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","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;computers&quot;,&quot;pcs&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781394276943&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-67351397e4974\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;computers&quot;,&quot;pcs&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781394276943&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-67351397e50ac\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":0,"title":"","slug":null,"categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/"}}],"content":[{"title":"My computer’s basic information","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Here is some good information to have, not only for your own reference but also should you ever need to phone tech support, reference other material online, or boast to people you enjoy putting down.</p>\n<p>The following technical information is specific to your own computer, desktop, or laptop.</p>\n<p>Computer name: _______________________________________________<br />\n(The name given in Windows, the network name, or a pet’s name)</p>\n<p>Brand name: _________________________________________________<br />\n(The manufacturer, such as Compaq, Gateway, or Kaypro)</p>\n<p>Make: _________________________________________________<br />\n(The model’s name or number, if you know it. If not, make it up.)</p>\n<p>Serial number: ______________________<br />\n(Write it down now to save you some panic later.)</p>\n<p>Purchase date: ______________________________<br />\n(Extra parenthetical note here to please my editor.)</p>\n<p>My computer’s technical details</p>\n<p>This stuff may be important for tech support or a future upgrade. Details concealed in this book tell you how to find this information.</p>\n<p>Microprocessor: _____________________</p>\n<p>RAM (GB): _________________________</p>\n<p>Primary storage device capacity (GB): __________</p>\n<p>Video adapter: ___________________________</p>\n"},{"title":"Important contact information","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Keep these numbers here so that when you lose this sheet of paper, you feel truly screwed.</p>\n<p>My computer dealer: ______________________________________</p>\n<p>Dealer’s phone number: _________________________________________</p>\n<p>Dealer’s email: _______________________________________________</p>\n<p>Tech support phone line: ________________________________________</p>\n<p>Tech support email: ___________________________________________</p>\n<p>Internet provider name: _________________________________________</p>\n<p>Internet provider tech support line: _________________________________</p>\n<p>Internet service provider’s web page: ______________________________________</p>\n<p>Internet service provider’s email: ________________________________________</p>\n"},{"title":"Laptop battery-saving tips","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Here are some suggestions to make your battery last as long as possible without offending the laws of physics. These are all imperatives, though because English lacks an imperative case, I’ve ended each sentence with an exclamation point:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dim the screen!</li>\n<li>Mute the speaker!</li>\n<li>Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth!</li>\n<li>Run only necessary programs!</li>\n<li>Set a solid-color desktop!</li>\n<li>Enable low-battery warnings!</li>\n<li>Close unused programs!</li>\n<li>Customize the power management scheme!</li>\n<li>Charge your laptop when you can!</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Laptop bag checklist","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Here’s a smattering of items you might want to stuff into your laptop case or backpack. Storing these items there is trendier than sticking them all in your pockets — even when you wear cargo pants — because doing so would make you look like a dork.</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Laptop</li>\n<li>Power cord and adapter</li>\n<li>Wireless mouse and spare battery</li>\n<li>External storage</li>\n<li>Ethernet cable</li>\n<li>Pens, paper, sticky notes</li>\n<li>Screen wipes</li>\n<li>Headphones</li>\n<li>A copy of your presentation</li>\n<li>Media cards and thumb drives</li>\n<li>Lock or cable</li>\n<li>Business cards</li>\n<li>Snacks</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"General troubleshooting tips","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>This list of impressive tips was promoted from colonel troubleshooting tips in the previous edition.</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Restart Windows. This trick fixes many common problems.</li>\n<li>Ensure that all cables are properly connected.</li>\n<li>Remember that changes cause problems. Upgrading software or hardware or changing the settings in Windows usually causes whatever new problems your laptop encounters.</li>\n<li>Activate and use antivirus software.</li>\n<li>Affix a personal label or asset-tracking sticker to your laptop.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Helpful computer hints","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<ul>\n<li>Some of these items are found in the book; some of them are not.</li>\n<li>Keep Windows up-to-date!</li>\n<li>Always use your best posture while you compute. Don’t slouch! Elevate your wrists. Don’t tilt your head too far down.</li>\n<li>Skip this point.</li>\n<li>Get a UPS for your desktop PC. Plug the monitor, console, and external backup drive into the battery-backed-up sockets.</li>\n<li>Press the Fn key on your laptop in conjunction with other keys to activate special laptop features.</li>\n<li>Properly turn off your PC; use the Windows Shutdown command.</li>\n<li>You can connect and disconnect USB devices to and from the computer while the computer or device is on. However:</li>\n<li>Properly disconnect a thumb drive, media card, or external USB drive. Don’t just yank it out, no matter how much doing so pleases you.</li>\n<li>The best gift you can buy a desktop computer is more memory.</li>\n<li>Obtain an external drive and implement a backup regimen on your computer.</li>\n<li>Give yourself time to learn new software.</li>\n<li>The key to understanding software is to know what a <em>file</em> is. The key to organizing files is to know what a <em>folder</em> is.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Unhelpful computer hints","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Share this list with your enemies:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Using Windows version 8.0 is great. Downgrade at once!</li>\n<li>Put your passwords on sticky notes all around the monitor. Write down the website and account name. Print to make the details easy to read.</li>\n<li>Format drive C. The computer has an Undo command, right?</li>\n<li>The most effective way to turn off a computer is to just yank that plug right out of the socket.</li>\n<li>When the thumb drive doesn’t seem to fit into the USB port, try using a hammer.</li>\n<li>The vents on the back of a desktop computer provide an excellent location to dispose of discarded chewing gum.</li>\n<li>When the mouse pointer is stuck or nonresponsive, lift the mouse from the desktop and slam it back down</li>\n<li>Don’t worry about spilling coffee into a computer keyboard. Caffeine is an excellent cleanser.</li>\n<li>Click the link in that email message. Some foreign princes are truly magnanimous with their fortunes.</li>\n<li>Believe everything you read on the Internet.</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2024-11-13T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":302473},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2017-10-05T01:14:37+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-08-16T20:48:41+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:56+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Computers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33513"},"slug":"computers","categoryId":33513},{"name":"PCs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33536"},"slug":"pcs","categoryId":33536}],"title":"How to Restore a System Image on Your Windows PC","strippedTitle":"how to restore a system image on your windows pc","slug":"restore-system-image-windows-pc","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn when you would need to restore a system image on your Windows PC and the steps for using the system image.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"The only time you need to restore a system image on your Windows PC is when the entire hard drive is dead, missing, or replaced with a cheese sandwich. With all that data gone, you have to rely upon three items:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>A recovery volume:</strong> Use this media to start the PC and access the Windows Recovery Environment. The tools presented help you navigate through recovery.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>The system image:</strong> Use this information to restore Windows and other partitions as a base to rebuild your computer system. Tools on the recovery volume help you use the system image information.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>File History:</strong> Finally, with Windows restored, you run the File History program to recover your PC's lost files and programs.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nYou don't need to restore a system image if you merely need to recover from a Windows disaster. The first thing you should try is System Restore. Second, you can try to reset the PC. Otherwise, the process of using the system image works like this:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong>Start the PC by using the Windows Recovery Environment.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Choose Troubleshoot.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Choose Advanced Options.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Choose System Image Recovery.</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\nPoint the system image recovery tool at the location of the system image files, and then sit back and wait as the system is rebuilt.\r\n\r\nYes, the process is more complex than four simple steps. For example, you may need a replacement hard drive. The good news is that you have the system image if you need it. Along with a recent backup, you can fully restore your system no matter what happens to the computer.","description":"The only time you need to restore a system image on your Windows PC is when the entire hard drive is dead, missing, or replaced with a cheese sandwich. With all that data gone, you have to rely upon three items:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>A recovery volume:</strong> Use this media to start the PC and access the Windows Recovery Environment. The tools presented help you navigate through recovery.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>The system image:</strong> Use this information to restore Windows and other partitions as a base to rebuild your computer system. Tools on the recovery volume help you use the system image information.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>File History:</strong> Finally, with Windows restored, you run the File History program to recover your PC's lost files and programs.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nYou don't need to restore a system image if you merely need to recover from a Windows disaster. The first thing you should try is System Restore. Second, you can try to reset the PC. Otherwise, the process of using the system image works like this:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong>Start the PC by using the Windows Recovery Environment.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Choose Troubleshoot.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Choose Advanced Options.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Choose System Image Recovery.</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\nPoint the system image recovery tool at the location of the system image files, and then sit back and wait as the system is rebuilt.\r\n\r\nYes, the process is more complex than four simple steps. For example, you may need a replacement hard drive. The good news is that you have the system image if you need it. Along with a recent backup, you can fully restore your system no matter what happens to the computer.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. 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You can use this as a reference for technical information, internet, and email information, or how all those wires and peripherals should be hooked up to your PC — even while the computer is off. You’ll also want to check out the following list of helpful PC hints.","description":"Even though computers are supposed to make our lives easier, you may find it beneficial to print and complete some information about your personal computer (PC) on paper. You can use this as a reference for technical information, internet, and email information, or how all those wires and peripherals should be hooked up to your PC — even while the computer is off. You’ll also want to check out the following list of helpful PC hints.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. 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In 1991, his <i>DOS For Dummies</i> became the world's fastest-selling computer book and launched the <i>For Dummies</i> series. Dan's 130+ books have been translated into more than 30 languages. Visit his website at www.wambooli.com. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;computers&quot;,&quot;pcs&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119041771&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b38e3724\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;computers&quot;,&quot;pcs&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119041771&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b38e422f\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":139440,"title":"My PC’s Technical Information and Stuff","slug":"my-pcs-technical-information-and-stuff","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/139440"}},{"articleId":139438,"title":"The Things That Plug into Your PC","slug":"the-things-that-plug-into-your-pc","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/139438"}},{"articleId":139445,"title":"Important Contact and Support Information for Your PC","slug":"important-contact-and-support-information-for-your-pc","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/139445"}},{"articleId":139434,"title":"Helpful PC Hints","slug":"helpful-pc-hints","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/139434"}},{"articleId":139444,"title":"Your PC’s Internet Information","slug":"your-pcs-internet-information","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/139444"}}],"content":[{"title":"My PC's technical information and stuff","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The following technical information is specific to your own computer — stuff that you’ll probably reference from time to time but won’t necessarily bother storing in your brain.</p>\n<p>Print this page and write down the information, and then save the page with the other material that came with your computer.</p>\n<p>Make and model: ____________________</p>\n<p>Serial number: ______________________</p>\n<p>Microprocessor: _____________________</p>\n<p>RAM (MB): _________________________</p>\n<p>Primary storage device capacity (GB): __________</p>\n<p>Drive C is a ___ hard drive ___ SSD</p>\n<p>Drive ___ is a ___ hard drive ___ SSD</p>\n<p>Drive ___ is a ___ hard drive ___ SSD</p>\n<p>Drive ___ is an external backup drive.