iPhone Backup Takes Forever

You might have encountered these tedious backups, which take ages and this is caused due to error that occurs while you update the apps from App store directly on the iPhone rather than installing it on iTunes.  This backup time usually depends on the number of apps you have installed. Moreover, you would not even be aware of the fact that your iPhone is struggling hard during the backup.

So, what do you do when you come across such issues?  Here is a quick fix that can end your backup issues forever.  This will remove the complete data and make your iPhone, a clean slate. So, you will start afresh. Nevertheless, this process could consume much time depending on the number of applications installed.

Procedure

Let us now check the process of putting your iPhone backup right on track:

• First go to iTunes and select the Edit option. Here chose the preferences. Now choose the Syncing option and select “remove all the previous backups”.  You also need to select “Disable automatic syncing for all iPhones”.
  • Now if you are a Mac user, locate the following path: Users/YOURACCOUNT/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup
  • And if you are a Windows user, locate the following path: C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup
• Now that you can see a Folder by name, “Backup”, delete all the files in it.
• Now plug in your iPhone, and in the applications tab, deselect “Sync Apps”.
• Now you can see a message asking that “whether you want to remove the Apps in your iPhone”. Just select Yes and this will remove all the apps on your iPhone.  This procedure will also take the backup and recreate all the files that you have removed earlier.
• This completes your sync process so, now remove any leftover apps, by holding and touching the icon until it wiggles.
• Now, in order to delete the apps, select X. This will delete any remaining apps on the iPhone. Now, sync once again.
• Now disconnect the iPhone and restart it and let it boot up.
• Now connect your iPhone back and start adding the apps one after the other.
• Now select the option “Selected applications” and “Sync applications”. Uncheck all the apps at this stage.
• Now you have to do the backup process one after the other. For this select one App and click on Sync. Make sure your sync is complete and after this, click on “Back up”. This will complete your backup.
• Now repeat the above step for every app you need and make sure keep the earlier apps checked. Do not forget to take backup for every sync. Initial backup can take long time but successive backups don’t consume much time.
• Upon finishing the backups, go to Edit and then select preference and there, select Syncing.  Here you will have to enable the option “Automatic syncing for iPhones”.

So, you are done with the backup and now you have found a solution to fix long backups.

Read More

How To Make Microsoft Word The Default Program

It seems every time I install a new software program, it insists on becoming the default program for opening up files of a certain type. If you’re like me and suddenly have Google Earth opening up Powerpoint presentations or are trying to update your resume through Windows Media Player, take these few steps to change the default program.

The main conflict I had was when I installed OpenOffice so that I could read the proposed changes to our Fantasy Football rules that my friend who didn’t have Word sent over. I literally do 99% of my typing in Microsoft Word and for two years Open Office would automatically start when I clicked a .doc. I couldn’t take it anymore and found out the answer to my problems was actually a pretty easy fix.

Make Microsoft Word The Default Program

1. Go to the start menu in the left-hand corner and when the menu appears, click on Control Panel.

2.  Click on classic view in the left menu. This will show you the icons as shown below.

3.  Double-click on the default programs icon.

4.  There will be four choices, click on the second choice that says associate file type or protocol with a program. See the screen shot below.

5.  Now another window will open with a list of file extensions to choose from.

6.  Scroll down the list until you find the .Doc extension and the .Docx extension for the newest Microsoft word file types.

7.  In the screen shot below I have found that .Doc extension and have made it blue by selecting it.

8.  Once you have selected your file type, press on the change program button at the top right.

9.  Now you can choose which program you want to open that particular file type. If you cannot see the program you want you can click on the are browse button below stop

10.  Browse for your programs .exe file and then press ok.

Here is another way to make Microsoft word the default program when opening a .Doc file:

You can make Microsoft word the default program by manually going and finding the executable file for Microsoft Word. This is the file that starts the program. It will be contained in your C drive, program files, then a Microsoft office folder, then another office folder depending on what version you have.

1.  The first thing you need to do to make Microsoft Word the default program is find any .doc file or .docx for 2007+ on your hard drive.

