PCinfospace

I decided to write this article because I have run into many individuals, and small businesses that ran into this particular problem. It even happened to me.

When you update from a previous version, you are asked if you want to keep duplicates if you are using a PST file for your backup.  When you install Outlook 2007 it automatically brings in your old Outlook or Outlook Express messages and addresses.  If you import the “old” PST file you may get the duplicates.

What about new installs?

I have seen the same effect (in some cases) in new installs also.  I am just as confused, why it does not always do it.  After much research, I do not see a real solution.  It appears you can buy a plug in to solve it.  These programs appear to cost around $30.00.  I feel it just is not worth doing that. In spite of the fact you have to work a little more by deleting the duplicate e-mails.

Are there other solutions?

Yes and no!  You could try other e-mail clients such as Hotmail, gmail or Thunderbird. They are ok but mostly do not have the same functions as outlook.

If you have entered more than one e-mail setup with the same pop server and SMTP you will get double messages.  You need to eliminate one of the setups.

Here is what I found on one Blog:
1. You must have at least one rule set for the “Rules and Alerts” selection to show up.
2. Select “Rules and Alerts” from the tool menu.
3. Check under “Rule Description” if there are some that are set then delete one of them.
4. After you delete the rules recreate them again.

I did try this.  It does work (at least in my case).

You need to ask yourself what will work for you.  I personally like Outlook because it has e-mail and scheduling all in the same place.  You can prioritize and set rules for your messages also.

What I do not like about Outlook?

I wish it would have a better way of backing it up.  Although they do provide a way to do it, I feel it is too deep in the file structure and the average person will not even think of backing it up.  If it were a little more automatic I think it would be better.  I think a scheme similar to QuickBooks would be good.  At least it asks you if you want to.  If you don’t back it up and your computer crashes you will lose all your contacts and messages.

Another suggestion:

If you have your contacts already put into your address book print them out (just in case).  Just open the contact group you want,  click on “file”,  click on print and there you are.  You will need to do this for each group you want to have printed.  This will give you a paper copy.

This is a wide subject.  That is to say there are possibly hundred of ways this can be done.  There are a huge amount of software programs out there.  Some computers come with some brand of photo editing software.  Some of these are only trial programs.  That means that after a certain amount (normally 60 days) of time you will need to buy the product.

Roxio

A dynamic program that does many things as you can see in the picture of the product. You can work with music,Photos,Videos and even burn CDs and DVDs.   Please pick the product that suits your needs.

Photoshop

This is still pretty much the big bang of the industry.  I will just say that there isn’t much you can’t do with this product.  The biggest problem is that it is very expensive.  I would only recommend this product if you are a photographer or if you want to do a lot of editing.  I do use it for photos that I want to put on web pages.

This dynamic program is simple and can do great photo editing. Please be sure you get the version that is meant for your particular needs.

Nero

This is also great.  Again be sure you are buying the product that is for you.  Nero StartSmart is a great product.  It even takes out noise from sound recordings.  The photo editing isn’t real extensive but it is fine if you aren’t real picky.

Here are other web sites that may interest you
SHUTTERFLY
SNAPFISH
SMUGMUG
BLURB Great if you like scrap booking or picture books
Wal-Mart allows you to upload your pictures and pick them up at your local store.  It also has a wide array of conversion options. Several other stores offer similar services.

These are only examples of what is available.  Most of them work similar.  You can normally resize, adjust colors, rotate along with numerous other features in almost all similar programs. Some programs offer the ability to overlay your photo with another photo.  Try to be sure what the capability of the program is before you buy it.

Here is a great opportunity if you like to edit photos, burn CDs or DVDs and much more

Buy Creator 2009 and HD/BD Plug-in

This is a tough subject because there are a lot of different programs out there.  Some computers come with their own proprietary programs.  You MUST have the restore disk for that particular program in order to get it back in case you have to ever restore your computer.

We’ll mention a couple programs here.  Mostly there are no bad ones.  However, some programs give you many more options.

You must have a program if you plan to cut or copy CDs or DVDs.

ROXIO
I  like this program.  I have used it a lot.  It easily will copy or format CDs or DVDs.  What it can do will depend on which version you buy.  Some versions allow you to record and copy movies and music as well (click on the picture to see more).    If you use a Re-writable CD or DVD you can format it and drag files onto it just like the old floppy drives.   CD-R or DVD-R will not work for this feature.  These are read only.  Once you cut data on these you can not erase it.  You can check a feature that allows you to add data however.

