Basic Computer Problems

 

How do I copy files to another disk or folder?

There are a variety of different methods for copying files within windows. Depending upon the situation, often the easiest way to copy files it to "Copy" (or use "Cut" to move the files instead of copy) and "Paste" them. Start by going to the folder where your files exist. Select them by clicking and dragging a square around the files you wish to copy. If a square doesn't select all of the files you want (or selects some files you don't want), hold the "Ctrl" key and use the mouse to click on each of the additional files you want to copy. To copy the files into your computer's memory, select "Edit" and "Copy" from the current window's toolbar. You can also use the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl+C" (Crtl+X for cut). Now navigate to the folder or disk where you'd like to place the files and select "Edit" and "Paste" from the current window's toolbar or "Ctrl+V". Your files should materialize.

Another method is to "click and drag" the files to another location. To do this, you will need to have both the source and destination folders open. You can do this by using the Windows Explorer (right-click on My Computer and select "Explore") or by opening two instances of My Computer. Select the files you want to copy, and then click and drag them into the new folder. The important thing to remember when moving files in this manner is that if you are moving files from a hard disk to removable media, it will create a copy of the file. If you are doing a click-and-drag to another folder on your hard disk, your computer will move the files (i.e., create copies in the new folder and delete the files in the source folder).

Where is my "My Documents" folder?

Windows 2000 is automatically configured for multiple users. As such, it creates a My Documents folder for each user on the computer. The folder for each individual user is located in: "c:\Documents and Settings\". Within each user's folder is their specific My Documents folder.

Why can't I install programs on my computer?

You may not have permission to install this. If you are logging in as a guest and not as an administrator or poweruser, you won't be able to install programs. To make your account into an administrator account, you will need to log in as an administrator on your machine (contact the Help Desk if you don't know your administrator password). Once you are logged in as an administrator, go to the Control Panel and then to "Users and Passwords." Click on the account you wish to change and select "properties." Click on the "Group Membership tab and change the account to a "poweruser" or "administrator."

How do I add users to my computer?

Open Control Panel, and double-click the Users and Passwords applet. On the Users tab, click the "Add..." button (you may have to check next to "Users must enter a user name..."), and follow the Wizard through entering the necessary information and option. If the user will be accessing the SMU network drives, "SMUMN" must be entered as the domain.

What should I do when my computer locks up?

Don't panic - Windows 2000 is much more stable then earlier versions of Windows. Chances are that one of your applications may have crashed, but Windows is still running fine. Press Crtl, Alt, and Del. If you are on a Windows 2000 machine, this will bring up a series of selections - pick "Task Manager." Within the task manager, you will see a list of the programs you have running. If there are any programs that say "Not Responding" in the right-hand column, this is probably the culprit. Select the naughty program and click "End Task." This should bring your computer back to operating normally, however, it is probably a good idea to save your work and restart the computer. If all of these things don't work CLICK HERE.

I can't read from a floppy disk, now what?

Windows includes a limited utility for diagnosing and fixing floppy problems. Place the disk in the drive. Open My Computer and right-click on the floppy disk icon. Select "Properties." Select the "Tools" tab and click on the "Check Now" button. Allow the computer to scan the floppy. If it finds errors, and fixes them, try the disk again. If it works this time, it's probably a good idea to copy the files to your hard disk and move them to different disk. Unfortunately, floppies are extremely unreliable compared to other media. If at all possible, avoid using floppies. Instead, use your network drive or burn your work to a CD.

How do I install a program so all the users on my computer can use it?

Some installation programs don't always install the start menu shortcuts for all users. To make sure the program is usable by all users, open the Control Panel and then "Add or Remove Programs." Click on "Add New Programs" and then "CD or Floppy (even if the installation program is on the hard drive). Browse to the correct location. If your installation program doesn't show up, change the "Files of Type" selector to "All Files."

My network drives don't show up, now what?

Start simple... Restart your computer and attempt to log in as normal. If that doesn't work, check the cable from your computer to your ethernet port. Restart your computer again. If that still don't work, contact the Help Desk (x7800 or 800-653-5987, ext. 7800) to determine if a network outage is taking place.

I changed my monitor settings, now Windows is all garbled. How do I fix this?

