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I’m trying to install a WD hard drive in my XP system. The installer says it cannot install because I have GoBack installed. GoBack will not uninstall because it says my C: drive is running in MS-DOS compatibility mode. How do I get out of MS-DOS compatibility mode? I can find the information for 98 and ME, but not for XP.

How to Exit MS-DOS Compatibility Mode in Windows XP

Start with the first suggestion here and work your way through the list. Basically, you need to exit MS-DOS Compatibility Mode before you can stop running it.

Strategy 1

You might have already tried this method, so if you have just move on to the next one. Press ALT + ENTER at the same time. This might allow you to exit and turn off this MS-DOS Compatibility Mode.

Strategy 2

• If you are able to access Windows, locate the .PIF file (part of MS-DOS prompt) by clicking on the Start menu and accessing one of the following: My Computer, Find, or Windows Explorer.
• When you locate the file, right click on it and select Properties.
• Select the Program tab and then select the Advanced button.
• Uncheck the box in front of MS-DOS mode so that it is empty.
• Select OK.

GoBack Compatibility Issues

GoBack compatibility issues can arise depending on the other applications that you have installed on your computer. This includes the operating system. In particular, not all versions of GoBack are compatible with Windows XP. This can also lead to problems installing, running, and uninstalling. The following versions are compatible:

• GoBack Deluxe versions 3.1x and higher
• Norton GoBack Personal Edition, any version
• Norton GoBack versions 3.0 and later

Uninstall GoBack

The GoBack application protects computers from quite a bit of trouble including damage from viruses, problematic software installations, unexpected errors, and more. To uninstall GoBack, follow these steps:

• Close out of any open programs.
• Open Add/Remove Programs (Start>Settings>Control Panel>Add and Remove Programs)
• Select GoBack.
• Click Add/Remove.
• Complete all prompts as they appear.

Problem Still Exist with GoBack?

If the problem still exists and you cannot exit out of MS-DOS Compatibility Mode, then you might want to see if any of these situations apply:

• Recently installed security application incompatibility: Is GoBack the only application that you have installed?
• Virus Corruption: Have you been infected with a virus recently? Is it possible that your system is corrupted? If so, try running a registry cleaner such as RegCure.

I just installed a new Dell computer last weekend and I’ve started receiving a Solution Center screen which claims, “The feature you are trying to use is on a CD-ROM or other removable disc that is not available. Insert the ‘SolutionCenter’ disk and click OK.” I am not attempting to use any program when this screen appears. I’m simply starting up the computer. I can’t find a SolutionCenter disc in any of the software that Dell sent me with my computer. Is this a scam, or should I be looking to Dell to send me this disc?

What is the Dell Solution Center?

The Dell Solution Center is a utility featured by Dell through its software that offers learning and problem diagnostics through a variety of support options. It is designed to start up with the initial boot up of your computer. This is not a scam, but it is a legitimate application that is actually supposed to make your life easier. You have two options here. You can either disable the application or you can obtain the software if it appears to be missing from your startup disks.

How to Disable the Dell Solution Center from the Start Menu

If you want to disable the Dell Solution Center from the Start menu, follow these directions:

• Right click on the Taskbar.
• Select the option for “Properties.” This should generate the dialog box for “Taskbar and Start Menu Properties.”
• Select the option for the “Start Menu.”
• Select the “Customize” button from the choices.
• This should generate the dialog box for “Customize Start Menu.”
• Select the option for “Advanced.”
• Read through the list that appears. Scroll if necessary. Find the option for “Manufacture Link” and uncheck the box that exists for it.
• Select “OK.” This returns you to the “Taskbar and Start Menu Properties” dialog box.
• Select “Apply” and “OK.”

If the above method does not work for you (for example, not everyone will have the “manufacturer link” option), then you can edit the registry to remove the Dell Solutions Center from your start up. However, you should understand that editing the registry is a tricky strategy and you should back up your data and your registry before attempting to edit it. To remove the Dell Solutions Center by editing the registry, remove this key: [HKEY_CLASSES_TOOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9fo}]@=”Dell Solution Center”

Installing the Software for the Dell Solutions Center

The software should be included on the disk that you received with your computer. It isn’t labeled or provided as a separate disk. Therefore, you can check out the disks that you have by opening them on the computer and checking to see what’s on them. Alternatively, you can visit Dell’s Download Center at this link Dell Solution Center Software and select the software download for the version that you have on the computer.

I made a new profile and copied everything over from my old profile and it works like normal. However, I can’t save/download anything. To put it simple, I tried to save a Google image to my desktop. Set the save point as my desktop and clicked save. It came up in the download window and said downloaded. However, it’s nowhere to be seen on the desktop. Confused. Also, I use a bit torrent download centre called uTorrent and when I try to download a torrent file it is unable to do so.

