Simple Computer Tune-up: Speed Up Your PC- P24 pptx

2. If you find this option, you must connect to the Internet so the program can update itself. 3. If you can’t update the program, or if the update doesn’t resolve your problem, check the program manufacturer’s website to see if a newer version is available. If you own a legal copy of the software, you may be able to download the newest version for free. Download a Patch Often companies offer small patches that can be downloaded from their websites to fix problems or glitches in their software. To locate and download a software patch: 1. Connect to the Internet and visit the website for the pro- gram’s manufacturer. 2. Near the top of the website’s main page, search for a link with a name like Support or Customer Service. 3. After clicking this link, look for a section labeled Updates or Downloads. Temporarily Disable Anti-Virus or Anti-Spyware Software Although anti-virus and anti-spyware software are essential for the protection and security of your computer, sometimes they can inter- fere with the actions of other programs. If updating or patching your troubled program doesn’t solve its problems, try temporarily dis- abling or shutting down your anti-virus and/or anti-spyware software. Here’s how: 1. If you are connected to the Internet, disconnect from it. For users of dial-up services like AOL, MSN, or Earthlink, this is done simply by logging off your Internet service. For users of high-speed Internet (DSL or cable), this is done by engaging the Internet lock feature of your software firewall or by unplugging the Ethernet cable from the back of your computer. 2. Right-click the icon for your anti-virus or anti-spyware pro- gram, which is usually located in the lower-right corner of Windows near the clock. 3. Select the option to Close or Disable or Shut Down. Chapter 9: Solve Common Problems with Windows 97 15_068557 ch09.qxp 12/13/06 6:15 PM Page 97 Please purchase PDF Split-Merge on www.verypdf.com to remove this watermark. 4. Restart your troubled program to see if it works properly. If it does, keep your anti-virus or anti-spyware program turned off until you are finished using the troubled program. 5. When you are ready to resume normal computer activities like using email or surfing the Internet, remember to turn on your anti-virus software by right-clicking its icon near the Windows clock and selecting Enable or Restore.You should always have your anti-virus and anti-spyware software turned on when connected to the Internet. If the anti-virus icon is not there, you must manually restart the program by doing the following: a. Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows. b. Click All Programs. c. Select the folder containing the name of your anti- virus software. For example, if you use CA Anti-Virus, select the folder labeled CA. d. Click the shortcut to launch the program. 98 Part III • Bonus Material 15_068557 ch09.qxp 12/13/06 6:15 PM Page 98 Please purchase PDF Split-Merge on www.verypdf.com to remove this watermark. 10 CUSTOMIZING WINDOWS FOR YOUR PERSONAL PREFERENCES C ertain features of Windows XP may not be set to your liking.To customize Windows to meet your personal preferences, follow the tips in this chapter. Prevent Windows Messenger from Loading The popularity of instant-messaging (IM) software has soared in recent years. Built into Windows XP is an IM program called Windows Messenger that by default loads when Windows starts.You can prevent it from loading when Windows starts, as follows: 1. Open Windows Messenger by double-clicking its icon located in the lower-right corner of Windows. 2. Click the Tools drop-down menu. 3. Select Options. 4. A window opens. Click the Preferences tab. 5. Under the General heading, remove the checkmark from the Run Windows Messenger When Windows Starts box. Next, remove the checkmark from the Allow Windows Messenger to Run in the Background box (see Figure 10-1). 16_068557 ch10.qxp 12/13/06 6:15 PM Page 99 Please purchase PDF Split-Merge on www.verypdf.com to remove this watermark. Figure 10-1: Windows Messenger options 6. Click the OK button. 7. Close Windows Messenger, and then open Outlook Express. 8. Click the Tools drop-down menu. 9. Select Options. 10. A window opens. Under the General tab, remove the checkmark from the Automatically Log On to Windows Messenger box. 11. Click the Apply button. 12. Click the OK button. Hide or Disable Windows Messenger Even if you tweak Windows Messenger so that it no longer loads when your computer starts, there are still some occasions when it may load anyway. If so, you can hide or disable it.There are a few different ways to do this, each of which is equally effective. Remove Windows Messenger from the Start Menu This quick fix hides Windows Messenger from sight by removing it from the Start menu. However, no changes are actually made to Messenger, so it remains intact and can be manually located and opened at any time. Follow these steps: 100 Part III • Bonus Material 16_068557 ch10.qxp 12/13/06 6:15 PM Page 100 Please purchase PDF Split-Merge on www.verypdf.com to remove this watermark. 1. Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows. 2. Click the Control Panel. (If you don’t see this option, your Start menu is in classic mode. In that case, click Settings, and then select the Control Panel.) 3. Double-click Add or Remove Programs. 4. A window opens. In the left window pane, click the Add/Remove Windows Components icon. 5. A new window opens. Using the scroll bar on the right, scroll down and locate Windows Messenger. Next to it, remove the checkmark from the box (see Figure 10-2). Figure 10-2: Removing Windows Messenger from the Start menu 6. Click the Next button. 7. Windows begins the process of hiding Messenger from the Start menu, which could take a minute or two. When it has completed, click the Finish button. 8. Exit the Add/Remove window by clicking the X button in the upper-right corner. 9. Although Windows Messenger is now hidden, its shortcut may linger in the lower-right corner of Windows (near the clock). To make this shortcut disappear, right-click it and select Exit. 10. If you change your mind and want to use Windows Messenger again, simply repeat these steps, but this time put a checkmark in the Windows Messenger box. Rename Windows Messenger’s Folder Another way to disable Messenger is to rename its folder, which pre- vents Windows from locating it. Although this fix is very rudimentary, Chapter 10: Customizing Windows for Your Personal Preferences 101 16_068557 ch10.qxp 12/13/06 6:15 PM Page 101 Please purchase PDF Split-Merge on www.verypdf.com to remove this watermark. . option, you must connect to the Internet so the program can update itself. 3. If you can’t update the program, or if the update doesn’t resolve your problem, check the program manufacturer’s website. essential for the protection and security of your computer, sometimes they can inter- fere with the actions of other programs. If updating or patching your troubled program doesn’t solve its problems,. Earthlink, this is done simply by logging off your Internet service. For users of high -speed Internet (DSL or cable), this is done by engaging the Internet lock feature of your software firewall or by unplugging