Increase Your Vista Computer’s Memory with a USB Stick

Increase Your Vista Computer's Memory with a USB Stick

ReadyBoost is a technology built into Windows Vista that caches disk reads onto a flash memory device. It can work with USB memory keys, flash memory cards, such as SD and CompactFlash, and other types of flash devices. It caches all types of file reads, not just the working set, nor just DLL's or other persistent operating system data.

Microsoft's general recommendation for maximum benefit from ReadyBoost is to match the capacity of the flash device to the size of your system's main memory. So if you have 2GB of system RAM, use a 2GB USB key.

Note that some benefit is gained from using any flash device, and the capacities supported for ReadyBoost range from 256MB to 4GB.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Use "ICE" in Emergencies!

Are You Backing Up Your Data?

Are You Backing Up Your Data?

Once again, we are staying busy trying to recover data from failed hard drives whose owners have not backed them up.

If you store documents and pictures on your computer, you must back the data up!

It's not a matter of if your hard drive will fail - only a matter of when it will fail.

As long as you use an automated procedure, the likelihood of loosing your valuable data is greatly reduced.

You can use an external USB hard drive with automated data backup, use a Network Attached Storage Device or, the best of all, use Microsoft's Windows Home Server.

If you want to implement a manual solution, you can burn the data manually to CD/DVD but this can become a time consuming chore that doesn't get done on a regular basis.

Additionally, using an online backup service in conjunction with your home based backup is highly recommended. In the event of a disaster, i.e., fire, theft, tornado, etc., your data is safely backed up in the clouds.

Our online backup recommendations are
Carbonite or Mozy.

Both online backup services are reasonably priced and add another layer of protection to your data.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Broken Laptop Hinge Epidemic!

Broken Laptop Hinge Epidemic!




Not sure what's happening but we picked up another laptop with a broken LCD hinge today.

The main culprits seem to be inexpensive Compaq and HP laptops with wide screens.

Apparently the cheap pot metal hinges that the Chinese use can't hold up to daily use.

Since the beginning of the year, this makes the fifth laptop we've repaired with this problem.

The hinges are sold in pairs so the total cost for parts and labor runs around $150 to replace them.

Same old story, spend more upfront for quality and save in the long run.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool!

If you think that your computer has been infected with spyware, you can run the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool to clean up your computer.

Currently the spyware/malware Anti-Virus 2009 and its’ many variants are sweeping the Internet and this tool will remove it.

The free tool is automatically downloaded to your computer each month as long as you have Automatic Updates enabled.

To run this tool:

Click Start

Click Run

Type mrt

Press Enter and select the type of scan that you want to run (recommend Full scan)

If you don’t have Windows Update automatically enabled, the tool can be downloaded at: http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx

This tool should be used in conjunction with anti-virus and anti-spyware programs already installed on your computer.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Windows Home Server Rocks!

Windows Home Server Rocks!

January has been a good month for Microsoft Windows Home Server (WHS) installations.

So far this month, we have installed custom built Windows Home Servers in 3 business locations and 2 residences.

The backup feature of the WHS software is simply outstanding – backups are run nightly with no user intervention of any kind.

If a hard drive dies on one of the networked computers, reinstallation of the backup image from the server usually takes less than an hour after replacing the failed drive – wow!

You can look at earlier posts for a more complete description of the bells and whistles included with this software.

The bottom line is that anyone with two or more computers on their network really will benefit from this complete package.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

How to Adjust Mouse Cursor Size!

How to Adjust Mouse Cursor Size!



Dominon Repair Service Inc

How to Reverse the Buttons on your Mouse!

How to Reverse the Buttons on your Mouse!

Many left handed folks have gotten used to using a computer mouse that was made for a right handed world, but you don't have to.

You can switch the functions of the left and right mouse buttons. Here's how:

1. Click Start | Control Panel
2. Double click the Mouse applet
3. On the Buttons tab, check the box that says "Switch primary and secondary buttons."

Click OK

Dominon Repair Service Inc

How to Defrag Your Computer's Hard Drive!

How to Defrag Your Computer's Hard Drive!



Dominon Repair Service Inc

How to Check Hard Drive Free Space!

How to Check Hard Drive Free Space!



Dominon Repair Service Inc

How to Run Check Disk on Your Computer!

How to Run Check Disk on Your Computer!



Dominon Repair Service Inc

Check Your Backup!

Check Your Backup!

We had a very frustrated customer today who discovered that their backups were not running as scheduled.

They had setup an external USB drive and configured the software that came with it to automatically run every night.

Unfortunately, after having a hard drive fail on a workstation, they found that the backup software hadn’t run in over two months.

Unless you have someone else checking your backups on a regular basis, be sure to check at least once a week to verify that your data has been backed up.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Broadcast TV is Changing!

Broadcast TV is Changing!




On February 19th, 2009 your TV might stop working. Here’s the story.

The FCC has mandated that all broadcast television must switch to a digital standard by 2/19/2009. Broadcast television has been using an analog standard since your grandfather was a boy.

The up-side: a better picture.

The down-side: you’ll need a TV that can receive it.

This applies only to TV signals broadcast over the air.

If you have digital TV already, you’re good to go. If your TV signal is received via Cable, DSL or DirectTV or Dish Network or any one of a number of other providers that you have to pay for, you’re already done. Their service is already digital.

If you bought your TV in the last year or two, you’re probably good as well. The digital standard has been no secret and television manufacturers have been preparing for a while.

The people who need to know about this change are the people with old TV’s that are still using outside antennas or indoor rabbit ears.

There are “converter boxes” for sale to convert your analog TV to one that can receive digital broadcasts. It’s not going to cost a lot of money, maybe $30 - $50, but you will have to get one.

The government is offering a $40 coupon toward the purchase of the converter box - click here .

Or no more broadcast TV after February 19th, 2009.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Free Directory Assistance for Cell Phones!

Free Directory Assistance for Cell Phones!

Away from your phonebook?

Find all the free phone numbers you need on your cell phone right here - 1-800-FREE411 (1-800-373-3411) or use Google's free service -
1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-466-4411).

You will have to listen to an advertisement first but, hey, it's free 411!

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Are You a Prime Target for Identity Theft?

Are You a Prime Target for Identity Theft?!

Identity theft occurs when someone steals your name, Social Security number (SSN), bank account number, or credit card to open accounts, make purchases, or commit other fraudulent crimes.

The numbers are staggering. According to the 2007 Identity Fraud Report, identity theft cost consumers and businesses a whopping $56.6 billion dollars.

Methods Thieves Use to Steal Your Identity:

• Includes low tech strategies like going through your trash can or looking over your shoulder at an ATM


• Sophisticated phishing scams that include cloned PayPal or bank websites that trick you into giving your username, password, or account number


• Stealing records from an employer or bribing an employee who has access to the records


• Hacking into a company's employee records


• Stealing mail, such as bank account or credit card statements, tax documents, pre-approved credit cards, or new checks


• Abusing employer's access to credit reports


How to Protect Yourself


• Never give your personal information, Social Security number, credit card number, or bank account numbers over the phone or online unless you know for certain you are dealing with a legitimate company


• You can recognize a secure website since it has an https:// at the beginning of the web address (regular web sites only have http: and no "s") at the top of the page on which you are submitting your personal information
• 
  
• The page also must have a picture of a lock in the bottom right corner of the page or at the end of the Internet address window. If you don't see both of these measures in place, do not submit your information


• Even if you DO see this, use a credit card instead of a debit card or pay by check option because you'll get security protection from your card's issuer
  
  Visa, MasterCard and American Express all have a zero liability policy if you notify the bank of unauthorized transactions - you pay nothing



• Shred all medical bills, financial statements, credit card applications, tax statements, or any other mail that contains confidential information about you before you throw them into the trash


• Never open emails or attachments from email addresses you are unfamiliar with, and NEVER respond to emails that ask you to verify your account information because your account is being closed, suspended, or charged - if you want to verify this, call the bank or the company to see if it was a legitimate email

Dominon Repair Service Inc

When it’s Time to Get a New Printer, get a Laser Printer

When it’s Time to Get a New Printer, get a Laser Printer

It initially costs more to buy a laser printer, but over the lifetime of the printer, it costs 10 times less to print with a laser than it does with an inkjet.

