Thursday, March 27, 2014

Instructions For Taking Screenshots In A Windows Machine

A screenshot is an image that shows anything on your computer screen. If you are a beginner to using a Windows operating system, you can immensely benefit from the screenshots to know how to run an application as it helps you with a pictorial explanation. Screenshots are also useful while contacting Windows support. Users can take a screenshot of any of the errors they receive while running an application and send it to the concerned Windows technical support department and seek assistance. The screenshots will allow the Windows technical support personnel to get an immediate understanding of the problem and resultantly, they could help the users with the most appropriate troubleshooting steps.

Taking screenshots in a Windows machine is not a big deal at all. You can take screenshots with a simple procedure. Microsoft has included the option to take screenshots in all its Windows operating systems starting from Windows 95. If you have not yet taken screenshots in your computer, read the following steps to learn how to do it.

Instructions
  • Screenshot is an image of your desktop screen. So, before taking a screenshot of your desktop screen, make sure that the applications running in the background or the windows kept open are properly arranged. If you plan to take a screenshot of an error message you receive while running an application, make sure that you have kept the window with the error message opened. Once you are ready with these, you can proceed with taking the screenshot. 
  • Locate the Print Screen key on the keyboard of your PC and press it. This will ensure that the image of your desktop screen is copied to the clipboard in the image format. If you do not want to take a screenshot of the entire screen but just the active window, press Alt + Print Screen combination. In some keyboards, the key that stands for print screen will only carry the abbreviated letters (prtscn or something similar to that).
  • After that, navigate to Start> All Programs> Accessories> Paint
  • Press Ctrl + V keys combinations on your keyboard to paste the image from the clipboard. 
  • You may edit the image and save the image in any of the given formats. 
You have now learnt how to take screenshots in your Windows machine now. If you have any other concerns regarding taking screenshots or saving them in multiple formats, get in touch with the Windows support service online.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Steps To Remove AVG Security Toolbar

Antivirus programs are very important for the smooth functioning of any computer. They protect your computer from various external threats like viruses, spyware programs, phishing, Trojans etc. With an updated antivirus program on your computer, the level of security threats against your computer becomes minimal. 

However, how can you verify that the website that you are browsing is safe or not? For this purpose, most of the antivirus programs have released toolbars. One such toolbar is the AVG Security toolbar. This toolbar helps you to find the page status, which you are currently browsing and this is an effective technique for safe browsing. 

Steps Involved 

Now, even though the security toolbar from AVG can be very helpful, it can make your internet browser slow down. Slow browsing can annoy you a lot. However, if you remove AVG toolbar from your computer, the browsing speed increases and web pages start to load faster. In this post, we will find out how to remove this toolbar from your computer and from your internet browser. 

Remove AVG security toolbar from Internet Explorer
  • Launch Internet Explorer and click the option Tools.
  • From the sub menu, choose Manage Add-ons.
  • From the Manage Add-ons window, locate and select AVG Security Toolbar.
  • Click the option Disable found at the bottom of the window. 
  • The above step temporarily disables the toolbar from the browser. 
  • If at any point of time you wish to enable the toolbar, open Manage Add-ons window and choose the option Enable after selecting AVG Security Toolbar from the list of add-ons
Remove AVG security toolbar from Google Chrome
  • Launch Google Chrome and select the option Settings from the wrench icon.
  • Click Extensions and from the list of add-ons in the browser, locate AVG Security Toolbar.
  • Remove the check mark from the option Enabled to disable the toolbar.
Remove AVG security toolbar from your computer
  • Select the Start menu and click the option Run.
  • In the Run window, enter appwiz.cpl and click OK. This is the shortcut method to access the Add or Remove Programs window. 
  • Once you are in this window, locate AVG Security Toolbar and click the option Remove. Follow the on-screen instructions to remove AVG toolbar from your computer. 
With the above steps, you can uninstall AVG toolbar from your computer. For additional assistance on toolbar removal, you may contact our technical support team.

