Windows Tips

Infopackets Reader Sally B. writes: " Dear Dennis, We purchased an HP OfficeJet 8500 Pro printer to replace an older HP OfficeJet 7200. The 7200 was connected via USB cable to the server computer [and thus, all print requests were sent via the ... server]. We have been unable to get the Officejet 8500 printer to work on the network. Any tips? " My response: This is one of those questions that could be a "1 in a million" reasons as to why it's not working, but I'll give you a quick checklist of things you can try so you can at least guess where the problem lies: 1. Unplug the old printer and ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader 'Fran' writes: " Dear Dennis, I have 2 Dell Inspiron laptops. One has a DVD drive and the other does not. I want to move a program that came on a DVD to the laptop that can't read DVDs. Can this be done, and if so, what is the ... easiest way? I have thought of copying the DVD to a stick and installing it that way. Would it work? " My Response: DVDs can be single or dual layer -- the difference being the single layer can store 4.7GB and the double layer twice that (at 9.4GB). That said, the majority of DVDs I've come across for the PC are single layer. To answer your question, ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Alan G. from Australia writes: " Dear Dennis, I would like to use some of my programs which are on my PC by linking them to my laptop. Is this possible? If so, how do I go about it? I am an aged pensioner at almost 80 years of ... age. I have used computers since they were input and output with punched cards, so I am not exactly a newbie to computing -- but there are things that I don't know, and this is one of them. Thank you in advance for your help. " My Response: There are ways to get around to do what you're asking (sort of), but generally speaking, it's not possible to ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader 'WB2' writes: " Dear Dennis, I have a home network consisting of two computers, using an N-link router. Both computers are connected to the router using a wired connection (not wireless). Problem: the router drops my Internet ... connection from time to time. Shutting off the router and turning it back on after a few seconds appears to solve the problem -- but it's only temporary. Can you help me solve this problem? " My Response: If the problem you are experiencing happens to both PCs at the exact same time, it's a safe bet it's not either of your PCs at fault, but likely the ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Robert I. writes " Dear Dennis, I operate Windows XP Pro with Service Pack 3 installed on my PC. I own an Epson stylus printer which is capable of printing color. Problem: whenever I print anything, the printed colors do not match ... what is shown on the monitor. Is this a problem with my computer, printer or monitor? Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated. " My response: Great question. The 'quick and simple' answer is that you likely need to calibrate your printer and monitor. Since all printers and monitors are made by varying manufacturers, I can't give you a ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Richard C. writes: " Dear Dennis, You mentioned that Acronis True Image could be used to restore a backup (image) from an old harddrive to a new, larger harddrive. Question: does that create a problem with the hard drive partition ... structure from the old, smaller drive? If so, how does one take advantage of all the extra space on the new drive? " Reminder: we have a 50% sale on Disk Director Suite available through Infopackets.com which expires on August 31st, 2009. Also offered is Acronis True Image at 15% off , expires September 2nd, 2009. Click the respective link for ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Jim 'jhg' writes: " Dear Dennis, I am using Acronis True Image [to backup my operating system and personal files] -- great product. I did a full backup and it worked like a charm. I also did five incremental backups. Question: ... should I delete incremental backup numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and save the fifth, or do I save all of them? " Reminder: we have a 50% sale on Disk Director Suite available through Infopackets.com which expires on August 31st, 2009. Also offered is Acronis True Image at 15% off . Click the respective link for more detail. My Response: To quickly answer your ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader 'katjh' writes: " Dear Dennis, I am running 2 Dell computers and they are connected by a router. The newer computer is windows Vista and I have been purchasing the Norton antivirus that came with the computer from Dell. The older ... computer is Windows 98 and I have been running Grisoft Avg (free antivirus) 7.5 for a long time -- however, it now says I can't update it to AVG 8.5 and my computer will not be protected from new viruses. Is there something else I can do, or do I have to worry about it? I really can't afford to spend any money on it. Thanks much. " My response: ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader 'feckinbricks' writes: " Dear Dennis I am trying to find a program for a friend who cannot read or write in order to assist him in being able to use his computer -- and maybe even have the program teach him some skills in the ... process. He loves his computer but can not use it to the capacity that he would like to. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! " My response: Great question. There are two things that are universal when using a computer for literate and non-literate users: and that is it requires (and provides) both input and output in order ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Brad B. Writes: " Dear Dennis, Regarding USB flash drives: how do I know which USB thumb drive is a good one? I bought a 4 gig flash drive that is incredibly slow, and another that is much faster. They both say they are USB 2.0 ... and cost about the same price. So how can one know which to buy? " My Response: There are a few things to consider here. Regarding USB specifications: USB is simply an interface. If a product says it's USB 2.0 compliant, that doesn't necessarily mean it will operate at full USB 2.0 speeds. What determines the speed is the memory chip inside which ... (view more)