Tech Questions & Answers Archives - Page 211 of 258

Q&A: If I upgrade my PC to Windows 10 for free, will it stay free forever?

Posted on July 20, 2015

Question from Earnest H.: Hi Rick. I’ve heard that I’ll be able to upgrade my Dell computer from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 for free at the end of the month. I have also heard conflicting stories whether or not it will remain free forever.

Some of the things I’ve read say if you qualify for the free upgrade, Windows 10 will only be free for the first year. After that you’ll have to pay a monthly subscription fee to Microsoft in order to keep on using it. But then I’ve heard other people say that the free Windows 10 upgrades will stay free forever.

Can you clear this up for me once and for all? I’d love to replace Windows 8.1 with Windows 10, but not if I’ll end up having to pay for it after the first year is up.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

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?

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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?

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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…]