Hard-Drive Headaches

By: Hiawatha BrayTue Dec 18, 2007 at 11:49 PM

When your PC goes from being your favorite tool to an inert mass of silicon that resists your every command, and you feel a pounding in your brain, you've got a hard-drive headache. Take these remedies to get fast relief - and call us in the morning.

Dead Air

"American modems are programmed to listen for American dial tones," Kelly says. "Outside the United States, the dial tones are different.'' TeleAdapt offers pamphlets on overseas use of many communications-software programs, so you can find out how to adjust your modem to those strange tones.

Coordinates: TeleAdapt Ltd., http://www.teleadapt.com

Rx for Windows 95

Think you've got computer problems? Steve Jenkins has hundreds of them. And he has a solution to match each one. Jenkins founded the Windows95.com site http://www.windows95.com to help users deal with the many glitches that plague Windows 95. Here are his top tips for keeping your PC alive.

Designate Your Drivers

Drivers are the vital little programs that control your PC's interaction with add-on hardware devices, including printers and monitors. "There's a very good chance that a problem with a hardware device can be fixed with an updated driver," says Jenkins. Windows95.com features links to manufacturer's sites, from which you can download the newest drivers. The software is free.

Zap Those Bugs

Many popular programs are riddled with bugs that didn't get stomped on during the testing process. To eliminate these vermin, get a service pack. "A service pack is an interim release for an operating system or a software package," says Jenkins. Software companies roll them out regularly, and the packs usually include repairs for bugs that have infested earlier versions of the software. Service packs for Windows 95 are available for free through Jenkins's site.

Hang with the Big Tippers

You can solve - or at least avoid - many common problems by learning more about how your software works. Windows95.com contains hundreds of handy tips that can bail you out of a tough spot. Say you can't get your internal modem to work. To get help, you'll need to know the modem's brand name. Windows 95 will tell you - if you just know how to ask. And you will know, after a quick visit to Windows95.com.

Coordinates: Steve Jenkins, webmaster@windows95.com