Microsoft Windows Archives - Page 28 of 32

Q&A: How can I block access to a single website on my PC running Windows 7?

Posted on March 3, 2013

Question from Vicky P.: Rick, I logged into my PayPal account the other day and noticed that a payment for $74.94 had been made to someone that I had never heard of. Since my 13 year old daughter and I are the only people who ever use my computer I knew right away that she was the one who made the purchase.

Well, we had a short “discussion” during which I discovered that she had opened an eBay account in my name and used it to buy an item that she knew I would never allow her to have otherwise. Needless to say, she is grounded for life (well, for a month anyway lol). Is there any way to block eBay so that it cannot be accessed at all on my PC?

Rick’s answer: Yes, in fact there is Vicky. All you need to do is add a single line to a Windows file named Hosts. Here’s how: [Read more…]

How to make Windows shut down faster

Posted on March 2, 2013

Important: Following this tip requires editing the Windows Registry, a procedure that can result in a corrupted Windows installation if not completed properly.

Therefore, if you follow the steps listed below, you do so at your own risk and agree that it will not be my fault if your favorite TV show gets canceled, the wind blows over your favorite tree or your computer becomes unbootable or unstable.

If you decide to proceed, then I recommend creating a System Restore Point first just to be on the safe side. If you’re still with me, lets get started… [Read more…]

Q&A: Can I buy an external hard drive that works with both my PC and Mac?

Posted on February 17, 2013

Question from Chad: I’m in desperate need of a USB external hard drive that I can plug in to my Mac when I’m at home and then take it to work with me to plug into the Windows 7 PC I use there. The larger the better, but 2TB or larger will suffice.

I’ll be using this drive to transfer large video files that are several gigabytes each. Can you tell me where I can find a drive that meets this requirement? I’ve checked all over the web with no luck. Thanks! [Read more…]

Q&A: Can I remove optional Windows updates that I don’t plan to install?

Posted on February 15, 2013

Question from Tina F.: Every time Windows Update tells me I have updates available it lists an optional update for Bing Desktop. I don’t use Bing Desktop and I probably never will. Is there any way to delete it so it’ll stop showing up on the Windows Update list?

Rick’s answer: Tina, there are a couple of unwanted optional updates that are always available for my computer too, and I agree that it’s rather annoying. While you can’t actually delete them, you an easily hide them to keep them from showing up along with other available updates. Here’s how: [Read more…]

Q&A: Why is my Windows Update not working in Windows XP?

Posted on February 10, 2013

Question from Jennifer K.: Hi Rick! I have an older Dell desktop PC running Windows XP that I absolutely love, but due to a virus I had to re-install Windows from scratch. Now when I try to use Windows Update it fails and I get this error message:

“The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the page you are trying to view.”

I’m stuck at Service Pack 2 and I get any updates to download at all. I can’t even get Bitdefender to install because it says I need Service Pack 3, so the computer is currently running without anti-virus protection. Can I fix this or should I just recycle the computer and use my laptop for everything (NOT my first choice!)? [Read more…]