[PCWorld]

Post your comments for Ten Terrific Troubleshooting Tricks and Tools here

[ErinFlowers3]

Hey Steve,
Great feedback! Another tool that I use to do computer repairs is PerfectDisk Rx Suite. It is a similar tool to Dial-a-fox, however, it is not free. But worth every penny!

Erin

[TXniteowlx3]

I only find 4 "Hassles and Fixes", not 10!! What Gives????

[mphenterprises]

Hi TXniteowlx3. I just checked the article and I see the four just as you did. I will bring this up to the PCWorld staff. Thanks for bringing it up.

[SmilingCat]

It would like to raise one thing about your codec fix. A very good codec package which is goes by the name Combined Community Codec Pack or CCCP. It contains any codec you will need, FFDShow filters/decoders, and Halli Media Splitter.
http://www.cccp-project.net/
It's a small download and easy to install and configure. It also supports shell integration so that it can extract thumbnails from videos for thumbnails through Halli Media Splitter which windows normally won't.
The Media Player Classic included is a top notch media player with more features than the latest windows media player, but with the simple windows 95 media player look.
With this setup you would be able to listen or play anything from .wav sound files to h264x encoded video files in just about any container or format.
On a side not for gamers either disable the FFDShow Audio decoder or add each games executable through the decoders configuration under direct show. This should mean less cpu use for sounds if you h

[Knifeblade]

Must have been fixed, I got all of Steve's article. One interesting "fix" is the tutorial on checking the PSU {ATX}. Not really for the faint at heart, or for anyone who never poked around inside a tower, but gives good direction and at least a path to follow for further research.



I thought it was an overall good article, though, I really have no current need of any of the tips. But, then, I may in the future, LOL, one never knows.

[spange]

Why not use VLC? No codecs needed. I have yet to come across a piece of music or video that it will not play. It's fast and has plenty of options. Plus,being cross-platform, it always works on (almost) any computer.
http://www.videolan.org/

[rangar]

Hey Steve,

Dial-A-Fix isn't Vista ready yet..

[Knifeblade]

Yeah, I use VLC, it's a great and FREE player!!!!!!! Took care of the codec hassles WMP kept saying I needed and refused to accept.

[commodore64]

Actually there is a free resource online for getting any and all of your questions answered about computers and tech in general. the site is @ www.asktheadmin.com . There is a bunch of computer admins there who answer your questions totally free with no strings attached. I've asked them a few questions already and they answered them almost immediately. Definitely worth a shot.

[Knifeblade]

Commodore, thanks for sharing that resource!!:8}

[sdrdrjji]

Wow Steve, Cool tips on troubleshooting though some of the I already what to do... but it is cool.

[nixta]

TXniteowlx3... Duh... Did you think to click on the "next page" link at the bottom of the first four items?

[dpopcorn]

Ten I did not get it?

[amphi]

"Tool of the Month: Disable Windows Update Reboot"

I've been disabling windows automatic update for like ever.

Most of the time, my pc doesn't boot after an update.