Speed Up Windows Vista - 5 Effective Steps

<div face="arial" style="text-align: justify; font-family: arial;">As usual, every generation of new Windows Operating System will consume far more resources than before, but this also means more features and greater user experience! It applies to Vista as well. In this article I will show you 5 very effective steps to speed up Vista, I can almost feel your Vista taking off! (Just kidding)<br /><br />Without further delay, let's talk about the first step:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Add more RAM<br /><br /></span>More memory means more resources to hold programs and services without accessing your hard disk. 4 GB is recommended, but you are limited to 3.2 GB to 3.6 GB RAM that actually available from a 4 GB memory machine. This is the limitation of 32 bits Vista ( x86), if you want more RAM support, you will have to upgrade to 64 bits ( x64).<br /><br />Let's say you have a limited budget, and you want more speed, then the second step can help you:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Use USB memory stick to run ReadyBoost<br /><br /></span>You can buy a 4GB USB memory stick with reasonably cheap price, and you can use it to accelerate your PC and transfer data between computer as well, many has reported ReadyBoost to be very effective on 512 MB and 1GB RAM computer, it can speed up Vista overall performance 20~50% faster.<br /><br />Now comes the step 3, you really going to love Vista for this:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Hybrid sleep mode<br /><br /></span>Sleep mode introduced itself since Windows 98, and now Vista extend this great feature and combine with XP hibernation mode to become hybrid sleep mode. It will allow user to shut down the computer instantly (Not really shutdown, but rather into sleep mode) and boot up instantly (5~7 seconds!). You do not have to worry about data loss due to power failure, because it saves your computer status in hibernation mode automatically before going into sleep mode, thus safe guard your data even you unplug the power!<br /><br />The Vista default power plan on all new installations is conservative. You want that to your notebook to save power, but not your desktop computer! so step 4:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Change your power plan to maximum performance<br /><br /></span>You want your processor to be ready in the fastest mode, by changing the plan to maximum performance, you can speed up Vista overall performance by another 10% to 15%!<br /><br />Now the final step, and you need some technical knowledge to perform this:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Disable unused services<br /><br /></span>Many services in Vista is unused by most other users, by reducing the services run in background, you can dramatically increase Vista performance. However, you really need technical knowledge to perform this step, I urge you to find some guide and do some study before even trying it on your own computer!<br /><br />This concludes the 5 effective steps to increase Vista performance, but the most effective way is still adding more RAM! Unless you really short of money, go get more RAM.<br /><br />(C) Copyright 2008 <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Kok Choon</span></span> - Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety as long as all links and author resources box in place.<br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify; font-family: arial;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">About the Author</span></h2><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: arial;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="article_text"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> Do you want to learn more advance steps to speed up your Vista? Try my New Ebook "Unleash Vista Power Advance Guide", with 58 step by step instruction and detail pictures, you should be able to pickup the skills in 48 hours! ==> <a href="http://www.speedup-vista.com/indexa.html">Speed Up Vista</a></span></div> </div>

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How To Correct A Continually Rebooting Computer

