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Discover how to reinstall Windows without an installation disc.
 
If your computer came with Windows preloaded, you won't have an installation disc. Instead you restore your computer to the state it was in when it left the factory. Unfortunatley this means you get all that pre-installed software you may or may not want. 

Check with your manufacturer for full instructions, but if your computer doesn't have a recovery disc you can pop into the the drive, you'll need to look for an option to access recovery options as soon as you start your PC (located in the Bios screens using an "F" key like F10). Press this key and you will be given the option of restoring Windows using a drive image stored on a small partition on your hard drive. If your given the choice pick the destructive option that formats your hard drive and doesn't preserve any exsisting data (you should have already backed this up separately - make sure you have doent his first!). 

After your PC is restored and you've completed post-set-up wizard, you'll be returned to your desktop. You won't need to install any drivers now (although updates will almost certainly be avaiable), but you may have to remove any software that was pre-installed by the manufacturer you don't want, including any trial versions of security software. One program that may help you here is PC Decrapifier. Next time we will discuss how to make a rescue disc for both the 32 & 64 bit versions of Windows 7. This will help people who have upgraded to Windows 7 or have a PC that Windows 7 was not factory installed. 

Keep your PC in shape for longer by following these golden rules. 

1. Stay Secure - Make sure your PC is protected with adequate anti-virus software: AVG 2012 is free and use Malwarebytes for addtional protection. Bothof these are available at download.com. 

2. Modify your online behavior - The best way to avoid infection is to make sure you don't put yourself at risk. visit techradar for the 10 top tips to stay safe. 

3. Think Twice - Don't install programs for the sake of it. Ask yourself if you really need them, and check to see if a portable version is available. Portable versions can be run directly from a USB flash drive without cluttering up Windows. 

4. Uninstall more cleanly - Installing and removing programs qucikly builds up clutter and detritus. Use Revo Uninstaller instead of programs & features to remove programs from your PC. This scans your computer for leftover files and registry entries after the programs is uninstalled, enabling you to perform a cleaner uninstall. 

5. Stay up to date - Make sure automatic updates is on and regularly check programs and driver updates. Update Checker is a great software to do it. 

6. Look after your drive - Get in the habit of running disk check. Click start, then computer, right click C drive, choose properties, tools tab, and click check now. Tick both boxes and click OK, scheduling the check for the next time you restart. Windows XP users should also remember to schedule a disk defragmenter every month. 

7. Use a cleanup tool - Install CCleaner to periodically clear out redundant files from your hard drive. Avoid the registry cleaning tool though as these could cause irreparable damage to your Windows installation. 

So, a few weeks ago I spoke to you all about using Windows backup. I know some of you just aren't doing it. Well I have another option for you. Use cloud based backup services. The're a ton of these services out there and some charge a lot for storage. How about if you could get some free storage on the cloud? I have recently signed up MiMedia. They offer 7GB of free cloud storage and an easy set up process. While it won't backup everything on your drive, your ultra important documents can be put on the cloud for safe keeping. Just use the advanced option during setup and pick the folders you want backed up so you don't go over the 7GB. I have starting using it for my important business documents and have found it to be wonderful. While I very seldom endorse programs, I feel this one gets an A-Okay from The PC Doctor of PA. Give it a try and see if works as well for you as it does for me. I am anxious to hear your responses.  

Twitter is extremely popular, and for good reason. It's great for sharing your thoughts with others , but the basic webpage can get overwhelmed- especially if you follow a lot of people. The main page simply lists every tweet people post in chronological order. Although this simplicity can be appealing, it does mean that certain tweets can be missed. (like this one!) To avoid this I use Hootsuite, http://www.hootsuite.com to organize my tweets. I'll share with you a few of the great things it can do. 
1. Signup or download (on a smart phone) hootsuite. 
2. Connect Hootsuite to your Twitter account.
3. Take a few minutes to get familiar with it. Tweets posted by people you follow can be put into lists, so you don't miss anything. For example a list of your favorite tweeters (like @thepcdoctorofpa ) By default you have mentions, direct messages and you r tweets. Just click add stream to add your favorite tweeters. 
4. Quick tweets you can add a new tweet by typing in the box, if you go over the 140 limit, Hootsuite will automatically shorten your tweet while keeping it readable. There is also a place to shrink website URL's!
5. Use it anywhere in the world. Download the app for your smart phone, or use it as a web based client (in your browser). 
6. Organize your tweets. You can filter the columns to only display tweets displaying certain words. The more you add the more specific the results. 
7. Create lists. Lists are great ways of grouping people, so they are easier to follow. 
8. Get tweeting!!! With a built in scheduler, you can tweet even when your away from your PC or smart phone. Just schedule your date and time by clicking the little calendar icon in your tweet area. 

I have had a few customers who received a phone call from someone claiming to work for Microsoft, saying that their home PC was sending it error messages indicating the presence of infected files that could damage their hard drive and mother board. Even though AVG reported no problems, the technician had them run Event Viewer and allow remote access through a sites such as ammyy.com and support.me . The tech then spent 7 hours "cleaning up" their systems and charged on average of $120.00. 

This is INSANE!!! This is a SCAM!!! The tech claimed to be from a company called "Cyber Astro" & is not listed as a Microsoft Partner. A forum on Microsoft's official website mentions ammyy.com as potentially spreading malware. Microsoft will never "Cold Call" any customers. If you get a call or anything like this, hang up! Never install or allow any remote access tool from someone unless you are positive they are legitimate. If you have fallen victim to any type of scam like this, please contact us to remove the software and get the malware out of your PC.