Even color laser printers are affordable. Look for the occasional deal on HP or Brother laser printers at Computer Geeks or Newegg.

If your network utilizes a router, look for a “network” laser printer (has an internal Ethernet port) and it can be plugged directly into the router and used by any computer on your network, either wired or wireless.

The nice thing about a printer connected to the router via an Ethernet cable is that the printer is not connected to any particular computer so it’s not necessary to leave a computer on to use the printer.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

How to Enable the Onscreen Keyboard in XP & Vista

How to Enable the Onscreen Keyboard in XP & Vista

There are situations, especially with portable computers, when you might want to use an onscreen keyboard instead of a physical one.

To pop up the onscreen keyboard so you can "type" with your mouse, just click

• Start


• Run


• Type osk.exe

You will now find a mouse driven keyboard on your screen.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Check Your Surge Protector(s)!

Check Your Surge Protector(s)!

We had a service call today that reminded us that the surge protector is an incredibly important piece of your computing hardware.

Our customer called complaining that she could not connect to the Internet. Apparently her husband had been on the phone for hours with Verizon and Dell attempting to solve the problem.

Once onsite, a quick look at the surge protector showed a very dimly lit switch light. Additionally, the router lights were all blinking wildly, including the power and Internet lights which should have been solid green.

After replacing the router and surge protector, there still was no Internet connection – unable to assign an IP address to the computer.

The next step was replacing the NIC (network interface card) card which finished the repair – connection to the Internet was successful.

Evidently, the surge protector had failed and allowed the router and NIC card to be zapped.

It’s cheap insurance to inspect and replace defective surge protectors on a regular basis.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Laptop Keyboard Woes

Laptop Keyboard Woes

Had a panicked call from one of our law firm clients today – seems that he spilled coffee on his old Dell Inspiron 1100 laptop while commuting to work yesterday.

He had the presence of mind to immediately remove the battery and gave it a day to dry out but the keyboard didn’t respond when he tried to boot up today.

Since he was leaving on a trip in a couple of days, he needed it repaired ASAP.

Fortunately, the keyboard for this model also fits many other Dells and we had purchased six off of eBay on a great deal several months ago and still had two left.

After picking up the laptop, our bench technician disassembled the machine and cleaned up the interior residue with a lint free cloth dampened with distilled water.

The laptop was then re-assembled and a new keyboard installed.

Our client was extremely lucky – the computer booted up with no problems and has now been running for over six hours with no apparent issues.

The key to the success of this repair was our client’s immediate removal of the battery after the spill.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Add Additional Clocks to Vista System Tray

Add Additional Clocks to Vista System Tray

In Windows Vista, you can add additional clocks to the system tray.

Click the clock, and then click Date and Time Settings.

Click the Additional Clocks tab.

You can add one or two additional clocks to the tray and select their time zones.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Thumb Drives - Great Technology!

Thumb Drives - Great Technology!

The ability to easily move data from PC to PC with minimal inconvenience is just another benefit computers have brought to the current business world.

Over the past few years, the different options to save and move data have multiplied and changed dramatically. Usually the floppy disk (with it's 1.2 MB limitation), ZIP drives, CD-R's & CD-RW's, and even tape backups are the common ways to move data on non-networked PC's.

The latest innovation, the USB Removable Flash Memory (Thumb Drive, Key Drive, Flash Drive, USB Drive, portable storage) brings a whole new meaning to easy transport of data. These USB 2.0 compliant devices are small enough to fit on a key ring or carry in your shirt pocket.

As a way to protect sensitive information, the security of one of these drives can't be beat. It's in your pocket!

Their size belies a huge data storage volume; the current sizes start at 16MB and go up to 64GB. The pricing on these devices is steadily falling, making the purchase of one of these handy drives almost a must have item.

Check out the accessories at your local computer store or go online to get a really good deal.

For very little cost you can now conveniently move data between PC's just as easily as accessing the data on your internal hard drive.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Router Won’t Connect to the Internet

Router Won’t Connect to the Internet

We had three service calls this week that had the same complaint – the customers were unable to connect to the Internet through their router (2 cable & 1 DSL).

The weather this week has included extremely high winds; power outages have occurred throughout the area due to downed trees and power lines.

The first customer had partially diagnosed his problem by bypassing his router and connecting directly to his DSL modem – successfully!

This made our job easy. After logging into the router setup screen, the status showed a good Internet connection with Verizon.

This meant the user name and password were correct but since there was no connection through the router for the Local Area Network (LAN), we went into the setup screen and cloned the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the desktop PC that is connected to the router.

Voila! – LAN now connected to the Internet.

Apparently during one of the power outages, the router lost the cloned MAC address of the desktop PC and then could no longer connect the LAN to the Internet.

On the other two service calls, one had the identical problem but the other had a dead router – both problems probably related to power outages even though all were connected to surge protectors.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Win the War with Spyware! – Updated

Win the War with Spyware! – Updated

Our free eBook, Win the War with Spyware!, has been updated with the latest strategies and tools for cleaning up an infected computer and protecting it from further problems.

This valuable resource was written by Mike Burstein, the President of Dominion Repair Service, Inc., who has many years of experience dealing with the dangers of malware on computers and the Internet.

Viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, adware and malware all cause your computer to run slow, crash, perform as a bot for email spammers, log your key strokes in order to steal passwords and a host of other undesirable problems.

Using the free tools in our eBook will allow you to clean up your infected computer and by installing the free, real time protection tools recommended in the eBook, you should be able to surf the Internet in relative safety.

To download the free eBook - Win the War with Spyware! - click here.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Remote Support for Seniors!

Remote Support for Seniors!

Our afternoon list of remote support calls included an 80 year old senior in Florida.

Like many seniors, she really surprised me with her mental sharpness – never would have realized how old she was if I hadn’t been told.

Her Adobe Reader program had become corrupted and she had attempted to remove it and then reinstall the program.

Unfortunately, the reinstall halted on a common Adobe error and she was stuck. She was panic stricken since she is an author and was expecting her latest galley proofs to arrive from her publisher in PDF file format.

All ended well after we installed and ran Microsoft’s Windows Installer CleanUp Utility ( http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301) and then rebooted and installed the latest version of Adobe’s free Reader program.

Since the session only took about 20 minutes, her charge was our minimum $45 – she was extremely happy with our remote service and said we didn’t charge enough!

Dominon Repair Service Inc

How to Enable the Hidden Administrator Account in Vista

How to Enable the Hidden Administrator Account in Vista

In earlier versions of Windows, the built-in administrator account is enabled by default. In Vista, it's disabled. This is a better security practice.