</p>\n<p>Drive ___ is an optical drive</p>\n<p>Drive ___ is a memory card drive. Type: _________________</p>\n<p>Drive ___ is a memory card drive. Type: _________________</p>\n<p>Drive ___ is a memory card drive. Type: _________________</p>\n<p>Drive ___ is a memory card drive. Type: _________________</p>\n<p>Drive ___ is _________________.</p>\n<p>Drive ___ is _________________.</p>\n"},{"title":"The things that plug into your PC","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Here’s a list of standard computer peripherals — items that attach to the PC console. Place an X in the box to indicate where each item is attached. This information can help you reconnect everything later, in case you ever need to move the computer or take it to the repair shop.</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Peripheral</th>\n<th>Back USB port</th>\n<th>Front USB port</th>\n<th>USB Hub A</th>\n<th>USB Hub B</th>\n<th>Other Port (specify)</th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Keyboard</td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mouse</td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Printer</td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Speakers</td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Backup drive</td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Media card reader</td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Optical Drive</td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Scanner</td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Headset</td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>UPS</td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>USB Hub A</td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>USB hub B</td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Other device: _________</td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Other device: _________</td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"},{"title":"Important contact and support information","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Use this space to fill in the phone numbers or email addresses of the various people who can help you with your computer, in the event your PC acts up. And, oh yes, it will act up.</p>\n<p>Computer dealer or retail store: ___________________</p>\n<p>Sales rep (name/ext.): ___________________________</p>\n<p>Next Sales rep after the first one gets fired:</p>\n<p>Dealer tech support: ____________________________</p>\n<p>Operating system support: _______________________</p>\n<p>ISP: _________________________________________</p>\n<p>ISP tech support: ______________________________</p>\n<p>Computer guru: _______________________________</p>\n"},{"title":"Helpful PC hints","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Here are some essential tips for working with your PC. Keeping your PC in good working order prolongs its life and prevents you from losing important data.</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Always use your best posture while you compute. Don’t slouch! Elevate your wrists. Don’t tilt your head too far down.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Get a UPS for your PC. Plug the monitor, console, and external backup drive into the battery-backed-up sockets.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Properly turn off your PC; use the Windows Shutdown command.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">You can connect and disconnect USB devices to and from the computer while the computer or the device is on.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">To get to the Control Panel in Windows 10, press Win+X and choose Control Panel from the super-secret menu.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">The best gift you can buy your PC is more memory.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Obtain an external hard drive and implement a backup regimen on your PC.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Remember to properly eject and safely remove any removable media in Windows; don’t just yank something out of your PC.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">The key to understanding software is to know what a <i>file</i> is. The key to organizing files is to know what a <i>folder</i> is.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Your PC's internet information","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Use this information to help keep track of your internet account information and other PC-related trivial tidbits that you should keep in one location (other than your brain or your PC):</p>\n<p>Internet login name: _________________________________</p>\n<p>Internet password: (Write down elsewhere.)</p>\n<p>My email address: _________________________________</p>\n<p>My email password: (Write down elsewhere.)</p>\n<p>My ISP’s domain name: _________________________________</p>\n<p>My web email address: _________________________________</p>\n<p>My web email password: (Write down elsewhere.)</p>\n<p>Other email address: _________________________________</p>\n<p>Other e-mail password: _________________________________</p>\n<p>POP server name: _________________________________</p>\n<p>SMTP server name: _________________________________</p>\n<p>Favorite flavor of ice cream: _________________________________</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"One year","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-12T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":207423},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:53:47+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-02-18T21:58:57+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:10+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Computers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33513"},"slug":"computers","categoryId":33513},{"name":"PCs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33536"},"slug":"pcs","categoryId":33536}],"title":"Troubleshooting & Maintaining Your PC All-in-One For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"troubleshooting & maintaining your pc all-in-one for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"troubleshooting-maintaining-your-pc-all-in-one-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Refer to this cheat sheet from Dummies.com for tips, tricks, and information when your computer starts acting funny.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Dive into this guide for your PC troubleshooting and maintenance needs. Refer here for tips, tricks, and information when your computer starts acting funny. Sadly, funny computer smells aren’t covered.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_283136\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-283136\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/PC-troubleshooting.jpg\" alt=\"PC troubleshooting\" width=\"556\" height=\"371\" /> © Milkovasa / Shutterstock.com[/caption]","description":"Dive into this guide for your PC troubleshooting and maintenance needs. Refer here for tips, tricks, and information when your computer starts acting funny. Sadly, funny computer smells aren’t covered.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_283136\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-283136\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/PC-troubleshooting.jpg\" alt=\"PC troubleshooting\" width=\"556\" height=\"371\" /> © Milkovasa / Shutterstock.com[/caption]","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33536,"title":"PCs","slug":"pcs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33536"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":284787,"title":"What Your Society Says About You","slug":"what-your-society-says-about-you","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","humanities"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/284787"}}],"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":245157,"title":"The Relationship Between PC Performance and Resources","slug":"relationship-between-pcs-performance-and-resources","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245157"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":283471,"title":"Laptop Keyboards","slug":"laptop-keyboards","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/283471"}},{"articleId":245446,"title":"How to Create the System Image for Your Windows PC","slug":"create-system-image-windows-pc","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245446"}},{"articleId":245443,"title":"Browsing File History","slug":"browsing-file-history","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245443"}},{"articleId":245440,"title":"Recovering an Older Version of a File with File History","slug":"recovering-older-version-file-file-history","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245440"}},{"articleId":245437,"title":"How to Select Folders for Backup on Your PC","slug":"select-folders-backup-pc","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245437"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282729,"slug":"troubleshooting-maintaining-pcs-all-in-one-for-dummies-4th-edition","isbn":"9781119740308","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119740304/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119740304/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119740304-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119740304/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119740304/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/troubleshooting-and-maintaining-pcs-all-in-one-for-dummies-4th-edition-cover-9781119740308-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Troubleshooting & Maintaining PCs All-in-One For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"9003\">Dan Gookin</b></b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;computers&quot;,&quot;pcs&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119740308&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b1e71197\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;computers&quot;,&quot;pcs&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119740308&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b1e71bca\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":187541,"title":"Important Info for My PC","slug":"important-info-for-my-pc","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187541"}},{"articleId":187546,"title":"Mantras of the PC Troubleshooter","slug":"mantras-of-the-pc-troubleshooter","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187546"}},{"articleId":187542,"title":"General PC Hardware Troubleshooting","slug":"general-pc-hardware-troubleshooting","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187542"}},{"articleId":187544,"title":"PC Network Troubleshooting","slug":"pc-network-troubleshooting","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187544"}},{"articleId":187543,"title":"Regular PC Maintenance","slug":"regular-pc-maintenance","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187543"}},{"articleId":187548,"title":"The Do’s and Don’ts of the PC","slug":"the-dos-and-donts-of-the-pc","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187548"}}],"content":[{"title":"Important info for my PC","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Here&#8217;s a handy place to keep all of your PC&#8217;s important info, in case you need to get the PC fixed. Print this page and fill in the blanks. Keep this sheet near your computer for quick reference.</p>\n<p>PC purchase date:____________________________________________</p>\n<p>PC make and model:_________________________________________</p>\n<p>PC serial number:____________________________________________</p>\n<p>PC manufacturer:____________________________________________</p>\n<p>PC dealer:__________________________________________________</p>\n<p>Manufacturer’s web support page:______________________________</p>\n<p>Manufacturer’s phone support number:__________________________</p>\n<p>Internet provider’s phone support number:________________________</p>\n<p>Startup key to press to display Boot menu:<br />\nF10, Enter, other: ___________________________________________</p>\n<p>Startup key to press to enter UEFI program:<br />\nF1, F2, Del, Enter, other:______________________________________</p>\n"},{"title":"Mantras of the PC troubleshooter","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Change causes trouble. Recall the items you’ve changed recently and you can better pinpoint problems and devise solutions. Use this list as a starting place:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Restart Windows to cure common ills. Sometimes, just signing out of Windows and signing back in can fix the problem.</li>\n<li>Rarely do you need to reinstall Windows. Use System File Checker in Safe mode to repair damage to Windows. Reinstall only after an unrecoverable disaster.</li>\n<li>When your computer is more than five years old, the problem is most likely the computer itself. Buy a new one.</li>\n<li>The best hardware upgrades are memory and storage, in that order. If the system needs a new processor, it’s better just to buy a new PC.</li>\n<li><a href=\"https://dummies-wp-admin.dummies.com/computers/pcs/select-folders-backup-pc/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Back up</a>. Back up. Back up.</li>\n<li>Use Safe mode for troubleshooting only; do not run applications or finish your work in Safe mode.</li>\n<li>Create a system repair disk. Label it. Keep it handy.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"General PC hardware troubleshooting","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>You should check a few standard things before you get your elbows greasy and end up with cables and computer parts strewn all over the floor. Review the items in this list first to determine what’s wrong:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Is it plugged in?</li>\n<li>Is it connected?</li>\n<li>Are the wires intact, not frayed or split?</li>\n<li>Is it turned on?</li>\n<li>Press and hold down the Power button for several seconds to turn off any computer.</li>\n<li>Hot things cause trouble. Ensure that the console’s air vents are unobstructed and that the fan is on. Touch a power brick to ensure that it’s not too hot. If it is hot, unplug it.</li>\n<li>Check the Device Manager for hardware conflicts detected by Windows.</li>\n<li>Swap out questionable hardware with hardware that works to help pinpoint the problem.</li>\n<li>The printer must be on <em>and</em> online or selected before you can print.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"PC network troubleshooting","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The internet is such a big part of using a computer that when you run into network trouble, you&#8217;ll want to pull out your hair (assuming you have hair). Here are some suggestions:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Run a firewall.</li>\n<li>Use antivirus and antispyware software to ensure that whatever comes in over the internet won’t mess up your computer.</li>\n<li>Using cloud storage is a great way to share files without having to bother with sharing individual folders on a network. If you have local network storage, use it for file sharing.</li>\n<li>Most internet connection woes are fixed by restarting the modem.</li>\n<li>To restart the network, turn everything off. Then turn on the modem, the gateway/router, any switches, and, finally, the PCs attached to the network.</li>\n<li>Ensure that the wireless NIC (network interface card) has been enabled on your laptop; check for a hardware switch, which could be a key combination or a physical button.</li>\n<li>Remember that sometimes a website can be down. Sometimes the entire internet can be down. The problem may be network-wide and not specific to your computer or local network.