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Is there a free service that I could talk to over the phone to help me install drivers on my computer?

Get Free Phone Tech Support from the Device Manufacturer

I can’t think of any services that offer free phone support for drivers in general, but you can most likely get some one-on-one assistance from the manufacturer of the device that you want to install or update drivers for. For example, if you are installing an HP printer, you can contact HP customer support for help. This website has a massive list of manufacturer’s and their 1-800 or local numbers, I hope it helps.

Free Software Programs Online

There are also a lot of free software download programs that offer driver location and installation assistance. However, as with most free downloads, be very careful that you know what you are getting and that the site or program is genuine and reputable.

Using Windows Updates for Drivers

This said, I think that I can help you learn what you need to know to find device drivers on your own, or at least have a good idea about how to start. Windows includes driver updates in its Windows Updates program, which you can install and set to run automatically whenever you want. This is a good tool for keeping your system up to date.

Use Device Manager to Update Drivers

To find device drivers, there are two or three major options. First, use Windows Device Manager to search for missing drivers. Here’s how:

1. Log on as an administrator
2. Click Start, then Control Panel, and then System and Maintenance
3. Choose Device Manager
4. If you are asked, provide the administrator password or press Enter to continue
5. Scroll to find your graphics or video card and click it twice to open
6. Choose the Driver tab, and click Update Driver
7. Follow the on-screen directions to load the driver update

Use the Manufacturer’s Website to Find Drivers

Secondly, you can use the manufacturer’s website to look for drivers. Most device makers offer a “drivers and downloads” page on their websites that you can look at to find drivers for your product. Sometimes you can enter your product model number into a search and it will locate the right drivers for you.

Buy a Driver Genius Software Program

Thirdly, there are numerous programs available for both free download and for purchase that will help you find and install drivers. At Filetonic we recommend a driver program by Paretologic called DriverCure. There is also a tech support service that we recommend that you can access here.

Load the Drivers from the CD

If you have a CD that came with your device, then most likely the drivers are on it. If you connect the device to the computer and reboot your system, the computer should recognize the device and launch the Add Hardware wizard, which will walk you through adding the drivers from the CD. If the wizard doesn’t launch, open it manually by choosing the Add Hardware icon in the Control Panel.

I hope this helps, if not, write again with some more specifics about your device, driver situation and operating system and we can help you from there. Good luck!

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Free Online Technical Support Options

I need free online support.

Filetonic Free Ask a Tech Help

Funny you should ask. Here at Filetonic, we do our best to answer computer questions - for free! While we are not a full service online tech support service, we try to get you answers to your questions or point you in the right direction. Feel free to “Ask a Tech Jock” as your first step toward solving your computer problems.

Free Online Tech Support Options

Depending on the computer problem you are experiencing, free online tech support may be available. For example, if you are having trouble with your Vonage Internet phone service, the folks over at Vonage are quite helpful. Likewise, your cable Internet service provider is a good first stop for Internet access problems. Many ISPs now offer automated support tools that automatically configure your system or troubleshoot common connection problems. Similarly, if you’re having a problem with a software application or hardware device, the support options at various developers and manufacturers are often free.

Of course, support and service varies and it’s often difficult to pinpoint where the problem originates. For example, if your Vonage Internet phone service isn’t working, it could be a problem with your Linksys router - so who do you call? Linksys or Vonage? 

Forums are another good source of online tech support, though you need to be aware of who’s giving advice. For example, anyone can go onto a forum and say “Download this fix” or “Delete such and such from the Windows registry.” If the advice is coming from a Microsoft MVP, you’re probably pretty safe following the instructions given. On the other hand, if the advice is coming from a random user named ILUV2HAK, then you might not want to download that file or follow his advice.

Microsoft’s knowledge base is another good source of free help. Many of step-by-step solutions are offered. In fact, now Microsoft has a “Fix it for me” tool that automatically fixes the issue in question.

Paid Tech Support

We understand that sometimes free tech support comes up short. In these instances, a good paid tech support company can be worth its money many times over. We recommend an online tech support company when we feel a computer error will benefit from a real technician working on the computer remotely.

Another option is to hire a local high school or college kid to troubleshoot your computer problems. Computer students are a bargain and eager to show off their skills.

Please let us know if you have a specific computer problem and we’ll be happy to do our best to tackle it for you.

I am wondering if there is a way that I can connect my PC to my sister’s PC so I can fix her driver problems. I have a Product Recovery DVD-ROM with Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2 Version 4.0. I also have Driver Detective and RegCure. But the problem we have is I am in Edinburgh and she is in Glasgow. Can I get access to her PC through mine so I can repair the Damage? She can’t open up any windows at all because the drivers are missing.

Setting up Remote Access

Sounds like you have a big problem. This is going to be a bit tricky and I’m not sure if it will work based on her computer not being able to open any windows. Also, you’ll have to double check the licenses of the various products. I do not believe the licenses are transferrable to more than one computer in general. If you have copies of the drivers that she needs, a remote connection would let you transfer the files from your PC to hers. However, her computer needs to be somewhat functional in order to create the remote access connection.

Windows Remote Assistance

If you both have modern Windows computers such as Windows Vista or XP, you can use the built-in Windows Remote Assistance utility to establish a connection and take over her computer. She will need to go into her computer, click on the Start button, click on Help and Support, and then click the Windows Remote Assistance link. Now, she needs to “Invite someone to help. From there, she will be prompted to set up her computer to allow Remote Assistance and she must follow the prompts to “invite” you to help which basically involves sending you an e-mail. You’ll then accept the invitation and be able to connect provided that no firewalls block you out. You will both need to be connected to the Internet.

