iPhone Reset

The iPhone wants to update the iOS.  You authorize it to do so.  After completion, (it takes approx. 30 minutes), the phone will not boot up.  All you get is a picture of iTunes and a plug indicating you need to plug it into the authorized computer you have always used.

This issue is caused by a corrupted download.  The update for the iOS corrupted your current iOS rendering it unusable.  The only option is to reset the iPhone to factory settings, with the new software installed.  What happens to all your data?

When you plug the phone into your authorized computer, the iTunes software opens up with the option to Reset the iPhone.  Before doing that, make sure you have a backup of your data so you can reinstall it after the reset is complete.  To find that data, go to c:\users\(your name)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobilSync\Backup.  Look at the dates to the right of the folders.  Look for the latest one and verify it is accessible.  Open the folder. Although you will not be able to see any of the data, if you can see the files, then it is accessible.  Note:  if you are using Windows XP, navigate to C:\Documents and Settings\user\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup.

Close out of the folder and proceed with the restore if you are satisfied with the date of the backup.  Once complete, the iPhone will restart and reappear in iTunes.  The option to continue will appear with two selections.  Pick the one that will restore your data from a backup.  It should already have your latest backup listed, (light gray lettering).  If you want to use a different backup, click the down arrow and select the desired folder.  Continue with the process.

When complete, you will need to reinstate your passcode, if you had one, and reinsert your iTunes account information, if you had an account.  We then suggest opening your backup program and adding the backup folder you just used to the profile so your phone data is part of the backup plan.

Outlook

Issue:  you have a lot of email divided into many folders and covering several years.  Now you need to find specific email, group them and send them to another individual or office for their review.  What is the best way to sort through thousands of emails?

First, create a destination folder for a place to put the found email.  If you are transporting the found email, have a device to export it to ready, (ie:  flash drive).   In Outlook use the search feature to find the specific email.  The search can look for an address, name, subject matter or context.  Once you have found the desired email, click on the first one, hold the Shift key and click on the last one on the list.  Everything in between will highlight.  Click, hold and drag the whole set of email to the new folder you just created.

Repeat the search process until you have found all the email related to your circumstance.  Once all the email is in the new folder, export that folder, (as a .pst file), to your external device for transport.  When exporting the data make sure to select only the folder you just created and export it as a .pst file.  When the recipient receives the information they will be able to import it into their Outlook easily.

This is a simple method to gather email, separate out the desired ones and keep them grouped for future needs.  The folder you created within your Outlook profile will remain until you delete it.

Please note it is always best practice to keep the Inbox, Outbox, Sent and Deleted Items boxes clean and free of old email.  You should create folders to place any email you wish to save, (ie:  saved inbox, etc.)

USB Ports

USB Ports

When you try to boot your system it will not move past the brand logo screen.  For example, if you have a Lenovo computer and your system will not move past the ThinkPad logo during boot up.  This is most likely caused by bent pins in a usb port.

When these pins are bent and touching the sides of the usb port, it will cause this issue.  To resolve this you will need to unplug the system, and in the case of a laptop, remove the battery.  Take needle nose plyers and straighten out each pin so that they are not touching the sides of the port.  The small black plastic part that keeps the pins straight is most likely missing.  We then suggest taping over the port to avoid accidental use and re-bending the pins.

Loud Systems

A person complained that their computer systems were too noisy for their place of business. They asked if there was any way to quiet them or move the systems to a location where the noise would be less annoying.
First we need to establish the cause of the noise. The sound was determined to be the cpu fan. It is setup to run at higher revolutions when the heat from the cpu exceeds the accepted limit. Without the fan, the system would over-heat and shutdown, or worse. What to do?
There are two options to resolve this matter. First is to have a computer technician, or a person comfortable working inside the system, open the cover and see how much dust has accumulated. This process should include removing the cpu fan and examining the heat sync as well as the fan itself. If it is clogged with dust, remove it. This will significantly reduce the need for the fan to run at a high rate and quiet the noise. Use a can of air to blow the dust out, after the system has cooled down.
If the above did not work, or if there is little to no dust, try installing a quiet fan. You can usually pick them up at an office super store, (such as Staples). Make sure to get the correct pin to plug into the motherboard. If you leave the cpu fan unplugged, (not a good alternative), then the system may not boot as the bios, (Basic Input/Output System), will not detect a fan and will not proceed booting up. In short, if you replace the cpu fan it must be plugged into the motherboard.