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Regular PC maintenance","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>One way to prevent trouble is to be a stickler for maintenance. Though it’s possible to use a PC and never maintain it, I believe you’ll find your computer-human relationship boosted by following these key words of advice:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Keep your PC’s files backed up.</li>\n<li>Create a one-time system image of your computer’s mass storage device, which includes Windows itself plus any recovery volumes and the EUFI (unified extensible firmware interface).</li>\n<li>Check the mass storage usage in the <em>This PC</em> window to ensure that you don’t exceed capacity on any drive.</li>\n<li>If you suspect mass storage problems, run the Check Disk utility to scan the drive for errors.</li>\n<li>In Windows 10, you don’t need to regularly run disk optimization utilities; it’s done automatically.</li>\n<li>Do not defragment an SSD (solid state drive), a thumb drive, a media card, or any flash memory.</li>\n<li>Clean your PC and vacuum the keyboard. Use the proper material to clean the LCD monitor. Avoid using caustic chemicals (ammonia, alcohol) to clean a touchscreen monitor. Keep dust and pet hair out of the console’s vents.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"The do's and don'ts of the PC","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Here’s some good advice for things you should and shouldn’t do when using a computer in a sane and useful manner:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Do pay attention to the User Account Controls (UACs) warnings. They imply that a setting change affects the entire system or could post a security risk.</li>\n<li>Do run a firewall, and allow expected traffic to access the local network and internet. Only deny unexpected firewall requests.</li>\n<li>Do check regularly with the Windows Security Center window. Ensure that antivirus and malware protection is always working.</li>\n<li>Do install Windows updates as they arrive.</li>\n<li>Do classify public wireless networks as Public whenever you make a connection.</li>\n<li>Don’t open the PC’s case unless you first turn off and unplug the thing.</li>\n<li>Don’t open unexpected email attachments.</li>\n<li>Don’t reply to alarmist email messages or requests for access to certain websites. When in doubt, phone the business claiming to send the message, to confirm that it’s legitimate.</li>\n<li>Don’t download unknown software from the internet.</li>\n<li>Do pay attention to the prompts when downloading software, to ensure that you’re not automatically installing shopping buddies, toolbars, or alternative search engines.</li>\n<li>Do update your wireless router’s settings upon initial configuration.</li>\n<li>Do remember that “stuff” happens.</li>\n<li>Don’t blame yourself when the computer crashes.</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"One year","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-02-18T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208602},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T19:44:34+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-11-02T18:01:03+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:44+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Computers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33513"},"slug":"computers","categoryId":33513},{"name":"PCs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33536"},"slug":"pcs","categoryId":33536}],"title":"How to Search for Files from the DOS Command Prompt","strippedTitle":"how to search for files from the dos command prompt","slug":"how-to-search-for-files-from-the-dos-command-prompt","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Searching for files using the DOS Command Prompt may be tedious but it's a reliable way of scanning the entire hard drive!","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"By opening a command prompt window, you can search for files that Windows truly doesn’t want you to know are there. It’s a little technical, but when you really, <i>really</i> need to find a file, the method described in the following steps does the job:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">From the Start menu, search for and open the Command Prompt.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Type <b>CD</b>, a space, and then the backslash character.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<pre class=\"code\">CD /</pre>\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Press Enter. This command propels you to the root directory (folder) on the main hard drive.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Type DIR and a space.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Type the name of the file you’re looking for.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">For example, if you’re looking for the file <span class=\"code\">secret.doc</span>, type <b>secret.doc</b>. You can type upper- or lowercase letters.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">When you don’t know the full name, replace the part you don’t know with an asterisk (which is a <i>wildcard</i>). For example, you type <span class=\"code\">secret*</span> to search for all files beginning with the word <i>secret.</i></p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Don’t type any spaces. If you must type a space, use the <span class=\"code\">?</span> (question mark) character instead.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Type another space and then /S, a space, and /P.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The complete command line to look for the file <span class=\"code\">secret.doc </span>appears like this:</p>\r\n\r\n<pre class=\"code\">dir secret.doc /s /p</pre>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The <span class=\"code\">/s</span> option directs a search of all folders on the hard drive; the <span class=\"code\">/p</span> option pauses the display after each screen of text. Double-check everything!<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-289282\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/CommandPrompt.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"391\" /></p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Press the Enter key.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The results display one screen at a time.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Peruse the screen full of results.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">If you find a file that matches, you can open a Windows Explorer window to display the file’s folder.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Press Win+E to open a Windows Explorer window.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The pathname is found above the filename in the results. The pathname reads similar to this line:</p>\r\n\r\n<pre class=\"code\">&lt;span class=\"code\"&gt;Directory of C:UsersDangDocumentsForgotten&lt;/span&gt;</pre>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">If the file isn’t found, press Enter to see the next screen (if necessary).</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The prompt reads <span class=\"code\">Press any key to continue</span>, but the Enter key is the “any key.” Repeat Steps 7 and 8 to review the results.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Type the EXIT command to close the Command Prompt window when you’re done.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">Yes, this method is not only technical — it’s tedious. But the DIR command does a thorough job of scouring the entire hard drive. Sometimes you may want to use it just to confirm that a file <i>doesn’t</i> exist.</p>","description":"By opening a command prompt window, you can search for files that Windows truly doesn’t want you to know are there. It’s a little technical, but when you really, <i>really</i> need to find a file, the method described in the following steps does the job:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">From the Start menu, search for and open the Command Prompt.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Type <b>CD</b>, a space, and then the backslash character.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<pre class=\"code\">CD /</pre>\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Press Enter. This command propels you to the root directory (folder) on the main hard drive.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Type DIR and a space.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Type the name of the file you’re looking for.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">For example, if you’re looking for the file <span class=\"code\">secret.doc</span>, type <b>secret.doc</b>. You can type upper- or lowercase letters.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">When you don’t know the full name, replace the part you don’t know with an asterisk (which is a <i>wildcard</i>). For example, you type <span class=\"code\">secret*</span> to search for all files beginning with the word <i>secret.</i></p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Don’t type any spaces. If you must type a space, use the <span class=\"code\">?</span> (question mark) character instead.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Type another space and then /S, a space, and /P.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The complete command line to look for the file <span class=\"code\">secret.doc </span>appears like this:</p>\r\n\r\n<pre class=\"code\">dir secret.doc /s /p</pre>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The <span class=\"code\">/s</span> option directs a search of all folders on the hard drive; the <span class=\"code\">/p</span> option pauses the display after each screen of text. Double-check everything!<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-289282\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/CommandPrompt.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"391\" /></p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Press the Enter key.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The results display one screen at a time.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Peruse the screen full of results.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">If you find a file that matches, you can open a Windows Explorer window to display the file’s folder.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Press Win+E to open a Windows Explorer window.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The pathname is found above the filename in the results. The pathname reads similar to this line:</p>\r\n\r\n<pre class=\"code\">&lt;span class=\"code\"&gt;Directory of C:UsersDangDocumentsForgotten&lt;/span&gt;</pre>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">If the file isn’t found, press Enter to see the next screen (if necessary).</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The prompt reads <span class=\"code\">Press any key to continue</span>, but the Enter key is the “any key.” Repeat Steps 7 and 8 to review the results.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Type the EXIT command to close the Command Prompt window when you’re done.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">Yes, this method is not only technical — it’s tedious. But the DIR command does a thorough job of scouring the entire hard drive. Sometimes you may want to use it just to confirm that a file <i>doesn’t</i> exist.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33536,"title":"PCs","slug":"pcs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33536"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":284787,"title":"What Your Society Says About You","slug":"what-your-society-says-about-you","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","humanities"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/284787"}}],"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":245446,"title":"How to Create the System Image for Your Windows PC","slug":"create-system-image-windows-pc","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245446"}},{"articleId":245443,"title":"Browsing File History","slug":"browsing-file-history","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245443"}},{"articleId":245440,"title":"Recovering an Older Version of a File with File History","slug":"recovering-older-version-file-file-history","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245440"}},{"articleId":245437,"title":"How to Select Folders for Backup on Your PC","slug":"select-folders-backup-pc","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245437"}},{"articleId":245434,"title":"Firewall Rules","slug":"firewall-rules","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245434"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":283471,"title":"Laptop Keyboards","slug":"laptop-keyboards","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/283471"}},{"articleId":245446,"title":"How to Create the System Image for Your Windows PC","slug":"create-system-image-windows-pc","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245446"}},{"articleId":245443,"title":"Browsing File History","slug":"browsing-file-history","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245443"}},{"articleId":245440,"title":"Recovering an Older Version of a File with File History","slug":"recovering-older-version-file-file-history","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245440"}},{"articleId":245437,"title":"How to Select Folders for Backup on Your PC","slug":"select-folders-backup-pc","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245437"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281884,"slug":"troubleshooting-maintaining-your-pc-all-in-one-for-dummies-3rd-edition","isbn":"9781119378358","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119378354/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119378354/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119378354-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119378354/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119378354/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/troubleshooting-and-maintaining-your-pc-all-in-one-for-dummies-3rd-edition-cover-9781119378358-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Troubleshooting & Maintaining Your PC All-in-One For Dummies, 3rd Edition","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"9003\">Dan Gookin</b></b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;computers&quot;,&quot;pcs&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119378358&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b0481601\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;computers&quot;,&quot;pcs&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119378358&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b0481fa0\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-11-02T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":184363},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T19:30:29+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-11-02T17:42:36+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:44+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Computers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33513"},"slug":"computers","categoryId":33513},{"name":"PCs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33536"},"slug":"pcs","categoryId":33536}],"title":"How to Use Unallocated Drive Space in Windows","strippedTitle":"how to use unallocated drive space in windows","slug":"how-to-use-unallocated-drive-space-in-windows","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Putting unallocated disk space to good use is not as intimidating as it sounds. