Tech Questions & Answers Archives - Page 211 of 258

Q&A: Is there any way to do a System Restore when Windows won’t boot at all?

Posted on July 19, 2015

Question from Brenda Y.: I have a BIG problem Rick, and I really need your help. My computer (Lenovo desktop w/ Windows 7) was installing updates last night when it just shut off. It does that sometimes when my heat pump turns on.

Anyway, when I turned it back on it refused to boot up all the way into Windows. It’ll start, then hang up after the Windows logo is displayed. I even tried booting it into Safe Mode but it gets stuck there too.

I’d like to try to do a System Restore, but I can’t because the computer won’t boot up at all. Is there any way to do a System Restore manually without having to actually have Windows loaded?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Which is better, a PC with a faster CPU or one with more memory?

Posted on July 17, 2015

intel-core-i7-cpu Question from Eric B.: Rick, I’m getting ready to buy a new laptop for my son to use for his schoolwork, and I need some advice on a matter that is puzzling me.

I’ve narrowed down my choices to two models: One has a 2.2 Ghz CPU and 8GB of RAM. The other has a 2.4 Ghz CPU but 4 GB of RAM. Which of these laptops do you think will offer more bang for the buck given that the cost is virtually the same?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Why does my USB flash drive cause a “Code 43” error when I plug it into my computer?

Posted on July 17, 2015

Question from Karren: I have a Verbatim 16GB USB flash drive that works fine with my laptop, but when I plug it into my desktop computer it displays the following error message:

“Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems.(Code 43)”

Does this mean there’s a problem with my computer or with the flash drive? And how can I fix it? My laptop is running Windows Vista and the desktop is running Windows 7.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Why do I get an erroneous “Out of Ink” error when using refilled ink cartridges?

Posted on July 5, 2015

Question from Alice S.: I went to buy new ink cartridges for my Canon MP495 printer, and while searching for the right cartridges I happened to notice that the store also sells refilled ink cartridges.

The prices of the refills were about half the price of new ones so I decided to give them a try. When I got home I installed the refilled cartridges and began printing several documents that I really need to get printed.

At first everything was fine, but after a few pages had been printed an error message popped up on the screen telling me the printer was out of ink and that I needed to order more. I know that both cartridges have plenty of ink, so why is the computer telling me otherwise?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Is there any way to suspend a Netflix account for 6 months without closing it?

Posted on July 1, 2015

Question from Heila G.: Rick, my hubby and I are preparing to go on a six month mission trip to Peru and we don’t want to keep paying for Netflix while we’re gone since we won’t be using it.

Will Netflix allow us to suspend our account for the six month period that we’ll be gone, or will we have to cancel the account and open a new one when we get back? I hope we don’t have to cancel because we’ll lose all of our preferences and stuff.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]