Troubleshooting ... For Dummies

Errata / Corrections

3rd Edition, Page 350

The third heading on the page should read Always Set Restore Points Before Installing New Software or Hardware

3rd Edition, Page 148

There is a reference to "the appendix" where you can find information about running processes. The appendix was not included with the book. The reason that the appendix wasn't included was that it would repeat information available on the Internet, plus the information would soon be out-of-date. To compensate, here are some web sites that list processes and services running in Windows:

ProcessLibrary.com

Task List Programs

SysInfo.Org, Startup Applications List

Startup Programs and Executables Listing

3rd edition, Page 221
2nd edition, Page 229

The web site catchacall.com is no longer owned by the same company. If you visit that web site, you'll see something about garage door openers, not a utility to detect incoming phone calls. (Unless, of course, your garage door opener uses Bluetooth and somehow interfaces with your cell phone.)

Latest Information & Updates

Video Files

You can find the video files reference in the All-In-One book by clicking the link below:

http://www.dummies.com/DummiesTitle/productCd-0470878673,descCd-NOTE.html

Change the UAC Beep to a Burp

Here is a link to the burp.wav file I mentioned. Right-click on the link and choose Save Target As from the shortcut menu. Save it in the Music folder on your PC's hard drive.

burp.wav

What's the Administrator's Password?

If you're the only one using your XP system, then you may be surprised to find a secret Administrator account exists when you boot into Safe Mode. Don't fret! The password for this account is blank (not set). Just don't type in anything when asked for the account's password. But do be aware that all versions of XP have this Administrator account, specifically for troubleshooting in Safe Mode.

Supplemental Material

Windows 7 and Restore Point Issues

There is an issue with Windows 7 where restarting your PC can delete all the restore points. There is a solution available on Microsoft's answers web site, though it's quite technical.

The Strange Saga of Figure 7-8

What happens when lawyers and authors mix? Crap! That's what happens. An explanation of this book's most bizarre figure. Read more . . .

Removing Mystery Programs

Occasionally weird and unknown programs show up in the Close Program window. What are they? Can you get rid of them? Read more . . .

More Dirt on the Recent Documents List

Here is some additional information on the Recent Documents List, which was cut from the book. It's not truly necessary information; just interesting trivia. Read more . . .

Troubleshooting Blog Posts

Here are some posts taken from my Wambooli Blog which relate to troubleshooting your PC:

More Trouble, More Shooting

Apr 22, 2013 Every so often, my PC would just die. The screen went blank. Sometimes it was after a few hours, sometimes the thing went blank as it was booting. Like all computer problems, it was very frustrating. Link

The Desktop Screenshot

Feb 20, 2013 Every so often, I snap a picture of my Windows computer desktop. That may seem weird and dismissible, but I have a valid justification. Not only that, I have to remind myself to do it every so often. Link

Why Not a Superuser Account?

Dec 19, 2012 One of the most popular things people did with their PCs back in the 1980s was reformat the hard drive. Yep, they'd just wipe the whole thing out. Zap! Suddenly everything was gone. They weren't trilled, either. Link

What the Hell is That File?

Jan 6, 2012 It probably doesn't happen as often any more, but occasionally computer users enjoy playing the game, What the Hell is That File? The results can be hilarious. Link

Computer Woes on my PC

Sep 19, 2011 Yes, it happens to me: Occasionally my computer dies. Link

An External Backup Drive That Pleases Me

Jul 18, 2011 Brace yourself: I've found a product that I really, really like. Link

Sometimes I Just Hate Troubleshooting

Apr 8, 2011 Eager to play a game yesterday, I decided to click the Stop button when performing a Windows update. Big mistake. Link

The Most Irritating Error Ever

Feb 25, 2011 arlier this week one of my computers refused to print. The error was that the Spooler Service had stopped. Not a single printer was recognized. No new printer could be installed. The Spooler Service would stop and stop and stop and nothing could print. Ever. Link

Drat Those Random Problems!

Jan 19, 2011 It's always something with computers, and even I'm not immune. In fact, I think I'm particularly susceptible to computer trouble because I'm a so-called "expert." This week's issue: My router is acting all hinkey. Link

HP Frustration

Dec 3, 2010 A few weeks back my HP Color LaserJet printer decided to no longer obtain an IP address from my router. It was off the network. Link

For all blog posts related to the troubleshooting topic, click here.