However, there are times when you might need to enable it (for instance, if you inadvertently removed administrative privileges from all user accounts and now can't perform administrative tasks).

Here's how to enable it:

Click Start and type cmd in the Search box to find the cmd.exe program.

Right click cmd.exe and click Run As Administrator.

At the command prompt, type net users administrator /active:yes

Press Enter

Log off and now you can log back on with the Administrator account. When first activated, it will not have a password.

You should assign the Administrator account a password and/or deactivate it when you've finished using it.

To deactivate it, repeat the steps above but type net users administrator /active:no

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Memory & Windows Vista

Memory & Windows Vista

Today we helped a longtime client who had been complaining about his new slow running computers that came with Windows Vista Home Premium installed.

He had purchased two inexpensive Dell computers, a desktop and a laptop, that were not meeting his performance expectations.

After checking both computers, each had 512 megabytes of memory which would account for the complaints.

We increased the memory in each computer to 2 gigabytes and wonder of wonders – they actually performed to our client’s satisfaction.

Dell certainly doesn’t do their customers any favor by selling cheap computers that aren’t configured to operate at a reasonable performance level.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Happy Birthday Windows Vista

Happy Birthday Windows Vista

January 30th, 2008, marked the one-year anniversary of Windows Vista general availability. Vista has taken its’ share of criticism (especially from Apple TV commercials) but we’ve gotten used to it!

It’s not recommended to upgrade your older Windows XP computer to Vista but if you are buying a new computer that was built for Vista, you will probably love it.

Check your printer, scanner, etc. manufacturers’ web sites to be certain that Vista drivers are available for your peripherals. Otherwise, you will end up spending more money than you originally anticipated.

Make sure that your new computer has the following minimum specs:

• Dual core processor
• 2 GB of memory (more is better)
• On desktops – a video card with a minimum 256MB memory and certified Vista Capable
• For home use – choose Vista Ultimate or Premium
• For business use – choose Vista Business or Ultimate
• Lots of memory – again!

Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista will be released this month. If you are running Vista, be sure to download and install this Service Pack as soon as it’s available.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Windows Home Server – Again!

Windows Home Server – Again!

Microsoft’s Windows Home Server (WHS) is also getting popular for the micro-business niche – ten or less computers.

We installed our second Home Server network this month in a commercial location – this time in a doctor’s office with six computers. Previously, they had a peer to peer network with no file or printer sharing.

The advantages are too numerable to list all of them but the highlights are:

• Automated full backup of each computer on the network each night
• Shared folders on the Windows Home Server that allow common files to be shared across the network
• Server can be used as a print server
• Remote access from anywhere on the Internet to any of the computers on the WHS network
• Online backup service is available to provide off site backup of data
• Minimal server maintenance once the system is set up

Looks like Microsoft really hit a home run with this software – for either home or office use with 10 or less computers!

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Laptop Display Problems

Laptop Display Problems

The increasing popularity of laptop/notebook computers is keeping us busy with repair work.

Today we had two laptops with display problems.

After testing the displays, it was determined on both that the inverter boards for the LCD screens were bad.

A quick search on eBay found replacement inverter boards for less than $10 – both from Hong Kong.

These orders usually take a week to arrive – for a fraction of the cost of purchasing the parts from a US based supplier.

Both customers were very happy to hear that the total bill will be around $100.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Living with Vista

Living with Vista

The constant negative reviews regarding Microsoft’s Windows Vista operating system continue with an unending stream of unflattering articles.

While we aren’t great fans of the latest OS, with a few tweaks, it can be a reliable, secure performer.

1. The unfamiliar screen interface of Vista can be easily changed to “Windows Classic” by the following steps:

Change the menu system by:
• right clicking on the “Start” button
• Select properties
• Select the button for “Classic Start Menu”

Change the desktop by:
• Right click any where on the desktop screen
• Select "Windows Colors and Appearance"
• Select “Windows Classic”

2. If you find the User Account Control annoying with the constant dialog permission boxes, you can turn this feature off (only recommended if you are an experienced computer user) by the following:
• Click on the “Start” button
• Select “Settings”
• Select “Control Panel”
• In the upper left hand corner, click on “Classic View”
• Select “User Accounts”
• Choose your user account
• Select “Turn User Account Control on or off”
• Uncheck the box “Use User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer”
• Click “OK”

3. There can be many problems with your peripheral devices, i.e., printers, scanners, phones, mp3 players and a multitude of other tools.

• If the manufacturer of your device has not written a driver that is compatible with Vista, more than likely you will have to buy a compatible replacement device. This alone has created many of the negative comments regarding Vista but really has nothing to do with Microsoft – these manufacturers had 2+ years lead time to write device drivers but chose not to, apparently with the intent of forcing users to buy new products that would be compatible with Vista.
• Be sure to check the manufacturer’s website for updated Vista drivers


Keep the operating system up to date by enabling Windows Automatic Updates.

These easy tweaks can remove a lot of the confusion and frustration with the Windows Vista operating system.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

External Drive – ALERT!

External Drive – ALERT!

Backing up your data to an external USB drive is an excellent, inexpensive solution to protect your files.

If you intend to share files from your external drive between multiple computers on your home network, stay away from Western Digital My Book drives.

Unfortunately, Western Digital has decided to be the Digital Rights Management police by creating software that does not allow sharing of any avi, divx, mp3, mpeg, and many other files on its network connected devices; due to “unverifiable media license authentication”.

This means that legally purchased music, videos, etc. cannot be shared from Western Digital My Book external USB drives with other computers on your home network.

Due to this intrusion on your valid right to stream your legally purchased multimedia files across your home network, we strongly recommend that you purchase another brand for your external drive requirements – do not buy Western Digital My Book.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

New Client!

New Client!

Landed a nice sized new client today – a non-profit with a server and twenty-six work stations.

Our initial onsite survey uncovered a frightening problem – neither the server nor any of the work stations had either virus or spyware protection.

Since we are an authorized reseller of Grisoft’s products, we promptly sold our new client the network version of anti-virus and spyware protection.

All of the work stations have Internet access but the cleanup was minimal – only a few computers were infected.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Windows Home Server Released - WOW!

Windows Home Server Released - WOW!

The long anticipated release of Windows Home Server (WHS) occurred on October 1.

Anyone with two or more computers in their home or small office is a prime candidate for this incredibly useful software. The Home Server allows up to ten computers to join the network.

There are a host of functions that are performed by WHS including daily backups of all networked computers, sharing of files, music, pictures and video, remote access to any of the member computers from any computer in the world with Internet access, media streaming and many other features.

If you don't regularly backup your personal data, i.e., documents, pictures, video, etc, WHS is an elegant and simple solution to this dangerous oversight.

The software is designed for the average home user to setup and configure.

For a quick overview, this Home Server video provides a nice description of the various components.

A number of manufacturers are now selling Home Servers with the WHS software pre-installed. Prices vary but the underlying WHS operating system is the answer to most home computer users major problems and complaints.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Important Petition

How To Turn Off XP Clean Up Unused Desktop Icons

How To Turn Off XP Clean Up Unused Desktop Icons

Every couple of months, Windows XP pops up a balloon message stating that you have unused desktop icons and offers to place them in a folder for you.

If you would like to disable this annoying nag, follow these instructions:

• Right click your desktop and select “Properties”


• Select the “Desktop” tab and click on “Customize Desktop”


• At the bottom of the dialog box, uncheck “Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard every 60 days” and click “OK” twice

Dominon Repair Service Inc

The Computer Doc

Another Dell Power Supply

Another Dell Power Supply

Seem to be running into an epidemic of Dell desktop power supplies dying just after the warranty expired.