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to help you.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"To make the unallocated portion of a hard drive useful, you must create a new volume, one that’s recognized by Windows. You can create three types of volumes:\r\n\r\n<b>Simple:</b> This typical hard drive is the type that most PC users have in Windows. If you’re shrinking a volume to create a new logical drive, such as a new drive F (or something), this option is the one you want.\r\n\r\n<b>Spanned:</b> A spanned volume combines two or more unallocated volumes, even on separate physical hard drives, creating a new drive. The new drive combines all the space of the various unallocated volumes into a single volume.\r\n\r\n<b>Striped:</b> Striped volumes are used to improve disk performance by spreading information between multiple disks. The net result is that several drives are used to quickly access information, which makes all disk operations faster. You need two or more unallocated chunks of disk space to set up a striped volume.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">If you’re using the new volume to install another operating system on the PC, do not create another volume in Windows. Just leave the volume unallocated and let the other operating system’s installation program do its thing with the drive.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Using Disk Management to allocate space</h2>\r\nTo allocate the unallocated space as a usable hard drive in Windows, follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Open the Disk Management console.</p>\r\n\r\n<ol class=\"level-two\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Open the Control Panel.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Open the Administrative Tools window.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">In Windows 7 and 10, choose System and Security and then choose Administrative Tools.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">In Windows Vista, choose System and Maintenance and then choose Administrative Tools.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">In Windows XP, open the Administrative Tools icon.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Open the Computer Management icon.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">In Vista, click Continue or type the administrator’s password.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/296073.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"321\" /></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose Disk Management.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Right-click the unallocated volume.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose New Simple Volume from the shortcut menu.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The New Simple Volume Wizard appears.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click the Next button.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Set the size of the new volume by using the Simple Volume Size in the MB text box.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The size is already preset to equal the entire disk capacity, which is recommended. If you need to set it to a smaller size, do so. The remaining space on the drive continues to be unallocated.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click the Next button.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Windows lets you assign the drive a letter, or you can mount the drive on an NTFS volume as a folder. Or, you can do neither, depending on how you fill in the wizard.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">(Optional) Choose a letter for the new volume.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">My advice is to use the letter that’s provided.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click the Next button.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Ensure the option Format This Volume with the Following Settings is chosen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Ensure that the NTFS format is chosen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click the Next button.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click the Finish button to create the new volume.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Windows prepares the disk by formatting it, laying down the tracks (or parking spaces) for the files. The amount of time taken to complete the operation depends on the size of the volume. Larger disk drives take longer to format.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The display in the Disk Management console shows the drive being formatted; you can watch its progress in the Status column at the top center of the window. The drive isn’t assigned its new letter until after it’s formatted.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">When the operation is complete, you can close the Disk Management console.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nThe newly created disk drive appears in the Computer window. It’s immediately available for use.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">The new volume may have less capacity than anticipated. The missing bytes are overhead, used by the formatting process.</p>","description":"To make the unallocated portion of a hard drive useful, you must create a new volume, one that’s recognized by Windows. You can create three types of volumes:\r\n\r\n<b>Simple:</b> This typical hard drive is the type that most PC users have in Windows. If you’re shrinking a volume to create a new logical drive, such as a new drive F (or something), this option is the one you want.\r\n\r\n<b>Spanned:</b> A spanned volume combines two or more unallocated volumes, even on separate physical hard drives, creating a new drive. The new drive combines all the space of the various unallocated volumes into a single volume.\r\n\r\n<b>Striped:</b> Striped volumes are used to improve disk performance by spreading information between multiple disks. The net result is that several drives are used to quickly access information, which makes all disk operations faster. You need two or more unallocated chunks of disk space to set up a striped volume.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">If you’re using the new volume to install another operating system on the PC, do not create another volume in Windows. Just leave the volume unallocated and let the other operating system’s installation program do its thing with the drive.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Using Disk Management to allocate space</h2>\r\nTo allocate the unallocated space as a usable hard drive in Windows, follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Open the Disk Management console.</p>\r\n\r\n<ol class=\"level-two\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Open the Control Panel.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Open the Administrative Tools window.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">In Windows 7 and 10, choose System and Security and then choose Administrative Tools.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">In Windows Vista, choose System and Maintenance and then choose Administrative Tools.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">In Windows XP, open the Administrative Tools icon.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Open the Computer Management icon.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">In Vista, click Continue or type the administrator’s password.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/296073.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"321\" /></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose Disk Management.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Right-click the unallocated volume.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose New Simple Volume from the shortcut menu.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The New Simple Volume Wizard appears.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click the Next button.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Set the size of the new volume by using the Simple Volume Size in the MB text box.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The size is already preset to equal the entire disk capacity, which is recommended. If you need to set it to a smaller size, do so. The remaining space on the drive continues to be unallocated.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click the Next button.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Windows lets you assign the drive a letter, or you can mount the drive on an NTFS volume as a folder. Or, you can do neither, depending on how you fill in the wizard.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">(Optional) Choose a letter for the new volume.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">My advice is to use the letter that’s provided.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click the Next button.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Ensure the option Format This Volume with the Following Settings is chosen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Ensure that the NTFS format is chosen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click the Next button.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click the Finish button to create the new volume.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Windows prepares the disk by formatting it, laying down the tracks (or parking spaces) for the files. The amount of time taken to complete the operation depends on the size of the volume. Larger disk drives take longer to format.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The display in the Disk Management console shows the drive being formatted; you can watch its progress in the Status column at the top center of the window. The drive isn’t assigned its new letter until after it’s formatted.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">When the operation is complete, you can close the Disk Management console.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nThe newly created disk drive appears in the Computer window. It’s immediately available for use.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">The new volume may have less capacity than anticipated. The missing bytes are overhead, used by the formatting process.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33536,"title":"PCs","slug":"pcs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33536"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat 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History","slug":"browsing-file-history","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245443"}},{"articleId":245440,"title":"Recovering an Older Version of a File with File History","slug":"recovering-older-version-file-file-history","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245440"}},{"articleId":245437,"title":"How to Select Folders for Backup on Your PC","slug":"select-folders-backup-pc","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245437"}},{"articleId":245434,"title":"Firewall Rules","slug":"firewall-rules","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245434"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":283471,"title":"Laptop Keyboards","slug":"laptop-keyboards","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/283471"}},{"articleId":245446,"title":"How to Create the System Image for Your Windows PC","slug":"create-system-image-windows-pc","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245446"}},{"articleId":245443,"title":"Browsing File History","slug":"browsing-file-history","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245443"}},{"articleId":245440,"title":"Recovering an Older Version of a File with File History","slug":"recovering-older-version-file-file-history","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245440"}},{"articleId":245437,"title":"How to Select Folders for Backup on Your PC","slug":"select-folders-backup-pc","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245437"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281884,"slug":"troubleshooting-maintaining-your-pc-all-in-one-for-dummies-3rd-edition","isbn":"9781119378358","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119378354/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119378354/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119378354-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119378354/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119378354/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/troubleshooting-and-maintaining-your-pc-all-in-one-for-dummies-3rd-edition-cover-9781119378358-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Troubleshooting & Maintaining Your PC All-in-One For Dummies, 3rd Edition","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"9003\">Dan Gookin</b></b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;computers&quot;,&quot;pcs&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119378358&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b0479442\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;computers&quot;,&quot;pcs&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119378358&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b0479ca5\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-11-02T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":183251},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T19:35:47+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-11-02T17:00:49+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:44+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Computers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33513"},"slug":"computers","categoryId":33513},{"name":"PCs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33536"},"slug":"pcs","categoryId":33536}],"title":"How to Determine If Your PC Has Bluetooth Capability","strippedTitle":"how to determine if your pc has bluetooth capability","slug":"how-to-determine-if-your-pc-has-bluetooth-capability","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"A simple step-by-step guide to determine whether your computer has Bluetooth hardware installed and pair new devices.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Much like everything else in your computer, Bluetooth functionality requires both hardware and software. Like a camera without film — one won't work without the other. Unfortunately, not all PCs arrive Bluetooth-ready right out of the box, especially older models.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">If your PC didn’t come with Bluetooth hardware installed, you can easily add some by purchasing a Bluetooth USB dongle.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Using Device Manager to find Bluetooth hardware</h2>\r\nTo determine whether your Windows PC has Bluetooth hardware, check Device Manager. Follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>Open the Windows Start Menu to search for and open the Control Panel.<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-289269\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/ControlPanel.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"341\" /></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose Hardware and Sound, and then choose Device Manager.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">In Windows 10, the Device Manager link can also be found beneath the Devices and Printers heading.<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-289270\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/DeviceManager.