PCanywhere

Another option is to use software such as PCAnywhere to connect the two computers. Again, this involves a lot of user intervention on your sister’s part. Both of you would need to buy and install the software before you can connect. In addition, she will need to set her computer to accept your connection. PCAnywhere allows you to use standard phone lines for connections.

GoToMyPC

GoToMyPC is a web-based remote control option that might work. Your sister would need to download the GoToMyPC software and provide you with the log on credentials. From there, you can control her PC from your computer by going to the GoToMyPC Web site and entering the appropriate information. Both computers will need to be connected to the Internet.

Once Connected

Provided that you can actually connect to your sister’s PC, you can then begin troubleshooting her driver issues. If you decide that she needs the Driver Detective or RegCure software, you’ll most likely need fresh licenses for each as I do not believe the standard licenses are transferrable. If you have multi-user licenses, then it shouldn’t be a problem. Double-check your licenses beforehand.

I have a client who requests remote assistance from me through Messenger. After I accept the invitation, nothing happens. No screen opens to his desktop. I think I’ve checked everything to make sure I’m allowing this. No error messages or anything. Can you help?

Troubleshooting remote assistance

About Remote Assistance

Remote Assistance is a pretty cool utility that is part of the Windows operating systems and can also be used through Windows Messenger and some email clients. Remote Assistance lets users request help from other people and give them permission create a connection to their computer; to view the screen, to chat, and even to access the computer remotely. When using Remote Assistance the user who asks for advice is called the Novice, and the person or computer that is asked for help is the Expert.

How to Accept an Invitation

To accept an invitation to offer Remote Assistance through Messenger both computers have to be connected to the Internet at the same time so you have to make sure that the user who sent you the invitation is online when you are. After you accept the invitation the other user also has to confirm the invitation. Until they do the remote connection cannot be established. So, first of all, ensure that the person whose computer you are trying to access is sitting at their desk when you begin this process.

Enable Remote Assistance

I’m sure you have already done this, but to make sure that you have Remote Assistance enabled on your computer open the Start Menu and then choose the Control Panel. Open the Performance and Maintenance tab and then choose System. Next, hit the Remote tab and then ensure that the box is checked to Allow Remote Assistance Invitations can be sent. Next, click Advanced and set an amount of time for this permission to be in effect. Then click OK. You will want to ensure that the user who sent you the invitation has set an appropriate amount of time for the remote meeting.

Configure the Firewall

There is a good chance that either your firewall or the other user’s is blocking you from accessing Remote Assistance. If you are using a Windows Firewall or any other program, check the settings and make sure that the firewall is not blocked port 3389 because it will prevent users from contacting each other. You might also be blocked by your router, or by the other user’s router. To troubleshoot these issues you and the other user will need to configure your settings and contact the manufacturers or manuals if necessary.

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Using SupportSpace.com is an excellent choice for repairing or optimizing your computer. With various services offered and expert help readily available, you can repair your computer without the hassles of taking it into the shop. In addition to having an expert guide you through the steps, you can also grant the expert permission to remotely control your computer and perform the tasks on your behalf.

Instead of spending countless hours researching your computer errors and searching for advice, SupportSpace.com offers solutions! Check their services menu and see if a pre-packaged solution exists or connect with a certified expert and get customized advice.

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Certified experts are available around the clock to assist you with Windows XP, Vista, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office, e-mail, backups, viruses, printers, hardware, security, networking, digital cameras, spyware, and more. Routine technical issues are handled via “express sessions” which typically last about twenty minutes while more complex issues require “premium sessions.” Price quotes are given in advance before the session begins. SupportSpace.com offers a money-back guarantee with no questions asked.

Recommendations

SupportSpace.com is ideal for any computer user who needs technical help. From helping you with routine computer issues such as installing an antivirus application to more complex services such as reviving Windows XP from a major crash, help is just a few clicks away.

What is Support Soft? Why does it say that I am not logged on as an administrator when I’m the only one on user profiles?

At first, this question sounded like we had two separate questions here. But upon further research, the two questions are indeed related.

About Supportsoft

Support Soft is a company that provides technical support services to companies and individuals alike. For example, computer users can get help from this company for a variety of common technical support issues such as optimizing the computer or removing malware. This service is similar to the services profiled here: www.filetonic.com/support. If you need online tech support, both options are worthy of considering.

Remote help for ISPs

Support Soft also provides background support for Internet Service Providers. For example, if you’re experiencing problems with your Internet service, the tools offered by your broadband provider could very well be products from Support Soft. Likewise, many of these installations may not have been initiated by you but by your ISP in an effort to “self heal” issues with their service. The installers for the programs are powered by Support Soft and may not be exactly perfect. For example, installation programs have been known to generate this “not logged on as administrator” error even though the user was in fact correctly logged on. The Sophos Resolve tool comes to mind. This particular tool generates a similar notice which can be disregarded.

1 Click Fix

If you suspect that an installer program is part of you ISP’s service, check with your ISP for support. For example, if your broadband ISP offers “one click” fixes or other downloads that enhance your Internet connection, they could very well be powered by Supportsoft. These tools are designed to help solve problems but may have a minor bug themselves.

Sometimes preinstalled

Support Soft is preinstalled on some computers as part of their built-in support software. You can check your computer to see if this is the case by going to the Start button, choosing Run and typing in services. Scroll through the list in search of Supportsoft. If so, you can disable, stop, or set the service to manual mode.

Supportsoft administrator error

If you can identify the circumstances surrounding the “not logged on as administrator” error, you’ll be better able to troubleshoot the problem. Does the error come up whenever you access your e-mail? If so, your ISP may have a Supportsoft tool that they use as part of their spam or virus prevention services. Does the message appear when trying to download a troubleshooter from your ISP or when using your computer’s built-in support tools? With so many possibilities, we’ll need to isolate the exact program that is trying to install or launch in order to find a workaround or solution.