may just stop working or “freeze”. When your computer no longer responds to keyboard commands try these tips:
Try to reboot the computer.
Check and reconnect hardware cables. In some cases, computer failure is the result of inadequate power supply or an electrical short-circuit. Reconnect all cords and wires, and try to restart the computer.
Undo recent software changes. Minor hardware driver errors or other software bugs that relate to sensitive processes or hardware may also contribute to a computer crash. This can be done from “Add/Remove Programs” under Control Panel. You can also do a System Restore, which can automatically restore programs, drivers, and other system software to a previous, stable state without deleting any user files or other important data.
Try Last Known Good Configuration. Windows operating system has an option that includes several fail-safe menu for repairing boot problems. Access Last Known Good Configuration and other options by pressing F8 before reaching the log on screen.
Try Safe Mode. XP operating systems have a Safe Mode option which allows the computer to run in a limited state. (Access Safe Mode and other options by pressing F8 before reaching the log on screen.)
Use rescue disk. Boot the PC using a repair CD or Operating System installation disc. Most operating system installation discs are bootable (or, have an OS of their own), allowing one to start their computer via the CD/DVD. Oftentimes, these discs can fix problems that are preventing the PC from starting correctly. They can also be used to access System Restore and other helpful features.
My computer does not turn on, what do I do now?
First check the computer’s power cord to make sure it is completely plugged into the wall socket. If you are using a plug strip, make sure it is completely plugged into the wall socket and that the power switch on the plug strip is turned on. Some plug strips also have a built in circuit breaker which usually looks like a black or red button near the power switch. Press the button to reset it and see if that solves the problem.
Support Request