NERO START SMART (versions very as to the features they offer)
I seem to be stuck on this program.  It literally can do everything that I would ever want to do.  It will cut or copy CDs or DVDs.  It will format either one so you can use it like a floppy drive.  CD-R or DVD-R will not work for htis feature.  These are read only.  Once you cut data on these you can not erase it.  You can check a feature that allows you to add data however.  You can make a movie or music disk.  I like the backup feature. OK! I’m stuck on it.  You can make a backup job and run it every time if you want to. You can even do sound recording and then edit the wave later.  I love that feature.  You can also edit Photos.  It will never beat Photoshop but it works pretty good.  I actually got it free with my Sony CD-DVD recorder.  You can buy it of course.  I think I wouldn’t mind paying for it.  Everything is in one package and I don’t think it could be easier to use.

TO LEARN MORE CLICK HERE

How do you repair a speaker if it doesn’t work?
FIRST and foremost BE SURE it is plugged into the right port of your sound card.  This is by far the biggest error I have seen.  It is normally a light green color.  If your unsure try each one.  You will need to reboot your computer each time if you want to hear the ever famous tone of windows.  BUT! here is what I do.  I find a CD with music on or load a song that is in the computer.  While it is playing try each plug.

What else could it be?
Most speakers come with a power adapter.  (Cheaper ones use batteries) Be sure it is plugged into a live outlet.  If you use a surge protector be sure it is turned on.  Another big one! Be sure the on button is pushed in or turned on and that the volume is turned up.   It is really embarrassing if you pay a technician to turn a simple dial just to hear sound.  Oh! did I mention that you need to pay technicians?

What if this doesn’t work?
Find the picture of a speaker in the lower right corner of you desktop.  You may have to click the small left pointed arrow to see the entire area. Double click it.  This should bring up “Volume Control” screen. Check to see that “Volume Control” is not muted and that the bar is up as far as it will go.  Also check to be sure nothing else is muted.

OK! what if that doesn’t work?
There could be something wrong with your sound card or you don’t have the right driver loaded for the sound card.  Many computers now come with the sound card integrated in the motherboard.  This doesn’t matter.  It either works or it doesn’t.  They both will need driver software to work.  Also be sure the software is for the proper operating system.  Many time the problem occurs when you upgrade from one operating system to another.  Windows 98 drivers very often do not work on VISTA as an example.  Usually the driver can be downloaded from the manufacturers web site.  If the sound card is integrated into the motherboard you need to go to either contact the manufacturer of the mother board or go to their web site.  Some of them have online forms to fill out.

WOW! now there’s a subject!

• Printer does not print:
  This is the most common problem I see with Printer repair.  First and foremost be SURE you have ink in the cartridge or cartridges.  If you just put a new cartridge in be sure you removed the seal that covers the jets.

1. Double check to be sure your USB cable or Parallel cable is “really” plugged in. Try another cable if need be. Some have been known to be bad.  Parallel cables are close to obsolete but some printers can use either one.
2. Check to see that the power plug is plugged in.  While your at it, check to see if the surge protector or power plug is turned on.  I have seen bad surge protectors also.  If lightning hits it or a large surge it may need to be replaced.  Some have fuses also.  The fuse could be blown.  You can plug the printer directly into the wall if you want to be sure.
3. Is the power light on? Most surge protectors have power lights.
4. Are there any error messages either on the printer or your computer?  Mostly any error that appears on the printer will also appear on the computer.
5. Is there a paper jam?  This is common especially on top loading models such as Lexmark printers.
6. Reboot the computer and try again if all of this checks out.
7. Each printer has a self test.  You need to check documentation that came with your printer to see what key or keys to push.  This is the only way to be sure there is nothing wrong with the printer itself.  If the self test is successful the problem is either the cable or the computer.
8. Here is a link that may help if you still can’t resolve the problem.  There is a lot of on line help available (Example: Error for HP Officejet 5510v)
9. Google it.  YA! I know some of you hate that.  You can also use other search engines or a catalog site such as Yahoo.  Actually ask.com is a very good search engine also.  I found it most effective if I put a question mark after a question.  Why would that make sense?  A lot of people on line like to take short cuts.  This is not one of those times.

• Other possibilities
  Computer issue.  It could be possible that the particular version of the operating system will not see the particular printer.  Be sure that the driver  you pick is the right one for your version of the  operating system. (Win98, Win-ME,XP, Vista etc.)  Most drivers can be downloaded from the Internet.The driver (software that allows the printer to work) can be called Firmware also.

READ THIS !!! Is it under warranty? If so PLEASE check with the store you bought it from or call the manufacturer.  Store warranties vary.  I have seen some that are only 10 days and some that have been as long as 30 days. Most Manufacturer warranties are one year long unless you purchased a longer warranty.   If all else fails I would suggest to buy a new printer.  To find a technician in your area that can solve the problem will be way to expensive.  Printer are considered as throw away.  Many things are that way now days.  It will probably more expensive to fix it than to buy a new one. If you decide to dispose of it please check you local area recycling laws.  You may get fined if you do it wrong.