This one was a Dell Dimension 4600 and it just hit it’s thirteenth month of existence - unfortunately, the warranty was twelve months…...

Over the past six months, we have experienced the same power supply failure just past the warranty date on eleven other Dell desktop computers – really strange.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Getting Ready to Go Back to School!

Getting Ready to Go Back to School

In our last newsletter, we advised our customers to get their children’s computer ready for school now rather than wait until the day before they go back to school!

Every year we are flooded with last minute requests to repair problem computers the day before the child is leaving for school – we just are not able to handle the volume.

The usual spyware and virus problems are being found – usually from some type of file sharing program used to download music and/or videos.

If your child is leaving for school soon, check their computer now!Dominon Repair Service Inc

Make Your Own Icons - Windows X

Make Your Own Icons - Windows XP

It's shockingly easy to create your own icons in Windows XP.

Let's do it:

Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, and then click Paint.

On the Image menu, click Attributes. Type 32 for both the Width and Height of the document, and make sure that Pixels is selected under Units. Click OK to create a new 32x32-pixel document: the size of an icon.















Now add type, color, or do whatever you'd like to your image.
You can shrink photos (headshots work best) to 32x32 and simply paste them into a Paint document.

When you're finished, open the File menu and click Save As. Use the dialog box to choose where you want to save your file, then give it a name followed by ".ico" (without the quotes), and click Save. (The extension ".ico" tells Windows that it's an icon file.)

You just created an icon! Now you can change any shortcut or folder to your own icon—just browse to it on your hard drive.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

The Computer Doc

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hooray for Dell Support

Hooray for Dell Support

Picked up a Dell Dimension desktop from a customer who had attempted to use Dell’s phone support center to fix it.

After three hours on the phone with four different level support specialists (at a per incident cost of $99), Dell support’s final determination was that the customer needed to put the Recovery Disk in the computer and format the hard drive for a clean install.

Fortunately, the customer refused since she did not want to loose all of her data on the drive (no backup - of course).

In our shop, we booted the computer into Safe mode and selected a Recovery Point from three days previous – rebooted the computer and was mighty glad to see the user icons on successful boot.

Ran a couple of spyware scans and removed a large number of malware entries.

Took about thirty minutes total but our minimum labor charge is one hour – still a bargain compared to Dell’s pathetic support.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Remote Router Support

Remote Router Support

Received a call from a home user who had just set up a home wireless network using a Linksys router and cable modem for the Internet connection.

His complaint was the signal was being dropped by the router continually – both a wired desktop and a wireless notebook.

We had him launch our remote software from his desktop computer and managed to get logged into his router despite several dropped connections.

A quick look at the setups revealed that the Pnp protocol was disabled. I immediately enabled Pnp and restarted the router.

Problem solved – no more dropped connections. Can’t beat remote support!



Dominon Repair Service Inc

Windows XP Boot Loop

Windows XP Boot Loop

We had an interesting trouble ticket from one of our commercial clients today.

They had a computer running Windows XP Professional that was stuck in a boot loop.

After using a Bart PE boot CD to run virus and spyware scans, we determined that wasn’t the problem.

Then we booted up the computer using the XP Pro CD and went to the Recovery Console.

At the Console, we ran CHKDSK /r which found and corrected several errors.

Rebooted the computer and it ran just fine!

Another ticket closed out successfully.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

How to Fix Problems with Blank Email Messages

How to Fix Problems with Blank Email Messages

We hear from readers now and then about receiving messages that are blank. There are a number of different things that can cause this problem.

For example, it can happen when you use Outlook Express as your email client and your Temp and/or Temporary Internet folders get too full. To fix the problem, do the following:

Open Internet Explorer. Click the Tools menu, then select Internet Options.
Click the General tab.
Click Delete Files. Click OK and then click OK again

Open Windows Explorer. In the left pane, expand the partition on which Windows is installed.
Expand the Windows folder.
Expand the Temp folder.
In the right pane, select all files.
Click File | Delete, right click and select Delete, or press the Delete key.
Click Yes when asked if you want to delete the files.


Dominon Repair Service Inc

The Computer Doc

More Remote Support

More Remote Support

Nice easy day  - administered several client servers remotely.

Setup new users and created a number of new policies.

Even cleaned up a couple of spyware infested PC’s.

Wish every day was like this!

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Intermittent Reboot Problem

Intermittent Reboot Problem

Had an interesting problem on a SOHO HP computer today.

The customer had just gotten his computer back from a local big box store – it was there for four weeks with an intermittent reboot problem. They charged him $200 for diagnosis and parts and claimed they had replaced a defective power supply.

After getting his computer home and using it for less than ten minutes, the reboots started again.

Fortunately, his neighbor suggested that he call us.

After testing the power supply and determining that it was within specs, I checked the memory chips (two 256MB modules) and noted that the end of one didn’t appear to be fully seated.

After removing and reinstalling both memory modules, the computer ran without any more reboot problems.

I suggested that our new customer take his bill back to the big box store and demand a refund – good luck!

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Disable Internet Explorer's Downloading Capability

Disable Internet Explorer's Downloading Capability

Do you support Windows users who insist on downloading files from the Web via Internet Explorer--regardless of what you tell them?

If so, you'll be glad to know that you can disable Internet Explorer's ability to download files by tweaking the Security settings.

To disable IE's downloading capability, follow these steps:

• Launch Internet Explorer


• From the Tools menu, select Internet Options


• On the Security tab, select the Internet Web content zone (if it isn't already selected), and click the Custom Level button


• Scroll through the Settings list box, and locate the Downloads heading


• Under File Download, select the Disable radio button


• Click OK twice

The next time the user attempts to download a file, Internet Explorer will display a warning message stating that the current security settings do not allow the downloading of files.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Outstanding Refurbs

Outstanding Refurbs

Set up a dozen refurbished HP Pavilion P4’s today for one of our commercial clients.

Every time we have a client buy refurbs from Computer Geeks, we always get the same response – “they look brand new!”

All twelve refurbs came with Windows XP Pro preinstalled. Setup and configuration into the SBS2003 network was a snap.

Glad to be rid of the old Windows 98 machines that these PC’s replaced.

This client usually had several Monday morning trouble tickets – should see them drastically reduced!

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Monday Trouble Tickets

Monday Trouble Tickets

Typical Monday morning – nine online trouble tickets waiting to start the week.

I think some gremlin must make the rounds of our commercial clients on the weekends unplugging computers, disconnecting printer cables, shutting down circuit breakers and a thousand other inane ills.

But at least we’re needed!

Dominon Repair Service Inc

The Computer Doc

How to Join Windows Media Center 2005 to a Domain

How to Join Windows Media Center 2005 to a Domain

How to enable your Windows Media Center Edition 2005 install to join a Windows domain – only to be used by experienced users.

You will need to use Reg edit in Windows XP Media Center 2005 to unlock the previously "greyed out" join domain option. This method is pretty complex but confirmed to work.This will allow you to leave and join domains within Windows Media Center Edition 2005.

1. 01 - Insert Windows XP CD.