Steps To Download The ISO File For Windows 8.1 Installation

When Microsoft released Windows 8, it had high expectations on it. Microsoft took several years for research activities before the development of the operating system. However, after the release of the operating system in the year 2012, Microsoft found that it has not met the expectations of its customers and soon, Microsoft began the development process of an updated operating system. Thus, we saw the release of Windows 8.1 in the following year.

Since Microsoft could not ask the existing Windows 8 customers to buy a new operating system the next year, the software giant offered Windows 8.1 to Windows 8 customers free of cost. However, Windows 8 customers are unable to download the Windows 8.1 ISO file in order to upgrade Windows 8 to Windows 8.1.

So, is there a solution for this trouble? Yes, there is. Some of you might have used Windows Setup Utility in downloading Windows 8 ISO file. The same utility can be used to download and setup Windows 8.1 ISO file and in this post, we will take you through the steps involved. However, keep in mind that this form of installation does not allow you carry out a clean installation. It only lets you to perform an upgrade installation.

Steps Involved
  • Launch your Internet Browser and navigate to the web page for Upgrade Windows with only a product key.
  • Select the option Install Windows 8 in this page.
  • The above step will initiate a setup utility.
  • Type the Windows 8 product key with you in the corresponding space and initiate the download. 
  • When the download begins, close down the utility.
  • Go back to the page for Windows Upgrade and here, select the option Install Windows 8.1. 
  • The above step will start downloading the ISO file. Keep in mind that you do not have to enter the product key again.
  • When the download finishes, you will find three options, which are Install now, Install by creating media and Install later from your desktop.
  • Select the second option, which is Install by creating media and choose the button Next. 
  • The above step gives you two options. One is ISO File and other is USB Flash Drive.
  • Select ISO file and start downloading the operating system.
You may later use the downloaded ISO file to make an upgrade installation of Windows 8.1. Remember that Windows 8.1 download and upgrade installation is almost similar to downloading Windows 8 and installing it. Therefore, if you have already used Windows 8 ISO file to install the operating system, then it should be an easy process.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

How To Remove SparkleBox Toolbar From Google Chrome?

There are multiple ways to remove toolbar when your web browser is troubled by one. The easiest method is to remove it from the Control Panel. The steps are the same as with removing any program or application from the Control Panel. If this method does not work, users can try to remove the toolbar from their respective web browser settings.

The third method is the final resort. If neither of the said methods worked, you can execute this. It involves running a third party toolbar remover tool. When you run a toolbar remover tool, it traces all the files stored in the computer database associated with the toolbar, and removes them all. Here, we discuss each of these methods briefly in our attempt to get rid of SparkleBox toolbar. Users are requested to choose the appropriate method.

Toolbar removal from Control Panel
  • Go to the Start button and select Control Panel from the menu.
  • In the Control Panel window, locate Add/Remove Programs icon and double-click on it to open.
  • When the Add/Remove Programs window is loaded with the list of all the installed programs in the PC, trace SparkleBox toolbar.
  • Highlight it and select the Remove button.
  • Follow the on-screen directions to uninstall the toolbar.
  • After the removal of the toolbar, be sure to restart your computer.
Toolbar removal from respective web browser (Google Chrome)
  • Open your Google Chrome web browser and go to the Settings menu. The Settings menu is located at the top right corner of the web browser screen. It is a button that consists of three horizontal lines.
  • Select Tools followed by Extension from the Settings menu.
  • Google Chrome will now display a list of all the extensions and add-ons installed in your web browser.
  • Browse through the list till you find SparkleBox. After locating SparkleBox toolbar in the list, highlight it and press the icon shown in trash symbol. Pressing this icon will remove SparkleBox toolbar from your web browser for ever. If Chrome requests you to confirm your decision to remove the toolbar, click Yes.
We have discussed the two simple methods to remove toolbar from our web browsers. If either of these didn’t help you with the desired result, try to remove the toolbar that bothers you, using an authentic toolbar remover tool. Make sure that you download the toolbar remover tool only from known websites or download centres.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

How To Configure Outlook 2013

This article describes how to configure Outlook 2013 to remote connect to the Microsoft Exchange Email system, through an internet connection. If it is not currently possible to access contacts, task-lists, calendars through the Office 2013 suite of applications, or Windows 8; then here are the Outlook setting instructions to configure the 2013 version of the application.