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"462\" /></p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Look for a Bluetooth drop-down menu in the list.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If any items are listed here, your PC has Bluetooth hardware installed, and you can safely assume that the software has been set up as well.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Close the various windows you opened.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Adding a Bluetooth device</h2>\r\nBluetooth software is typically supplied by Windows or whatever installation drive came with the hardware, so you shouldn't have to worry about setting that up too often. To connect to a new Bluetooth device, however, follow these steps:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">In Windows 10, go to Settings and then Devices.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click on Add Bluetooth or other device.<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-289277\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/AddBluetoothWindow.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"423\" /></p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose the type of device you want to connect to from the list.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Make sure the device is on a \"discoverable\" mode. Check the device's manual if you don't know how to do so.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Once discoverable, the device's name should appear on your screen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Select it and Windows should take care of the rest.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">You may now close all windows.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Bluetooth devices are <i>paired</i>, which means that they are assigned to work with only one device at a time.</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">The wireless networking used by Bluetooth isn’t as robust as Wi-Fi. For the most part, Bluetooth is a low-powered system. You can’t move a Bluetooth gadget more than 10 feet or so from its paired device without losing the signal.</p>","description":"Much like everything else in your computer, Bluetooth functionality requires both hardware and software. Like a camera without film — one won't work without the other. Unfortunately, not all PCs arrive Bluetooth-ready right out of the box, especially older models.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">If your PC didn’t come with Bluetooth hardware installed, you can easily add some by purchasing a Bluetooth USB dongle.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Using Device Manager to find Bluetooth hardware</h2>\r\nTo determine whether your Windows PC has Bluetooth hardware, check Device Manager. Follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>Open the Windows Start Menu to search for and open the Control Panel.<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-289269\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/ControlPanel.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"341\" /></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose Hardware and Sound, and then choose Device Manager.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">In Windows 10, the Device Manager link can also be found beneath the Devices and Printers heading.<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-289270\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/DeviceManager.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"462\" /></p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Look for a Bluetooth drop-down menu in the list.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If any items are listed here, your PC has Bluetooth hardware installed, and you can safely assume that the software has been set up as well.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Close the various windows you opened.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Adding a Bluetooth device</h2>\r\nBluetooth software is typically supplied by Windows or whatever installation drive came with the hardware, so you shouldn't have to worry about setting that up too often. To connect to a new Bluetooth device, however, follow these steps:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">In Windows 10, go to Settings and then Devices.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click on Add Bluetooth or other device.<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-289277\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/AddBluetoothWindow.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"423\" /></p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose the type of device you want to connect to from the list.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Make sure the device is on a \"discoverable\" mode. Check the device's manual if you don't know how to do so.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Once discoverable, the device's name should appear on your screen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Select it and Windows should take care of the rest.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">You may now close all windows.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Bluetooth devices are <i>paired</i>, which means that they are assigned to work with only one device at a time.</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">The wireless networking used by Bluetooth isn’t as robust as Wi-Fi. For the most part, Bluetooth is a low-powered system. You can’t move a Bluetooth gadget more than 10 feet or so from its paired device without losing the signal.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33536,"title":"PCs","slug":"pcs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33536"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":284787,"title":"What Your Society Says About You","slug":"what-your-society-says-about-you","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","humanities"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/284787"}}],"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Using Device Manager to find Bluetooth hardware","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Adding a Bluetooth device","target":"#tab2"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":245446,"title":"How to Create the System Image for Your Windows PC","slug":"create-system-image-windows-pc","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245446"}},{"articleId":245443,"title":"Browsing File History","slug":"browsing-file-history","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245443"}},{"articleId":245440,"title":"Recovering an Older Version of a File with File History","slug":"recovering-older-version-file-file-history","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245440"}},{"articleId":245437,"title":"How to Select Folders for Backup on Your PC","slug":"select-folders-backup-pc","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245437"}},{"articleId":245434,"title":"Firewall Rules","slug":"firewall-rules","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245434"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":283471,"title":"Laptop Keyboards","slug":"laptop-keyboards","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/283471"}},{"articleId":245446,"title":"How to Create the System Image for Your Windows PC","slug":"create-system-image-windows-pc","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245446"}},{"articleId":245443,"title":"Browsing File History","slug":"browsing-file-history","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245443"}},{"articleId":245440,"title":"Recovering an Older Version of a File with File History","slug":"recovering-older-version-file-file-history","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245440"}},{"articleId":245437,"title":"How to Select Folders for Backup on Your PC","slug":"select-folders-backup-pc","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245437"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281884,"slug":"troubleshooting-maintaining-your-pc-all-in-one-for-dummies-3rd-edition","isbn":"9781119378358","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119378354/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119378354/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119378354-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119378354/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119378354/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/troubleshooting-and-maintaining-your-pc-all-in-one-for-dummies-3rd-edition-cover-9781119378358-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Troubleshooting & Maintaining Your PC All-in-One For Dummies, 3rd Edition","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"9003\">Dan Gookin</b></b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;computers&quot;,&quot;pcs&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119378358&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b0471b77\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;computers&quot;,&quot;pcs&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119378358&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b04725f0\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-10-20T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":183626},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T19:46:29+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-10-06T15:45:23+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:41+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Computers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33513"},"slug":"computers","categoryId":33513},{"name":"PCs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33536"},"slug":"pcs","categoryId":33536}],"title":"Test the Microphone on Your Windows PC","strippedTitle":"test the microphone on your windows pc","slug":"test-the-microphone-on-your-windows-pc","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"For a microphone to work on your computer, it must be plugged into the pink jack on your PC, unless it’s a USB microphone, which simply plugs into the USB port.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"For a microphone to work on your computer, it must be plugged into the pink jack on your PC, unless it’s a USB microphone, which simply plugs into the USB port.\r\n\r\nAfter plugging in the microphone, test the thing. Testing works differently depending on your version of Windows.\r\n\r\nTo test the microphone in Windows 7 and Windows Vista, heed these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Ensure that the microphone is properly connected.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Open the Control Panel and choose Ease of Access.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose the link Set Up Microphone, found beneath the Speech Recognition heading.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The Microphone Setup Wizard materializes.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose the type of microphone you’re using: the headset, cheap-o desktop microphone or the they-saw-you-coming microphone that the guy at the music store sold you.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click the Next button, and so on.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">After seeing a few meaningless screens, you eventually approach the Adjust the Microphone Volume screen — pay dirt.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Speak away.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\"><b></b>Say: “Enunciation is the prestidigitation of audio infatuation.” Or be a wienie and say, “Test, test.”</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Watch that green bar go! Basically, by seeing the visual feedback, you confirm that the microphone is working.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Continue working through the wizard or just click Cancel.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If you’re satisfied with the results, you can bail out on the wizard. Otherwise, keep clicking Next and eventually you arrive at the Finish button.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nTo confirm that your microphone works in Windows XP, follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Plug in the microphone all nice and snug.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">And stuff.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Open the Control Panel’s Sounds and Audio Devices icon.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click the Voice tab.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click the Test Hardware button.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The Sound Hardware Test Wizard appears.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click the Next button.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Hum a jaunty tune while the hardware is tested.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Speak into the microphone to test the volume.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The volume meter on the screen should dance up and down as you vocalize.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click the Next button after confirming that the microphone works.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click the Finish button.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">Your computer may not be configured to use the specific microphone jack that your microphone is plugged into. If your PC came with specific audio software, use it to configure the audio jacks to accept microphone input.</p>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">You don’t want to spend too much or too little on a PC microphone. Cheap microphones don’t work well, record poorly, and are annoying to hear for audio chat and online communications. Expensive microphones may require a mixer or pre-amp to work properly.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Good microphones can be found in any computer or office supply store.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A microphone headset provides both headphones and a microphone. It’s perfect for online communications and gaming.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","description":"For a microphone to work on your computer, it must be plugged into the pink jack on your PC, unless it’s a USB microphone, which simply plugs into the USB port.\r\n\r\nAfter plugging in the microphone, test the thing. Testing works differently depending on your version of Windows.\r\n\r\nTo test the microphone in Windows 7 and Windows Vista, heed these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Ensure that the microphone is properly connected.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Open the Control Panel and choose Ease of Access.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose the link Set Up Microphone, found beneath the Speech Recognition heading.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The Microphone Setup Wizard materializes.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose the type of microphone you’re using: the headset, cheap-o desktop microphone or the they-saw-you-coming microphone that the guy at the music store sold you.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click the Next button, and so on.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">After seeing a few meaningless screens, you eventually approach the Adjust the Microphone Volume screen — pay dirt.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Speak away.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\"><b></b>Say: “Enunciation is the prestidigitation of audio infatuation.” Or be a wienie and say, “Test, test.”