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> When you sit down at your computer desk and press the power switch on your desktop, the last thing you want to experience is a continually rebooting computer. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">There are a variety of causes that contribute to this problem, from something as simple as a stuck power button to a much more serious problem as your power supply slowly failing. Other causes for this problem may be overheating PC components, or viruses affecting your system. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Now, if you’re like the rest of us, having a computer that reboots constantly is not our idea of a productive day. So how do you diagnose this problem and where do you start to to make corrections. Here are some common but often overlooked causes and solutions that will get your system running again. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">First take a look at the power button and see if its stuck in the socket. If so, you may be able to simple tap the front of the case to release the button. In some cases, you may have to remove the system unit cover to get the button to return to the out position. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">If you cannot stop the computer from rebooting by pressing the power button and releasing it, turn off the power switch in the back of the computer next to the power supply. If your power supply do not have a power switch, you will have to unplug the system from the wall outlet. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">This must be done as soon as possible so that the constant rebooting will not damage components such as the hard drive. Constant rebooting also have the danger of power surges that can further damage larger components such as the motherboard. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Second you check your computer’s software by checking to be sure no virus or malware have not effected your hard drive. Virus and malware are small software that is downloaded along with other files that is designed to cause mischief. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">To remove any viruses and malware, use a anti-virus program that will search your hard drive and remove these file quickly. These files can cause such damage as wiping your hard drive of all data or hijacking your web browser so you have no control over your online surfing. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">If you find no malware on your computer, take a look at your BIOS to see if it has become unstable or has been changed. BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System and is a small program designed to check all components for proper operation when the computer is turned on. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">If your BIOS has been changed or if you’re not sure if its been changed, try to reset the BIOS settings to the default settings after you access the BIOS as the computer reboots.Once inside the BIOS, you should have the option to load your default settings, save the change, and reboot the computer. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">However, there are times when a continually rebooting computer will not allow you to access the BIOS. You can then reset the BIOS by removing the system unit cover and locating the jumper on a three pin header. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">You must consult your computer or motherboard manual to properly perform this procedure and it should be done as a last resort. Before making any changes to your BIOS, you should backup your BIOS if your computer reboots at long intervals. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">After checking your computer’s software for its rebooting problem, you must check to be sure hardware is not at fault. This problem may exist because one of your memory modules are unseated from its socket . Memory modules are long, narrow sticks that attach to the motherboard. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Remove any static electricity from yourself, remove the system unit cover and check these memory modules to be sure they are secure. Check the connections to the hard drive and the connections leading from the power supply. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Power supply connectors should be checked if you’ve done work inside your computer recently. Power Supplies are known to slowly fail and lead to rebooting problems. There is no way to check an ailing power supply and this should be considered the problem as a last resort. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Following these steps will help you correct any computer that continually reboots itself. If no virus or malware is found, carefully and thoroughly check all connections. And if the problem still exist, the most likely cause would be the Power Supply. </span><br /> <br /> </div><p style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>About The Author</b></span> </p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Otis F. Cooper is solely dedicated to boosting the knowledge and confidence of every computer user. Sign up to receive his informative articles every month and learn PC Repair absolutely free.Sign up now at </span><a class="hft-urls" href="http://www.ultimatepcrepair.com/" style="font-family: arial;">http://www.ultimatepcrepair.com</a></span></div>

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Dual Boot Windows and Linux: Single and Multiple Hard Drives

