Pop-ups are everywhere, in their all invasive forms, trying to thrust their content into our overworked brains. But the good news is that, if we know how to use pop-up blockers, we can avoid them easily, and even decide which ones we want and which we don’t! Internet Explorer has been known for having built-in pop-up blockers. However, some pop-ups may slip through the cracks, or the default settings of your browser could be blocking content you actually want. We have some simple instructions to help you customize the new IE 9 pop-up blocker.

Enable or Disable IE 9 Pop-Up Blocker

1. Open Internet Explorer 9.

2. Press Alt and select Tools. Alternatively, you can click the Settings (gear) icon in the top right corner.

3. Select Internet Options.

4. Click the Privacy tab.

5. Check the “Turn on Pop-Up Blocker”  option to turn your IE 9 pop-up blocker on, and uncheck it to turn it off.

6. You can also click on Settings to manually customize which websites you want your pop-up blocker to allow. This way, you will have access to your favorite websites, and not have to worry about unwanted spam, pop-ups.

This is a pretty simple process, but you still want to ensure that you only allow content that you actually want. Even your favorite websites may still allow some pop-ups. What the pop-up blocker does best is completely block the content that you really don’t want, like all of those annoying ads for “enhancement” or “lose-weight-fast!” tips.

Still Need Help?

If you are having trouble customizing your IE 9 pop-up blocker, you may want to speak with a professional. A computer technician will be able to optimize your pop-up blocker, and can even give you tips on what types of content to avoid. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three, reputable computer technicians in your area, so you can get the help you need, when you need it!

Android products are a little more prone to contracting viruses because their application market is not as carefully vetted as the iPhone apps.  In the event that you do get a virus, you should take certain steps to delete it and prevent further threats.  The Google operating system for phones and tablets is reliable but sometimes flawed, so here are some tips for virus removal on Android.

Recent Events

Google recently discovered about 21 free applications on its market that had been hacked, infected with malware, and were affecting people’s devices.  They began by deleting the apps, and then remotely began to remove the infectious applications from phones and tablets.  About 50 malicious apps were cleared off of the Android marketplace. Google has also been going into people’s phones and killing the infected applications directly.  If you have any of these threatening apps on your phone you should try and delete them because they may be the cause of your problems.

Next Steps

If you do not see your problem being resolved there are a couple more things you could do.

1. Try a factory reset. To do this you need to go to the main menu, enter Settings, select Privacy, and then Factory Data Reset. Verify the required information and press reset to return your phone to its original settings.

2. Another possible reason for your virus is that you are using the wrong charger.  If you use a Motorola Charger for a different type of phone it will send random signals to the touchscreen, which can seem like a virus.  There is no clear explanation for why this occurs, but you should either use a different charger or turn your phone off while it is charging.

3.You could also attempt to clean your SD card and memory card.  If you connect your phone to your computer through a USB port, you can scan and clean the SD and memory cards using your computer’s antivirus programs. If you want to use a mobile antivirus software you can use free versions such as AVG mobilation, comodomobile security, or lookout.  If you can, or would prefer, to use a paid service, try Norton, bullguard, or Kaspersky mobile securities.

Continuing Problems

If you cannot seem to figure out what is wrong with your Android you should seek professional help.  Use TalkLocal to be connected with up to three IT professionals in your area. Just tell us where you are, what you need, and when you’re available. We’ll find the professionals, and then send them directly to you, in just minutes.

With so many options for new technology and so many loop holes in the guarantees that you receive from companies, you may find yourself wondering how to get the most out of your warranty.

A lot of people have asked themselves, does opening a Mac void your warranty? How can you dodge voiding your warranty? What can I do to get the most out of my warranty?

Here’s some information on your Mac’s warranty that might help:

Does opening a Mac void your warranty?

The answer is no. Simply opening the Mac will not void your warranty on the product, but making significant changes or damaging the Mac can indeed cause your warranty to be voided out. If you want to take a look inside of your Mac or other Apple product, you can do so; just be as careful as possible when you do.

Do I void my warranty if I alter the inside of the product at all?

