Do you get “USB device not recognized” error whenever you plug in your USB devices? Most people have multiple USB devices such a keyboard, mouse, printer, external drive, flash drive, etc. Sometimes you get an error saying USB Device not recognized. This is be very frustrating – especially since your device may still be able to get power. Here’s an easy solution that works most of the time: UNPLUG YOUR COMPUTER FROM THE POWER SUPPLY. Yes that’s it! Note that this does not mean just turning off your computer because modern computers don’t really turn off when you press the power button as the motherboard still gets power.

First to explain, the motherboard is where all of hardware of the computer is connected to, including the USB ports. Sometimes the motherboard needs to be “rebooted” also because something can go wrong, i.e. all your USB ports suddenly stop working. The small microprocessor on the motherboard will reload the drivers and your USB ports should be back to recognizing all devices!

So first turn off your computer using Shut Down or pressing the power button and then UNPLUG it from the wall outlet. Let it sit for about a minute and then plug it back in.

Hope this helps someone fix that pesky “USB device not recognized” Windows error!

The Windows Help and support center exposes users to a a critical vulnerability. The vulnerability can potentially allow a remote hacker to take complete control of a users machine. PC’s running Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 using multiple major browsers, including Internet Explorer 8, are affected.

A few days after the advisory, security firm Sophos warned users of a website using the vulnerability to install malicious software on victims’ machines, and of possibly more exploits coming out soon. Users of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 are advised to disable features within Help Center that allow administrators to remotely log onto their machines. For individual users, Microsoft has released a patch for the flaw.

Don’t know how to install the patch? Need help? Ask Erik! Of course our customers with Managed Services are automatically advised of these vulnerabilities, and patches are applied as soon as they are available. Contact us today to find our more.

The neverending number Wireless hotspots allows many to have access and convenience. It also allows those who are technically savy to capture and view your sessions if you’re on an unsecure network.

Do you understand the risks of using WiFi hotspots? Make sure when you use a wireless network that you connect to a network that uses encryption such as WEP, WPA or using a VPN which gives you a secure tunnel over the internet. For more information contact Ask Erik Computer Services at 322 Main Street #3, Seal Beach, CA 90740

The University of Princeton has released a report saying that the Apple iPad has DHCP problems.
In short, when the device first gets an IP address from the DHCP server, it uses that IP address for however long the IP lease was for. When the lease expires, the iPad needs to get a new IP address from the DHCP server. However, instead of getting a new IP address once the lease has expired, the iPad allows the lease to expire but continues to use the old IP address without asking for a new one.
The issue arises when the DHCP server assigns that supposedly expired IP address to a new device resulting in IP conflicts. This causes interference with other devices on the network and because of this, universities like the University of Princeton have banned many iPads from their network.
Other universities such as the George Washington University in Washington D.C have experienced problems with the iPad. However, it isnt related to the DHCP issue:
“Our current authentication system isn’t supported by the iPhone or the iPad,” said Guy Jones, Chief Technology Officer for GWU.
Lastly, the country of Israel has banned the iPad completely – even from tourists. If they find yours, they’ll confiscate it and charge you a storage fee. The reason why it was banned is because the American FCC allows Wi-Fi broadcasting at higher levels than what are standard in Europe and Israel.
“If you operate equipment in a frequency band which is different from the others that operate on that frequency band, then there will be interference,” said Nati Schubert, a senior deputy director for the Communications.

Hi
I have acquired a number of back up floppy discs and CDs and do not want to have any one access any of the info. How do I dispose of them and not have someone open them to check the data.

Thanks for your question. These items should be recycled and at the same time you need to protect your data and identity. Just erasing an item is not good enough these days. With the proper tools and know how, someone can get the data back and who knows what they might do with it.

I have previously discussed destroying data on floppy discs and hard drives. You can individually do the items with free software which can be very time consuming.

A free piece of software you can download is Active@ Kill Disk Free Version (http://www.killdisk.com/downloadfree.htm). This works well for manually “wiping” the data yourself.

You can physically crack open the exterior of a floppy disc and remove the round media, cut up it up and then take it to a recycling center.

For around $100, you can purchase an item such as the erase-o-matic (http://erase-o-matic.com/) which will allow you to quickly render floppy discs, hard drives, cassette tapes, video tapes, As well as other types of magnetic media useless. The benefit to this is that you know that the data is truly destroyed and it’s safe to recycle.

For dealing with DVD’s and CD’s, you can get a paper shredder that also shreds DVDs and CDs.

The easiest and probably best option is to box up the items and send them to a service like Greendisk (http://greendisk.com). Check them out.

You can check with local recycling centers and see what their policy is regarding secure data destruction.

ASK ERIK computer services are available in our shop or at your location by appointment. We also offer remote support worldwide as long as you have a working internet connection. Appointments can be made by calling 562-212-2366 or stopping by my office at 322 Main Street #3 Seal Beach, CA.

Please feel free to email us at askerik@erik.com Please include your contact information & type of setup. Your address and email address will not be published or sold.