<p style="text-align: justify; font-family: arial;">The internet is full of technical articles, many of which are way too complicated for the average computer user who just wants to solve a simple problem. If you pay close attention, the internet is also a place where the “gurus” spend a lot of time yelling for help in discussion boards and forums. So don’t feel bad, nobody has all the answers.<br /><br />So you want to dual boot Windows and Linux on the same computer—it is really quite easy. I only have enough room here to tell you the most common way to do this on a single hard drive or using multiple hard drives. Obviously then, there are many ways to get the job done, but there are some critical things you should know. Let’s start with some critical information.<br /><br /><b>Windows and Linux: Same Hard Drive</b><br />The windows operating system MUST occupy the master boot record (MBR). Linux, on the other hand does not have to. In this scenario, you must install windows first! After Windows has been successfully installed, then you can install Linux. This is critical! The Linux “boot loader” is called GRUB. When you install Linux—MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT INSTALL THE LINUX BOOT LOADER TO THE MBR.<br /><br />Configure the Windows Boot Loader: A Two Step Process<br />It is also possible to use GRUB to dual boot Windows and Linux on the same drive but this is a bit more complex—the Windows boot loader will get the job done. In the following commands, you will create a copy of the Linux boot sector and then save it in a file in the top level directory under Windows (C:\).<br /><br />Step 1: Linux<br />From the shell in your Linux installation (boot from your installation disks):<br />Execute the following shell command, replacing /dev/hda3 with the location of your Linux boot partition.<br /><br />shell# dd if=/dev/hda3 of=/bootsect.lnx bs=512 count=1<br /><br />Copy the new file—bootsect.lnx—to a floppy disk and reboot to Windows.<br /><br />Step 2: Windows<br />Copy bootsect.lnx to C:\ in Windows. Then execute the following command at the DOS prompt.<br /><br />C:\> attrib -H -R -S \boot.ini<br /><br />Edit boot.ini so that the first two lines are:<br />[boot loader]<br />timeout=30<br /><br />After the last line, add:<br />c:\bootsect.lnx=“Start Linux”<br /><br />That’s it, you are done! Reboot your machine and you will see a menu allowing you to select either Windows or Linux. Congratulations.<br /><br /><b>Windows and Linux: Two Hard Drives</b><br />This is also quite easy. In this case, you will boot to the Linux drive. We will add Windows to the Linux boot loader (i.e., GRUB). GRUB is my favorite boot loader.<br /><br />Edit the /boot/grub/grub.conf file. One of the very first lines should contain:<br /><br />timeout=30<br /><br />After the last line add:<br />title Start Windows<br />map (hd1) (hd0)<br />map (hd0) (hd1)<br />rootnoverify (hd1,0)<br />makeactive<br />chainloader +1<br /><br />Reboot your machine to the Linux drive and you will see a menu allowing you to select between Linux or Windows. Nice work!<br />This article is obviously short and does not include any explanations of how these commands work. There are variations on what I have shown here depending on your hardware setup, but I believe that these are the most common and should get the job done nicely. I would be happy to direct you to additional resources if this does not work for you.<br /></p><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: arial;">Copyright © 2005 Majella.us<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;font-family:arial;" class="Name"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">About the author:</span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;font-family:arial;"> <span style="font-size:85%;"> David Picella is a Family Nurse Practitioner and PhD Student at UW Milwaukee. He is the founder of The Saint Gerard Fertility Care Center in Duarte, CA, which promotes morally acceptable scientific breakthroughs in reproductive medicine. </span><br /></div>

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Download AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 8.0

