My Computer Back in Service

There is an interconnective tool I have been using for a while to remotely help clients solve problems. It’s called CrossLoop. You may have noticed links to the download on different pages around here.

The underlying technology simplifies the process of securely working with others located in different physical locations through a Broadband internet  connection. It enables me to see their screen and control the mouse and keyboard from a remote computer. It’s as if the client and I are working side by side at the same PC. CrossLoop is a powerful tool that enables us to collaborate from anywhere in the world.

In order to access the Host Computer I need to contact the other party (client) to get an Access Code which is randomly generated and encrypted. This way unscrupulous people cannot find a password because there is none. As each session ends, the access code ends as well. A New Access Code is issued for every New Session.

Personally, I find this a much easier way to help solve problems that clients are having with their computers. Once they give me access, I can run their computer, all the while they can see what I am doing so they can take notes. They can see the screens being used and what steps are employed to solve that particular dilemma.

For more information regarding Security and FAQs about CrossLoop, visit their Home Page.

Something that I keep running into is customers having problems with differences in Various Browsers.

The most common problem I come across is the way a site renders one way on Internet Explorer and very differently on FireFox. The only real way to fix this type of situation is to test in each Browser and adjust as necessary. I have a copy of both on my computer for just such a purpose.

There are online services that provide screenshots, 2 that I know of are:

1. Browsershots.org which is fee to use, but takes a long time to load and get results from what I understand.
2. BrowserCam which is free for a short trial period, but seems to be a lot faster than most on rendering results.

Another problem I see fairly often is that a page will lock up or not load at all on one Browser and the other will be just fine. If this happens, the most likely cause is probably an incompatable Script of some sort. The most likely culprit could be either a recent Plugin or Add-on that you installed. Or maybe some code you added for a service of some kind.

In either case, what you need to do is:

1. Disable the New Script, Plugin or Add-on. If the problem is resolved then go to step 2.
2. Contact the Original Author or Company that supplied the code. Describe the problem in as much detail as possible. In most cases they should be happy to help.

These are just two of the reasons to always Cross Check Browsers and the easy solutions. Can you think of any more? Please share in comments.

There may come a time when things are going along just fine. Everything seems to be working exactly as they should and then BAM. Nothing works. You may not even be able to boot up your computer to a normal state. You can’t even get as far as the System Logo and it goes down again.

What do you do?

Think… What changed since the last time you tried to get on the computer and had no problems?

• Did you Add something? A new program or upgrade to an existing program?
• Did you Delete something? Accidents do happen, that’s why they usually have a confirmation for deletions.
• Did you download something from the internet unintentionally (like a virus)?

Let’s assume you did none of the above, but you are still having problems and the computer still won’t boot properly. What then?

As the computer is booting, you should see text telling you what it is trying to do. It will show you that it is accessing your hard drive, CD-ROM, memory etc. When there are problems detected, it should give you a menu with some options like:

1. Start Normal Mode
2. Start Safe Mode
3. Start from Last Known Good Configuration

If you have an idea of what caused the problem, you can start in Safe Mode and try to uninstall or end the program that is at fault.

If you have no idea what is causing the problem, but know that you added something, or there was an automatic upgrade to your system, go with the Last Known Good Configuration option.

If none of the above works, you may have to reinstall your whole operating system (I hope not, you lose a LOT of your stuff that way).

If you are having this type problem and nothing seems to solve the problem, let me know.