When will it be available?
-> Windows 7 will be available through retail and OEM channels starting October 22, 2009.
-> Availability may vary based on computer manufacturer, store, and initial demand.
-> Windows 7 RC (time-limited pre-release version) is currently publicly available!

Will I be able to upgrade to Windows 7 from a previous version?
-> From Windows Vista, yes; most files, applications, and settings will remain intact.
-> From Windows XP, no; a clean installation will be required.
-> From Windows 7 Beta/RC, possibly. (Consult the answer to “Will I be able to upgrade from the Beta/RC to the RTM version?”)

Will I be able to downgrade from Windows 7 to a previous version?
-> No. It is not possible to downgrade from one version of Windows to another, necessitating a clean installation.
-> Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate users, however, will be permitted to exchange the Windows 7 license for a corresponding Windows XP or Windows Vista license.

Will I be able to upgrade from the Beta/RC to the RTM version?
-> Possibly. There is a process by which it is technically possible, but it is for advanced users only and is not advisable or supported by Microsoft due to potential malfunctions that may occur as a result. Therefore, a clean installation is strongly encouraged.

Will I receive a discount on the final version?
-> Beta testers will not receive free or discounted copies of Windows 7 upon its release.
-> Starting June 26, 2009, buyers of new computers will receive a free upgrade to Windows 7 once it becomes available.
-> Licensed users of Windows XP and/or Windows Vista may purchase a Windows 7 upgrade license at the reduced price.

How much will Windows 7 cost?
Upgrade:
-> Home Premium: $119.99
-> Professional: $199.99
-> Ultimate: $219.99

Full Retail:
-> Home Premium: $199.99
-> Professional: $299.99
-> Ultimate: $319.99

NOTE: That means Windows 7 Home Premium will cost $40 less at launch than Windows Vista did while Windows 7 Ultimate will cost $40 less to upgrade and $80 less to buy outright!

What are Windows 7′s recommended system requirements?
-> 1GHz single-core processor
-> 1GB RAM (32-bit) or 2GB RAM (64-bit)
-> 16GB hard drive (32-bit) or 20GB hard drive (64-bit)
-> Graphics card with 128MB of memory (for Aero Glass)

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Windows 7 will be officially released in 6 editions, closely resembling those found for Windows Vista.
NOTE: Each edition contains all features/capabilities all editions listed above it!

Starter:
Audience: Preinstalled on qualifying Netbooks only
-> Netbooks must not exceed a single 2GHz processor, 1GB RAM, 250GB HDD or 64GB SSD, and 10.2 inch display.
-> Cannot be customized with backgrounds, sounds, themes, et cetera.
-> Excludes DVD playback, multimedia streaming, et cetera.
-> Does not support Fast User Switching (multiple users logged in simultaneously).
-> Does not support the use of multiple monitors.
-> Does not include Aero Glass or any advanced interface features.
-> Only available in 32-bit (x86), not 64-bit (x64).

Home Basic:
Audience: Emerging Markets Only
-> Removes netbook-only restriction.
-> Can be customized with backgrounds, sounds, themes, et cetera.
-> Supports Fast User Switching (multiple users logged in simultaneously).
-> Does not include Aero Glass or any advanced interface features.
-> Excludes DVD playback, multimedia streaming, et cetera.

Home Premium:
Audience: Average home users
-> Includes Aero Glass & advanced interface features.
-> Features easy network management.
-> Includes Windows Media Center & multimedia support.
-> Includes multi-touch support & handwriting recognition.
-> Includes premium games & DVD playback/creation.

Professional:
Audience: Business and professional users
-> Features enhanced domain networking capabilities.
-> Includes system backup over a network capabilities.
-> Includes Encrypting File System (EFS).
-> Features Location Aware Printing.
-> Features Presentation Mode.
-> Features Windows XP Mode (integrated Windows XP virtual machine) for application compatibility.

Enterprise:
Audience: Enterprise volume subscribers only
-> Supports Multilingual User Interface (MUI) packages.
-> Features Bitlocker (provides full hard drive encryption).
-> Features DirectAccess (provides corporate network access).
-> Features BranchCache (decreases network access time).
-> Features AppLocker (prevents running of unauthorized programs).
-> Offers ability to boot from virtual hard drives (VHD files only).

Ultimate:
Audience: All users
-> Same as Windows 7 Enterprise, except available via retail & OEM licensing.

Key Notes:
1.) Starter edition can now run unlimited applications simultaneously and is available worldwide, but is only found on netbooks.
2.) Home Basic edition is now available only in emerging markets rather than on low-end computers in primary markets.
3.) Windows 7 restores the Professional edition, replacing the short-lived Business edition introduced in Windows Vista.
4.) Ultimate Extras, introduced but quite limited in Windows Vista, have been eliminated from the Ultimate edition.
5.) Windows 7 will also be released in N and KR editions in accordance with European and South Korean legislation.
6.) Most users only have three editions to consider: Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate. All others are limited market only!

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