It has been featured with our previous entries that a computer cannot have 2 or more antivirus programs installed. Now, how do you uninstall of the other antivirus programs? Simple, thru “add or remove programs” or “programs and features” in control panel. It is pretty simple and it works in most cases.

A previous case had issues with his programs after uninstalling his free antivirus software.  He also mentioned that a lot of icons in his desktop went missing and that several startup programs stopped launching; when all he did was to click on the uninstall button at the Programs and Features list in control panel.

Here’s the problem: there are other add ons on your antivirus program that may not be listed in the programs and features list. Some are, but you can’t uninstall them; thus causing problems like inability to browse, error messages on startup up to losing internet connectivity.

Even I, as a technician, get problems after uninstalling some antivirus program. Most commonly when removing an antivirus software bundle. I’m not saying that these bundles are not good; they are actually good and gives your computers security from all sides. Just like what I’ve previously mentioned; some add-ons are not that easy to remove because they are all over your system – your browser, your firewall, your registry. More often, these components are related to each other and if a component is removed it would just crash down altogether, causing damage on other components of your computer.

I’m pretty sure that this side problem has been raised to antivirus software developers. Some don’t really know this but each antivirus software has its own removal tool. Some of the popular ones I’ve listed below:

• Norton products
• McAfee products
• Trend Micro prouducts
• Kaspersky products
• AVG products

Instructions on how to use them are also included on the page.  Its quite simple really, all you have to do is to download the tool, install it and run it.

However, in cases where problems are encountered, most especially when network drivers need to be reinstalled or the firewall and/or the browser add-ons need to be reconfigured.  Depending on the situation; in worst cases, you just end up reinstalling everything.

End result: not only did we successfully remove other components of the antivirus program; but we also made sure that everything was in good working condition.  Another happy customer with a working computer.

How can Techie Now help?

Antivirus programs can be very tricky when you’re trying to uninstall them.  There are several components scattered all over your PC to give you all around security.  At most cases all components cannot be simply removed by the built in windows uninstaller and may cause instability to system crash on your computer.  Let Techie now take care of the hassles so you can ensure a working and safe pc.  We’ll also give you our expert opinion because we care for your computer as if its our own.

www.TechieNow.com

I have been working on cases for problems on not being able to play in Yahoo!games, PoGo games, flash games. If not everybody, I would say that 98% of computer home users use their systems for gaming. It may be just the pre installed games, or installed games; but the most popular would be browser games.

Browser games are simple online games that are played using the web browser. You can either play against the computer (server) or other human players (thru the internet, of course). Popular examples are Yahoo!Games, PopCap games, AOL games. These games rely solely on common browser plugins like java or flash player. Now when these plugins encounter a problem, you can’t play the game anymore.

My recent customer had problems playing an online card game. There no problems logging in to the site, but it just stops at the loading page. Initially, we had to check it out on my side to see if its just a typical downtime from the website. But no. I checked the browser add-ons, and even reset the browser to no avail. Tried to reinstall java and flash player but it didn’t fix it. Since it wasn’t a plugin issue; I thought it may be another Internet Explorer problem after a recent windows update. Tried to load on another browser.. voila! It loaded!

But that isn’t the end of the story. The next thing I found out is after restarting.. we’re back to square 1; this time with two browsers. The way things are going its seems like its more than the brower in itself… it has something to do with the system files.

It is a possibility that when we install/uninstall toolbars, addons and cracked software, that system files are being replaced. Sometimes, when we try to bring in unregistered software, it may replace good system files with corrupt ones. Good thing that Windows has a built in tool that checks and replaces old or broken system files with good ones in the form of SFC (system file checker). It works in conjunction with Windows File Protection that keeps the system file cache updated with the latest approved Microsoft system files. It works something like a tool that takes off the bad stuff and brings back the good stuff in… like a full body workout!

End result: the browser game loaded and worked on both browsers; thus another happy gaming for a happy customer.