<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVKTvtbGdEDljkHND3WOoGX34-ALOW1cK2tlK7qk3LsrIKGsqvVprbp5nCJd1RU7cJ3bFP0vAw20OvF4atjUzUXeCoLGBFTMFxlxIHHmUiRvbt_PEFUX9cJoQ61wavaUWGuks9GWgpg3A/s1600-h/avg+free+edition+8.0.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196827750898010242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVKTvtbGdEDljkHND3WOoGX34-ALOW1cK2tlK7qk3LsrIKGsqvVprbp5nCJd1RU7cJ3bFP0vAw20OvF4atjUzUXeCoLGBFTMFxlxIHHmUiRvbt_PEFUX9cJoQ61wavaUWGuks9GWgpg3A/s200/avg+free+edition+8.0.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 85px; height: 102px;" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">AVG Free Edition is the well-known anti-virus protection tool. AVG Free is available free-of-charge to home users for the life of the product! Rapid virus database updates are available for the lifetime of the product, thereby providing the high-level of detection capability that millions of users around the world trust to protect their computers. AVG Free is easy-to-use and will not slow your system down (low system resource requirements).<br /><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Highlights and Features :</span><br /></p><ul style="text-align: justify; font-family: arial;"><li>Automatic update functionality </li><li style="text-align: justify;">The AVG Resident Shield, which provides real-time protection as files are opened and programs are run </li><li style="text-align: justify;">The AVG E-mail Scanner, which protects your e-mail </li><li style="text-align: justify;">The AVG On-Demand Scanner, which allows the user to perform scheduled and manual tests </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Free Virus Database Updates for the lifetime of the product </li><li style="text-align: justify;">AVG Virus Vault for safe handling of infected files </li></ul><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: arial;"><b>Is AVG Free right for you?</b><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: arial;"><b>AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition</b> is for private, non-commercial, single home computer use only. Use of AVG Free Edition within any organization or for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited. Your use of AVG Free Edition shall be in accordance with and is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the AVG Free Edition License Agreement which accompanies AVG Free Edition.<br /></div><br /><b style="font-family: arial;">What's New in AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition </b><span style="font-family:arial;">:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">• </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Improvements</b><span style="font-family:arial;"> :</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">· Small improvements in installation process.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">· Improvements in Resident Shield scanning.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">• </span><b style="font-family: arial;">Fixed Bugs</b><span style="font-family:arial;"> :</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">· Fixed problem with missing help in Rescue Disk Wizard (Windows 98 and ME only).</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">· Fixed problem with displaying Resident Shield notification windows in some cases.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">· Fixed wrong saving of proxy_host value in advanced AntiSpam settings.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">· Fixed problem with default Resident Shield extension list settings after installation.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">· Fixed problem with cleaning files with read-only attribute.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.scanwith.com/download_soft.php?d=2037&s=491" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Download AVG Free Edition 8.0</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.scanwith.com/download_soft.php?d=1511&s=491"><span></span></a><span><a style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Download AVG Free Edition 7.5</span></a></span><br /><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:78%;" >www.scanwith.com</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><br />AVG Anti Virus Update</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The priority update section includes the latest virus database updates and/or program updates crucial for your AVG proper functioning. To secure the maximum protection, always download the latest priority update as soon as it is available!</span><br /><br /><b style="font-family: arial;">What's New in AVG Anti-Virus Updates</b><span style="font-family:arial;">?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> · Added detection of new variant of Win32/Flux, Worm/Agent, new variants of trojans BackDoor.RBot, Dropper.ErPack, Vundo.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.scanwith.com/download_soft.php?d=2038&s=1211"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Download AVG Free Anti-Virus 8.0 Updates</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.scanwith.com/download_soft.php?d=2006&s=1211"><span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Download AVG Free Anti-Virus 7.5 Updates</span></span></a><br /><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >www.scanwith.com</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Tip</b><span style="font-family:arial;">: We recommend that you update directly from your AVG Free application by clicking on the Check for Updates button. Your AVG will then automatically update. Manual update from the website is not recommended unless you have a specific need to do so.</span><br /><br /><b style="font-family: arial;">Note</b><span style="font-family:arial;">: It is strongly recommended that you perform all updates from the AVG interface. The program can distinguish between full and differential updates; while this page offers only full update files for download.</span></span><br /><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Powered by : www.scanwith.com</span><br /></div></div></div>

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How to Clean Your Computer Motherboard (Mainboard)

