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Hey, guys! I've encountered problem with my new laptop (courtesy of the wife!) that I've not encountered before. It's got me stumped, and I can't save any files because of it. When clicking on Save or Save As, I get an immediate pop-up, "adownloader", which unapologetically says, "Cannot create file"C:\Users\Dolt\Downloads\Data\FRED\Population data\LFWA64TTUM647N:\1453506086945.DownloadFile". The filename, directory name,or volume label syntax is incorrect." Note that "Dolt" has been substituted for my user name! I cannot move past this. I've Googled it, to no avail. I'm loathe to use registry cleaners, as they often cause more problems than they solve. Can anyone out there...

A sucker buys a new PC at the first signs of a slowdown. A savvy power user gives his aged PC a fighting chance for redemption. From tweaking your OS to compressing files to overclocking your videocard or CPU, there are plenty of ways to tune up a computer, and none require a trip to Bob’s House of New PCs. Follow along this step-by-step as we show you 21 of our favorite techniques for making a PC better, stronger, and faster — for free. These essential tweaks and tune-ups range from common-sense caretaking measures to practical adjustments that you'd be...

Windows Vista, One Bad Year Later A year since the release of Windows Vista, Microsoft is cringing at the poor sales of the new operating system. It was initially touted as a landmark new development to reinvigorate the IT industry, prompting expectations of wide-ranging “Vista effects.” Instead, Apple’s new operating system, which now also works on PCs, is stealing the thunder. Microsoft has hurriedly responded by developing a new version of the old XP. ◆ Windows Vista flops According to market researcher Net Applications, Apple is enjoying the largest-ever share in the global operating system market with Leopard, the...

I am planning to purchase a computer for my cousin. He wants a "best" computer. Cost is not really a problem but doesn't want overkill. He plans to write emails, send and receive pictures, watch TV, and movies. He also wants to have a hang-on-a-wall LCD flat screen for monitor. I mentioned that wouldn't be too practical. Have both, one for TV, and one for computer display-- a 21" flat panel. He also wants service availability at his home. He wants a fax, copier, and printer. I suggested HP All-in-one printer. I suggested a DELL for all that. Such as...

I need help. Windows XP SP2 on my computer will not start. Earlier this morning, everything was going great, then Firefox locked up while doing a Google search. Locked up tight, and I had to press and hold the power button for several seconds to shut down. Now, when I power up, everything goes well through POST until Windows tries to start up, then the screen goes black and all disk activity ceases. After waiting several minutes with nothing happening, pressing the power button for a fraction of a second shuts the computer down. I've tried booting to Last Known...

Computer code posted over the weekend can crash vulnerable computers by exploiting a Windows flaw disclosed in October. The exploit code takes advantage of a flaw Microsoft tagged as "critical." The bug lies in a Windows component for transaction processing called the Microsoft Distributed Transaction Coordinator, or MSDTC. Microsoft addressed the flaw in security bulletin MS05-051. "Initial investigation of this exploit code has verified that successful exploitation could lead to a denial of service attack...and not remote code execution," a Microsoft representative said in a statement. In a denial of service attack a computer would crash, while remote code execution...

<p>UPDATE: MSM PCs under attack by Zotob worm - CNN, NYT, ABCNEWS - update your virus defs NOW!</p> <p>Live on CNN right now ... Most PCs running Win2000 or older are now dead at MSM locations all over NYC, as well as some PCs at CNN Atlanta, and it's spreading.</p>

Hello, What is the best way to get ride of pop ups and several icons? I would liek to do it without downloading anything. I have Norton AntiVirus but taht doesnt stop all teh ads and spyware.