Tech Questions & Answers Archives - Page 217 of 259

Q&A: How do I find out what model number my computer is?

Posted on February 10, 2015

Question from Beverly L.: Rick, I have a four year old Dell laptop computer that I’m planning to sell on Craigslist.

The problem is I have no idea what the model number of the computer is. The label on the bottom is faded so badly that I can’t read it. I also can’t remember how much memory is in it or how big the hard drive is.

I do know that this PC has Windows 7 on it. How can I find out what the model number is, how much memory it has, and how big the hard drive is?

Rick’s answer: Beverly, you can easily find that information with a quick bit of detective work. Here’s how: [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I completely uninstall a program in Windows without leaving any stray files behind?

Posted on February 5, 2015

Question from Curtis: I downloaded the trial version of Nero 2015 Classic onto my Gateway computer with Windows 7, but then I decided I didn’t want to keep it.

I used the “Uninstall a Program” app in the Control Panel to remove it, but I’m still finding parts of it in at least three folders. How can I uninstall it and get rid of ALL of its files?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I re-install Windows on my Dell laptop without a Windows CD?

Posted on February 4, 2015

Question from Angie H.: Hi Rick. My Dell Inspiron N5010 laptop is loaded down with viruses and all sorts of other bad stuff. I really need to re-install Windows but I don’t have a Windows 7 CD.

I know I can order a Windows CD from Dell but I’d rather not if I can avoid it. My daughter said she thinks I can re-install Windows without the CD. Is that true? If it is how do I do that?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Why do the pictures I take with my phone turn out blurry?

Posted on February 2, 2015

Question from Rhonda F.: Rick, I have a question for you. Why do the photos I take with my phone always turn out blurry? I often have to take a dozen shots to end up with just one that’s clear.

I must be doing something wrong but I can’t figure out what it is. My phone is an Android (Samsung Galaxy S II). Thanks for your help!

Rick’s answer: Hi Rhonda. It’s impossible to know for sure without seeing how you’re taking the photos, but I have a strong hunch that you aren’t letting your phone’s camera finish focusing the shot before releasing the shutter button. [Read more…]

Q&A: Will a new battery fix my laptop?

Posted on January 30, 2015

Question from Danielle H.: I have a 5 year old HP Envy 13 laptop that works fine when it’s plugged into the wall with the charger, but if I unplug the charger it shuts off almost immediately.

Do you think replacing the battery would fix the problem or do you think there’s something else wrong?

Rick’s answer: Yes Danielle, the problem is almost certainly a bad battery. If the charger was bad it wouldn’t run the laptop at all, and if the laptop itself was bad it wouldn’t run regardless of whether it was using battery power or AC power.

You have several options available to you for buying a replacement laptop battery for your HP Envy 13: [Read more…]