How can Techie Now help?

Playing games is one good way to relax; but it can be more of a frustration when things don’t work out well. Just like in browser games. You can be clueless as to where the problem is at. Let Techie Now, take care of the hassles so you can go back and play your favorite online game in no time. We’ll also give you our expert opinion because we care for your computer as if its our own.

www.TechieNow.com

Scan disk also known as Check disk for newer version of Windows. This tool is used to check if the hard drive has critical errors that might affect the performance of the programs installed in the computer. The errors in the hard drive can result into system crash such as blue screen, slow performance, user account corruption and corruption of files including personal files.

Scan Disk will check the hard disk for physical damages. It will also check damages on the software that is installed in it. The main purpose of scan disk is to look for bad sectors and restore them to working condition. This is due to improper termination of a running program.

Scan Disk will provide a report that contains the errors it has found and the amount of disk space it has scanned. It’s important to use scan disk to prevent your file from corruption. Aside from this, there is a good chance that your computer will perform at optimum performance level after it has been ran.

This is how you run scan disk or check disk:

1. Double click your My Computer icon. Right-click on the C: drive. Select Properties then choose the Tools tab .

2. Under Error Checking , click the Check Now button. A dialog box will pop up, check both check boxes and click Start .

NOTE: Some people say that when they try to run scan disk or check disk it keeps on resetting itself. It doesn’t happen all the time but if it happens to you there’s a way around this.

Restart your computer, just as your computer starts to boot up (before the Windows “splash screen” appears), keep hitting F8 on your keyboard. A menu should come up. Choose the SAFE MODE option then run Scan Disk following the normal procedure and it should work just fine. When done, re-set your computer and be sure to switch back to normal mode.

How Can Techie Now Help?

If you find the instructions above too difficult to follow or you don’t have time to do it, Techie Now is glad to help. Contact Techie Now and enjoy your computer experience.

www.TechieNow.com

Scan disk is also known as Check disk for newer version of Windows. This tool is used to check if the hard drive has critical errors that might affect the performance of the programs installed in the computer. The errors in the hard drive can result into system crash such as blue screen, slow performance, user account corruption and corruption of files including personal files.

Scan Disk will check the hard disk for physical damages. It will also check damages on the software that is installed in it. The main purpose of scan disk is to look for bad sectors and and restore them to working condition. This is due to improper termination of a running program.

Scan Disk will provide a report that contains the errors it has found and the amount of disk space it has scanned. It’s important to use scan disk to prevent your file from corruption. Aside from this, there is a good chance that your computer will perform at optimum performance levels after it has been ran.

This is how you run scan disk or check disk:

1. Click Start, click Computer and Right-Click on your C: drive icon and select Properties.

2. Click the Tools tab and hit “Check Now” under Error Checking. A dialog box will pop up, check both check boxes and click Start .

NOTE: Some people say that when they try to run scan disk or check disk it keeps on resetting itself. It doesn’t happen all the time but if it happens to you there’s a way around this.

Restart your computer, just as your computer starts to boot up (before the Windows “splash screen” appears), keep hitting F8 on your keyboard. A menu should come up. Choose the SAFE MODE option then run Scan Disk following the normal procedure and it should work just fine. When done, re-set your computer and be sure to switch back to normal mode.

How Can Techie Now Help?

If you find the instructions above too difficult to follow or you don’t have time to do it, Techie Now is glad to help. Contact Techie Now and enjoy your computer experience.

www.TechieNow.com

BitLocker is a security feature that will protect your data by putting a very strong password in to your hard disk. This feature is a very good protection just in case your laptop got stolen or falls into the wrong hands. The computer will ask for the password that you set on the disk that you will be protecting every time that disk needs to be accessed. BitLocker is available on Windows Vista Ultimate Edition, Enterprise Edition and Windows 7. You can also use BitLocker to protect your removable storage such USB thumb drives provided that your Windows Vista is updated to Service Pack 1.