Technically, yes. You should not remove or add anything inside of your product if you are hoping to act on the warranty’s guarantee. The warranty works to help protect you if there is an accident that causes damage to your computer. If you drop it, spill water on it or have an issue with a horrible virus, your warranty can help you out. If you perform actions that cause damage to the system, though, your warranty is voided because those actions are considered intentional. Even though you were probably trying to do a good thing, if you end up damaging something, Apple can’t help you very much from there.

How do I dodge voiding my warranty, then?

If your computer is damaged or giving you problems, instead of opening it up and trying to fix it yourself, take it to an Apple representative and let them try to fix it. Get professional advice first and foremost. This is the easiest way to avoid any confusion that might lead to a voided warranty.

Find Local Computer Repair Technicians

If you need help finding professionals for your computer repair, we are at your service. TalkLocal works to seamlessly connect you with the local professionals in your area who can lend a hand when you need it most.

Fixing a computer by using a different computer seems like it would not work at all, right?  But in reality, this is a useful way to connect with and resolve issues on your computer when you are not near it, or if a broken computer screen is preventing you from addressing such issues. We’re here to show you how to fix a computer from another computer.

How to Fix a Computer from Another Computer

One solution you have to fix one computer from another would be to skype or videochat between the computers and guide the person on the other end through the correct steps. If both participants are tech-savvy and the computers are compatible you will have a quick easy fix to your problem.

If video-chatting is not an option you can also try to screencast with a program called CamStudio.  This innovative software will allow you to create a tutorial video of the steps that the other computer needs to take to fix the problem.  You can send the video to the other computer wirelessly.

A third option you have is to install a remote desktop control program. The best and most widely recognized program is CrossLoop. This software allows you to control the other computer with your own monitor, keyboard and mouse if both computers are connected to the internet simultaneously.  This option comes in handy when dealing with a very complex problem.  You can download the free version of CrossLoop onto both computers, set it up and create accounts. You should then share the two accounts to allow the two computers to connect.  From there one computer can take over the other and fix the problem it is having.

Have a Professional Take a Look

If you cannot seem to get the computers to connect or you are having issues fixing the problem, it may be time to call in professional help.  Use TalkLocal to find reputable computer professionals in your area. Just tell us what you need, where you are, and when you are available, and we’ll connect you with up to three professionals in your area, in just minutes.

Windows 7 is generally regarded as a good upgrade from Windows Vista, saving system memory and boosting efficiency. However, installation of any new OS can come with a multitude of problems. Here are some possible causes and tips for resolving Windows 7 installation problems.

Bad DVD

If you burned the ISO to DVD yourself, there is a chance that the DVD did not burn correctly, and you should try burning it again at the slowest speed. The ISO itself might be corrupt, so if possible, try to obtain a new copy of the ISO.

Hanging Installer

A common problem is that the installation hangs at a certain point, often 62%. This is because the Iphlpsvc service has stopped responding, and you will have to make the computer ignore that service during installation in order for the Windows 7 Installer to proceed.

1.      Restart the computer. Your computer will roll back to Windows Vista.

2.      Click Start, right-click Computer, and then click Properties.

3.      On the Advanced tab, click Environment Variables.

4.      Under System variables, click New.

5.      Type MIG_UPGRADE_IGNORE_PLUGINS in the Variable name field.

6.      Type IphlpsvcMigPlugin.dll in the Variable value field.

7.      Click OK three times to close the dialog boxes.

8.      Start the upgrade installation again.

Another reason why the installer might hang is because you have a USB plugged in. Printers, webcams, and USB hubs may cause the installer to freeze. Unplug all USBs and switch your mouse to one without accompanying software, then try installing again.

Some have found it helpful to press Ctrl+Alt+Del when the installer hangs, as sometimes the installer would then proceed as usual.

Unable to Locate Partition

Make sure the primary partition of the hard drive is active and formatted in NTFS. If it isn’t, download the free partition program Diskpart and type in and open “command prompt” from the start menu, then right click on the Diskpart program and select Run as Administrator. Follow these instructions in the command prompt:

1.       Type diskpart and press enter.

​2.       Enter list disk and note the number of the disk you want to install on.