Restart your computer. As the computer is booting up, press the "F8" key. Windows will present you with a menu. Select "Start in Safe Mode." This will boot Windows in a low-resolution mode. Once the computer boots, go to your display properties (right-click on the desktop) and change the resolution to one that you know should work (you may have to reboot before Windows will allow you to change these settings). Best bets are 800x600 and 1024x768.

I How do I reformat a floppy disk?

Place the disk in the drive. Open "My Computer." Right click on the disk drive and select "Format...".

What is defragmenting and how do I do it?

Defragmenting organizes your hard disk for quicker access. Imagine your hard drive as a large pile of random papers. Deframenting stacks those papers in one nice pile. You can defragment as often as you like, but you only need to do it once every few months. In the start menu, go to "Programs", then "Accessories", "System Tools", and "Disk Defragmenter." The process could take from 15 minutes to a couple hours. It's a good thing to do when you'll be away from your desk for a while. Remember close all other programs before you start.

How do I update my computer with Windows update?

The easiest way to do it is to open Internet Explorer, go to "Tools" and then "Windows Update." A word of caution, not every update will function perfectly on every computer. It is a good idea to make the major system and security updates (so no one can poke around your computer), but don't worry about making updates to your hardware drivers. "If it ain't broke..."

How do I delete cookies and clear viewed webpages?

From Microsoft:

To Delete Cookies in Internet Explorer 6:

  1. Start Internet Explorer.
  2. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options, and then click the General tab.
  3. In the Temporary Internet Files section, click Delete Cookies , click OK , and then click OK again.

To Clear History:

  1. In Internet Explorer, click Internet Options on the View (or Tools ) menu.
  2. On the General tab, click Clear History .
  3. Click Yes , and then click OK .

To empty cache of viewed websites and pictures:

  1. In Internet Explorer, click Internet Options on the View (or Tools ) menu.
  2. On the General tab, click "Delete Files..."
  3. Select "Delete All Off-line Content"
  4. Click Yes , and then click OK

How do I reset my stored passwords?

To Clear Passwords and Autocomplete data in Internet Explorer 6:

  1. Start Internet Explorer.
  2. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options, and then click the Content tab.
  3. Click "Autocomplete..."
  4. Click "Clear Passwords" or "Clear Forms."
  5. Click "OK."

My mouse doesn't move as well as it used to, what do I do?

The wheels/rollers in the inside of your mouse are probably dirty. To clean them, remove the door that covers the mouse ball and remove the mouse ball Inside the mouse should be two rollers and a pressure wheel. You can usually clean these wheels with a small piece of clean cloth. If that doesn't do the trick, you may use some denatured alcohol. To keep the inside of your mouse clean, you might try cleaning your mouse pad periodically with mild soap and water.

How do How do I install a network printer?

In the Start menu, click on "Settings" and "Printers." Then click on "Add Printer." Start the Wizard and select "Network Printer." Select "Type the printer name, or click next to browse for a printer." Click Next. Click on the "Rex 2" server. Browse for the printer you want to use. Finish the wizard.

My computer won't read from a CD-ROM, now what?

There could be a variety of reasons why a CD won't work. Start simple: clean off the back of the CD. Use the "fog a mirror" technique and a soft cloth. Inspect the back for scratches. If there are deep scratches, sometimes they may be fixed by using a small amount of car wax. If the CD is in good condition, but still seems not to work, try it in another machine. If the CD still will not work, there is probably a problem with the media. If it is a professionally made CD, venders will usually send you a new copy. If it is a burned CD, it may have been burned incorrectly or burned on bad media.

How do I record sounds/narration on my computer?

Use the Sound Recorder. The sound recorder is usually located in the Start Menu under "Programs," then "Accessories," then "Entertainment." If you can't find it there, open the Start Menu and select "Run." Type in "sndrec32" in the box and hit enter. Connect a microphone (1/8" jack) into the appropriate jack in your sound card. Click the red circle to begin recording.

How do I reset my computer if it is completely locked up?

First, try pressing Crtl+Alt+Del. That should give you a menu with a "Shut Down" selection. If that doesn't work, look for the reset button on the front of your computer. If there isn't a reset button, you can usually reset your computer by holding the power button in for 5 seconds.

Where can I go for more basic computer help?

Please contact the SMU Help Desk (x7800 or 800-635-5987, ext. 7800).