Turning BitLocker On

1. Click Start, click Control Panel and click System and Security.

2. Click on BitLocker Drive Encryption and on the next window click Turn On BitLocker of the drive you want to encrypt.

3. On the next window just choose Use a password to unlock the drive and type your desire password in the boxes. Please read the requirements for the password. Once done click Next.

4. Choose the recommended option which is to Save the recovery key as a file and print it later. Click Next after saving.

5. Click Start Encrypting.

6. Once it is finished click Close and restart the computer for the encryption to take effect.

Important note

BitLocker is designed to prevent unauthorized people from accessing your files and programs but, unless you’re careful, it can prevent you from accessing it as well. Take good care of your recovery password. If you lose it, the data you protected with BitLocker will be permanently inaccessible.

How Can Techie Now Help?

If you find the instructions above too difficult to follow or you don’t have time to do it, Techie Now is glad to help. Contact Techie Now and enjoy your computer experience.

www.TechieNow.com

Most people know how to install a program, whether it is from a disc or downloaded from the internet. However some users don’t know how to get rid of them when they don’t want it anymore or they need to free up some space from the hard disk, just accidentally installed a program or they need it for troubleshooting purposes to fix a bug or a disk error caused by faulty programs. Some other users will delete the shortcut icon of the program on the desktop and delete the folder in program files thinking those will completely remove the program from the PC, but it won’t.

This article will show you a simple way of removing or uninstalling a program that you have installed in your PC system.

Steps on removing a program

1.  Click Start, click Control Panel and click on Uninstall a Program under the Programs category.

2. You will see a list of all the programs that are installed in your PC. Just look for that program you want to remove and click on it to highlight it. Once it’s highlighted click the Uninstall button on the top of the box where the lists is and just follow the instructions of the un-installation wizard to complete the removal process.

How Can Techie Now Help?

If you find the instructions above too difficult to follow or you don’t have time to do it, Techie Now is glad to help. Contact Techie Now and enjoy your computer experience.

www.TechieNow.com

Most people know how to install a program, whether it is from a disc or downloaded from the internet. However some users don’t know how to get rid of them when they don’t want it anymore or they need to free up some space from the hard disk, just accidentally installed a program or they need it for troubleshooting purposes to fix a bug or a disk error caused by faulty programs. Some other users will delete the shortcut icon of the program on the desktop and delete the folder in program files thinking those will completely remove the program from the PC, but it won’t.

This article will show you a simple way of removing or uninstalling a program that you have installed in your PC system.

Steps on removing a program

1.  Click Start, click Control Panel and click on Add or Remove Programs.

2. You will see a list of all the programs that are installed in your PC. Just look for that program you want to remove and click on it to highlight it. Once it’s highlighted click the Change/Remove button on the far right side and just follow the instructions of the un-installation wizard to complete the removal process.

How Can Techie Now Help?

If you find the instructions above too difficult to follow or you don’t have time to do it, Techie Now is glad to help. Contact Techie Now and enjoy your computer experience.

www.TechieNow.com

Today is Blog Action Day ’09: Climate Change, when all bloggers unite to blast the world with messages to raise awareness on climate change and bring our readers into action about it. More details at www.blogactionday.org.

We ’ll do our bit  by giving tips on how to save power and resources in general at your workplace and PC.

Tips to have a green workplace and PC

This practical advice will not only help the planet but also save you a bit of money!!

