Tech Questions & Answers Archives - Page 216 of 258

Q&A: How can I get my picture to load in Photoshop Elements without causing an error?

Posted on February 12, 2015

Question from Lexie: Rick, I have Photoshop Elements and I love it, but I have this one image file that I can’t get to load.

I’ve tried opening the file by right-clicking on it in Windows Explorer and selecting “Open with > Photoshop Elements” and by using the “File > Open” dialog from within Elements. It simply refuses to load and I get an error message every time.

I only have this problem with one photo that I desperately need to edit and print. All other photos load correctly, and even the one that won’t load into Elements opens fine in Internet Explorer and Google Chrome.

Any idea why this might be happening? This is on a Dell Dimension desktop PC with Windows 7.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: How do I find out what model number my computer is?

Posted on February 10, 2015

Question from Beverly L.: Rick, I have a four year old Dell laptop computer that I’m planning to sell on Craigslist.

The problem is I have no idea what the model number of the computer is. The label on the bottom is faded so badly that I can’t read it. I also can’t remember how much memory is in it or how big the hard drive is.

I do know that this PC has Windows 7 on it. How can I find out what the model number is, how much memory it has, and how big the hard drive is?

Rick’s answer: Beverly, you can easily find that information with a quick bit of detective work. Here’s how: [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I completely uninstall a program in Windows without leaving any stray files behind?

Posted on February 5, 2015

Question from Curtis: I downloaded the trial version of Nero 2015 Classic onto my Gateway computer with Windows 7, but then I decided I didn’t want to keep it.

I used the “Uninstall a Program” app in the Control Panel to remove it, but I’m still finding parts of it in at least three folders. How can I uninstall it and get rid of ALL of its files?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I re-install Windows on my Dell laptop without a Windows CD?

Posted on February 4, 2015

Question from Angie H.: Hi Rick. My Dell Inspiron N5010 laptop is loaded down with viruses and all sorts of other bad stuff. I really need to re-install Windows but I don’t have a Windows 7 CD.

I know I can order a Windows CD from Dell but I’d rather not if I can avoid it. My daughter said she thinks I can re-install Windows without the CD. Is that true? If it is how do I do that?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Why do the pictures I take with my phone turn out blurry?

Posted on February 2, 2015

Question from Rhonda F.: Rick, I have a question for you. Why do the photos I take with my phone always turn out blurry? I often have to take a dozen shots to end up with just one that’s clear.

I must be doing something wrong but I can’t figure out what it is. My phone is an Android (Samsung Galaxy S II). Thanks for your help!

Rick’s answer: Hi Rhonda. It’s impossible to know for sure without seeing how you’re taking the photos, but I have a strong hunch that you aren’t letting your phone’s camera finish focusing the shot before releasing the shutter button. [Read more…]