<div face="arial" style="text-align: justify; font-family: arial;">If you have not done the inspection mentioned in the previous article - How to Clean your Case, now is the time to do so. Look at the blades of the fan in the back of the computer. Also look at any vents. Is there clusters of dust there? Is there grime caked on to it? If so, the inside needs to be cleaned. If the fan blades are clean but it has been several years since you have cleaned the motherboard or if the computer is around cigarette smoke, it probably should be cleaned anyway. Dust and particles in the air (like cigarette smoke) can build up on the circuitry of the motherboard and cause it to heat up and/or corrode.<br /><br />The first thing that you need to do is unplug your computer. Then open up the case to get access to the motherboard. Cases open differently. If you don't know how to open your case, look on the back of your computer along the edge for some screws. These screws may hold on side panels or an upside down U shaped panel that covers the sides and top. Removing the screws will allow you to take off the cover. Other cases have the screws on the front of the computer. To get access to these screws, you must first remove the front panel by pressing a hidden latch. The cover is there to give easy access to the inside of your computer, so if you look hard enough, you should be able to figure out how to remove it.<br /><br />Remember that if you touch anything on the motherboard, you should be grounded by either touching the metal frame of the computer with your other hand or by wearing a special grounding device.<br /><br />The goal of cleaning the motherboard is to remove all dust and debris from the motherboard and all components inside of the case. This can be done using one of three methods.<br /><br />The preferred method is to use a can of compressed air to blow it out. Always hold the can in an up-right position to prevent the propellent chemicals which can damage or corrode components from coming out. Dust and dirt should be blown away from the motherboard and out of the case.<br /><br />Another way to remove dust is to use a vacuum. The common advice is to only use a battery operated vacuum because an AC powered vacuum causes static and static can ruin the motherboard. I have used an AC powered vacuum (before I knew that it was not recommended) to clean my motherboard many times and it has never caused any problems, but I may have just been lucky. When using the vacuum, keep the nozzle a couple of inches away from the motherboard or any other components so that it does not come in contact with them and so that any small parts are not sucked into the vacuum.<br /><br />If you do not have a can of compressed air or a vacuum, you can use a dry cloth and brush to clean the motherboard. Be careful not to dislodge or break anything using this method.<br /><br />While cleaning the motherboard, be careful not to unplug any cables or connections or to dislodge any loose components, such as, jumpers.<br /><br />Methodically clean the whole inside of the case going over all of the motherboard from one end to the other and all other components. Don't forget to clean the fans and heat sinks. Do not open up the power supply box or stick anything in it beyond the fan. If you do, you could get a shocking surprise and ruin your computer.<br /><br />If your computer does not work when you put it back together, something was obviously dislodged during the cleaning. Open the case back up and push all connections and cards into their slots. Look for anything that may have become disconnected.<br /><br />Cleaning the motherboard is probably the most dangerous form of cleaning but it is necessary to prevent an early death of your computer.<br /><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>About The Author</b></span> </p><div style="text-align: left;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Ray Geide writes a free weekly newsletter called Ray's Computer Tips and moderates a discussion board answering computer questions called Computer Q&A. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">He is an experienced computer programmer who has been writing top-rated software for over a decade. Though he has written for some big-name companies, he prefers to write for his own company, Super Win Software, Inc. <span class="hft-urls">http://www.superwin.com/</span> </span><br /></div>

If you have not done the inspection mentioned in the previous article - How to Clean your Case, now is the time to do so. Look at the blades...

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How to Clean Your Computer Case

<div face="arial" style="text-align: justify; font-family: arial;">There is nothing wrong with leaving spills, dirt, and stains on your computer case. After all isn't that what the case is for, to protect the electronic components inside from spills and dirt? This is true, but there are still parts of the case that need to be cleaned and checked if you want your computer to live a long and prosperous life.<br /><br />Unless you like looking at dirt every time you look at your computer, you should go ahead and clean those spills, stains, and dust off of the case. You can do this with just about any cloth and cleaner. Do not use highly abrasive cleaners that might ruin or mar the surface and do not use solvents on plastic. A wet sponge will even work. Just make sure that the cleaner or any liquid does not seep into the inside through cracks and vents. If there is any possibility that you are going to get that messy, turn off and unplug the computer first and wait to turn it back on until any liquid has had a chance to fully dry.<br /><br />After you have wiped off the outside, it is time for a little inspection. Look at the blades of the fan in the back of the computer. Also look at any vents. Is there dust there? Is there a lot of dust and grime caked on to it? If so, that is an indicator that the inside also needs to be cleaned (I will tell you how to do that in next week's article - How to Clean your Motherboard).<br /><br />Some clean environments never have to have the inside cleaned. Some need it cleaned monthly. When I lived in Russia, even though I didn't notice it, the air was not clean. The fan on the computer would cake up with dirt and grime after about a month of use. And so I would have to clean the fan, vents, and inside monthly. If I had let it go for several months without cleaning, the fan would have stopped working and the computer would have overheated. Where I now live in the US, the air is clean and I have gone years without having to clean it. Again, the indicator of this is the blades of the fan and the vents. If they are dirty, they need to be cleaned.<br /><br />You can do some of the cleaning from the outside. First, turn off the computer. Then get out the vacuum sweeper and using the hose, vacuum out the vents and the fan(s). If you have compressed air (you can purchase compressed air from your computer store), you may want to blow air in through the vents (or intake fan if you have one) to loosen the dust and suck it out using the vacuum. If there is still dust or dirt in the vents or on the blades of the fan, you can use a Q-tip to clean them.<br /><br />If you do not have a vaccum, you can use compressed air alone. Always use short bursts to avoid moisture buildup. Start with the computer off and blow into every hole and vent. Then turn the computer on and blow everything except for the exhaust fan once again.<br /><br />With the case clean, your computer will look nicer and with the fan and vents cleaned out it will breathe easier and run cooler.<br /><br /> </div><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>About The Author</b></span> </p><div style="text-align: left;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Ray Geide writes a free weekly newsletter called Ray's Computer Tips and moderates a discussion board answering computer questions called Computer Q&A. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">He is an experienced computer programmer who has been writing top-rated software for over a decade. Though he has written for some big-name companies, he prefers to write for his own company, Super Win Software, Inc. <span class="hft-urls">http://www.superwin.com/</span> </span><br /></div>