• Do you really need that big screen? – The smaller the screen the less power it will consume. You’d also use less plastic!
• Unplug any unnecessary USB device – Look around… for instance, that external hard drive that you have always plugged in but you only use a couple of hours a day… unplug it and start saving.
• Only run the programs you need – The more applications you have running the more busy your CPU becomes. With CPU usage comes heat. To combat heat your computer will turn on the fan, increasing speed as needed. Hence, using more power.
• Use the sleep feature wisely – If you’re leaving your computer for more than 10 minutes is probably better to turn it off or hibernate it rather than putting it to sleep.
• Paper recycling – Need to say more?
• Minimize your searches – Search engines footprint is large. One single search may not have a big impact but if we all stop doing random or aimless searches then we could give the entire computer grid – and the earth – a break.
• Are screensavers energy efficient? - This is a long discussion, to keep it short we’d say that is better to have your monitor go to a blank screen or sleep when not being used.
• Talking about monitors – If you go away from your desk consider switching off the monitor…. even that little LED consumes energy. If we all do it we can make a big difference.
• LEDs on power strips - same as above… many power strips have got switches with LEDs.
• Is your computer running slow? – If it is then you’re also consuming more energy than what you should. Consider getting the issue resolved. Sometimes more memory helps. Also, at www.TechieNow.com we can help with our ‘Performance Optimization Service”. Just visit our web page.
• The 3 Rs: Reduce, reuse, recycle – Your paper, toner, ink cartridges and even your computer can be recycled!
• Windows power options – it’s there for a reason… make sure you go to Control Panel / Power Options and optimize your power usage.

How can Techie Now Help?

Our “Performance Optimization Services” will ensure your PC runs as efficient as possible hence saving power and supporting the cause against climate change. If you have a slow PC just come to our site and we’d be glad to help.

www.TechieNow.com

I bet that when you bought your computer it was running fast but it’s just a matter of time before you have a slow PC in your hands. It seems that way, right?

There are mainly four reasons why your computer may be slow:

1. Certain programs and services need to start at the same time as Windows
2. Malware (viruses, spyware, etc)
3. General clutter in your system
4. Fragmented hard drive

In this article we’ll provide some typical solutions that you may want to try.

Software Installation which slows my PC

Unused applications still running in my computer

This happens to all of us. We browse the web, we fancy an application, we download it, install it, try it and, in most cases, we forget about it! Some of these applications possibly launch at start up and run in the background without you noticing it, hindering your computer’s performance.

Our recommendation: check your installed applications often and uninstall the ones that you don’t need. To do this go to Control Panel, click on “Programs and Features” (Vista) or “Add/Remove Programs” (XP). Review the list and uninstall the ones that you don’t recognize or simply don’t need.

Programs and features (Windows Vista)

It’s also recommended that you then run msconfig. This tool requires a little more technical understanding but in many cases you’d be able to make the correct decisions on what to leave running or not. This is how you do it:

1. Go to the ‘run’ prompt by pressing Windows Key + R
2. Type ‘msconfig’ and press enter
3. Msconfig will start, click on the StartUp tab.
4. Go over the items in the list and uncheck any that you think you don’t need running all the time
5. Press ok and restart your PC

msconfig

My computer is slow! Is it because of a virus?

We have clients that come to us explaining that their PC is slow and ask for an optimization service. In some cases their computers have viruses, spyware and other types of malware that slow down their computers.

Our recommendation: the typical prescription for malware (aka virus) problems is:

1. Install an Antivirus program, make sure it’s turned on  and up to date
2. Run the scan procedures of your Antivirus
3. Make sure your PC has got the latest security updates from Microsoft
4. Enable your Windows firewall

How much clutter is in my PC? Is it making my PC to slow down?

There are two places where clutter accumulates: the Windows registry and the hard drive.

Windows registry clutter

The registry is used by Windows and your programs to store configuration data. As you work with your computer the registry may accumulate unwanted entries causing slow down and even system crashes. There are several tools out there that clean your registry. At TechieNow we don’t endorse any registry cleaner tool in particular but we do recommend that you exercise extreme care when selecting one because a bad registry cleaner can do more damanage than good.

Clutter in my hard drive: temporary files, cache, internet browsing history, etc.

Most programs save temporary data in your hard drive. This data is supposed to be cleaned by Windows or the application itself. However, this doesn’t happen in most cases.