3.       Select the appropriate disk.

4.       Enter list partition and note the number of the partitions you want to install on.

5.       Select the appropriate partition.

6.       Enter active.

Other Issues?

Locating the error while installing a new OS can be a tricky process, but luckily TalkLocal is here to help. We will find up to three, highly-qualified computer technicians near you, on your schedule, and for free — in just minutes!

Is your video card not detected by your computer? The video card is important for viewing images on your monitor, especially when playing games with higher graphics resolutions. A higher-powered video card can also help your computer run faster. If the computer is not detecting the video card, you can try the following steps to fix the issue.

Video Card Not Detected

1. Make sure the video card is hooked up to your computer properly. Check all the cables and see that they are plugged into the correct slots. Also, plug the PSU PCI-e cable into your video card. This step is only recommended if you are familiar with computer hardware.

2. The motherboard could be malfunctioning and not detecting the graphics card. Older motherboards do not allow the computer to see that the video card is present. Ensure that your video card is compatible with your computer’s motherboard by reading the hardware specifications of the video card or by checking with your computer’s manufacturer.

3. The issue could also be the monitor. If you are having difficulty seeing images on your screen, then your monitor may not be rendering the data correctly.

4. The video card itself could be the problem. It may have become too worn out, and simply needs to be replaced.

Contact a Professional

If you believe any of these issues is causing your video card to malfunction, then you may want to contact a professional computer technician. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three, reputable computer professionals in your area, who will be better equipped to handle a hardware malfunction in your computer. Try it out for free!

When a computer restarts randomly in XP, it can disrupt anything you are trying to do on your computer. It could even cause you to lose data that was not saved before your computer decided it was going to stop working. Luckily, there are some common problems, as well as solutions, when your computer restarts randomly in XP.

Hardware

One of the most common causes of a computer restarting randomly is overheating. Overheating causes a computer to restart automatically. Failing fans or a faulty power supply are the two most common reasons for overheating. A faulty power supply puts more work on the computer which leads to overheating. Fans cool the computer while it is running. Without the fan, the computer can overheat.

Solution

Check that the fans are running smoothly. Some the computer’s fans are inside of the computer and have to be seen by opening them. Do not open your computer while under warranty. Contact your manufacturer instead. To check the power supply, plug your computer into a different power supply. If the computer is not restarting randomly, replace your power supply.

Software

Recent updates, especially updated device driver software, can lead to random reboots. If random restarts started right after a update, this is a sign it could be the problem. Programs with automatic updaters cause the computer to automatically restart after the update.

Solution

Reinstall updates that were causing the random restarts. For each programs, look in the options section to disable or prompt restarts after an update has been done.

Virus

When hardware and software issues have been checked and passed, then a virus could be the cause of the random restarts. “Blaster” viruses cause restarts around 30 min after the computers has rebooted.

Solution

Use your anti-virus programs to scan possible threats to the computer. If not found, call technical help from your OS provider, computer manufacturer, or a computer repair technician. To find professional help, use TalkLocal. We will connect you with up to three reputable computer repair technicians in your area, in just minutes!

Different parts of your computer are subjected to different amounts of stress as you continue to use it.  Often times, areas such as the hinges and the casing are subjected to enough stress that they end up cracking.  However, while these cracks may seem inconsequential at first, it’s important to repair them in order to stop them from spreading and destroying the rest of your laptop case.

How to Repair HP Laptop Cracked Case

1. Clean out all the cracks with a can of compressed air.  It’s important to completely and thoroughly clean out the crack, or else the repair won’t last.  If the surfaces of the cracked area are covered in dust, then any glue you try to use will bind to the dust, rather than the actual surface itself.

2. You should then evaluate the type and degree of damage and repair the case accordingly.

For small cracks:

3. Super glue should do the trick here.  All you have to do is press the plastic together as close as possible, and then fill the crack with super glue.

4. Continue to apply pressure for about 2 minutes before releasing the plastic and make sure the glue is dry before continuing to move and use the case.

For large cracks:

5. A soldering iron will work best in this case.  Use a flat tip soldering iron and plug the soldering iron in.  After it has fully heated up, melt the plastic on either side together and then press the two sides together.

