Replies

Well, this looks obvious.
Except that this doesn’t work for the total size. The only thing you get is the total number of files into the bin, with a “Show more details…” link that does nothing, except rescanning the whole bin…

Any other idea ?

Works on my machine. No idea why it won’t work for you.

JB

Open the Recycle Bin and hit Ctrl + A to select all. The total size should be displayed at the bottom of the Recycle Bin window.

JB

You’re not going to like this answer, but short of unplugging everything (phone cords and electrical power supplies) when a storm approaches there’s not much you can do other than your #1 suggestion and Clint’s suggestion.

I’m a retired telephone service tech and through the years I’ve seen it all. Back in the “good ole days” (when a phone was just a phone) it could take a lightning shot. The bell would jingle a couple of times and no harm done. However, with modern circuitry, all it takes is static electricity to knock out a phone. There is no way surge suppressors can protect you from a direct hit or even a close hit.

You didn’t mention how the extensions are connected to the system. If using aerial or buried plant, a lightning shot anywhere near the wires can lead to damage. The wire is usually a better ground than trees or other objects and lightning heads for the best ground.

Today most phone circuits use “gas arrestors” for lightning protection. These arrestors supposedly direct the excess voltage to ground and then reset themselves. In the old days “carbon arrestors” were used to provide the same protection. However, they would not reset and would have to be replaced after a lightning shot. In addition to the arrestors the really old telephone protectors had a fuseable link. Nothing more than a really light gauge wire in series with the circuit. Similar to the old automotive glass type fuses.

You can try the following to increase your odds during a lightning strike:

1. Use approved telephone protectors on each extension where it leaves the switch and at the termination point.
2. Make sure each protector is grounded or bonded to the electrical system ground. (must have zero ohms resistance between electrical ground and protector ground)
3. Install a fuseable link at each end of the circuit. Be sure to fuse both sides of the cable pair.
4. Install lightning rods on the buildings involved.
5. Unplug everything.

JB

Not much to suggest other than using a strong wireless password. One other thing you might consider is printing a copy of the router password and wireless password and tape them to the bottom of the router. Then at crunch time you won’t have to reset the router because you have forgotten the login password.

As far as shutting down the router, I never turn anything off except the monitor at bed time. (Just my way of doing things)

JB

Sure. You should have one port that is slightly separated from the others. This port should have a cable plugged in and going to the modem. There should be four additional ports with the cable going to your desktop plugged into one. Choose one of the remaining three and plug in the cord. Makes no difference which port you use.

JB

You are correct as everything you need for the reinstall should be on the disc. Enter your password and it should connect. Your choice but I would use an ethernet cable for installing the updates and downloading programs. The cable will be much faster than wireless.

You are wise to ditch the Geek Squad. In my opinion their work leaves a lot to be desired. You can usually get the help you need on the various forums or by using Google.

JB

It will depend on how you do this “clean install”. If you use the recovery partition or recovery disc the wireless should be reinstalled like the day you got the computer. It should connect to an unsecured router, otherwise all you should have to do is insert the password to connect to a secured router.

If you are using a Vista disc out of the box for the “clean install” you may need to install the wireless drivers. In either case the router settings should not make any difference.

JB

Is your printer compatible with Windows 7? If you don’t know, go to your printer manufacturers website and make sure they have drivers for your printer that will work with Windows 7. No use trying to set up a network if the printer won’t work. If they have the driver you need, download it and post back. Then instructions can be provided for setting up the network.

Also what steps have you taken so far as to setting up the network?

JB

You didn’t mention your operating system/s. Each one or combination requires different steps. Click here for instructions from the How-To Geek. Under the Table of Contents click on “Networking and Sharing”.

JB

Don’t know what browser you are using but I use Firefox and it seems to work better than IE.

Limit the number of open programs to a bare minimum while you are trying to view a video. Also, the number of programs running at start up could have an effect on the video.

Otherwise, it may just be one of those cases where your speed is simply not fast enough. My download speed is is the 13Mbps range and occasionally I get a video that will not load fast enough. Just have to hit the pause button and wait for the buffer.

JB

Check your speed using Speedtest.net. From what I can determine you need about 700kbps download to view videos satisfactorily. (Someone correct me if the 700kpbs figure is not accurate.)

JB

Right click a blank spot on the taskbar and uncheck “Lock the taskbar”. Left click and hold and drag the taskbar to your desired location. Put the check back beside “Lock the taskbar”.

JB

I’m not an electrical engineer so this is just my opinion.

The ground pin shouldn’t make any difference. The two prong plug most likely will be polarized. The higher amperage may fry the circuitry in the laptop. Last but not least the page states ” IMPORTANT TECH NOTE: Make sure the AC adapter you order is the same OUTPUT VOLTAGE and AMPS as your original.”

Stick with what you have to be safe.

JB

I used this from the How-To Geek and it worked like a champ.

JB

Click here for instructions from Ask Leo!

JB