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Please help me, how can I remove the write protection on my USB? I can’t remove or clean my USB.

Write Protection

Write protection refers to hardware and software techniques that are used to lock data devices and prevent accidental data corruption or loss. On USB flash drives there is most often a small switch that protects the device. First, check on the side of the USB device and see if there is a small slide switch. If so, try sliding the switch to turn the write protect off.

Physical Write Protection Lock

If you have already switched the physical lock off, it is also possible that the USB flash drive has become write protected some other way, and so there are a few other techniques to try to access it. If this is the case, you might be getting an error message when you are using the USB drive that asks you to remove the write protection or use another disk.

Prepare by Backing up the Registry

This solution requires you to adjust your computer’s registry, which is a high-risk operation. While the steps themselves are very simple, it is very important that you follow them carefully. Deleting files from your registry can render programs unusable and destabilize your entire system. Make sure you are careful and don’t matoke any additional changes to your registry. It is also a good idea to create a backup of your registry. Here is a link to an article explaining how to protect your registry setting before you continue.

Edit the Write Protect Value in the Registry

Once you are backed up, follow these instructions to edit your registry and - hopefully - resolve the write protection issue.

1.  Click to open the Start menu

2.  Click Run to open a search box

3.  Type in regedit then press the Enter key

4.  This will open the registry - scroll through to find the entry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies

5.  Click to open the path

6.  On the right side of the window, find and click twice in the WriteProtect key

7.  Find the Value Data box and set to 0

8.  Click OK

9.  Exit the registry, and then reboot the computer. Reconnect the USB drive and all should be well.

I hope that this helps solve your problem!! Good luck!

I want to download a video sent from Canada and my Windows won’t do the job. What steps do I take now?

Enable Downloads

First, make sure that your computer is set up to allow downloads. This is done via the Security tab in Internet Options. Launch Internet Explorer, go to Tools > Internet Options and click the Security tab. Click the Custom button and then scroll through the list in search of the Download area. Make sure that Download is set to Enable. If this setting is currently set at Disable, then you won’t be able to download files from the Internet.

Also, if your computer does not download anything, it is possible that parental or employee controls have been installed on the computer as a security measure.

Identify Video File Type

Next, if your computer downloads files fine, but the video won’t open, your next task is to identify the file type. The file will have a filename and a file extension such as “mymovie.wmv.” In this example, the file extension would be “.wmv” which is a Windows Media Video file. Knowing this, you can then figure out which media player to use (in this case, Windows Media Player would do the trick).

If your computer is not displaying the file extension, right-click the Start button and choose Explore (or Open Windows Explorer if you have Windows 7). Click Organize > Folder and Search Options. Click the View tab and make sure that there is no checkmark in the box that reads, “Hide extensions for known file types.”  

Choose Correct Video Player

In order to view a video, you need a media player that supports the video’s type. If you have a Windows computer, you already have Windows Media Player which may or may not be compatible with the video that you are trying to view. Try updating Media Player by going to Help > Check for Updates as this may add compatibility to the Media Player since the last update was performed. If this doesn’t work, you may want to download Apple QuickTime or Real.com’s RealPlayer. You can also search the Internet for information about that file extension along with which media player is capable of playing it.

If I want to use my computer as a TV, what do I need to do?

Using Computers as TVs

If you want to use your computer as a television, you have several options including watching streaming programming online, installing a TV tuner card, or using a network-attached television tuner. Each has its pros and cons, so do a bit of research and consider how you will be using your computer for television viewing before you invest.

Watching TV Online

The easiest and cheapest way to watch television on your computer is to watch online television programming. However, you should have a broadband connection in order to get the best performance. Broadcasters now regularly post streaming videos of their popular programs on their Websites. For example, if you go to NBC.com, you’ll find current and past episodes of popular shows such as 30 Rock, Heroes, Chuck, and The Office. Other sites such as Hulu.com also host televisions shows from a variety of sources.

TV Tuner Cards

Another option is to buy a TV tuner card for your computer. TV tuner cards are hardware devices that either install directly inside your computer’s case or connect via a USB or Firewire connection. If you simply want to watch television on your computer, a basic TV tuner card should suffice. You’ll need to install the card and its software onto your computer and then connect your cable or a TV antenna to the device.

However, if your computer is a relatively high performance computer with a large hard drive, you might consider a TV tuner card cable of recording television or a dual TV tuner card that allows you to watch one program while another is recording. Pay attention to system requirements as these processes are demanding on your computer system.

Network-Attached TV Tuners

You may have heard of a product called “SlingBox.” The SlingBox is an interesting device with loads of possibilities. It attaches to your home network and television cable signal. Once configured, you can then share the television signal across your home network. Any connected computer on the network can watch television. But it gets even better, you can also set the SlingBox up to share your cable television over the Internet. Of course, not anyone on the Internet will be able to connect. You’ll need to set up the system with login names and user passwords as well as configure client software on the remote computers. Once set up, you can then access your system remotely. For example, if you’re going on vacation, you might take your laptop with you. Once settled in, simply connect to the Internet and control your SlingBox remotely.

Watching TV online, using a TV tuner, or investing in a network-attached TV tuner like SlingBox are all viable ways to enjoy watching TV on your computer. The least expensive choice is to watch programming online while the most versatile choice is to invest in a network-attached tuner.

How can I play mp4 videos on my Real Player?

MPEG-4 File Format

MP4 files - short for Moving Picture Experts Group, or MPEG 4, compression files are a video file standard supported by a number of media programs and popularly used to share video files online. MP4 compression uses different techniques for audio and video data, which sometimes results in partial playback on some players, such as only audio or only video.

