Contents

Top 10 Computer Problems Tips

1 Set a password

2 Uninstall unwanted software

3 Run the System Configuration utility

4 Improve performance with ReadyBoost

5 Add an external hard drive

6 Review shared settings

7 Create a homegroup

8 Get Windows Live Essentials

9 Enable the Guest account

10 Share media over a network

1 Know your computer

Explore your system

Find your Windows Experience Index

Calculate free hard drive space

Explore programs listed in the Notification area

Explore your hardware in Device Manager

Explore the All Programs menu

Create a password reset disk

Create a system repair disk

2 First steps and quick fixes

Set a password

Run Windows Update

Update third-party programs

Check the Action Center in Windows 7

Scan with Windows Defender

Reboot the PC, modems and routers

Use System Restore

Update a driver

Replace missing system files

Run the System Configuration utility

Locate Help

3 Free up hard drive space

Delete unnecessary files and folders

Search for and delete specific file types

Uninstall unwanted software

Delete unnecessary System Restore files

Delete unwanted media files

Run Disk Cleanup

Empty the Recycle Bin

Access Disk Defragmenter

4 Fix hardware problems

Understand common hardware problems

Verify Windows compatibility

Improve performance with ReadyBoost

Troubleshoot sound problems

Troubleshoot printer problems

Locate a driver on the internet

Download and install a driver

Rollback a bad driver

Add an external hard drive

Reseat non-working internal hardware

5 Fix software problems

Browse menus for Help

Update software

Reinstall software

Run in Windows XP mode

Google error messages

Consider an alternative program

Uninstall an error-prone application

6 Repair boot problems

Restart the computer

Boot to the Last Known Good Configuration

Boot with Safe mode (and then reboot)

Choose Startup Repair

Boot with your system recovery disk

Perform a repair installation

Run Disk Check

7 Diagnose and repair network problems

Review troubleshooting tasks already introduced

Verify required hardware is powered on

Reconnect cables and connections

Reposition wireless access points

Run the network troubleshooter

Replace damaged cables, splitters and other hardware

Verify your network is private

Review sharing settings

Create a user account

Require a password

Remove unwanted networks

Create a homegroup

Join a homegroup

8 Install missing and must-have applications

Download and installation basics

Get Windows Live Essentials

Get a Windows Live ID

Get Microsoft Security Essentials

Get PowerPoint Viewer

Get Adobe Reader

Consider QuickTime

Consider iTunes

Consider Skype

Consider Firefox

9 Fix email problems

Change how often Mail checks for email

Show images and enable links

Unblock attachments

Label email as Junk

Label email as Not Junk

Apply a junk email filter

Empty Sent and Deleted Items folders

Get rid of an email stuck in your Outbox or Inbox

Update the time and date on your PC

Decipher error messages

Export contacts

10 Resolve problems with Internet Explorer 8

Rule out network problems

Use Compatibility View

Change security settings

Verify cookies are enabled

Manage add-ons

Reset Internet Explorer settings

Run the Malicious So