</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Watch that green bar go! Basically, by seeing the visual feedback, you confirm that the microphone is working.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Continue working through the wizard or just click Cancel.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If you’re satisfied with the results, you can bail out on the wizard. Otherwise, keep clicking Next and eventually you arrive at the Finish button.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nTo confirm that your microphone works in Windows XP, follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Plug in the microphone all nice and snug.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">And stuff.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Open the Control Panel’s Sounds and Audio Devices icon.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click the Voice tab.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click the Test Hardware button.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The Sound Hardware Test Wizard appears.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click the Next button.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Hum a jaunty tune while the hardware is tested.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Speak into the microphone to test the volume.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The volume meter on the screen should dance up and down as you vocalize.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click the Next button after confirming that the microphone works.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Click the Finish button.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">Your computer may not be configured to use the specific microphone jack that your microphone is plugged into. If your PC came with specific audio software, use it to configure the audio jacks to accept microphone input.</p>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">You don’t want to spend too much or too little on a PC microphone. Cheap microphones don’t work well, record poorly, and are annoying to hear for audio chat and online communications. Expensive microphones may require a mixer or pre-amp to work properly.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Good microphones can be found in any computer or office supply store.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A microphone headset provides both headphones and a microphone. It’s perfect for online communications and gaming.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33536,"title":"PCs","slug":"pcs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33536"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"nikon-d3400-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","photography"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/230957"}},{"articleId":235851,"title":"Praying the Rosary and Meditating on the Mysteries","slug":"praying-rosary-meditating-mysteries","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/235851"}},{"articleId":284787,"title":"What Your Society Says About You","slug":"what-your-society-says-about-you","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","humanities"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/284787"}}],"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":245446,"title":"How to Create the System Image for Your Windows PC","slug":"create-system-image-windows-pc","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245446"}},{"articleId":245443,"title":"Browsing File History","slug":"browsing-file-history","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245443"}},{"articleId":245440,"title":"Recovering an Older Version of a File with File History","slug":"recovering-older-version-file-file-history","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245440"}},{"articleId":245437,"title":"How to Select Folders for Backup on Your PC","slug":"select-folders-backup-pc","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245437"}},{"articleId":245434,"title":"Firewall Rules","slug":"firewall-rules","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245434"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":283471,"title":"Laptop Keyboards","slug":"laptop-keyboards","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/283471"}},{"articleId":245446,"title":"How to Create the System Image for Your Windows PC","slug":"create-system-image-windows-pc","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245446"}},{"articleId":245443,"title":"Browsing File History","slug":"browsing-file-history","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245443"}},{"articleId":245440,"title":"Recovering an Older Version of a File with File History","slug":"recovering-older-version-file-file-history","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245440"}},{"articleId":245437,"title":"How to Select Folders for Backup on Your PC","slug":"select-folders-backup-pc","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/245437"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281884,"slug":"troubleshooting-maintaining-your-pc-all-in-one-for-dummies-3rd-edition","isbn":"9781119378358","categoryList":["technology","computers","pcs"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119378354/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119378354/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119378354-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119378354/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119378354/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/troubleshooting-and-maintaining-your-pc-all-in-one-for-dummies-3rd-edition-cover-9781119378358-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Troubleshooting & Maintaining Your PC All-in-One For Dummies, 3rd Edition","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"9003\">Dan Gookin</b></b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;computers&quot;,&quot;pcs&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119378358&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b0141564\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;computers&quot;,&quot;pcs&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119378358&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b0141f29\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Six months","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-10-06T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":184504},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T19:41:18+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-10-04T20:41:25+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:40+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Computers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33513"},"slug":"computers","categoryId":33513},{"name":"PCs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33536"},"slug":"pcs","categoryId":33536}],"title":"How to Troubleshoot a PC Laptop that Just Won’t Start","strippedTitle":"how to troubleshoot a pc laptop that just won’t start","slug":"how-to-troubleshoot-the-laptop-that-just-wont-start","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"It can be pretty frustrating when your laptop won't start up. Before you're convinced it's a lost cause, there are several options to try.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"A PC laptop has several phases of “just won’t start.” The problem is compounded because a laptop has two power sources: When AC isn’t available, electricity is drawn from the laptop’s battery. So you know immediately that when the laptop doesn’t turn on right away, you have a power supply issue. If the laptop appears dead, you have a power supply issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot:\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Power sources</h2>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Check to ensure that the laptop is plugged in.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Check to ensure that the battery is properly installed.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Try removing the battery to run the laptop from just the AC power. If it works, you may have a defective battery that needs replacing.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">If you have a second battery, use it instead.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >AC cord adapters</h2>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Check the power brick on the AC cord. Is it the right adapter for your laptop? Other portable devices may have similar-looking adapters, but unless they match the volts and amps for your laptop, the laptop doesn’t work. (Not that this has ever happened to me.)</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Check the lamps</h2>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">When the laptop’s power lamp is on, it shows that the laptop has some life. It means that the laptop’s hardware is recognizing that it has power. The problem could then lie with the laptop’s hardware, not with the power supply.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">When your laptop has separate lamps for the AC power and battery, you can check both. If the AC lamp lights but the battery doesn't, it’s a battery issue. When the battery lamp is lit but the AC lamp remains dark, the AC power brick might be dead or the AC power from the wall might be messed up or you might have a connection issue.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Testing the hardware</h2>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">If you consider yourself to be technically proficient, you can try testing some hardware. For example, if the laptop has removable disk drives, check to ensure that they’re properly connected: With the laptop’s power off, take out the drives and put them back in again. Ditto for the PC’s memory card: Turn off the laptop, remove the memory, and then put the memory back.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Laptops don’t start when they’re broken. I’m not being flip, either: Laptop hardware can fail. Failed electronics are covered by most laptop warranties. You need to get support by contacting the laptop manufacturer.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >Could it be related to the display?</h2>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Press the Caps Lock key. If you have power, the Caps Lock lamp on the laptop will blink on and off as you press the key. If so, the problem could be the display.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Check the laptop display’s brightness settings. If the brightness level is turned down too much, the screen will be dark, especially in a bright room or in direct sunlight. Try turning up the brightness all the way to see whether the screen glows.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Plug an external monitor into the laptop’s monitor port. If the external monitor works, the problem is with the laptop’s display only, not with the laptop’s display adapter or other internal hardware. Because the laptop and monitor are the same thing, fixing the monitor (or the display adapter) involves replacing major laptop components. You must return the laptop to the dealer for repair.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","description":"A PC laptop has several phases of “just won’t start.” The problem is compounded because a laptop has two power sources: When AC isn’t available, electricity is drawn from the laptop’s battery. So you know immediately that when the laptop doesn’t turn on right away, you have a power supply issue. If the laptop appears dead, you have a power supply issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot:\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Power sources</h2>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Check to ensure that the laptop is plugged in.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Check to ensure that the battery is properly installed.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Try removing the battery to run the laptop from just the AC power. If it works, you may have a defective battery that needs replacing.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">If you have a second battery, use it instead.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >AC cord adapters</h2>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Check the power brick on the AC cord. Is it the right adapter for your laptop? Other portable devices may have similar-looking adapters, but unless they match the volts and amps for your laptop, the laptop doesn’t work. (Not that this has ever happened to me.)</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Check the lamps</h2>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">When the laptop’s power lamp is on, it shows that the laptop has some life. It means that the laptop’s hardware is recognizing that it has power. The problem could then lie with the laptop’s hardware, not with the power supply.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">When your laptop has separate lamps for the AC power and battery, you can check both. If the AC lamp lights but the battery doesn't, it’s a battery issue. When the battery lamp is lit but the AC lamp remains dark, the AC power brick might be dead or the AC power from the wall might be messed up or you might have a connection issue.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Testing the hardware</h2>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">If you consider yourself to be technically proficient, you can try testing some hardware. For example, if the laptop has removable disk drives, check to ensure that they’re properly connected: With the laptop’s power off, take out the drives and put them back in again. Ditto for the PC’s memory card: Turn off the laptop, remove the memory, and then put the memory back.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Laptops don’t start when they’re broken. I’m not being flip, either: Laptop hardware can fail. Failed electronics are covered by most laptop warranties. You need to get support by contacting the laptop manufacturer.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >Could it be related to the display?</h2>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Press the Caps Lock key. If you have power, the Caps Lock lamp on the laptop will blink on and off as you press the key. If so, the problem could be the display.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Check the laptop display’s brightness settings. If the brightness level is turned down too much, the screen will be dark, especially in a bright room or in direct sunlight. Try turning up the brightness all the way to see whether the screen glows.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Plug an external monitor into the laptop’s monitor port. If the external monitor works, the problem is with the laptop’s display only, not with the laptop’s display adapter or other internal hardware. Because the laptop and monitor are the same thing, fixing the monitor (or the display adapter) involves replacing major laptop components. You must return the laptop to the dealer for repair.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33536,"title":"PCs","slug":"pcs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33536"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":208741,"title":"Kabbalah For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"kabbalah-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","kabbalah"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/208741"}},{"articleId":230957,"title":"Nikon D3400 For Dummies Cheat 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PCs Articles

