Q: When I plug something into the USB port on my ancient Dell Inspiron 8000 laptop, I sometimes see a message that says, “There are no Hi-Speed USB host controllers installed on this computer.” 

At the bottom of the notice is another note saying, “The US Composite Device will function at reduced speed.  You must add a Hi-Speed host controller to this computer to obtain maximum performance.”

What is a Hi-Speed host controller, and how can I get one?

A: That error message, along with similar variations like the one seen above, complains about a problem you often can’t do anything about.

Over the last decade, USB ports have increased their speeds. Your Dell laptop is older, so its USB ports can’t transfer information as quickly as the faster USB ports found on newer computers.

The term “high-speed controller” refers to circuitry built into a computer’s motherboard. You can’t add a high-speed controller without replacing the motherboard – an expensive proposition, and something rarely available for laptops. There are a few possible solutions, though. Click to read more »

Q: You said earlier that there may be trouble when putting a System Image onto a different PC.

I always thought that when my PC finally goes kaput, I could put the old PC’s System Image onto the new one.

That way I’d be right where I started.

What should I do?

A: First, a little background. Windows 7’s System Images contain a copy of your Windows drive, which includes Windows, your programs, and all your data.

When your PC’s hard drive eventually dies, you can replace its dead hard drive with a new drive, reinstall your System Image, and you’ll be back up and running fairly quickly.

PCs almost always outlive their hard drive. It’s easy to replace a PC’s power supply, hard drive, memory, video card, and other parts, keeping your PC running for many years.

But if you do buy a new PC, can you install a System Image created on your old PC? You can try, but it might not work, and here’s why:

Click to read more »

Q: What’s the difference between a System Image backup versus a backup of the registry?

When should we back up the registry?

A: The Windows registry is simply a database: a bunch of text and numbers, as shown to the left.

It’s a mighty powerful database, though, because Windows stores thousands of important settings inside it. The registry keeps track of Windows’ own settings, as well as those involving your computer’s hardware, your programs, and any settings you’ve made.

If something goes wrong in the registry, you’ll have serious problems. Windows may not even start, leaving you with little clue as to what’s wrong. And some viruses head straight for the registry, so they can reinfect your computer whenever it’s turned on.

But even though the registry is essential in keeping Windows running smoothly, you’ll only need to back it up for one reason: When you’re about to fiddle with it, changing some of the entries. Making a simple typo in the registry can disable your computer.

If you’re not planning on editing your registry, either by hand or with a “registry cleaning” program, then there’s little reason to back up the registry. Windows already handles that job, and pretty well. Here’s why: Click to read more »

Q: I have a new Windows tablet PC, but I’ve always used Apple computers until now.

Now I want to transfer a large number of files from my Mac to my tablet PC using a flash drive.

I have several questions, but to let you know the extent of my ‘dummy-ness’, what is a ‘right click’?

My tablet uses a stylus (also a virtual keyboard which I don’t know how to use), and no mouse.

A: First, welcome to the world of Windows tablets. Many more of you will join the party when the tablet-friendly Windows 8 becomes mainstream.

As you’ve noticed, Apple hasn’t embraced right-clicking as much as Windows.

All Windows mice, by contrast, come with at least two buttons. Click something with the handy right-mouse button, and a list appears showing everything you can do with that particular item — a handy trick when navigating uncharted seas.

Although tablets traditionally use finger controls, the trusty right-click menu hasn’t disappeared.

To right-click an item on a Windows 7 or Windows 8 tablet, follow these two simple steps: Click to read more »

Q: I often run Windows Media Center on my computer.

When I’m not using it, Windows Media Center’s screensaver begins showing my photos as a screensaver.

I’d like to keep some of those photos private.

How can I choose which photos Windows Media Center displays as its screensaver?

A: Some versions of both Windows Vista and Windows 7 come with Windows Media Center. Like Windows Media Player, Windows Media Center can play music and videos, as well as display photos.

Windows Media Center brings more power to the table, though, in that it can record television shows when connected to a TV tuner.

When you haven’t used Windows Media Center for awhile, the player starts its screensaver mode. Its screensaver’s settings differ from Windows normal screensaver, which offers more control.

Instead, Windows Media Center merely cycles through photos stored in your Pictures Library.

To keep certain photos from appearing in Windows Media Center’s screensaver, follow these steps: Click to read more »