When you’re in the mood to start jamming out whether it be at a party, alone in your room, or just chilling out, how do you play your music?  From your computer? But sometimes this just isn’t loud enough! Connecting your computer to a stereo system is one of the easiest and best ways to increase the volume of your tunes.

Ways to Play Music from Computer to Stereo

1)     Directly plugging the stereo system into your computer

2)     Wireless connection through network media bridge

3)     Wi-fi free digital receiver system

How to Play Music from Computer to Stereo

Directly plug the stereo system into your computer: If you want to directly connect your computer and stereo you can buy a simple headphone jack type cord.  This will transfer the music from the headphone jack to be played by the stereo speakers.

Wireless network media bridge: You also have the option of adding a media bridge/receiver device to the wireless Internet network.  This is a very common method to bring music to your stereo from your computer.  You can buy any type of device that you want; they all perform the same function.  You simply connect one part to the computer and the other into the stereo so that they will work in tandem to send music form your computer’s soundcard to the stereo’s amp/speakers.  These types of devices usually run for under $100 but are slightly difficult to add onto a password protected network.

Wi-fi free digital receiver: The third option you have is to use a digital receiver that works with your operating system to create its wireless connection to the stereo transmitter.  These types of devices can enhance the sound of the music and is probably one of the best choices even if it is a little more expensive.

You may have to play around with each of these options to see what works best for your specific needs and for what your computer and stereo system require individually.

Additional Help

If you continue to have problems setting up a connection between your stereo speakers and your computer you should seek professional help.  Use TalkLocal to be put in contact with reliable local IT businesses within minutes.  You don’t have to do any work! Simply input your problem and availability and TalkLocal will do the rest! Almost immediately you will be connected to someone who can help.

Windows 7 No Internet Access but Connected Network

One of the most frustrating network errors that you might experience is when your computer seems to be connected to the network, but still has no internet access. For Windows 7 computers, there are fortunately a couple of quick and easy fixes that don’t take a long time to try out.

Power cycle your devices

1. Power off your modem, router, and computer all together.

2. Activate the modem, router, and computer in that order, leaving approximately a minute between each device activation. This will allow them time to boot up correctly and accept connections before moving on to the next device.

Update the network driver

1. Click the windows menu and enter the Control Panel.

2. Click Hardware and Sound on the left side.

3. On the top of this page click Device Manager.

4. Click the network adapter that you are currently using and right-click it to choose properties.

5. In the properties window, there should be a Driver tab. Within that tab, click the Update Driver button. The rest of the process is automated. Be sure to restart your computer after the updates have been installed.

Fix the TCP/IP stack 

Fortunately, Microsoft has created a simple way to fix the TCP/IP stack. All you have to do is follow this link and click the “Fix it for me” button. This will download an automated fix to run, but you can always follow the manual steps below if you prefer.

Additional Help

If none of the above steps worked for you, then you should either contact your internet service provider (ISP) about how to solve the issue or use TalkLocal to instantly contact a quality computer repair professional in your area. Either way will help solve your problem efficiently and get you back on the internet as soon as possible!

Is your printer not responding to commands from your web browser? It can be incredibly frustrating when you can’t print from internet explorer. Typically, these issues occur because outdated servers have difficulty printing from Internet Explorer. If your printer works with other programs but you cannot print or print preview with Internet Explorer, try the steps below.

What to Do If You Can’t Print from Internet Explorer

In order to be able to print from Internet Explorer, you must disable Protected Mode in Internet Explorer.

1)     Open “Tools” in Internet Explorer.

2)     Click on “Internet Options”

3)     Click on the “Security” tab

4)     Uncheck “Enable Protected Mode”

5)     Click OK and then exit Internet Explorer

6)     Reopen Internet Explorer and print your selection

If this method does not work, try opening Internet Explorer as an administrator so that you have permission to print:

1)     Open the “Start” menu and find Internet Explorer.

2)     Right click on Internet Explorer and select “Run as Administrator.” You may or may not be prompted to fill in the administrator credentials.

3)     Open Internet Explorer again and try to print preview the page and then print.

Additional Help

If you can’t print from Internet Explorer after disabling Protected Mode, or even when signed in as an “administrator,” you may want to seek professional help. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three high quality computer technicians in your area, who will be available to help you when you need them.

What if I Forgot my Router Password?

Losing or forgetting your router password can present a big problem, as routers do not have password recovery systems like websites do. If you did not follow proper security practices when you set up your router and left the factory default password on, you will need to check your router’s factory default. You can find the factory defaults for all major companies here. If you have changed your password from the factory default, consult the manual that came with your router to find out how to change the password. If you have lost your manual, you can try these general instructions for how to change the password on most routers.

1. You will need to get onto the console of the router. Most routers from major companies will come with something that you can plug directly into a router with a serial cable.

2. Once you have done this, you will be able to change the settings. If this requires a password, try the above site to look for the default password. If you are able to get in, you will need to get an output or dump of the configuration.

3. Follow the steps to change the password.

4. Make sure the password is complex, but not so complex that you will forget it easily. Try incorporating capital letters, number, and symbols into your password so that it will be harder for someone else to guess.

Additional Help

If you are not able to change your password, you may need to contact a computer repair professional to help you access your router. With the help of TalkLocal, you can be on the phone within minutes with up to three high quality computer repair professionals in your area, that are available when you are.