Classic Shell

This is a great piece of software that many “Classic Users” of Windows will enjoy. Classic Shell brings back several features that used to be part of older versions of the Windows OS. What was available in Vista and Windows 7 is again available in Windows 8, as well as other operating systems.
The classic start menu and desktop look are the more noticeable features brought back. Having these available helps when navigating the newest version of Windows. Also, the Toolbar in IE is back and helps to make it easier, (because of familiarity), to move around the Microsoft browser.
Classic Shell is available for Win 7 & 8, Server 2008, plus R2, Server 2012 and can be used on both 32 and 64 bit versions. Go to Google and search for Classic Shell. You will be able to find a list of features that are available.

iTunes issue

This issue arises when you attempt to install iTunes on a refurbished or new system. The software installs correctly, (once downloaded successfully from Apple.com). When you attempt to open the program you get an error message that reads, in part, “…failure to connect to an IPC port. Access is denied.”
Several attempts to correct the issue included uninstalling and reinstalling iTunes, using an earlier version of iTunes and upgrading the .net to the latest windows version. We then tried creating a new profile with admin rights. None of those solutions worked. What did the trick for us is when we updated Quick Time to its latest version.
The error reports and events listed did not give us any indication QT was the cause of the IPC error. However, after installing the latest version of QT we were able to successfully open iTunes and enjoy its many features. To get the latest version of QT simply Google Quick Time and look for the appropriate link. Be sure to get the version suitable for your windows designation.

When should I upgrade my modem?

In most cases, the old adage, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” applies. However, if you have the same dsl/cable modem and router for more than five years, you should consider upgrading to a new model. You should consider what you want to improve about the existing configuration.
If, for example, you wanted a better wireless connection throughout the home or office, upgrading the router may help. Check with your ISP to verify the best solution for your internet speeds. Also consider what will provide better security for your network.
When considering upgrading the network equipment keep in mind any change to the router will necessitate re configuring all hand held devices, wireless print centers and home entertainment systems. Make sure you are familiar with each devices setup, (usernames, passwords, account info., etc).

Trashit for MACS

If you have deleted items on a Macintosh system they will end up in the Trash. When ready, most users will empty the Trash routinely to help keep their system free of unwanted data and to help keep the hard drive clean. What happens when the Trash will not empty?
The message reads that the items in the Trash cannot be deleted because they are “locked” or you do not permission to rid the system on the data. The solution is to download a tool that will “force” empty the Trash.
To obtain this tool, go to Google and search for Trashit. A free utility that will force the Mac system to empty the Trash and rid your system of unwanted data. We suggest using the CNET download site to obtain the tool.
The description of the tool is:
“This AppleScript force-empties your Trash and/or removes stubborn items. Especially useful if you have files or folders in the Trash with permissions set incorrectly, locked Trash items, want to securely delete a stuck item, or trash items from other partitions. If you drop files or folders onto the Trash It! icon, it will delete them immediately. If you double-click on it, it will clean out your Trash can.” (Noname Scriptware)

Very useful tool…

Quick Tips

What happened to the microphone? On some systems, such as an all in one computer or on a Laptop, when you plug in external speakers the onboard speakers and microphone are disabled. To use the built in mic you need to unplug the external speakers. If you do not want to do that, then you will need to purchase an external mic that will work with the external speakers.
An annoying pop up appears every time I boot the system. On a PC, go to Start and enter msconfig in the Search window, (in Windows XP, click Start and then Run). Click on the Startup Tab, usually on the right side. Uncheck the offending application, then click Apply and Okay. Restart the system to test the solution.
I keep getting a Certificate error when online! Usually this is due to the Date and Time being reset to factory settings. Look at the clock in the lower right corner of the screen. Hover the mouse over the time and verify the correct date and time. It is probably set to an earlier Date making the Certificates invalid. Change the Date and Time to the correct specs and the problem should be resolved. The cause may be a faulty system board battery. Open the computer to make sure the battery is inserted correctly, or at all. If so, then replace the battery. You can purchase them at any Office Super Store.

Computer just turns on by itself?!

When a customer told me their computer system would be shut down, completely, and then start up by itself, I thought that sounded strange. Computers don’t do that, so I thought.
After some research we discovered the solution was in the bios, (Basic Input/Output System), and had nothing to do with Windows. This made sense since the computer was shut down, and out of Windows altogether. To resolve this issue you need to enter the system bios at start up. As soon as you turn on the computer repeatedly tap the appropriate key to enter setup. For a Dell system it would the F2 key, for example. You will see which key to use at the logo screen during the initial boot.
Once in the bios, go the section for Power Management. You will need to disable, (or turn off), any reference to rebooting the system automatically. In the end, you do not want the system to have any capability to turn itself on. Exit saving the changes and reboot. Done.