[franca]

Printing Error Messages*

We all have computer mishaps and end up having to call for help. One of the first questions the helper (tech support) always asks is, “What was the message you received?”

Most of the time, in our frustration, we failed to write down the content of the message. Here is a tip that will bypass the writing altogether and allow you to answer that first question from your digital helper.

When an error occurs follow these steps:

1. Before Clicking on the OK or Cancel button on the error message press the Print Screen button on your keyboard (it’s located above the Delete, and Home keys on the middle of your keyboard)
2. Close the error message
3. Open your favorite word processing software (Word, Works, WordPerfect, etc)
4. Click Edit
5. Click Paste
6. A picture of your computer screen (with the pesky error window) will appear
7. Click File
8. Click Print

That’s it!! No writing or fumbling for paper, simply press a few keystrokes, and you have a nice clean printout of the error message.

*Note: This tip will not work with the infamous Blue Screen of Death or if the computer freezes

[Callum_Dawson]

Good tip, but for those of you that still can't see the key after it being explained then look at http://www.windows-help-central.com/...nt-screen2.jpg

[Gizzy]

For message boxes you can also press Ctrl+C to copy the message to your clipboard.

http://weblogs.asp.net/chuckop/archi...08/110153.aspx
http://lifehacker.com/268547/copy-er...-the-clipboard

[hewee]

CopyMessageBox is a good one also.

Just unzip to folder and run.

http://www.thyante.com/index.php?id=3,0,0,1,0,0

Get all the text in the detail of the error

[franca]

Quick ways to turn off your PC..

Hibernate vs. Sleep: What’s the difference?

When you shut down your computer, you turn everything off. All of your applications, windows and documents have to be closed. Starting up your computer again can take some time. And then you have to reopen everything you want to use.

To save time, you can use Hibernate or Sleep. Both of these save the exact state of your computer. You don’t have to close anything. All your windows, programs and documents are stored as-is.

When you start up the computer, everything is restored. All your windows are just as you left time. They’re even in the same place on your desktop. And you can pick up right where you left off.

They both still seem the same, don’t they? But each offers a different level of power saving and convenience.

Sleep

When using Sleep, your computer’s state is stored in RAM. The display is turned off. Your hard drive is stopped. And other components are shut down. But a minimal amount of power is still applied to the RAM. This allows the RAM to hold on to your computer’s state.

So, your computer isn’t completely off. Starting the computer from Sleep is almost instantaneous. That’s really convenient. You can jump right back into what you were doing.

The downside of Sleep is that it still requires some power. If you lose power for any reason, the RAM is wiped. You’ll lose your computer’s stored state. That could also mean losing any work you haven’t saved.

Hibernate

When using Hibernate, your computer’s state is stored on the hard drive. Your hard drive doesn’t require power to hold on to that information. So, your computer can turn off power to everything.

Starting from Hibernate has the same result as from Sleep. Your computer is restored to exactly where it was before. But coming out of hibernation takes longer. So, it’s less convenient.

But you don’t have to worry about losing power. Even if power is cut, the computer’s state is still stored. Nothing will be lost.

Mac OS X and Windows Vista tweak these features slightly.

Windows Vista has something called Hybrid Sleep. This is a cross between the standard Hibernate and Sleep. The computer’s state is stored in RAM and on the hard drive. Power is still given to the RAM. If nothing changes, the computer boots quickly from RAM. But if power is lost, it boots from the hard drive. So, it’s the best of both worlds.

There is no hybrid Sleep button. It can be turned on and off in the control panel. If it’s on, putting the computer to Sleep automatically uses Hybrid Sleep.

You can check if Hybrid Sleep is on by clicking Start>>Control Panel. Then click Classic View on the left side. Double-click Power Options. Look to the left, and click “Change when the computer goes to Sleep.” Next, select “Change advanced power settings.” A new Power Options window will open. Click the + next to Sleep. Then click the + next to “Allow hybrid Sleep” You can turn it on or off from there. Click OK when finished.

Macs do not have a Hibernate option. But starting with Mac OS X 10.4, Apple introduced Safe Sleep. This does the same thing as Vista’s Hybrid Sleep. This feature is always on. Just click the Apple logo at the top of the screen. Then, select Sleep.

Can Hibernate hurt?

Hibernate and Sleep are just as safe as shutting down your computer. They offer energy savings and convenience. There's no reason you shouldn’t use them.

From Kim Komando site..

[franca]

If keyboard is not working, we can type using the mouse in Microsoft Windows:
Go to start Menu-> Run-> type osk (this means On-Screen keyboard). Then a keyboard opens, there you can click on the letter you want which will be printed in the document you are working.

[Callum_Dawson]

How can you type osk if the keyboard isn't working?

[Blackmirror]

Originally Posted by franca

If keyboard is not working, we can type using the mouse in Microsoft Windows:
Go to start Menu-> Run-> type osk (this means On-Screen keyboard). Then a keyboard opens, there you can click on the letter you want which will be printed in the document you are working.

Originally Posted by Callum_Dawson

How can you type osk if the keyboard isn't working?

I am waiting for the reply as well

[Gizzy]

Originally Posted by Callum_Dawson

How can you type osk if the keyboard isn't working?

Originally Posted by Blackmirror

I am waiting for the reply as well

I've run into that problem before actually,
I had to copy and paste each letter from files or websites to get osk.

maybe that instruction can be edited though from type to copy and paste the letters from somewhere....

Although sometimes some keys will work and others won't, maybe you'll get lucky and those 3 will.

[franca]

How to adjust toolbars in Internet Explorer – Video Tip

[franca]

Originally Posted by Gizzy

I've run into that problem before actually,
I had to copy and paste each letter from files or websites to get osk.

maybe that instruction can be edited though from type to copy and paste the letters from somewhere....

Although sometimes some keys will work and others won't, maybe you'll get lucky and those 3 will.

Thanks Grizz......

[franca]

Originally Posted by Callum_Dawson

How can you type osk if the keyboard isn't working?

Then U just click ,start / all programs / accessories / accessibility...U will see the on-screen- keyboard.........in the menu........

[franca]

Originally Posted by Blackmirror

I am waiting for the reply as well

I thought U could have figured it out all by yourself LL.........

Then U just click ,start / all programs / accessories / accessibility...U will see the on-screen- keyboard.........in the menu........

[franca]

It's good practice to do the 'Disk Cleanup' monthly which deletes the unnecessary files stored in your computer.

[franca]