2.  Right click once on the file and select open with from the menu that drops down. See the screen shot below.

3.  You can choose a program to open that file. If it is not there press on browse to find your program.

2.  Browse through your C: Program files directory until you find the program winword.exe.

3.  I had to go to C drive, program files, Microsoft office, office 12, then I found winword.exe.

4.  Make sure you check the “make this the default program for opening files of this type’ box and your troubles are over…until the next time you install new programs in your hood.

Notes on how to make Microsoft word the default program:

• This is an easy way to stop programs from clashing.
• If you do not solve this problem you will be continually slowed down with your work.

I have shown two ways to make Microsoft word the default program so it should not matter what operating system you have, this should work for you.

Read More

How to Control a Remote Computer Using Only Your Chrome Web Browser

Going remote with friends and family is helpful when you need to show them how to do something or fix a problem. Here’s how you can offer cross platform remote assistance using only Google Chrome and an extension.

In most cases you need to install software or have a special service running in the background. With Chrome Remote Desktop, all you need is your Chrome browser running to be able to take control and share your screen. Here’s how to install and use it.

First you need to install Google Chrome if you don’t already have it. Download and install it from the link below.

Then install the Chrome Remote Desktop Beta extension by going to the link below.

During the installation you will be asked to authorize the app to have access to view your email address, view your remote desktop computers, and view and send chat messages.

After it’s installed, open a new tab in Chrome and click the Chrome Remote Desktop BETA app.

Click share this computer and a 12 digit code will be generated for you.

This is a one time code that someone can use to access your computer.

From the other computer, click access a shared computer and type in the first code (spaces are not necessary).

Give it a little bit and the tab will change to the other computers desktop. While in this mode, the computer being shared can either push the disconnect button, Ctrl+Alt+Esc, or close the Google Chrome tab to end the session.

If you have trouble connecting to the remote computer or it hangs when saying verifying access code, try allowing ports 443 and 5222 to have inbound and outbound rules in your windows firewall using both UDP and TCP.

If you need further help check out Google’s help page on the extension below.

Google Chrome Download

Chrome Remote Desktop Beta

Chrome Remote Desktop Beta help page

Read More

How to show your Network connection icon in the taskbar notification area

If you want to see the Network connections icon on your windows taskbar notification area, it is very easy to do. It can be quite handy having the Network connections icon there for you to see as it will let you know if there is a problem with your connection. If you have a wireless network connection you will see the same icon pictured left, but there will be wireless signals coming from it.

Why do you need a network connections icon in your taskbar notification area?

There are some great benefits to having a network connections icon in your notification area in your taskbar. The Network connections icon will let you know if you have low connectivity, an Ip address conflict, or even if you have no internet connection at all. For example a yellow triangle appears over your network connection icon in the task bar when there is an Ip Address conflict or a bad internet connection. If you have a low wireless signal a balloon message will stem form the network connection icon notifying you of the problem.

How to show your Network connection icon in the taskbar?

1. Go to the start menu and choose control panel. Then double click on the Network Connections icon.
2. Now choose your internet connection adapter. I am using LAN ( Local Area Connection) which is with a Ethernet cable. Yours may be a wireless adapter. Right Click on your connection and choose properties from the menu.
3. On the general tab of the Local Area connection properties there is a box that says Show icon in notification area when connected. Tick this box to show the network connections icon in the taskbar.

Watch this video tutorial on how to add a network connections icon to your taskbar

This video shows how to put a network connection icon in your notification area in Windows XP. It also shows you all the benefits to having a network connections icon available in the taskbar.

.

How to put a network connections icon in the Notification area in Windows Vista?

If you go to your connection properties in Windows Vista there will not be a box to tick to enable the network connection icon. If you want to place a network connection icon in the taskbar in Windows Vista then follow these steps:

Go to the start icon in The left corner of the Windows Vista desktop.

1. Right click on it for a menu to appear.
2. Choose Properties from the menu
3. The taskbar and start menu properties will appear.
4. Go to the notification tab.
5. Tick the box next to network to show the network connections icon.
6. Press apply and Ok.

Read More

Bitmap Disk Cache Failure when using remote desktop

How to disable Bitmap caching?

1. Re-open the remote desktop connection window to make a new connection.
2. Connect to the remote computer.
3. Open the remote desktop connection window on that  computer.
4. Press on the options button. (A text link for Windows Seven)
5. Go to the Experience tab, as shown in the screenshot below.
6. Untick the box next to Bitmap caching. Press the cross to close.
7. Now disconnect the remote desktop connection and then reconnect to see if the error message comes up.

