If you have two PDF files and wish to merge the files into one, or have one PDF file and wish to split the file into multiple PDF files, this can easily be accomplished with the full version of Adobe Acrobat. However, if you do not have Adobe Acrobat this process is difficult. Fortunately there is a great open source utility called PDFSam (PDF Split and Merge) which can split and merge PDF files. This is available for free download from: www.pdfsam.org . Thanks to Andrew White for writing in with this tip.

Every time I start the computer a series of four messages appear saying things similar to “Windows cannot find the file C:OPTIONSCABStiryakcsrss.exe. Make sure the file exists or delete the reference to it in the registry”. Clicking OK to close each message allows the computer to continue operation. However, how can I get rid of these messages? (more…)

My computer is running Windows XP and I have been using Internet Explorer 6 to connect to the internet. Recently a message appeared advising that Windows updates were ready for installation. As it turns out, this updated the computer to Internet Explorer 7. However, following this update I was unable to access the internet using Internet Explorer 7. In order to restore internet connectivity I had to revert the computer to an earlier restore point, rolling-back to Internet Explorer 6. Thinking that it was a bit risky to rely on one web browser I installed Firefox. As I knew that Firefox adopted the Internet Explorer Connection Settings I ensured that “Automatically Detect Settings” was ticked in the Internet Explorer Connection Settings window. However, Firefox also could not connect to the internet and produced the following message “Unable to connect. Firefox can’t establish a connection to the server at www.google.com”. The computer connects to the internet through an iConnect 624W modem which is shared over domestic powerlines using Netcomm Homeplugs. Additionally, the affected computer has no third-party firewall software installed and only has the VET Antivirus software running. VET, Ad-Aware, and Spybot all indicate that the system is clean. How can I get other web browsers, apart from Internet Explorer 6, to work on the computer? (more…)

I have been using Spybot Search & Destroy for a long time, and each scan would normally detect and remove a piece of malware. However, I had a feeling that not all was being removed. This was confirmed when running Spyware Detector (as recommended in a major PC magazine) which detected and removed a large range of keystroke capture software and adware. Since Spybot was unable to detect all the malware on the computer this makes me concerned that Spyware Detector may also not detect all such threats, and some may remain undetected on the computer. Since I do internet banking on the computer I want to ensure that my details remain safe. Do I have cause for concern? (more…)

A reader recently asked about the best method to automatically backup their system and for an easy way to restore the backup (if needed) in the future. My response mainly consisted of recommending various pieces of third-party backup software. However, Bill E. wrote in asking why I did not mention the Backup utility included in Windows. I am glad that Bill picked-up this omission, as the Windows Backup utility provides good basic backup functionality which most users may find quite useful. The Backup utility can be found in Windows XP by going to the “Start” menu > “All Programs” > “Accessories” > “System Tools” > “Backup” and in Windows Vista by going to the “Start” button and typing “backup” in the search field then clicking “Backup and Restore Centre”. The first time you run the Backup utility it will start a wizard stepping you through the process of setting up the backup software. Thanks to Bill for writing in with this tip.