2. 02 - Start > Run > X:\i386\winnt32.exe /cmdcons


3. 03 - (replace X: with the appropiate drive letter)


4. 04 - Acknowledge prompt by clicking 'Yes'


5. 05 - Skip updating process by clicking 'Cancel' or by pressing 'Esc'


6. 06 - After installation, acknowledge success msg. by clicking 'Ok'


7. 07 - Start > Shutdown > Restart


8. 08 - At boot menu, select 'Microsoft Windows Recovery Console'


9. 09 - Select proper installation to log onto (default: 1) and press 'Enter'


10. 10 - (If prompted, enter Administrator password and press 'Enter')


11. 11 - Type (without quotes) and press enter: 'cd system32\config'


12. 12 - Type (without quotes) and press enter: 'copy SYSTEM C:\'


13. 13 - Type (without quotes) and press enter: exit


14. 14 - At boot menu, select 'Windows XP Media Center Edition'


15. 15 - Start > Run > Type: 'regedit' and press enter


16. 16 - Click on 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE'


17. 17 - File > Load Hive...


18. 18 - Browse and select C:\SYSTEM


19. 19 - Specify key name 'BANANA' and click OK


20. 20 - Expand: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > BANANA > WPA > MedCtrUpg


21. 21 - On the right-hand side, double-click IsLegacyMCE value


22. 22 - Change selected value to 1 and click Ok. (THAT IS NOT AN L!)


23. 23 - Click on BANANA subkey (under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE)


24. 24 - File > Unload Hive. Confirm.


25. 25 - Start > Shutdown > Restart


26. 26 - At boot menu, select 'Microsoft Windows Recovery Console'


27. 27 - Select proper installation to log onto (default: 1) and press 'Enter'


28. 28 - (If prompted, enter Administrator password and press 'Enter')


29. 29 - Type (without quotes) and press enter: 'cd \'


30. 30 - Type (without quotes) and press enter: 'copy SYSTEM C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM'


31. 31 - (Yes, you want to overwrite - Go ahead and do it)


32. 32 - Type (without quotes) and press enter: 'del SYSTEM'


33. 33 - Type (without quotes) and press enter: 'exit'


34. 34 - At boot menu, select 'Windows XP Media Center Edition'


35. 35 - Join domain.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Notebook Hinge Problems

Notebook Hinge Problems

Picked up a Compaq Presario notebook two weeks ago with a broken lid hinge.

After disassembling the LCD from the body, the broken hinge turned out to be made from pot metal – poorly cast to boot. Certainly wasn’t designed for heavy-duty use.

After checking the price direct from HP (outrageous!), eBay saved the day – bought two hinges plus the chrome-plated covers for less than $25.00.

I put the notebook back together today, replacing both hinges.

Works great and out customer was extremely pleased with the reasonable repair cost.


Dominon Repair Service Inc

More Remote Support Tales

More Remote Support Tales

Another day with seven remote support sessions scheduled.

Most were spyware/virus removal jobs with one router security check mixed in.

What a great way to fix computers – had three simultaneous sessions running at one point!

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Hard Drive Upgrade

Hard Drive Upgrade

Cloned a 30GB hard drive onto a new 160GB drive today with no activation problem.

Many times, after cloning a hard drive to a larger drive, Windows XP activation shows up on bootup.

That’s exactly what happened today but fortunately, the online activation went through with out requiring a phone call to the Indian call center – never any fun…

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Stop Spam At The Source!

Stop Spam At The Source!

The following quote from Fred Langa – The Langa List – is the most effective and simplest solution to spam – too bad it won’t happen……

“I believe the simplest, best approach to spam is simply to delete it--- silently, without any indication whatsoever that you ever got it. That way, the spammer spent money to try to reach you, but (in effect) wasted it because he got no response--- no sale, no indication that the spam was delivered, nothing.

Spamming is a low-life's business, but it *is* a business. If people never, ever responded to spam--- didn't buy anything, didn't answer back, didn't do anything at all with the spam--- spammers would eventually go out of business: They'd be spending money with no return.

Alas, enough people *do* buy stuff from spam, and do take steps that let the spammers know they've reached a live mailbox, that spamming can be hugely profitable.

Just say no: When you get a spam mail, just delete it, or set your filters to delete it, silently. Don't use the tools that generate complaint letters (it won't help), and don't use the tools that generate false "bounce" messages (because that actually *helps* the spammer make his mail distribution more cost-efficient). Instead, don't respond at all, and never, ever buy anything advertised by spam.

If everyone did that, spam mail would go away in short order.”

The Computer Doc

More Spyware & Viruses

More Spyware & Viruses

Another busy day cleaning up spyware and viruses.

We had five computers in the shop today for disinfection!

Most came from families that shared the computer with children who download music regularly – unfortunately, they tend to get all kinds of malware in addition to the music that they are attempting to download.

One was from a customer who obviously frequents porn sites….

Even though we charge a flat fee of two hours labor for the cleanup, each one actually accumulates 5-6 hours total scanning time from the various programs and tools that we use to get them back to a healthy state again.



Dominon Repair Service Inc

How To Improve a XP Print Server

How To Improve a XP Print Server

If you've set up a Windows XP system to act as a print server on your network, you can improve the print server's responsiveness. All you need to do is move the print spool folder from its default location on the main hard drive to a second hard drive.

The performance gain comes from separating the management of the potentially huge spool file from the same drive on which the Windows system files exist.

Of course, this means you need to install a second hard drive in the system. If you have any older hard drives lying around, this would be a great place to use one of them.

After installing a second hard drive, moving the print spool folder is easy. Follow these steps:

• Create a folder on the second hard drive, and name it Spooler.


• Go to Start | Printers And Faxes.


• Select File | Server Properties.


• On the Advanced tab, enter the full path to the Spooler folder in the Spool Folder text box, and click OK.


• In the warning message dialog box, click Yes.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Dell Memory Upgrade

Dell Memory Upgrade

One of our commercial clients finally agreed to allow us to upgrade their network work stations.

They have 19 Dell desktops (various models) but all with 256MB memory and running Windows XP Pro.

For the last year+, they have continually complained of slow processing speeds – most stations have a minimum of four applications open at the same time all day.

All three of us were onsite today – it took us about 1.5 hours to finish upgrading all 19 workstations with an additional 512MB memory module.

By the time we were finishing up, the users of the initial upgrades were already raving about the improvement in performance of their computers.

Increasing the amount of memory is still the cheapest and most effective upgrade that most computers can receive.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Wireless Connectivity Problem

Wireless Connectivity Problem

Solved an interesting residential wireless connectivity problem today.

Every time the cordless phone rang, the customer lost the wireless connection on his laptop.

After checking the router setup, everything was fine. Because the default channel is 6 on most routers – including this Linksys – I changed it to channel 11.

Since most wireless devices share a narrow band of allocated airwaves, it’s easy to have a conflict between devices.

After several test calls to the cordless phone, with no dropped wireless signals on the laptop, this case was solved!

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Trouble Tickets Galore!

Trouble Tickets Galore!

Typical Monday morning – over 15 trouble tickets to start the week!

After splitting them up among the three of us, it wasn’t too bad.

Had a nasty spyware/virus infection to clean up but I think the boss finally got the message that his employee was just goofing off most of the day.

I created a filter list for this particular employee that only allows him Internet access to the sites that the boss supplied me with – should eliminate the problem – if not the employee!

Dominon Repair Service Inc

The Computer Doc

Case Cleanups!

Case Cleanups!

Serviced one of our veterinary clients today. They have a server and six workstations.

Every 90 days we open each computer case and vacuum out the hair, dust and dirt. Even though half of them are elevated several inches off the floor, they still manage to suck in an incredible amount of debris.

