Tech Questions & Answers Archives - Page 238 of 258

Q&A: Why am I getting an error message about an unsupported video configuration?

Posted on December 24, 2013

Question from Andrea W.: Please help me Rick!! I have an Acer Desktop computer running Windows Vista. I took the cover off of it and took it outside to blow the dust out of it.

After it was all clean inside I took it back into the house and connected everything back up. I turned the computer back on and everything seemed fine at first, but then it stopped cold and displayed an error message.

I took this picture of the screen with my camera:

It won’t let me do anything at all! I even turned the power off and unplugged everything, then plugged everything back in. I did this several times but I keep getting the same error message. Do you think I’ve messed up the video card? Your FAST help will be greatly appreciated!!!!

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Does Windows 8 really come with a built-in Antivirus program?

Posted on December 22, 2013

Question from Caroline E.: I just bought a new computer with Windows 8 on it and the salesman told me it comes with a free anti-virus program that’s actually a part of Windows.

Is that true? And if it is, do I have to turn it on or is it already enabled? I’d really like to use it if at all possible because it’s free! lol

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Why won’t my new laptop let me upgrade to Windows 8.1?

Posted on December 20, 2013

Question from Shannon W.: I bought a brand new Gateway laptop with Windows 8 based on the promise that I could upgrade to Windows 8.1 for free. But when I go to the Windows App Store I don’t see any way to download the upgrade.

I called Microsoft Tech Support and they’re apparently unable to help me. I’d just return the laptop and buy a different one, but the return period has expired.

Can you tell me what I need to do in order to upgrade my laptop from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Where can I buy a Windows 8.1 Pro upgrade disc?

Posted on December 16, 2013

win-8-1-pro-pack Question from Sheila S.: I have accepted a great new job as a customer service representative for a major corporation and I’ll be working from home. One of the prerequisites for getting the job was owning a computer that can run the company’s proprietary C.S. software.

I ordered one of the laptops from the list they provided, but after I received it I found out that it has to run Windows 8.1 Pro instead of the standard Windows 8.1 that came with it. None of our local electronics retailers sell Windows 8.1 upgrade discs and I need to have it running on my laptop by January 2!

Do you know where I can buy a Windows 8.1 Pro upgrade disc ASAP? Please help me!!!

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Why are my apps missing from the Start Screen after upgrading to Windows 8.1?

Posted on December 14, 2013

Question from Julie T.: I bought a Lenovo computer with Windows 8 on it in August and finally got around to upgrading it to Windows 8.1 just a few days ago.

After 8.1 was installed I noticed that the apps I had downloaded before I did the upgrade were all missing. I downloaded all of them again but they still aren’t showing up on the Start Screen.

What am I doing wrong? Are the apps not being installed even though it says they are?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]