Windows Questions & Answers

A: This is quite often a heat problem. The PC's cover should be removed, and all components blown off; canned air is available at many stores. Some other issues that might be affecting your PC:

1. Did you recently add RAM? If so, is it correct for your PC and is it seated properly? If the problem started when RAM was added, these two items are most likely the cause.

2. Were there any other changes made before the shutdowns? e.g., BIOS changes, Scheduler entries, Updated device drivers, Antivirus programs, etc. If so, what? This is not likely the cause of spontaneous shutdowns, but there's a remote chance it could be.

3. If no changes were made to the hardware, then it can be a combination of dust (and hair) on the components and/or the cooling fan has quit. If the cooling fan is not running when the PC is powered on, then it needs replaced. Replacement fans may be available at the PC manufacturer's web site. For those who are uncomfortable doing the work themselves, then Faculty/Staff, Students, Retired Faculty/Staff, and Departments can have their PCs serviced at PSU Computer Repair, located in the PSU Salvage Building: 814-863-0286. There is a discount for students. They do most any hardware add-on or repair.

A: Here's what we recommend:

1. Go to Control Panel / Networks and set the Primary Network Logon to 'Windows Logon'. You may need Client for Microsoft Networks installed for other reasons (e.g., Dial-Up Networking) but it does not have to be the default client. Do NOT restart your computer when prompted.
2. Go to Control Panel / Passwords and change your password to an empty string. If you have a password set you will need to enter it every time Windows starts. In the Change Windows Password dialog box enter your existing password and leave the other two boxes empty. If you don't know your password you must delete any *.PWL files from your WINDOWS folder - next time you log on you will be prompted for a password and you can then leave it blank.
3. Restart your computer. This procedure is given at: http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q152/1/04.ASP

A: Microsoft.com offers resources for all of the recent Windows versions. Go to:

• http://www.microsoft.com/windows98 for Windows '98
• http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000 for Windows 2000
• http://www.microsoft.com/windowsMe for Windows Me
• http://www.microsoft.com/windowsXP for Windows XP
• http://www.microsoft.com/vista for Windows Vista