This client is smart enough to realize that the $35 per machine that he pays for this regular maintenance is truly a bargain and helps to keep his computers running trouble free.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Display the Sharing Tab in Folder Properties in XP

Display the Sharing Tab in Folder Properties in XP

In Windows 2000, getting to the Sharing options for a folder was simple: Just right-click, choose Properties, and you'd see a Sharing tab.

In Windows XP, this feature is missing by default, but you can make the system display the Sharing tab if desired.

Simply open up Folder Options (My Computer, then Tools, Folder Options) and navigate to the View tab.

In the Advanced Settings section, scroll down to the bottom and uncheck Use simple file sharing (Recommended).

Now share your folders on the LAN as you would in Windows 2000.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Wireless Network Expansion

Wireless Network Expansion

Figured out a solution for a SOHO networking problem today for a husband/wife real estate team who work out of their home.

Their original office is a spare bedroom on the third floor of their large townhouse. The cable modem and wireless router are located in this office.

As their business has grown, they finished the basement off into office space but did not want to give up their third floor office so they attempted to set up a wireless connection to the basement.

This basement office has three desktop computers using PCI wireless adapters – all with weak/poor reception. The customer was fairly knowledgeable and had tried several different wireless channels – all with poor results.

To resolve the problem, I installed two Siemens Powerline Adapters (SS2502) – one in the third floor office and one in the basement office.

I ran a CAT5 cable from the router to the wall adapter upstairs and in the basement I ran another CAT5 cable from the wall adapter to a 5-port switch that I installed in the basement.

After running CAT5 cables to the three basement computers from the switch, all is running well now. Even though the Powerline Adapters only support 14Mbps throughput, that’s more than enough in an office environment.

As an added bonus, the owners wanted wireless capability for their notebook computers in the basement, so I added a wireless access point to the basement switch to provide this service also.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Remote Firmware Upgrades

Remote Firmware Upgrades

Sent a postcard mailer last week offering remote firmware upgrades on wireless routers plus security optimization of the wireless network for $75.00.

The end results were excellent – three remote appointments today. Since our remote software allows unlimited simultaneous connections, I experimented by scheduling all three at the same time.

Unfortunately (or probably fortunately) one of the customers was a half hour late so I only configured two at the same time – went off without a hitch.

We will expand this mailing since the returns were exceptionally high for such a small test mailing.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Closed - Columbus Day

Christopher Columbus

A great day to check inventory and place online orders - the wireless stuff was really getting thin!

Dominon Repair Service Inc

The Computer Doc

Surge Protector at Work!

Surge Protector at Work!

Customer called with a possible major problem. The electrical power in his house had gone off and on several times and now his computer wouldn’t turn on.

When I arrived onsite, I first checked his surge protector. The green light was dim and slowly blinking – not a good sign! Replacing the surge protector was accomplished immediately.

I turned the power off on the computer with the rear power supply switch and then turned it back on. His computer then powered on with a unique problem – it was stuck in the bios setup screen in a loop – no matter which exit path was selected, on reboot it ended up back in the bios setup screen.

I finally selected the bios “default” settings, saved them and rebooted without any problem – mighty glad to see the XP splash screen.

The surge protector had been destroyed but it had done it’s job – it protected the computer from any major damage.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

More Remote Support

More Remote Support

Our remote support service keeps growing. People are always looking for a way to save money.

Spent most of the day with scheduled remote sessions – getting pretty adept at running two simultaneously!

Other than walking customers through the download and setup of the custom software, the process is really smooth – need to tweak the setup instructions though.

Remote Support

VOIP Setup

VOIP Setup

One of our commercial clients ordered VOIP for their home use and wanted us to set it up. There are numerous Internet phone providers offering similar packages.

Since he already had a network setup at home including a router, it was a simple process to plug the adapter into the router and then a phone into the adapter.

To activate the service, all we had to do was dial a valid phone number, enter the access code when prompted (first call only) and the phone was ready to use.

We placed test calls to numerous phone numbers – both landline and cell - and were amazed at the voice quality – equal to any landline phone.

The bundle was incredible – unlimited calling through out the US and Canada with no long distance charges. Other services include voicemail, caller ID, conference calling, a second “virtual” number (pick a number anywhere they have service) and numerous other services – all for $19.95 a month.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Missing Administrator Account in XP

Missing Administrator Account in XP

Once you have created regular user accounts, the default Administrator account vanishes from the Welcome screen, which you see when the computer starts up.

Press Ctrl-Alt-Delete twice at the “Welcome” screen to retrieve the standard logon dialog. You can log on as Administrator from here.

To switch among accounts, just click the “Log Off” button on the Start menu. You'll then see the Log Off Windows dialog box.

Click the “Switch User” button, and you'll be taken to the Welcome screen where you can select and log on to other accounts.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Great Network Printer

Great Network Printer

Set up an HP OfficeJet 7410 All-in-One today.

Really incredible machine – not only does it do everything well that an all-in-one should but it comes ready to join any 802.11 b or g wireless network!

The only downside is the software that comes with it – 276MB that has to be installed on each computer that wants to use the 7410 – extremely time consuming for a 14-computer network.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Computer Doc

802.11g Pre-N MIMO

802.11g Pre-N MIMO

Installed a residential wireless system today using a D-Link 802.11g Pre-N MIMO router and adapters.

The house was a little over 7000 square feet (huge!) but the signal was strong throughout the house and outdoor areas.

Five computers on the network were connected wirelessly with great signal reception.

Easy setup and happy customer – can’t ask for anything better!

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Remote Server Administration

Remote Server Administration

Spent the morning remotely administrating several client servers.

With the cost of fuel skyrocketing, it just makes sense to set up as many of our commercial clients as possible with remote service.

Saves lots of time and expense for routine chores – adding users, changing passwords, updating Intranets, adding printers and other simple tasks.

Most clients don’t care as long as the job gets done.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Website Updates

Website Updates


One of our website clients wanted the pictures on their website updated. As part of our design and hosting service, we offer photographic services as well.

Took a ride to their location and spent several hours taking a load of digital pictures.

Once the site was updated, our client was extremely happy with the new look.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

My Computer is Smoking!

My Computer is Smoking!

Received a trouble ticket from one of our commercial clients complaining of smoke coming out of one of their computers and it had crashed (crashed & burned, I guess).

When I got onsite, the smell left no doubt that the power supply had fried.

If luck is with you, replacing the power supply will get the PC back up and running in no time – if luck isn’t with you, the motherboard, CPU, hard drive or other peripheral gets destroyed.

This one was lucky – replaced the power supply and was back up in minutes with no ill effects!

Dominon Repair Service Inc

How to Backup Your Outlook Express Data

How to Backup Your Outlook Express Data


We receive lots of inquiries on how to backup Outlook Express.

The following instructions make quick work of the process:

1. Email Messages:
From the Outlook Express menu select Tools | Options | Maintenance and click the StoreFolder button. You see a dialog with the name of the directory that has your mail files.

If you look in that directory, you find files named after your mail folders and news groups. They all have a .DBX suffix. Outlook Express keeps all messages in these database files. If you make copies of these files regularly, you'll have a safe backup of your OE mail. 

Restore (if necessary): To restore the backup data, just copy it back to the directory.

You can selectively restore folders by just copying specific files back. Alternatively, you can use OE's File | Import | Messages feature to import one or more of the backup folders. Email Account Settings

2. Address Book
Getting the data out of your address book for safekeeping is relatively easy. From the menu select File | Export | Address Book and select the comma separated text file as your output format. Then select the fields you want to export. To make sure you know where the backup is going, give a full path name.