This problem might take a bit of troubleshooting, especially since more than one factor could be involved here. Let’s take a look at the uTorrent situation first as that could be quite simple.

Troubleshooting uTorrent Downloads

It is possible that the uTorrent folder that you think you are downloading and saving to has gone missing after you created your new profile. In order for uTorrent downloads to go through properly, you need to have the folder (directory) being specified by uTorrent. For example, you might receive the message “cannot save .torrent file to C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\My Documents\example.torrent.”

If this is the case, check the exact message that you receive when uTorrent won’t download and save any files for you. Look for the specified folder in the specified location. If it doesn’t exist, then try creating a new folder and attempt to download the file again. If this isn’t the error message that you are getting, then read it carefully, as it does provide the clues you need to solve the problem. If you still need help, just write back with the error messages so I can try and provide a specific solution.

Troubleshooting Saving and Downloading Problems: Repair Windows

It sounds as though you have lost the ability to download and save files. In a case such as the one you are describing, you might be able to repair the problem by using your installation disk to repair Windows. If you have the disk, follow these directions:

1. Insert the disk and turn on your computer.
2. Select the correct option to boot the computer from the CD. Typically, you can hit the “ESC” and “F1″ keys to do so.
3. Follow the prompts to select the repair option (”r”). Although it might look like the right choice. Don’t select the option to “repair the recovery console.” This isn’t the option you need.

Troubleshooting Saving and Downloading Problems: Reset Permissions for Desktop

Occasionally, the desktop needs to be reset because changes have inadvertently occurred including the inability to save to the desktop. Follow the directions here to reset your desktop permissions. Hopefully this will resolve the issue for you.

1. Find the desktop folder. Use this path: C: Users\Your Name\Desktop
2. Right click on the folder and select “Properties.”
3. Select “Security.”
4. Select “Advanced.”
5. Select “Edit.”
6. Remove the check in front of “Include inheritable permissions from this object’s parent.”
7. Select “Remove.”
8. Check in front of “Include inheritable permissions from this object’s parent.”
9. Select “OK” three times. All of the permissions for the desktop should be reset and you should be able to save now.

I’ve recently started experiencing these “copy and paste” problems with Works. I haven’t changed anything on my computer so I assumed that it occurred from the automatic updates that Microsoft periodically downloads. The “paste special” option helps sometimes but that option doesn’t always appear as a selection in the “Edit” section. One example, for many years, I always liked to type up my eBay item descriptions in Works first and then paste them into the description box on eBay when I was ready to list the item. I no longer can do this so I have to retype the descriptions (which can be long sometimes because they are in HTML code) with every listing. I really hope they come up with an actual fix, this is not good.

Enable Copy and Paste in Internet Explorer

In this case, you are trying to copy from Microsoft Works to eBay’s description field, correct? If so, it may be that your Internet browser is restricting copy and paste. If so, try changing the copy and paste setting in Internet Explorer’s Options menu. Do this by going to Tools > Internet Options > Security. Select the globe icon and then click Custom Level. Scroll down until you find Misc > “Drag and drop or copy and paste files.” Change this from Disable to either Enable or Prompt.

Ebay’s HTML Tab

Since you mentioned eBay and HTML in the same breath, let’s also take a look at how to enter HTML in the eBay description form. It sounds like you have a Works document containing the HTML code for your commonly listed item. If you copy and paste this HTML into the standard description form, all of your HMTL codes will show up as codes rather than carrying out the specific commands. For example, <table border=”0″> and other HTML commands will appear as text complete with the codes rather than carrying out the command such as creating a table for coloring a font.

Fortunately, the description form for eBay also has an HTML component. However, the HTML tab isn’t viewable if you are using eBay’s simple form. If you are creating a listing in the simple form, you’ll need to go to the top of this form and find the link that says, “Switch to Form with More Choices.” Now, when you go to the Description form, you will see a Standard tab as well as an HTML tab. Click the tab labeled HTML and paste your HTML into that form instead. Now, click the Standard tab and you should see your description nicely formatted with all of your HTML instructions properly carried out.

Using Notepad

Finally, if copying the text from Works into the HTML tab still gives you problems, try copying the text into Notepad first and then copying from Notepad to the HTML tab of eBay’s description form.

My cursor froze and won’t move at all. I’ve tried restarting several times with no result. How can I make it work again?

The Curse of the Frozen Cursor

Several possibilities come to mind when I hear about a frozen cursor. The two that stick out are: mouse issues and memory issues. Let’s take a look at both and see if we can remove the curse.

Mouse Issues

Free Download - Fixes Problems with Frozen cursor or frozen mouse!

First, let’s explore the possibility that something is going on with your computer’s mouse.Is it a wireless mouse? If so, replace the batteries and then re-establish the connection between the mouse and its receiver. I used to use a wireless mouse and had to periodically reset it, even if the batteries were good. I eventually became so tired of constant mouse failures that I went back to the old-fashioned, but reliable, wired mouse. Look at the bottom of the mouse for a small reset button.

