IT Queries: Computer problems answered

I would like to purchase software to locate and correct any problems in the running of my computer. Could you tell me of a company that does that?

There’s a whole industry dedicated to this. Unfortunately most programs are useless and quite a few are scams.

Generally, it’s best to regularly clean up your computer as we describe in this post.

If you are still concerned, it’s probably best to call your local computer expert to give your computer a good clean out.

I have an Apple Computer and use Safari for my internet searches. Recently i have trouble connecting to the taste.com.au website which i use a lot (used to) when I do, I lose connection or the computer crashes.
what could be the problem?

It sounds like there’s something causing problems in the cache, which is where information on previous visits is kept.

To clear this, click on the Safari item on the menu bar, click Empty Cache and then Empty. 

Restart Safari and see if that clears the problem.

If it hasn’t then reset Safari, however note this will wipe saved passwords and cookies.

To do this, click Safari again and click Reset Safari. The box that appears will have a list of all the saved settings, make sure all the boxes are ticked and click Reset.

Safari will then restart.

If the problem still persists, it may be a Java problem. Visit the Java website and download the latest update.

I have a PC with Windows XP Service Pack3, i run Internet Explorer 7, Opera 9.3 & Firefox. I see there are new versions of Firefox & Opera. If i were to download them do i need to remove the existing versions first and then download the new versions. I’m new to computers. Regards Don

Generally not. It’s usually okay to just to upgrade over the top of the existing program. The advantage with this is most of your settings will usually come across to the new version.

Some programs though are a bit sloppy and leave a lot of rubbish on your computer. Sometimes they can even confuse the computer about which version should be used, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Sun Java are probably the two worst offenders for this.

Best practice though Don is to leave the old programs on unless they are causing some trouble and if they do we have instructions on removing older software.

I have just bought a HP Touchsmart 515 but when I tried to transfer my CA Anti Virus software over, they told me they cannot support “64 bit”.  Can you recommend an Anti-Virus/Anti-Spyware program that will support my computer?  I am happy to pay a reasonable amount.

The biggest problem with 64-bit hardware is getting software that will run on it. Utility and security software like anti virus programs are a particular problem.

That said, there are some good solutions available. 

One of the popular anti virus packages, Avast, does offer a 64-bit version. Even better news is they have a free package for 64-bit systems. 

It’s worthwhile shopping around to find the vendors who are prepared to make the effort to support the newer systems. Just be aware some software companies’ 64-bit products are very basic or even crippled so try before you buy.

Further to our post on disabling unsolicted downloads, here are the instructions on disabling Real Player’s services.

Click the Windows XP Start button and click Run then type realplay and click OK

When Real Player opens click the Tools menu and select Preferences.

In the Real Player preferences, the settings are in category menu along the left hand side of the screen.

Click Automatic Services and select Auto Update. Take the tick off Automatically download and install important updates.

Then select Message Center and click the Configure Message Center button and uncheck Check for new messages and Show Message Center icon in the System Tray.

Click OK, take note of the stern warning and click Yes then close Real Player.

With Real Player it’s worthwhile checking every six months or so if any serious updates have been released.

After downloading mozila firefox, how do I disable Internet Explorer as my web browser and make FireFox the default, I have Windows Vista Home Premium installed on my laptop, thanks.Normally Firefox will ask you if it should be the default browser the first time you open it. If it doesn’t, you’ll have to change the settings in the Default Programs settings.To get to this setting, click the Start Button and then Control Panel. In the Control Panel screen, click the Programs heading and select Default Programs.The the Default Programs box will show the available programs on the left of the box, double click Firefox and select Set this program as default on the right. Click okay and Firefox is now your web browser for all applications. 

I’ve just been reading about the new Google web browser. Should I install it?It’s an interesting development from Google. So far the reviews have been good and this answer is being typed using it.Generally we don’t recommend users running beta software, that is trial softwore, but in the case of Google, things tend to stay in beta forever.If you are comfortable running it and putting up with any unexpected bugs, then give it a go. 

Hi, I scanned a page and want to change the text on it – It wont let me open in word as it says there is a dialogue box open and I dont know what to do. Can you please help me?

The problem is probably due to the software is opening twice. If you alt-tab, that is hold the alt key down  and press tab you’ll be able to move through the open screens and shut the second copy down.

To fix this, try disabling macros in Microsoft Word. Although it’s more likely you’ll have to uninstall then reinstall the scanner or OCR (optical character recognition) software.

I’m trying to install Roxio Creative 10 as an upgrade from version 5 and I get the message “not a valid Win32 application”. I’ve tried every fix that might relate to my computer without any luck.

The problem is with  the installer file; it’s damaged or incomplete. It could either be the download didn’t work or the installation disk has a problem.

If you downloaded the upgrade, you’ll need to do that again. Otherwise return the disk to the store you bought it from for a replacement.

I recently received a popup for an Adobe update (to Adobe Reader 8.1.2 + Adobe Media Player) with my ISP provider’s monthly invoice. I downloaded both, but then decided to uninstall both. Now when I reboot my computer I get a message headed ADVANCED INF install + the messag Error: Could not locate INF file “c:\WINDOWS\inf\GETPLUSo.INF.”

When I click OK startup proceeds as normal & computer seems to be running OK. Scans with AVG & Norton (Corporate edition) do not find any viruses.

I am running WINDOWS XP SP2. Any advice on how I can stop this annoying interruption to my startup would be just great!

The first thing to try is running the System Configuration Tool and seeing if anything to do with Adobe Reader or GETPLUSo is trying to start with the system.

If not, the next trick is to download Adobe Reader, reinstall it and then uninstall to clear the problem.

Finally, if the problem is still there run a registry cleaner after backing up all your important data.