Tech Questions & Answers Archives - Page 183 of 258

Q&A: The guy at the computer shop stole my RAM. How can I make him give it back?

Posted on May 5, 2018

Question from Nikki W.: I have a terrible problem Rick. I took my HP desktop tower to our local computer shop because it wouldn’t boot up into Windows.

Long story short, the guy told me the hard drive was bad and he would have to replace it and then reinstall Windows 7.

I got the computer back yesterday and it seems to run ok, but after I use Chrome for a while I get a message telling me the memory is running low.

I looked at the System Information screen and it said there was only 3.4GB of RAM installed. I know for a fact that it had 8GB in it when I took it to the shop. Oh, and the sound isn’t working either.

My main problem is the guy stole some of my RAM and I need to know what I can do to make him put it back in since I can’t prove how much RAM was in it when I took it to his shop. And I hope you can help me get the sound working too. Can you give me some advice?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Why is my computer saying ‘A hard drive in the system reports that it may fail.’?

Posted on May 3, 2018

Question from Darla: I have an HP Pavilion laptop with Windows 8.1 on it.

I recently started seeing this message every time I turn it on:

“A hard drive in the system reports that it may fail.”

The thing is the hard drive is working just fine.

Can you tell me what do I need to do to get the computer to stop showing me this message?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Where can I order a replacement keyless remote for my car?

Posted on April 29, 2018

Question from Elizabeth D.: Hi Rick. This isn’t really a tech question but it does involve the Internet so I hope you can help me.

The little plastic loop that holds the keyless remote onto my key ring broke off and now I have to carry it in my purse. The remote still works just fine, but not having it on my key ring is driving me batty since finding ANYTHING in my purse in a hurry is virtually impossible!

The problem is the dealer wants $160 for a new keyless remote for a 2006 Malibu!

Do you know of a website where I might be able to find one for less money (hopefully a LOT less)? Thanks so much for your help!

Rick‘s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Why is my 512GB SSD not showing the full size in Windows 7?

Posted on April 27, 2018

Question from Alan M.: I replaced the 320GB hard drive in my Acer Aspire desktop computer with a Crucial 512GB SSD.

I was able to clone the hard drive’s contents onto the SSD with no problem and everything works great, but when I view the drive in “Computer” it shows up as a 320GB drive instead of 512GB.

What do I need to do to make Windows 7 see the entire 512GB?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Is it possible to buy a Kindle Fire tablet in a store?

Posted on April 26, 2018

Question from Mona: My son has been wanting a Kindle Fire tablet for a long time and I finally decided to get him one.

My problem is I can’t order one online from Amazon because I don’t have a credit card. I’ll need to pay for it with cash.

Do you know of any stores where I might be able to buy one locally? Thanks.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]