My computer has been slowing down over the past few years. The specifications are still relatively recent, so I am unsure why this is happening – Intel Core 2 2.13GHz with 2 GB RAM running Window XP Professional Service Pack 3. It has been suggested to me by a friend with IT experience that Windows XP becomes clogged-up after a period of time (I think this version has been on-machine for about three years, maybe more) and that the only solution is to do a clean reinstall. That seems a logical approach but of course one has then to reinstall everything. Would the same declogging effect be achieved by doing a repair reinstall? Alternatively, if a clean reinstall is really needed would I be better moving to Windows 7, as I understand that Windows 7 Professional has a Windows XP emulator so I could still use my existing programs? (more…)

When attempting to print PDF files using Adobe Reader 9.2 the computer hangs until a message appears that the system is closing the application for protection, and advises that the Data Execution Protection settings can be changed to exclude the Adobe product. However, I am unsure about what is Data Execution Protection and how this procedure can be completed. The computer is running Windows XP. (more…)

I would like to wipe the hard drive on my computer and perform a clean reinstallation of Windows XP Professional. What is the easiest way to “wipe” the drive? Also, are there any major pitfalls which you can foresee in a clean reinstallation? (more…)

My old (circa 1997) computer is experiencing some fairly consistent problems resulting in several crashes each day. There are a large number of irreplaceable files on the computer which we need to urgently transfer to another computer. What is the best and easiest method of moving files between computers? Alternatively, would it be advisable to take the computer to a professional for this task? The computer is running Windows 95 and the computer to which the files are being moved is running Windows XP. (more…)

I have been looking around the internet to find some basic publishing software for home use to make cards, etc. plus some basic photo editing software. There seems to be plenty of free software available, but when I download and double-click to install the packages a message appears saying that I should not install the software unless I trust the source. Of course I have no idea whether the software is safe or not, so could you advise how to tell whether the software is legitimate or potentially malicious? Also, can you recommend any free software for my needs? (more…)