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.)

Network and Internet Access Issues

You have experienced terrific network and internet access for some time when, seemingly all of a sudden the connection to either is unstable.  It works and then does not.  The internet speed is great and then is slow or not at all.  Why?

After trying several solutions with software or driver issues, the problem continues?  The next item to try is replacing the hardware.  To test the hardware, you should try a hardwire connect to a LT.    Unplug the Ethernet wire that goes from the modem to your router and plug it into the e-port on your LT.  Release and then Renew the adapter, (Start, Run/Search, type cmd.  Then type ipconfig(sp) /release.  Then type ipconfig(sp) /renew). That will refresh the connection and give the computer the correct ip address to access the internet.

Try to get online.  If you are successful and can move about the internet fast and without issue, the problem is most likely with the router.  Replace the router with a better model.  New routers are built for faster speeds and dependability.  If you are still having problems, replace both the modem and the router with a combo unit.  We suggest the Motorola SBG Extreme.  The unit emits a very strong signal and is easy to configure.  Remember when you change cable modems or dsl modems you will need your cable account number, (found on a bill), or the username and password for the dsl service.

Windows Live Mail Setup

When you upgrade the operating system from Vista to Windows 7 you will need to upgrade your email as well.  Some users have online email accounts, such as Gmail, AOL or Yahoo that will operate the same way no matter what OS you have.  However, if you used Windows Mail in Vista you will need to upgrade to Windows Live Mail.

Before upgrading your system, backup your data, including the Windows Mail folders and Contacts.  When upgrading to Win7 a folder called Windows.old will be created that will save all your data contained in the user’s folder.  This should contain all your email files and contacts, however, having a backup of this data is great for peace of mind.

To setup Windows Live Mail in Win7 you will need to go online to download the software.  Go to Microsoft.com and search for Windows Live Mail.  It is part of the new Essentials software package.  Once downloaded, click to install it.  A window will pop up that will ask for your email address and password.  The rest should be done automatically.  Once the program is finished, you will get new email and be able to send.  To Import your old mail, click on File and then Import messages.  Browse to the folder C:\Windows.old\Users\(your user name)\App Data\Microsoft\Windows Mail.  Click the folder that contains your email and import it.  To import Contacts, first copy the contacts folder found in the windows.old folder, and paste it in the current user folder to replace the empty Contacts folder.  Then open Windows Live Mail and click on the ribbon option Import, then select Address book for current user.  All the contacts should import.

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.

Printing Attachments

Issue: When you are printing a multi-page attachment, particularly a pdf document, the first few pages print well, however, the latter pages print in what seems to be a foreign language. How can part of a document be so far off?

There is one possible solution and one work-around to resolve this issue. The possible solution is to completely uninstall the Adobe Reader program and install the latest version. That is available at the Adobe web site, (www.adobe.com). After uninstalling the version you currently have, download and install the newest one.

The work around is to print the document as an image. When clicking to print the pdf document, click on the Advanced button, (assuming you are using an HP printer), and place a check mark in the radio button to Print as an Image. Now print the document and see if you can read the entire file.

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).