Computer Bytes - No. 62 Bookmark this page !       Send this page to a friend!  " For those with limited computer knowledge, having a problem with your computer can be not only frustrating but also daunting. So, before you call the compute tech or take your computer in for repair you may want to try some of the following ‘quick fixes’ that just might solve the problem. Always check the computer connections first to make sure they are tight. It’s possible for cables to get accidentally loosened by everyday activities such as cleaning, moving papers and files, or maybe the family pet got a hold of one of the cables and decided to use it for a chew toy. If you find a loose or unplugged connection, check the wire/prongs to make sure they are not bent or broken before re-inserting. Damaged cables should be replaced. If all the cables are tight, you can then perform a ‘soft boot’. To do this go to ‘Start’ and select ‘Restart’. This will take your computer through the start-up process without turning it completely off. If this does not work, then you may want to completely shut down your computer. In this case, leave it off for a couple of minutes before turning it back on. This is called a ‘hard boot’. For individual programs that are not responding or functioning like they should, you can end the program by holding down the ‘Control + Alt’ keys and striking the ‘Delete’ key at the same time. This will bring up a box giving you the option to ‘End Task’. If there is more than the one program shown, highlight the program you want to end before performing the Control + Al t + Delete function. Do this only one time. If you perform this function two times in a row it will shut down your computer. When you visit a site often, particularly a site that requires a password, ‘cookies’ will be placed in your computer. Should these ‘cookies’ have become disabled, you may be denied access to that site. If this is the case and you are having trouble accessing a password-protected site, you will need to check on the status of the cookie for that URL. To do this, open up a browser, go to Internet Tools > Internet Options. From here select Privacy > Settings. This will show you a box with allowed sites. From here, you can block or unblock sites as needed. These easy fixes may save you the trouble and expense of taking your computer to a professional. However, if they do not work, you will most likely need to seek a qualified technician. Computer Bytes Index Send Us an Email | Home Page Copyright 2007-2008. All rights reserved. Computer Bytes articles may not be reprinted, published, quoted, copied, or used in any manner whatsoever without the expressed written permission of David Moncrief.