PCs can be powerhouses, and you'll learn to make the most of your machine with these cool articles. Make your web browsing private, find airplane mode on your Windows laptop, and much more.

Articles From PCs

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169 results
PCs PCs & Laptops For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 11-13-2024

Whether it’s a desktop the family uses, an office computer, or a liberating laptop you can take with you around the globe, everyone loves to cheat! Specifically, you may find it beneficial to print and save this bonus information to assist you with your beloved computer. Call it helpful hints, but For Dummies tradition labels this document a Cheat Sheet — once a $2.95 value but now free!

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PCs How to Restore a System Image on Your Windows PC

Article / Updated 08-16-2022

The only time you need to restore a system image on your Windows PC is when the entire hard drive is dead, missing, or replaced with a cheese sandwich. With all that data gone, you have to rely upon three items: A recovery volume: Use this media to start the PC and access the Windows Recovery Environment. The tools presented help you navigate through recovery. The system image: Use this information to restore Windows and other partitions as a base to rebuild your computer system. Tools on the recovery volume help you use the system image information. File History: Finally, with Windows restored, you run the File History program to recover your PC's lost files and programs. You don't need to restore a system image if you merely need to recover from a Windows disaster. The first thing you should try is System Restore. Second, you can try to reset the PC. Otherwise, the process of using the system image works like this: Start the PC by using the Windows Recovery Environment. Choose Troubleshoot. Choose Advanced Options. Choose System Image Recovery. Point the system image recovery tool at the location of the system image files, and then sit back and wait as the system is rebuilt. Yes, the process is more complex than four simple steps. For example, you may need a replacement hard drive. The good news is that you have the system image if you need it. Along with a recent backup, you can fully restore your system no matter what happens to the computer.

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PCs PCs For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-12-2022

Even though computers are supposed to make our lives easier, you may find it beneficial to print and complete some information about your personal computer (PC) on paper. You can use this as a reference for technical information, internet, and email information, or how all those wires and peripherals should be hooked up to your PC — even while the computer is off. You’ll also want to check out the following list of helpful PC hints.

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PCs Troubleshooting & Maintaining Your PC All-in-One For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-18-2022

Dive into this guide for your PC troubleshooting and maintenance needs. Refer here for tips, tricks, and information when your computer starts acting funny. Sadly, funny computer smells aren’t covered.

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PCs How to Search for Files from the DOS Command Prompt

Article / Updated 11-02-2021

By opening a command prompt window, you can search for files that Windows truly doesn’t want you to know are there. It’s a little technical, but when you really, really need to find a file, the method described in the following steps does the job: From the Start menu, search for and open the Command Prompt. Type CD, a space, and then the backslash character. CD / Press Enter. This command propels you to the root directory (folder) on the main hard drive. Type DIR and a space. Type the name of the file you’re looking for. For example, if you’re looking for the file secret.doc, type secret.doc. You can type upper- or lowercase letters. When you don’t know the full name, replace the part you don’t know with an asterisk (which is a wildcard). For example, you type secret* to search for all files beginning with the word secret. Don’t type any spaces. If you must type a space, use the ? (question mark) character instead. Type another space and then /S, a space, and /P. The complete command line to look for the file secret.doc appears like this: dir secret.doc /s /p The /s option directs a search of all folders on the hard drive; the /p option pauses the display after each screen of text. Double-check everything! Press the Enter key. The results display one screen at a time. Peruse the screen full of results. If you find a file that matches, you can open a Windows Explorer window to display the file’s folder. Press Win+E to open a Windows Explorer window. The pathname is found above the filename in the results. The pathname reads similar to this line: <span class="code">Directory of C:UsersDangDocumentsForgotten</span> If the file isn’t found, press Enter to see the next screen (if necessary). The prompt reads Press any key to continue, but the Enter key is the “any key.” Repeat Steps 7 and 8 to review the results. Type the EXIT command to close the Command Prompt window when you’re done. Yes, this method is not only technical — it’s tedious. But the DIR command does a thorough job of scouring the entire hard drive. Sometimes you may want to use it just to confirm that a file doesn’t exist.