Outlook setting instructions
  • Set up an email profile.
  • You can open Start and go to Control Panel.
  • Then you can enter Mail into the search box in the Control Panel window to find the Mail applet.
  • Then you need to click Mail or Mail.
  • Please note that the Mail icon will not appear unless you have Outlook installed.
  • Then, in the Mail Setup dialog box, you can click on Show Profiles.
  • After that, add a new profile as follows. In case, you already have a profile: Select Prompt for a profile to be use.
  • Then click on Add. In the Profile Name box, you need to enter a name for the new profile.
  • Then, after choosing an existing profile or creating a new one, you can click on the OK button.
  • Then you can choose Manually configure server settings or additional server types and then click on the Next button.
  • After that, select Pop or IMAP then click Next.
  • Subsequently, under User Information, in the Your Name field, you can enter your name.
  • Then in the Email Address: field, enter your LSE email address.
  • After that, Under Server Information, in the Account Type dropdown box, and select IMAP.
  • Then, In the Incoming Mail Server: field, enter exchange.lse.ac.uk.In the Outgoing Mail Server: field, enter smtp.lse.ac.uk.
  • Under Logon Information in the User Name: field, enter your LSE network username in the format lse\YOURUSERNAME\YOUREMAIL ALIAS.
  • In the Password: field, enter your LSE network password
  • In the same window, you can click on the More Settings... button.
  • A new window will appear. Click on the Outgoing Server tab.
  • After that, tick the My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication box, and select the Log on using option.
  • Then in the User Name: field, enter your LSE network username, in the format lse\YOUR USERNAME.
  • In the Password: field, enter your LSE network password.
  • Then click on the Advanced tab.
  • Then under Incoming Server: change the Use the following type of encrypted connection: to SSL, and ensure the port number is changed to 993.
  • After that, you can click on the OK or Next button. Your details will then be verified and set up will complete.
This should work; these settings should help you successfully configure Outlook 2013.

Eliminate The Yahoo Toolbar From Your Web Browser

A web browser is an useful application that helps one in browsing the internet. Since internet plays a vital role in our daily life, it is essential for a person to keep a safe browser to toggle between different websites. Yahoo! is one of the most popular search engines that offer a variety of services and inorder to reduce the hassle of accessing all the services of Yahoo, a Yahoo! toolbar is offered. If you are a frequent user of Yahoo! services, you will find this toolbar quite useful. However, if you rarely access the Yahoo utilities, then the toolbar is going to be a headache for you.

When you install the Yahoo! toolbar on your web browser, you may find it quite difficult to view the full web page because the toolbar would have occupied more space on your web browser. Even though the utility will be useful, it will soon turn to be quite annoying and you would definitely think about removing Yahoo toolbar.

Let us see the instructions that you need to follow for removing Yahoo toolbar from web browsers.

Removing toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
  • Open Mozilla Firefox.
  • Select Tools button that you would find on the top of the browser screen.
  • From the menu listed, choose Add-ons.
  • The installed add-ons will now be listed and you need to choose Yahoo! Toolbar. You need to select Uninstall to uninstall the toolbar completely from your computer. Select Uninstall once again and this will confirm the permanent removal of the toolbar from your computer.
  • You need to now click Restart Firefox that you find on top of the browser window. This will finish uninstallation of browser toolbar.
Removing toolbar from Internet Explorer
  • You need to click on Start button on the desktop and click Control Panel.
  • From the items listed in the Control Panel, choose Add or Remove Programs. If you have another operating system like Windows 7, select Uninstall a Program. This will open a new screen with programs listed. This may take some time to open and it will depend upon the speed of your computer.
  • From the list of programs installed, choose Yahoo! Toolbar and select Remove. This will help in removing Yahoo toolbar completely from your computer.
These are the different steps that one needs to follow for uninstalling the Yahoo toolbar from the web browser.