Check your RealPlayer File Settings

You can check your RealPlayer settings to check which file types is it currently enabled to play, as well as to check which files it plays by default. This way you can make sure that your media player is adequately configured for the MP4 file.

• Open RealPlayer and choose the Tools tab from the toolbar menu at the top of the screen
• From Tools, select Preferences
• Click the + symbol to expand the Content section
• Choose Media Types
• Next to the entry Manually Configure Media Types for RealPlayer, click to select the dot
• Choose Select
• The list will display and show the supported files with checked boxes

RealPlayer and MP4 Files

Officially, Real Player does support the MP4 format, but since it is a media container format it can contain any number of different information types. It is a good idea to make sure you have the latest version of Real Player. The newer the media player software, the more likely it will support the file without compatibility issues.

RealPlayer can support any file type that your computer is enabled to support, which means that the computer needs to be set up for the file before RealPlayer can play it. The usual issue responsible for playback problems is codec-related - meaning that your computer doesn’t have the program information it needs to comprehend and support the file format.

Download and Install the Appropriate Codec Pack for your System

Codecs are the small program files that enable communication between software programs and files - in this case your operating system, Real Player and the MP4 format. Codec packs are available for free download all over the Internet. Search for the codec pack for your operating system, and do some research to make sure you are downloading from a trusted site. As always, take caution whenever you allow any program to access your system.

I hope this helps!!

Why can’t I download music and videos to my Nano iPod?

Without knowing exactly what software you have set up and what it is that you have already tried, I am going to take you through the steps you need to take in order to download music and videos to your iPod Nano for a new iPod and then for a Nano that you have had for a while.

Download and Install iTunes Software

The first step is to visit Apple’s website and download the iTunes software. Without it, you cannot use your Nano. Follow the prompts that are given to completely install the software onto your computer.

Charge the iPod Nano

Make sure that your iPod Nano has power. If it does not have a charge, you need to plug it into your computer to charge it. Wait until it is fully charged to proceed.

Sync Your iPod Nano with Your Computer

Once the iPod is charged, a dialog window should pop up on the computer screen asking you to name your iPod device. Pick any name that you would like and follow the prompts. You might also be prompted to visit the iTunes store at this time. You can accept the invitation or wait until another opportunity to shop.

Download Music from the Computer to the Nano

By default, the iPod Nano is configured to update any new music from the iTunes library automatically each time it is connected to the computer as long as you have your iTunes software open. Obviously, you must have music in the iTunes library in order for it to access it. You can purchase music online or use music that you already have stored on the computer.

Download Videos from the Computer to the Nano

In order to download videos, you need to have the videos stored in your iTunes library. Open the iTunes software on your computer. Connect your iPod Nano to the computer. On the left side of the iTunes dialog box, select your device using the name that you gave it. Look across the top menu for videos or movies and make your selection. The iPod is not set up to download videos automatically so you will have to do so manually by following the prompts.

Check Space Availability of the Nano

Make sure that you have enough space on your device to accommodate the downloads. Look at the bar at the bottom of the settings on your Nano.

Troubleshooting a Used iPod Nano

If you have had the Nano for a while and you are just now having difficulty downloading music and videos, you should update the iTunes software. If the software hasn’t been updated since you first installed it, this can cause problems for the iPod.

If you have recently installed the iTunes software and you are having difficulties, it is possible that you are experiencing a bad installation. If so, uninstall and reinstall the iTunes software.

If you do not have any music or videos downloaded into your iTunes, you will not be able to download any into your iPod Nano.

Each iPod device is configured for use on a single computer. If you try to use it on more than one computer, you will not be able to do anything.

How to download Skype software successfully on my computer - is there a problem with the web browser?

Downloading Applications from the Internet

Downloading computer programs online is a relatively simple process, and should work without too many issues, as long as both your computer’s operating system and other software applications are compatible with and can support the new program.

Choose the Right Download for your Operating System

There are Skype downloads available for Windows, Mac and Linux computer systems. If you are running a Windows operating system, you need to have at least the Windows 2000 version running. Skype is also supported with Windows versions XP, Vista and 7.

Make Sure your System Meets the Program Requirements

Skype also requires a strong Internet connection - a broadband line is the best. To run Skype, your computer needs both speakers and a microphone to transmit audio and a webcam if you want to use video. Skype also needs a 1 GHz processor and 256 MB of RAM.

Update your Computer’s Web Browser

If your computer meets these requirements, you should be able to download and install the program. However, if you suspect an issue with your browser, a good place to start is with a browser update. The most common browser for Windows is Microsoft’s Internet Explorer. You can visit the Internet Explorer webpage here and make sure that you have a recent release that is capable of supporting the download. The newest IE version is 8, but 7 should be just fine as well.

Get the Official Download

Another thing to verify for your download is that you are on the official Skype website. Sometimes other sites, like freeware sites for example, try to route traffic their way. Since Skype is a free download, there is no advantage to getting the release from a third-party site. You can link to the official Skype site here. For Windows systems, the latest version available is 4.1.

Download Skype

On the Skype website, there is a big button to click to start the download, and the process should launch automatically. Give it ten or twenty seconds then, if it doesn’t start, click the phrase that says start download again. You can check on the download by opening your Downloads folder from the Start Menu and double clicking to open it. If you are still not able to launch or open the download, Skype offers a personalized service through the website Help page.

When the download does run, Windows will open a dialog box that asks if you want to run or save the file called SkypeSetup.exe. Click to choose Run. If a confirmation box opens, choose Run again.

Install the Program

Once the download is complete, click twice on the Skype icon on your desktop to open the application. Click the phrase Don’t have a Skype Name to set up a new account and then follow the directions. This will launch the installation wizard. Follow the directions to agree and install the software. Once the application is installed, you can open and use it anytime by clicking the icon on your desktop or in your Start Menu.