There is nothing wrong with leaving spills, dirt, and stains on your computer case. After all isn't that what the case is for, to protec...

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How to Clean a Printer

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Does your printer have frequent paper jams? Does it put ink where ink shouldn't be? Is the outside of your printer dirty or covered with smudges? If so, it is time to clean your printer. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">First, there are some general rules that apply to cleaning just about any electrical device. It is best to turn off the printer before cleaning it. Do not spray water or cleaner on or in the printer. Instead wet the rag with it and clean the printer with the rag. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Different types of printers require different cleaning methods. So if you can get your hands on cleaning instructions for your make and model of printer, do so and follow them. Unfortunately, many manufacturers only make that kind of information available to their licensed technicians. In that case, you are stuck with these instructions, so read on. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Open up your printer and take a look. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> If you have an ink jet printer and there is an ink mess inside, clean it up with wet paper towels. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If you have a printer that uses toner either vacuum or blow it out. Some toner, especially color toner, can be harmful to you, so only use a vacuum with a micro-toner filter or blow and run. Figure out where the drum is (it is shiny and larger in diameter than the rollers) and do not touch or scratch it. If you do, the scratches will turn up as marks on every paper that you print and will require that you replace the drum (not a cheap option) to fix it. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Examine the path that the paper takes through the printer. Clean all of the rollers (but on a toner printer, not the drum or rollers near the drum and watch out for the rollers after the drum because they may be hot). It may take some disassembly and/or contorting of your arm to get to some of the rollers. Access is not always easy. The most important rollers to clean are the ones which pick up the paper from the paper bin and transfer it into the printer. If these rollers are dirty or bad, they will cause consistent paper jams. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The rollers are made of either hard plastic or rubber. All of the rollers can be cleaned with water or rubbing alcohol. If the rubber rollers have deposits that you can't get off, you can use harsher cleaners but be careful because those cleaners can damage the plastic rollers and parts. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">To clean a roller, wipe across the roller with a wet rag, rotate the roller, and wipe again. Do this until you have worked your way all the way around the roller. Look at the rag. If it has been blackened by the roller, move to a clean part of the rag and clean the roller again. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Once everything is clean on the inside, close it up and clean the outside. Wipe off the case and each of the buttons or knobs. If there are staples or paper clips sitting on it or wedged in the cracks, remove them and throw them away. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Other areas of the printer can be cleaned but to do so, you will have to either get training and special tools or leave it to a trained professional. </span><br /><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>About The Author</b></span> </p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Ray Geide writes a free weekly newsletter called Ray's Computer Tips and moderates a discussion board answering computer questions called Computer Q&A. </span><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >He is an experienced computer programmer who has been writing top-rated software for over a decade. Though he has written for some big-name companies, he prefers to write for his own company, Super Win Software, Inc. <span class="hft-urls">http://www.superwin.com/</span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span><br /></div>

Does your printer have frequent paper jams? Does it put ink where ink shouldn't be? Is the outside of your printer dirty or covered with...

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