6. Continue to apply pressure until the plastic has cooled down and bonded.  Make sure during this that the plastic melts deeply and heats up to high temperatures, allowing the plastic to bind together permanently. However, be careful not to damage any of the surrounding pieces or hardware of the laptop.

For extremely large cracks:

7. You can follow the same procedure as for large cracks, but you should also find an additional small piece of plastic to melt into the crack as filler material.  The filler material will help plug up the hole so that the two sides can meet and bind together.

 Find A Professional

If you’re using a soldering iron, make sure to be extremely cautious and place it only on its stand.  If you don’t have a soldering iron or if you believe the damage is far beyond these methods of repair, you can always use TalkLocal to instantly connect yourself to local computer repair professionals.  All you have to do is input your problem and availability and TalkLocal will connect you to reliable professionals in minutes.

Many people want to increase the memory capabilities on their computer and do this by adding RAM.  But they worry that the increased RAM might decrease the battery life of their laptops.  There is a large debate about this issue, and this article will try to answer the question: does adding RAM decrease battery life in computers?

There are three possible effects that adding RAM could have on your battery.  Your battery will either increase, decrease or stay the same.

The Good, the Bad, And the In-Between

If you add more RAM memory it may save battery life.  Adding RAM can increase battery because it spreads out the work that the RAM has to do.  If the RAM is small, then the computer swaps a lot of files and requires more CPU processes and activity, draining your battery.  If you add RAM you can eliminate much of the extra work and save or even increase your battery life.

Another possibility is that additional RAM may drain a battery.  Because there is more RAM it must continuously refresh the contents.  This is required so that all of the data being stored is not lost.  The more RAM you have the more content needs to be continuously refreshed, so your battery will be taxed more.

There is also a middle ground where your battery life could stay the same because RAM is one of the most efficient consumers of power in your computer.  When compared to the other components a RAM it is the most conservative.

The real answer depends on your computer. If the RAM needs to be continually flushed to refresh the data, then it will eat more battery life. However, any decrease in battery life will be minimal, and likely unnoticeable. Overall, your computer will perform at a higher rate with more RAM.

Additional Help

If you are still unsure as to whether adding RAM would increase or decrease your battery life you should ask a professional before taking any action.  Use TalkLocal to be connected with high-quality computer technicians in your area. We will have you speaking with a local professional in just minutes!

It can e very frustrating when your computer spontaneously shuts off, especially if you are working on an important task. This issue can be caused by a multitude of possibilities, and we have some solutions that may help get your computer working properly again.

Overheating

If your computer spontaneously shuts off frequently, it may be overheating. Most computers today are designed to turn off automatically or restart if any device in the computer gets too hot. If you are hearing strange noises from your computer, such as humming or buzzing, this could mean that a fan is failing in your computer. You can troubleshoot your fan, or even clean your computer of dust to prevent it from overheating and shutting down.

Faulty Hardware

Any failing hardware component inside your computer can cause your computer to shutdown without warning. If you recently installed a hardware device, remove it to make sure it is not causing these issues problems. You can also attempt to remove any hardware from your computer that is not needed. If removing hardware keeps your computer from shutting down on its own, the issue is likely resolved.

Computer Virus

It’s possible that your computer is infected with a virus that is causing your computer to constantly shut off. If your computer turns off when launching a certain program or at specific times during the day, it could be a virus problem. Run a virus detection program, and try to clean out your computer of unwanted trojans or malware.

Issue with the Operating System

If you checked all of the above issues and your computer still continues to shut off by itself, you could possibly be experiencing a Microsoft Windows operating system-related issue. Try out these easy steps to determine if your operating system causes your computer to spontaneously shut off:

1.      Reboot the computer and enter CMOS setup while the computer is starting

2.      After loading the computer in CMOS setup, let it sit.

If the computer doesn’t turn off while in CMOS, you are most likely facing an issue with Microsoft Windows or your OS. You should erase everything and reinstall Windows or your OS.

Computer Troubles?

If the issue persists after trying all of these things, let TalkLocal find the right professional for you, when you need them most. We will connect you with up to three, high-quality computer repair technicians in your area. Check us out!