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PCs How to Use Unallocated Drive Space in Windows

Article / Updated 11-02-2021

To make the unallocated portion of a hard drive useful, you must create a new volume, one that’s recognized by Windows. You can create three types of volumes: Simple: This typical hard drive is the type that most PC users have in Windows. If you’re shrinking a volume to create a new logical drive, such as a new drive F (or something), this option is the one you want. Spanned: A spanned volume combines two or more unallocated volumes, even on separate physical hard drives, creating a new drive. The new drive combines all the space of the various unallocated volumes into a single volume. Striped: Striped volumes are used to improve disk performance by spreading information between multiple disks. The net result is that several drives are used to quickly access information, which makes all disk operations faster. You need two or more unallocated chunks of disk space to set up a striped volume. If you’re using the new volume to install another operating system on the PC, do not create another volume in Windows. Just leave the volume unallocated and let the other operating system’s installation program do its thing with the drive. Using Disk Management to allocate space To allocate the unallocated space as a usable hard drive in Windows, follow these steps: Open the Disk Management console. Open the Control Panel. Open the Administrative Tools window. In Windows 7 and 10, choose System and Security and then choose Administrative Tools. In Windows Vista, choose System and Maintenance and then choose Administrative Tools. In Windows XP, open the Administrative Tools icon. Open the Computer Management icon. In Vista, click Continue or type the administrator’s password. Choose Disk Management. Right-click the unallocated volume. Choose New Simple Volume from the shortcut menu. The New Simple Volume Wizard appears. Click the Next button. Set the size of the new volume by using the Simple Volume Size in the MB text box. The size is already preset to equal the entire disk capacity, which is recommended. If you need to set it to a smaller size, do so. The remaining space on the drive continues to be unallocated. Click the Next button. Windows lets you assign the drive a letter, or you can mount the drive on an NTFS volume as a folder. Or, you can do neither, depending on how you fill in the wizard. (Optional) Choose a letter for the new volume. My advice is to use the letter that’s provided. Click the Next button. Ensure the option Format This Volume with the Following Settings is chosen. Ensure that the NTFS format is chosen. Click the Next button. Click the Finish button to create the new volume. Windows prepares the disk by formatting it, laying down the tracks (or parking spaces) for the files. The amount of time taken to complete the operation depends on the size of the volume. Larger disk drives take longer to format. The display in the Disk Management console shows the drive being formatted; you can watch its progress in the Status column at the top center of the window. The drive isn’t assigned its new letter until after it’s formatted. When the operation is complete, you can close the Disk Management console. The newly created disk drive appears in the Computer window. It’s immediately available for use. The new volume may have less capacity than anticipated. The missing bytes are overhead, used by the formatting process.

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PCs How to Determine If Your PC Has Bluetooth Capability

Article / Updated 11-02-2021

Much like everything else in your computer, Bluetooth functionality requires both hardware and software. Like a camera without film — one won't work without the other. Unfortunately, not all PCs arrive Bluetooth-ready right out of the box, especially older models. If your PC didn’t come with Bluetooth hardware installed, you can easily add some by purchasing a Bluetooth USB dongle. Using Device Manager to find Bluetooth hardware To determine whether your Windows PC has Bluetooth hardware, check Device Manager. Follow these steps: Open the Windows Start Menu to search for and open the Control Panel. Choose Hardware and Sound, and then choose Device Manager. In Windows 10, the Device Manager link can also be found beneath the Devices and Printers heading. Look for a Bluetooth drop-down menu in the list. If any items are listed here, your PC has Bluetooth hardware installed, and you can safely assume that the software has been set up as well. Close the various windows you opened. Adding a Bluetooth device Bluetooth software is typically supplied by Windows or whatever installation drive came with the hardware, so you shouldn't have to worry about setting that up too often. To connect to a new Bluetooth device, however, follow these steps: In Windows 10, go to Settings and then Devices. Click on Add Bluetooth or other device. Choose the type of device you want to connect to from the list. Make sure the device is on a "discoverable" mode. Check the device's manual if you don't know how to do so. Once discoverable, the device's name should appear on your screen. Select it and Windows should take care of the rest. You may now close all windows. Bluetooth devices are paired, which means that they are assigned to work with only one device at a time. The wireless networking used by Bluetooth isn’t as robust as Wi-Fi. For the most part, Bluetooth is a low-powered system. You can’t move a Bluetooth gadget more than 10 feet or so from its paired device without losing the signal.

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PCs Test the Microphone on Your Windows PC

Article / Updated 10-06-2021

For a microphone to work on your computer, it must be plugged into the pink jack on your PC, unless it’s a USB microphone, which simply plugs into the USB port. After plugging in the microphone, test the thing. Testing works differently depending on your version of Windows. To test the microphone in Windows 7 and Windows Vista, heed these steps: Ensure that the microphone is properly connected. Open the Control Panel and choose Ease of Access. Choose the link Set Up Microphone, found beneath the Speech Recognition heading. The Microphone Setup Wizard materializes. Choose the type of microphone you’re using: the headset, cheap-o desktop microphone or the they-saw-you-coming microphone that the guy at the music store sold you. Click the Next button, and so on. After seeing a few meaningless screens, you eventually approach the Adjust the Microphone Volume screen — pay dirt. Speak away. Say: “Enunciation is the prestidigitation of audio infatuation.” Or be a wienie and say, “Test, test.” Watch that green bar go! Basically, by seeing the visual feedback, you confirm that the microphone is working. Continue working through the wizard or just click Cancel. If you’re satisfied with the results, you can bail out on the wizard. Otherwise, keep clicking Next and eventually you arrive at the Finish button. To confirm that your microphone works in Windows XP, follow these steps: Plug in the microphone all nice and snug. And stuff. Open the Control Panel’s Sounds and Audio Devices icon. Click the Voice tab. Click the Test Hardware button. The Sound Hardware Test Wizard appears. Click the Next button. Hum a jaunty tune while the hardware is tested. Speak into the microphone to test the volume. The volume meter on the screen should dance up and down as you vocalize. Click the Next button after confirming that the microphone works. Click the Finish button. Your computer may not be configured to use the specific microphone jack that your microphone is plugged into. If your PC came with specific audio software, use it to configure the audio jacks to accept microphone input. You don’t want to spend too much or too little on a PC microphone. Cheap microphones don’t work well, record poorly, and are annoying to hear for audio chat and online communications. Expensive microphones may require a mixer or pre-amp to work properly. Good microphones can be found in any computer or office supply store. A microphone headset provides both headphones and a microphone. It’s perfect for online communications and gaming.

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PCs How to Troubleshoot a PC Laptop that Just Won’t Start

Article / Updated 10-04-2021

A PC laptop has several phases of “just won’t start.” The problem is compounded because a laptop has two power sources: When AC isn’t available, electricity is drawn from the laptop’s battery. So you know immediately that when the laptop doesn’t turn on right away, you have a power supply issue. If the laptop appears dead, you have a power supply issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot: Power sources Check to ensure that the laptop is plugged in. Check to ensure that the battery is properly installed. Try removing the battery to run the laptop from just the AC power. If it works, you may have a defective battery that needs replacing. If you have a second battery, use it instead. AC cord adapters Check the power brick on the AC cord. Is it the right adapter for your laptop? Other portable devices may have similar-looking adapters, but unless they match the volts and amps for your laptop, the laptop doesn’t work. (Not that this has ever happened to me.) Check the lamps When the laptop’s power lamp is on, it shows that the laptop has some life. It means that the laptop’s hardware is recognizing that it has power. The problem could then lie with the laptop’s hardware, not with the power supply. When your laptop has separate lamps for the AC power and battery, you can check both. If the AC lamp lights but the battery doesn't, it’s a battery issue. When the battery lamp is lit but the AC lamp remains dark, the AC power brick might be dead or the AC power from the wall might be messed up or you might have a connection issue. Testing the hardware If you consider yourself to be technically proficient, you can try testing some hardware. For example, if the laptop has removable disk drives, check to ensure that they’re properly connected: With the laptop’s power off, take out the drives and put them back in again. Ditto for the PC’s memory card: Turn off the laptop, remove the memory, and then put the memory back. Laptops don’t start when they’re broken. I’m not being flip, either: Laptop hardware can fail. Failed electronics are covered by most laptop warranties. You need to get support by contacting the laptop manufacturer. Could it be related to the display? Press the Caps Lock key. If you have power, the Caps Lock lamp on the laptop will blink on and off as you press the key. If so, the problem could be the display. Check the laptop display’s brightness settings. If the brightness level is turned down too much, the screen will be dark, especially in a bright room or in direct sunlight. Try turning up the brightness all the way to see whether the screen glows. Plug an external monitor into the laptop’s monitor port. If the external monitor works, the problem is with the laptop’s display only, not with the laptop’s display adapter or other internal hardware. Because the laptop and monitor are the same thing, fixing the monitor (or the display adapter) involves replacing major laptop components. You must return the laptop to the dealer for repair.

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PCs How to Undo a Windows Update

Article / Updated 09-15-2021

When an update doesn't go as planned, roll it back. You can do so within Windows, or, under dire circumstances, you can roll back an update from safe mode or when using the Windows Recovery Environment. First, if you can get into Windows, follow these steps to roll back an update: Press the Windows key + i to open Settings. Choose Update and Security. Click the Update History link. Click the Uninstall Updates link. The Control Panel's Installed Updates windows appears. It lists all updates that Windows monitors, which includes Windows updates as well as updates to specific programs. Choose the update you want to undo. The updates are categorized by program and then by date. Choose the top item in the Microsoft Windows category to remove the most recent Windows update. Click the Uninstall button that appears on the toolbar. Not every update features the Uninstall button. Minor updates may not show the button. Follow the directions provided on the screen. If prompted to restart Windows, do so. The update should be removed successfully and your system restored. If not, or when the computer won't start, boot the system into the Windows Recovery Environment and enter safe mode. You can also use System Restore to recover from a bad Windows update. If you can't access System Restore in Windows or in safe mode, use the Windows Recovery Environment.

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