I actually disable this on both computers as it can cause problems in the future.

Now the second way to fix this error is to clear out the actual cache folder that has the problem. See this article on path to clear terminal services cache folder.

Notes:

• On Windows Seven the box that you have to untick will say Persistent bitmap caching.

Read More

Connect to a friends computer to help them by using Remote Access

If you have Windows XP it has built in remote access software that helps you connect to a friends computer, by invitation, to help them by taking remote access control of their computer system. This means you could be in the USA and be helping your friend in Australia to find a solution to his or her
computer problems. The technology to gain remote access to basically anyone’s computer is available on most computer users start menu. I regularly give my friends computer support from the comfort of my own
home.

What you need to use the Help and Support tool to gain remote access

1. An broadband or cable internet connection.
2. Windows Xp on both computers.
3. An email address or be signed into Windows Live messenger.

It is very easy to connect two computers over the internet. One computer can take control and fix problems on the other computer. Following these steps to use the Help and support software that is built in to Windows.

1. Sign in to Windows Live Messenger and have your friend do the same thing.
2. Go to the start menu and choose Help and Support (shown below) Just the computer user that wants to invite does this.
3. The Help and Support Center will appear. Click on Invite a Friend to connect to your computer with Remote Assistance. Located under the Ask For Assistance menu.
4. Then press Invite someone to help you. The window below will appear.
5. Choose your friends name from the Windows Messenger contact list.
6. Click on Invite this person.
7. This will allow your friend to see your desktop. If they want to control your they must press the Take control button and the other person must agree by pressing ok..
8. Check out the last Screenshot below…This is what I see when I am in control of my friends computer…I can go on the internet or read their emails etc..

The screenshots on the below are in order. Please click on to enlarge and see the picture. This will help yo understand what to press and what comes next. The first screen shot shows where to find help an support in Windows XP.

Read More

How to Use Remote Desktop to connect to other computers on your Network

Your network may consist of simply two computers that run off a router that is connected to the same modem. Or maybe you have a more elaborate network, but either way Remote desktop can be handy sometimes. It enables you to access the others computers on your network by Using the computers information. For example you could use a laptop that is wirelessly connected to your network to work on another computer in your house. You can remote desktop to another computer, sign in, and check emails, delete files, and more.

What will I need to remote desktop to another computer?

To remote desktop to another computer on your network you will need to know the computers name or IP address, the username you want to sign in to, and the password.

First you have to enable your computer to allow users to connect to it remotely.

1. Go to the System Properties box 
2. Choose the Remote Tab
3. The Check the box that says Allow users to connect remotely to this computer
4. Do this on all of the computers you want to use Remote Desktop with.

What will I need to remote desktop to another computer?

To remote desktop to another computer on your network you will need to know the computers name or IP address, the username you want to sign in to, and the password.

How do you find the information for the computer you want to connect to?

1. Get the Ip Address Here’s how
2. Find the user name. Click on the start menu and the username will be there at the top next to the picture.
3. You must know the password for the username account you want to connect to. If there isn’t one you should make one.

Where is the remote desktop connection box?

1. Go to the start menu in the left corner and choose All Programs
2. Then choose accessories, then Communications, then Remote Desktop Connection

1. A Remote desktop box will appear.

How to connect two computers by remote desktop?

1. Choose options.
2. On the general tab where it says computer, type in the IP Address. Then type in the username of the computer you want to connect to, and then the password. Press connect.

Extra tips on how to use remote desktop:

• Your internet connection must be running on all computers involved for this to work.
• The computer you want to connect to must be running. If it is off there can be no connection.
• You must have your information totally correct to connect.
• If you leave your IP Address on automatic, it changes every time you connect to the network. This is not for using remote desktop as you have to find out the IP Address when you want to connect.
• Remote desktop allows you to take control of an entire computer. ( not share between computers)
• You can even burn cd’s by remote desktop as long as there is a blank cd in the computer you are connecting to.
• When using remote desktop you can do anything you normally would if you were actually on the computer, except bring up the task manager of the computer.

Read More