To restore the address book or to get your addresses onto a new system, the process is not quite symmetrical. Select File | Import | Other address book and select the text file option again. You'll be given a list of fields to import. Since you're importing a file that was created by Outlook Express, you usually don't need to make any changes here. After that, click your way on through the wizard and you'll get your address book back. 



Dominon Repair Service Inc

Computer Doc

Data Recovered!

Data Recovered!

Received a frantic call from a customer – their machine wouldn’t boot up and he was in the midst of doing his taxes for 2002 & 2003! (Yes, you read that correctly)

He needed the PDF files recovered on the drive for the returns that he had started and also his My Documents folder. As in most emergencies, the infamous “cost is no object” statement was heard several times.

The customer didn’t want the computer fixed – “just recover the files”.

Picked up the computer and brought it back to our shop. Slaved the hard drive and was able to copy all of the files and burn them to a CD.

Two hours labor apparently was way too cheap – he thought it was going to cost him a thousand dollars ….



Dominon Repair Service Inc

Why Secure a Wireless Network?

Why Secure a Wireless Network?

The following story comes from a fellow computer repair business owner. It definitely answers the question why you need to secure your wireless network since the likelihood of the same scenario occurring again is huge.

"My father-in-law, an attorney called me desperate that his computer wouldn't print.  I set everything up so I was very surprised it wasn't working.  He lives a few hours away, so I'm walking him through it over the phone.  Everything seems right, no error messages, but no print out.  Hmmm.  While troubleshooting, a knock on the door.  It was the neighbor with my father-in-law's private, confidential legal documents.

Both my father-in-law and the neighbor bought and set up a Linksys wireless network and my father-in-law was connecting to the neighbor’s shared devices without realizing it.  Imagine if this wasn't such a friendly neighbor.  The piece of mind knowing that others aren't accidentally, or on purpose, connecting to your network is pretty important to most people."

Most users take the router out of the box, plug it into their modem and have a fully functioning wireless network – open to the world.

Pay a professional to properly secure your wireless network today!


Dominon Repair Service Inc

Turn Off System Recovery in XP

Turn Off System Recovery in XP

If you are cleaning viruses and/or spyware off of your computer, you will need to turn off system recovery to delete all malware.

To Turn Off System Recovery:
Right click on My Computer and choose Properties.

Click on the System Restore tab and check the box Turn off System Restore.  

When you have finished your cleanup chores, re-enable System Recovery

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Computer Doc

Print Server Fun

Print Server Fun

Set up six HP LaserJet 4240n Printers for one of our clients today.

All were connected to print servers so they are available to everyone on the network. Couple of the servers were troublesome but all were working fine in the end.

Nice machines – 175,000 page monthly duty cycle.



Dominon Repair Service Inc

Lightscribe is Incredible!

Lightscribe is Incredible!

Installed an HP DVD burner today with the new lightscribe technology.

The client needed training and since I had never used this technology before, I was certainly happy to learn and earn.

We created a DVD backup of his pictures and created an awesome label burned directly on the DVD.

Gotta get one of these.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

No More Network Cable is Unplugged Message

No More "Network Cable is Unplugged" Message


Do you hate the little message in the system tray that informs you when the network cable is unplugged?
It's especially annoying on laptops that are often purposely unplugged from the network. You can get rid of the message and icon by doing the following:

1. Right click Start and select Properties.


2. On the Taskbar tab, click Hide inactive icons if it's not already checked.


3. Click the Customize button.


4. Scroll down to find the Local Area Connection: network cable is unplugged item (it will only appear here if it has displayed in the past).


5. In the dropdown box that appears when you click the item, select Always Hide.


6. Click OK.


7. Click Apply and then OK.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

LCD Upgrades

LCD Upgrades

One of our clients received their shipment of thirty-two 19” LCD monitors.

It took all three of us four hours to swap out the entire bunch – with only one defect!

Lots of crawling under and behind dusty desks to fish out cords and surge protectors but the employees loved the new screens.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Remote Support Scores Again

Remote Support Scores Again

Had several remote support sessions this afternoon.

One was interesting – new ISP and she needed Outlook Express setup for her email and she also wanted her contacts imported from Hotmail.

A quick Google search turned up the interesting fact that OE has a built in utility that does just that!

Set up her Hotmail account in Outlook Express and imported her contacts. Incredibly easy and quick.

Once again, an extremely happy remote customer.

For more info on remote support, click here!

How to Install and Configure Windows XP's Built-in Fax Service

How to Install and Configure Windows XP's
Built-in Fax Service

Do you want to send and receive faxes on your Windows XP computer? If you have a fax modem installed, you can - but the fax service is not installed by default. Here's how to install and configure it:

• Click Start | Control Panel | Add or Remove Programs.

• Click Add/Remove Windows Components.

• When the Windows Components Wizard starts, click the Fax Services check box to check it and click Next.

• Insert the XP installation CD if prompted to do so, and click OK.

• Click Finish when the Wizard is done, and click Close to close the Add or Remove Programs dialog box.

Now you need to configure the service:

• Click Start | All Programs | Accessories | Communications | Fax | Fax Console.

• When the Fax Configuration Wizard starts, go through the steps to enter sender information, select the modem you want to use, and choose whether you want to be able to send or receive faxes, or both.

• You can enter the TSID information that appears in the fax header and the CSID information that is displayed on the sending fax machine.

• You can also select whether to automatically print faxes or store a copy in a folder.

• Click Finish on the Summary page of the Wizard.

Now you can send and/or receive faxes!

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Remote Wireless Configuration

Remote Wireless Configuration

Had fun configuring a wireless network for a customer in Seattle! He saw our post on Craigslist offering to secure wireless networks remotely for $75.00.

We spent about twenty minutes configuring his router, two laptops and two desktops.

By the time we had finished, his system was WPA encrypted, a MAC filter table was in place and his SSID broadcast had been disabled.

All pretty basic but very few people secure their wireless networks.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Spyware Spyware Spyware

Spyware, Spyware, Spyware

We picked up five home user computers today that were infested with spyware and viruses. Each of them was quite a mess!

We ran them all through our checklist of scans – both spyware and virus and then ran HijackThis to identify and remove the few remaining problems.

As always, we left the freeware disinfection tools on each computer and attached preventative maintenance instructions to the bills.

Of course none of the customers will pay the least bit of attention to them – they will all be back!

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Power Outage Aftermath

Power Outage Aftermath

Amazing how much damage a seemingly minor power outage can cause.

The holiday service call turned into three blown monitors and two work station power supplies.

All equipment was plugged into surge protectors with a minimum surge suppression rating of 3,500 joules. Out of 15 workstations and two servers, why did these blow?

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Holiday Service

Holiday Service

Easy day today – just one call.

The only 24/7 service contracts that we offer are to clients that we designed, installed and configured their network.

Had one client call and advise that he couldn’t connect to his server remotely. I tried to connect remotely and experienced the same problem.

Made an onsite visit and found the power out in the building!

Problem solved (for now)!

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Computer Doc

More Remote Support

More Remote Support


With the price of gas going ever higher, I was ecstatic that we had multiple remote support sessions scheduled for today.

I think this niche is a service that we will be promoting in a big way.

Since our travel time and fuel costs are non-existent, the rates we charge are a real bargain.

The setup is really simple – customer just goes to http://support.dominionrepair.com/ and, with our help, is connected to our support computer immediately.

