Showing posts with label windows 7. Show all posts
Showing posts with label windows 7. Show all posts

Monday, June 25, 2012

Computer Readiness for Hurricane Season

storm ahead warning signDoes your disaster plan include safeguarding your computer?  Getting ready for hurricane season is more than just having fresh water and supplies.  Think about your computer preparation too. What are the threats and what is at stake?  Power outages, surges, and flooding from the storm could cause permanent data loss and equipment damage.  Imagine all your photos, documents, music, and movies lost forever because of a hurricane or severe storm.  It doesn't have to happen that way.  Even though computer hardware is replaceable, there is still time and cost involved in getting your computer system back online.  Saved memories on the damaged computer are extremely expensive to recover at best, and most times lost forever.

Follow these steps to prepare for the storm:
  1. Back up regularly to prevent data loss - consider online, off site, water and fire safe storage
  2. Invest in surge protection and uninterruptible power supply
  3. Unplug your during computer during lightning storm
  4. Create an inventory list complete with photos, model and serial numbers, receipts

Monday, June 18, 2012

Windows 7 Tips How To Change Power Save Options

Do you ever wonder why your Windows 7 PC goes to sleep or screen turns off automatically?  This is controlled by power save options.  By default the PC manufacturer sets these options to save power.  It can be annoying for you when your laptop screen dims or cuts off after a few minutes inactivity.  The opposite could be true where your computer screen stays on all night even though nobody is using the computer.  Let's go over the easy steps to customize the power saving options to meet your needs. 

 First, click on the Start button Windows Icon on the desktop and type "power options" in the instant search box.
Then select Power Options with the icon of a power cord and battery image.
Next, Click on Change Plan Settings for the selected power plan.
Windows Power Options Change Plan Screen


The next screen shows power options for the display (screen).  You can set the amount of time before Windows turns off the display and when to put the computer to sleep.  Be sure to select the "save changes" button after making changes.

Now you know the basics of changing the power options on your Windows 7 PC.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

How To Fix Blue Screen of Death

BSOD windows blue screen of death
Blue Screen Error
How To Fix Windows Blue Screen Error

The blue screen error makes it hard to get anything done. You may have seen it before.  The screen goes blue with white words that say "error" and some reference numbers.  Now you can't do anything with your computer.  This is so frustrating and counter productive. Let's explore causes of the blue screen error and how to fix blue screen errors.

Causes of the Windows Blue Screen of Death

Several possible causes exist for the blue screen stop error.  Registry errors are important system files that have become corrupt or missing in the core programming code of your Windows operating system. Computer virus infections, improperly installed/uninstalled programs and updates, even regular use of your computer can cause registry errors. 
Another primary cause of the Blue Screen Error is hardware issues.  This means devices such as USB devices, memory, video cards, bluetooth devices, are incompatible with your system.   Missing or incorrect device drivers can cause the blue screen error.  This is why its important to have a professional upgrade your computer components.  Even external plugged in devices such as speakers, or printer drivers can cause your system to lock up.


Fixing Blue Screen Errors

First, make sure your computer is clean from viruses.  You can start by updating your anti-virus program and running a full scan on all of your hard drives.  This is best completed in Safe Mode.

Next, do a system restore.  A system restore takes your computer back in time to a date before you started getting the blue screen errors. To reduce the risk of getting a blue screen error while taking the needed steps, you should start in Safe Mode.





Restart your computer, pressing F8 key as it boots up. If Windows begins normal start up, you will have to power off and try again.
Next, you see a black and white words list with Safe Mode listed. Use your arrow keys to select Safe Mode, then press Enter.
    Go to Start
    In the search box type in “restore”
    Select the System Restore option.
    Of the choices, you want to choose another restore point.  Look over the available restore points and choose a restore point date before you started getting the blue screen error.
    Click the Next button
    Click the Finish button

Any programs you installed between now and the date selected may have to be reinstalled.

Preventative Measures

Prevent registry errors by regular use of a registry cleaner. Registry cleaners are programs designed to scan for and then fix registry errors. With regular use, registry errors can be a thing of the past.  Be sure to download correct drivers before installing new hardware.  Enable the System Restore feature and create restore points before making changes to the computer system.

For more information visit IQ Computer Services website today.