PHOENIX (Komando.com) -
Is it necessary to turn off System Restore when removing a computer virus? I hear conflicting answers.
If your computer gets fouled up, Windows ME or Windows XP's System Restore lets you go back to when it worked correctly. But when you have a virus, System Restore is a problem. You don't want old, infected versions of Windows stored on your system. So if you do get a virus, use antivirus software to remove the virus and then disable System Restore.
- Click Start>>Control Panel.
- Double-click System. Choose the System Restore tab.
- Check the box next to "Turn off System Restore." Click Apply>>OK.
- Reboot the computer to remove old restore points and then re-enable System Restore.
I was searching at Google.com for something sensitive. Now, these phrases appear automatically when I type in certain letters. How can I remove this information?
| Kim Komando on CNN/Money
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Go to Google.com and double-click the blank box where you type a search phrase. A selection of items you have already used will appear. Highlight the item by putting the cursor on it. Then press the Delete key. To erase the entire list, highlight the first item and continue to press Delete until it's all gone.
How do I get rid of "ShopNav?" It pops up unannounced at many sites that I use and has taken over the site where my son has posted pictures.
ShopNav is considered a spyware program. It is downloaded with other programs, primarily Grokster. ShopNav changes your preferred search site to its own. The company has an uninstall link on its Web site (srng.net). If necessary, you can usually remove most spyware programs using a free program such as Ad-aware or Spybot Search and Destroy. You'll find links to both at: http://www.komando.com/bestshareware.asp. If that doesn't work, PestPatrol (pestpatrol.com; $40) says it will remove ShopNav.
I am considering buying a computer with the Windows XP Media Center Edition. Is this better than Windows XP Home or Professional edition?
Unlike Windows XP Pro or Home, Windows XP Media Center is intended to be a PC and an entertainment center. It has many features that separate products now offer. For instance, it includes a personal digital recorder. In addition, it can play DVDs. Media Center also can handle your music. It can display music by genre, artist and even album cover. Assuming you want to use your PC as an entertainment center, if might be worthwhile. But if you are using it as a personal computer only, a regular desktop costs less.
I run a Hollywood movie company. I have an idea. Instead of showing pictures in a Windows XP screen saver, can you play a movie? Want to be partners?
Microsoft already put this capability in the free Windows XP PowerToys Fun Pack. Simply download this file, install it and with a few clicks of the mouse, you can play any Windows Media Video or series of videos (such as home movies created with Windows Movie Maker 2) as your Windows XP screen saver. You can download it here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/experiences/downloads/create.asp. If you ever need a talk radio host for a starring role, let me know.
All rights reserved. Kim Komando hosts the nation's largest talk radio show about computers and the Internet. To find the station nearest you broadcasting Kim's show, visit: komando.com/findkimonair.asp. To subscribe to Kim's free weekly e-mail newsletter, sign-up at: komando.com/newsletter.asp
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