Our recommendation: Run Windows CleanUp utilityand clear the Internet browsing history frequently.

Fragmented Hard Drive

The best scenario for your hard drive is to have all data continously located within the drive. That way the disk reader spends less time jumping from one location to another to find the next bit of information. However, this is not always the case. Most times data is scatter across your slowing down your PC.

To avoid this situation run Windows defrag often. Depending on your disk usage this maybe monthly or weekly.

How Techie Now can help ?

Then why should you come to Techie Now for help?

This is why:

• The above process is relatively simple but if you’re not too comfortable with technology then you may benefit from our expert support
• Sometimes the tools mentioned above are not enough and you need to clean your system manually. Our Techies can perform ‘free form’ repairs without being restricted to specific tools
• Maybe you know how to boost your PC performance but then you also know it takes time. We can do this for you while you do something more productive or enjoyable!

www.TechieNow.com

It is known that Windows 7 will be generally available on October 22, 2009. A general perception among users is that upgrading from Vista is a good decision. You get several benefits such as performance enhancements, better battery usage, improved looks and feels plus several other new features. However, when leaving the old good Windows XP users should think twice as other factors come into place.

Techie Now is be ready and happy to guide you through your decision whether or not to migrate to Windows 7… while making sure that you’re happy with it.

Techie Now will be happy to guide you through your decision and well as the actual migration… but most of all we’d like to make sure you are happy with your decision in the first place.

What’s in Windows 7 for me?

This is the key question. You need to make sure you really need – or want – the new features provided by Windows 7. If you still are using Windows XP then the chances are that you’re used to it and know everything you need know to accomplish your daily tasks. Migrating to Windows 7 entails learning new ways of working on your computer. Is it worth investing your time ? Is this the right time for you? Here are some factors to help you decide:

1. If you use the computer to access the internet, your work is mostly done on line and you plan to carry on that way, then you may not naturally benefit from Windows 7. At the end of the day, you normally just open your internet browser and dismiss any other gadgets around you;
2. If you do work with files, access local networks, use locally installed applications, etc. then you’d benefit from Windows 7′s enhanced productivity features such as jump lists, improved tasks bar, home groups etc. (see http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/features/whats-new.aspx) for a complete list).

We recommend that you carefully consider how you work in your computer today before deciding whether or not to migrate. Whenever possible visit a local shop and see a demo, talk to friends who already did the migration and check on some forums and blogs before investing your time and money.

Will my computer support Windows 7?

From a hardware perspective, there’s a huge difference in the minimum requirements from both operating systems (see table below).

Note: To check your current hardware in XP, right click on “My Computer” and choose properties.

It is likely that some hardware components would need tuning to get your computer above the minimum requirements for Windows 7. Think about it carefully, because you may be better off buying a new computer altogether rather than upgrading some of the parts only.

How will I migrate from Windows XP to Windows 7?

Migrating from Windows XP to Windows 7 entails a ‘custom install’. Note the small print of the migration chart: “If you are upgrading from Windows XP, you will need to back up all your files and settings, perform a custom (clean) install, and then re-install your existing files, settings and programs“.

Windows 7 Upgrade Chart

The migration will take a few hours to complete so you should plan for. The technical process is straight forward but if you have many applications to install it can be quite tedious. Final timings will depend on how many applications you need re-installing and, of course, you computer performance.

At a high level, we recommend you follow these steps

1. Back up for your files and settings
2. Do an inventory of all your current applications
3. Review each application in the inventory making sure that you’ve backed up its data
4. Launch and go through the Windows 7 installation
5. Install and customize the applications that you need from your inventory
6. Restore the backed up data
7. Confirm all your applications are working and that you can access all your data

How Techie Now can help ?

Techie Now can help you all the way through this decision. If you’re unsure about the migration just call us or start a free chat conversation on line. If you’re ready to migrate then select the Windows 7 Migration service in our portal and we’ll be happy to assist you.
www.TechieNow.com