Makes for a happy customer and a stress free repair.

Trouble Tickets Galore

Trouble Tickets Galore!


What a day!

Between the three of us, we finished eleven trouble tickets from three of our larger commercial clients.

Talk about a crazy day! Just about any type of problem that you can imagine popped up today.

Added workstations, replaced monitors, replaced power supplies, removed spyware, added new users, replaced a network switch and too many more to think about.

Glad today is done!


Dominon Repair Service Inc

Remote Computer Repair

Remote Computer Repair

Spent a couple of hours online this morning repairing two computers remotely.

Nice way to earn a few bucks and not use any gas!

I’m using a program called HelpDesk VNC to take control of the computers and clean them up - just like being in front of the PC.

More info is available at - http://support.dominionrepair.com

Both computers had lots of spyware and viruses but they have a clean bill of health now.



Dominon Repair Service Inc

Spyware Problems

Spyware Problems…..

Trouble ticket came in from a service contract client – has a workstation that can’t connect to the Internet.

Would you believe that it’s the same “puter” that I got running yesterday by plugging it back in?

When I arrived onsite, the supervisor was a little miffed – “you just fixed that computer yesterday”.

I didn’t have the heart to tell him why it was down yesterday since he obviously hadn’t read the service ticket that he signed yesterday. I told him I’d check it out again and let him know what the problem is.

I turned the computer on, it took forever to boot up and when it finally did, the screen was inundated with popup windows. A severe spyware infestation. Of course the user sat there and said he couldn’t understand what happened since it ran fine yesterday (I guess before he took his nap).

About this time, I decided that I had had enough of this clown. I went into the server room and opened the log on his surfing activities from yesterday and today – lo and behold – porno sites! What a surprise!

I printed out the log and took it into the supervisor’s office, laid it on his desk, waited while he looked it over, and then told him I’d be glad to hook up a spare PC for his employee while we took this one back to the shop to clean up the spyware.

His response was excellent – “No rush, he’ll be gone for a week without pay”.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

My Puter Don't Work

My Puter Don’t Work

Monday morning always starts the same way – lots of online trouble tickets and a couple of voice mail messages.

Today had a special treat. As I divided the tickets up between the three of us, I took the voice mail trouble ticket with the problem “my puter don’t work”.

Since this particular client allows any employee to initiate service requests, I wasn’t surprised to hear such a call.

Once I got onsite, I checked with the employee to get more information. He said it worked fine on Friday until about 1:30 and then just turned off.

I asked him what he was doing when the computer shut down.

“After lunch, I fell asleep with my feet up on the box under my desk. When I woke up, the computer was off.“

With 20+ years computer repair experience under my belt, I figured this tough one out quick. I crawled under the desk, checked the "footstool" and plugged the power cord back into the computer.

Another ticket closed out!



Dominon Repair Service Inc

Computer Doc

Reboot Ghosts

Reboot Ghosts

Had a strange problem today – never saw anything exactly like it before in twenty years.

One of our service contracts initiated a trouble ticket for a computer that kept randomly rebooting.

Once onsite, I opened the case expecting to find it choked with dust. To my surprise, it was clean. Checked the power supply - tested OK.

Next I looked at the surge protector to see if the light was still bright but was in for quite a surprise. It was plugged into another surge protector, which in turn was plugged into another surge protector, which – you guessed it – was plugged into a forth surge protector!

When I questioned the employee, she said that her office was rearranged the week before and since they didn’t have a plug on the wall that her desk was on or an extension cord, this was the solution that she and her co-workers came up with.

After getting an extension cord from my truck, running it around the office to her desk and removing all of the surge protectors except one, I believe the problem is solved.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Another Day in the Gold Mine!

Another Day in the Gold Mine!


Well not exactly a gold mine but profitable none the less.

A client rented additional office space in the same building - two floors up - and needs to connect his LAN between the offices.

Pulled 4 CAT6 cable drops three floors in an old building in Old Town Alexandria today. You never know what you will run into in these old buildings and this one had a couple of surprises.

After cutting a couple of access holes in the drywall, it went really well. Fortunately, there wasn’t any plaster – must have been renovated sometime in the distant past.

Terminated the cables in patch panels and will go back tomorrow to get the LAN up and running.

Dominon Repair Service Inc

A Computer Upgrade that was Great!

A Computer Upgrade that was Great!

Today had a job that really made my day.

A 12-year-old girl was using a low-end eMachine desktop that her parents bought last year. Her Mom told me that they bought the cheapest desktop that Best Buy had and it had always run extremely slow.

The noise from the hard drive reminded me of a washing machine – it was continually grinding away as the screen saver ran.

I took a quick inventory of the computer:

• Celeron 1.2 Ghz


• 128MB memory


• Windows XP Home


• Media players


• AIM

Now her Mom wanted a solution to their poor selection - I suggested adding a 512MB memory module.

“How much?” was the only question - $96.40 for the chip, $19.95 labor and $50.00 for the service call (would have been cheaper to buy a decent machine in the first place).

After installing the memory upgrade, I defragged the hard drive (only 42% fragmented data files).

The payoff came a few minutes later. The 12 year old came running out of her room to thank me as her mother was writing out a check to pay the bill.

“It’s so fast now – I can’t believe it’s the same computer!”, she exclaimed.

That definitely made my day!

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Wireless Networks - Asset or Liability?

Wireless Networks – Asset or Liability?


Worked onsite for a new client in a commercial building in Springfield, Virginia today. As I was wrapping up the job, I turned on my laptop to print out a bill.

The next thing I knew, the wireless network icon in the system tray threw up a bubble alerting me to the fact that wireless networks were available. I right clicked the icon to “View Available Wireless Networks” and was amazed to see seven wireless networks available – only one of which was using encryption!

It’s not unusual to find this type of negligence in residential areas but it was truly amazing to realize that businesses were putting their data at risk by failing to use any type of security on their wireless network. The building included doctors, who definitely have a responsibility under current laws (HIPPA) to protect their patients’ records.

Since most manufacturers set up their router security defaults with no security (network works right out of the box), most people never enable the encryption feature on the router. Rather than pay a knowledgeable technician to set the router up correctly, they are happy to continue using the wide-open wireless network.

The downside is certainly more costly – identity theft costs thousands of dollars in time and trouble to unravel. Passwords, personal information, investment accounts, and banking information can easily be lifted from an unprotected wireless network.

In the commercial arena, this is not the norm. Most businesses usually understand the risks involved in not properly configuring their wireless network and don’t hesitate to call in a professional.

We’ll send a postcard mailer to all of the businesses in the building offering to encrypt their wireless network for $75 but since most of the tenants are doctors, it’s very doubtful that anyone will respond. After all, we are talking about $75.00!

Dominon Repair Service Inc

Clueless Parents & Computers

Clueless Parents & Computers

The last few days have been extremely busy – back to school time and all of a sudden Johnny and Jill need their computers fixed!

The best one was the parent who moved her college aged child into an apartment (no school tech support available) with a notebook that was so filled with spyware and viruses that it took half an hour to boot up and could barely function at all.

When questioned, the kid said that he used his brother’s PC all summer since his didn’t run.

This parent really took the prize since she didn’t want the drive formatted and a clean install performed – no, she wanted it fixed!@*%#

Nine hours later, it’s finally clean and working like new. Even with tools added to try and keep it spyware and virus free, I’m guessing that within a few weeks, this computer will be a disaster again.

Where was Mom all summer?

Dominon Repair Service Inc