Monday, March 17, 2014

Using Windows Vista 32 Bit In Safe Mode

I own a laptop running on Windows Vista operating system and I use this computer for performing most of my work. Normally, when I start the computer, it takes a lot of time to boot and I understood that some conflicts are preventing my Vista computer from normal booting. However, I was able to solve this issue by booting the Vista computer in Safe Mode.

Safe Mode in Windows Vista

Windows Vista operating system provides an advanced boot option called as Safe Mode. Starting Vista computer in Safe mode will help to start a Vista computer when any hardware or software conflict occurs hindering the normal booting. When Vista loads in Safe mode, it will load only the crucial elements and will load without elements like startup programs or display drivers. Moreover, it will also offer tools like System Restore that will help a user to correct any Vista problems. Given below are some easy instructions given by the Windows Vista help team for using a Windows Vista computer in safe mode.

Instructions
  • Plug the cable of your Windows Vista 32-bit system and power it on. Wait until the Windows Vista system completes booting.
  • Before the Windows Vista logo appears on the desktop screen, you need to continuously tap the key named F8 using your keyboard. Now an Advanced Boot Options screen will open on your screen.
  • Select Safe Mode by using the arrows seen in the keyboard and to boot straight in to the Safe Mode, you need to press the key called Enter seen in the keyboard. 
  • Once you enter in to the Safe Mode, you need to move the mouse pointer towards the Windows Start button and click it. Then you need to click the option named All programs, then Accessories, then to System tools and finally System Restore. This will start the System Restore window on your Vista screen.
  • Next, access the Control Panel window by clicking the Start button followed by clicking the option labeled Control Panel.
  • From the Control Panel window, click the option labeled System and Maintenance, followed by clicking the option called Device Manager. From the Device Manager window, you need to click the option called Device Drivers. This utility helps you to view, add or remove any hardware drivers from your Windows Vista system.
The above said instructions given by the Windows Vista help team will help you to use your Windows Vista 32-bit computer in Safe mode. To know more, contact the Microsoft support center. 

Sunday, March 2, 2014

For Removing The Ask Toolbar Easily From Your Browser

If you have used different applications or programs, you would be aware of the of toolbars that are designed for easing your various online tasks. But, when toolbars are downloaded or installed by applications that we do not intend to use, they turn out to be a nuisance. You would have definitely typed some queries at the Ask.com website and this would have ended up in your browser installing their toolbar that now refuses to leave from your web browser. If this is the situation, you might be quite annoyed at the moment. Your available browser window shrinks due to the toolbar that have occupied its position on your screen. If you want to get rid of it, follow the below mentioned steps that would take care of Ask toolbar removal.

The steps given below is for the manual Ask toolbar removal process.

On Windows XP
  • You need to click on Start button on your desktop and click on Control Panel.
  • Now click on Add or Remove Programs and click Ask Toolbar.
  • Now select Remove.
On Windows 7 or Windows Vista
  • You need to click on Start button on your desktop and select Control Panel.
  • Now navigate to Programs/Programs and features and select Uninstall a program.
  • Now right click on Ask Toolbar and other related elements and select Uninstall button.
On Windows 8
  • Here, you need to move to the Charm bar and select Settings and choose Control Panel.
  • Select Uninstall a program and from the list of programs, choose Ask toolbar and uninstall the same.
Applying changes in the browser settings

On IE
  • You need to open Internet Explorer and click Tools and select Manage Add-ons and select Toolbars and Extensions.
  • You need to disable the unwanted toolbars.
  • In Search Providers, you need to select Remove Ask search supplier.
  • Now move to Tools and select Internet Options.
  • Select General tab and select Modify the startup site and select Apply.
On Google Chrome
  • Open Google Chrome and press Alt + F and open Tools and then Extensions.
  • Find Ask Toolbar and remove it.
  • On Settings, select On Startup.
  • On Page Setup, give the new home page name and click OK.
  • Under search section, select Manage search engines.
  • Now uninstall the unwanted search provider and press Make default.
These are the different steps that you need to implement for Ask toolbar removal.