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