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DADDY BOB'S COMPUTER Q & A
September 30,
2007
Q.
When the computer's screen jumps, moves and
shakes, does that mean the monitor is about
to fail? How long do monitors usually last?
A.
Last question first. You can compare a CRT
computer monitor like you probably have to a
older TV. They are both essentially the
same. They can last 10 years or longer but
some fail sooner.
As for
the shaking etc., it could be a defective
video card, a defective monitor, a loose or
defective cable, a defective video driver,
or just an incorrect setting. Possibly
the best and easiest way to determine the
problem is to use the monitor on another
computer that is working OK.
If it
still acts up, then the problem is the
monitor. If it works OK, then the monitor is
probably OK.
Next, try
a good working monitor on the problem
computer and observe the monitor on it. If
the problem persists, then the problem is
most likely the Video card or driver. You
could check for an update driver, but most
likely, that won't help and replacing the
card may be the only real fix.
Of
course, swapping things out like this may
not be easy for many folks especially if
they only have one computer.
Q.
I have a program called a Registry Optimizer
and when run, it says that it has found 475
Windows Registry Errors but that the free
version will only fix 20 of them. Is this
serious and should I be concerned?
A.
Most likely, the errors that it is
reporting are not really errors. I suspect
that this is just one more of the very many
gimmick programs available that are trying
to get you to buy something you don't need
by trying to influence you with scare
tactics.
Be very leery about using any registry
cleaner or optimizer, free or otherwise.
Don't try to fix something that isn't broke.
If the computer is working well, it probably
isn't broken. One wrong change to the
registry can render the computer totally
useless.
What they are calling errors are things like
an entry that is no longer used. It is
there, but does no harm. The registry is
full of these and many programs leave them
behind when they are installed. Even Windows
itself can do this.
It is sometimes better to leave a trace that
does no harm than to try to remove it, and
take something that is critical along with
it. Programs, when uninstalled or modified,
err on the safe side and would rather leave
a entry behind that presents no problems
than remove something they should not.
Unless you fully understand the registry,
and are comfortable with modifying it, it is
best left alone. |
