Thursday, March 3, 2011

Guide to Fix Chkdsk Error And Repair Damaged Data

Chkdsk or "check disk" is a software program which is specifically designed to scan and report on the integrity as well as behavior of the computer hard drive. Main function of it is to locate and correct the errors in the file system on the hard disk drives. Chkdsk is triggered in order to run due to shutting down computer system improperly, power failure, accidental deletion etc. Some important feature of this tool is that it can perform disk checking to search for corrupted files, folders, bad disk sectors etc and repair all the corruption issues.

If you are receiving Chkdsk error message in the computer screen then you should not take it lightly because this error appears in the computer screen due to problem in the hard drive. All the important information is stored in the hard drive of the Windows operating system, in case you are receiving chkdsk error then you should check

Chkdsk error is reported from bad volumes as well as partitions of the hard drive. If you have kept backup copy of the data then you can make use of chkdsk command to identify and repair the error. Although this tool is helpful to repair corruption issues but it can create problem of its own. Like in case the system is shut down incorrectly or computer crash then it needs to run upon the next boot up process. When this application is running then it requires exclusive access to hard drive, so you will not able to access the hard drive when this tool is running. In case it happens regularly then you will not able to access the hard drive for hours or weeks.

So, if you are receiving "check disk" error message or if it is not responding to your action then you might have other problem like blue death screen error, system crash etc. Main task of check disk is to correct the incorrect registry settings, in case you are unable to fix the error even after using this command then you need to correct the registry settings by yourself. In case you don't have technical knowledge then you should avoid making use of manual technique to repair the incorrect registry entries.

For those users who are not having technical knowledge it is risky to correct the registry entries by themselves. They need to fix chkdsk error by using automated fix tool. This tool is able to repair the incorrect registry entries safely. To get detailed knowledge on the technique of fixing the error message follow the link provided below http://www.msvcp100dllerrorfix.com.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Why Don't I Get Sound From My PC?

I need to say that due to technology changes there is no simple answer to this. I want to first discuss mother boards. Older machines may have mother boards that have separate cards. That is to say the sound card, Video card and others were all separate. Most of the mother boards today are integrated. This means that video, sound, Network cards as well as other necessities are integrate right into the board.

Why am I telling you this? If you don't have the original driver disks or floppy drive that came with the separate card or device you may need to go through a lot of work to reload the driver you need if you ever need to reload it for any reason. With motherboards that are integrated you will also need the original drivers. However, they are either on the Manufacturer's web site or on a disk if the computer was built by you or someone else.

I know this seems unimportant but you will see why I told you this shortly.

Here is the troubleshooting steps to find out why you're not getting any sound:
1. Go to the back of the computer. Find the plug that goes to the speakers. See if it is plugged into the proper outlet of your sound card. This is normally a light green color. Either that or try each one and test to see if you have sound or not. Media player has samples you can use or try a music CD.
2. Check to see if you have power to the speakers. If you have speakers that has a transformer (most do) be sure it is plugged in to a power strip that is turned on.
3. Check the power button on the speaker itself. If it is on, most speaker will show an indicator light which should be green.
4. Here is the one I usually find: Be sure the sound knob is turned up. I have found this turned down in many cases.
5. Test to see if you now have sound.
6. If you still don't have sound things start getting more complex. Find the small speaker emblem in the lower right corner of your computer screen. (Some sound cards will put a different emblem there). Double click it or whatever program you are using. A screen should come up that shows sliders. Be sure these are turned all the way up. There is a small square in the lower left corner of the Speaker volume section. BE SURE "Mute all" is NOT clicked.
6. Again test for sound if you changed any settings.
7. If there is no small speaker or other program the driver is probably corrupt or is not working for some reason.
8. FOLLOW THIS CAREFULLY!! Left click "start". Right click "my computer". Left click on properties. You should see a hardware tab. Left click it. Left click the octagonal button that says "device manager". This is the screen that shows the devices installed in your computer. If there is an explanation mark or other symbol chances are the driver for the sound card isn't working. If that is the case your sound will not work until you fix it.
9. Find your original disk for the sound card or the board if sound is integrated in the mother board. Double click on the device unknown section. Find the "driver" tab. click on "update driver" and follow the instructions. Sometimes you will need to go to the manufacture web site to find drivers.
The above instructions should allow you to have sound again. If not you may have other serious problems. Here are some possibilities: Problems with operating system, Bad sound card (if separate form board), Bad motherboard, plugged into wrong sound card if there is more than one installed and others.

If you can't figure out what the real problem is you need to find a professional to take it to.

Dennis is a Microsoft A+ Certified Technician with over 15 years of experience. He has a very informative computer blog and website that goes into how to solve numerous computer related problems as well as providing general computer tips, reviews and advice. See: http://www.pcinfospace.com

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

How To Increase The Efficiency Of Your Computing Experience

Many people buy a computer not thinking about what they need to do to keep it operating in the most efficient way so that you can get their work done faster and easier.

Locating your computer

Be sure to locate the computer in an area where it can't be hit or knocked over. If you put it under a table or desk be sure you can't accidentally kick it or damage it. The cases are all plastic. Many people still put them right on their desk. That's OK if you are sure you can't accidentally knock it over or spill something on it.

If you have a laptop

Keep it in the same place at all times. This way you don't have to worry about where it is. Don not let others use it. Keep it in a secure place so it can't be stolen. Use a docking station if practical. This way you don't have to plug in your printer, monitor or other external devices ever time you bring it back to your office.

Cable problems

It seems like more and more cables are added to computers. You can have cables for you mouse, keyboard, printer and other devices. If you have these cables under your desk you could trip on them and maybe accidentally unplug one or more. To prevent some of this problem you can use a wireless keyboard and mouse. It will at least help.

Clutter

Clutter is a big problem in any office or work area. Get yourself some shelves or filing cabinets. This will help you know where things are when you need them. Do not print out anything you don't have to. You can file your documents on your computer. Be sure you put it in a folder (directory) that you create and label it so you can find it again. This will keep you from having to find a place for it on a shelf or on your desk.

Back up your data

This is far more important than you think. You can buy programs that will do it automatically. A One Touch drive is great for this purpose. Once you have set it up, all you have to do is literally touch a button and it will back it up for you. The reason it will increase you efficiency is that if your hard drive crashes you will have everything backed up and you can get up and running much faster. You don't have to worry that you might lose your valuable files.

Get comfortable

You will be able to spend far more time at your computer if your comfortable. Get a chair that is easy to sit on. Lighting is very important also. You will have less eye strain and you might even feel like working.

The above suggestion are only that. The main thing is that you don't let anything interrupt whatever you plan to do with your computer.

Dennis is a Microsoft A+ Certified Technician with over 15 years of experience. He has a very informative computer blog and website that goes into how to solve numerous computer related problems as well as providing general computer tips, reviews and advice. See: http://www.pcinfospace.com