Another common problem with both wired and wireless mice involves mouse device drivers. Are you able to navigate your system using the keyboard or is the entire system frozen? For example, if you press the Windows button on your keyboard, does the Start menu appear? If so, your computer isn’t frozen, but since the mouse won’t work it’s likely that the mouse driver is corrupt or missing. In this case, you’ll need a fresh driver for your mouse. This won’t be easy as you will need to use keyboard shortcuts and the arrow keys to navigate. Difficult, but not insurmountable.

Is your mouse frozen? better check your registry first- this free scanner will take less than 60 seconds

First, press the Windows key to open the Start menu. If you have Windows Vista, type Device Manager into the Search bar and press the Enter key. Press Enter again as soon as you see the Device Manager icon appear. (In Windows XP, use your arrow key to get to Run and then type devmgmt.msc and then press the Enter key.)

When Device Manager loads, use the Tab key to get the cursor into the category list and then use the arrows to get to Mice and Pointing Devices. Use the right arrow to expand the list. Arrow down to your mouse and press the Enter key. From here, you’ll need to use the Tab key and the arrow keys to navigate to the Driver tab. This is tricky, so keep trying. Once you see that the General tab appears to be highlighted, use your right arrow key to activate the Driver tab. Use Alt + P to update the driver. Use the arrows to select Search Automatically. Windows will then search for updated mouse drivers. If found, Windows will load them and then you must restart the computer before the mouse will work.

Memory Issues

Free Download - Fixes PRoblems with Frozen cursor or frozen mouse!

If your mouse and its drivers are fine, but the cursor - and the entire system - is frozen, then you may have a memory issue. Common causes of frozen computers include having too many programs open at once, computer virus and spyware infections, and a cluttered Windows Registry. The trick here is to get the computer to function well enough to start troubleshooting which is where Safe Mode comes into play. Reboot your computer and press the F8 key repeatedly until you get to the Safe Mode options screen. Choose Safe Mode and let Windows load. The screen will look different so don’t be alarmed.

Once in Safe Mode, you can start basic troubleshooting. I recommend running Disc Cleanup, defragging the hard drive, and eliminating any unnecessary startup items as the first order of business. Disc Cleanup and the Defragmenter are both located in Programs\Accessories\System Tools folder. You can adjust startup items by going to Start > Run and typing in msconfig. Click the Startup Items tab and remove checkmarks by programs that are not essential to load each time you start Windows. Once these tasks are complete, I’d update and run a complete antivirus/antispyware scan.

I received an HP Pavilion DV7 laptop for college. It came equipped with a webcam built into the monitor. I was researching how to use it and it seems that I need HP Quickplay. I have no idea if QuickPlay is already downloaded onto my computer, and if it is, how to access it. I just need some general assistance on what QuickPlay actually is. How do I download it onto my laptop? As a music major, a webcam would be extremely helpful to record my voice and practice and play back facial expressions.Webcam Software

In many cases, the webcam software that you need is already installed on the laptop, especially if it came equipped with a webcam. If this is the case, then you won’t need to download and install HP QuickPlay because it should already be on your machine.

What is HP QuickPlay?

HP QuickPlay is a software application that allows you to play DVDs, CDs, and other media on the laptop. It also provides functionality to connect to a webcam. You are correct when you state that you need it to use the pre-installed webcam on your laptop. Since the webcam came pre-installed on the HP Pavilion DV7 laptop, you probably have HP QuickPlay installed as well. Just run through the steps in the next section to check. If it isn’t already installed, go to the next section for tips on how to obtain it.

How to Check for HP QuickPlay

It’s easy to check to see if you have HP QuickPlay installed on the laptop. Use any one of the following strategies to check for HP QuickPlay:

Strategy 1: Double click on the “My Computer” icon on the desktop screen. Double click on the “Control Panel” icon. You should see “HP QuickPlay.” Double click on it to access the program.

Strategy 2: Click on “Start.” Select “Settings.” Select “Control Panel.” You should see “HP QuickPlay” listed.

Strategy 3: Click on “Start.” Select “All Programs.” Select “QuickPlay.” Select “QuickPlay Player.”

Re-installing HP QuickPlay

If you don’t already have HP QuickPlay installed on your laptop, then you’ll need to get it in order to use the webcam. There are currently three versions available:

• One for use with older notebooks that have Windows XP operating systems installed and an installation CD
• One for use with notebooks that have Windows XP operating systems installed and do not include an installation CD but use a diskless Recovery Manager utility
• One for use with notebooks that have Windows Vista operating systems installed and do not have an installation CD but use a diskless Recovery Manager utility

If you need to reinstall your HP QuickPlay application, check to see which of the above descriptions fit your notebook. Then, either use the disk or the Recovery Manager utility to install the application.