Computer Troubleshooting/Help Master Thread

[Centro]

It depends on your manufacturer and model.  Many computes have a restore partition that you can access by hitting F10 (sometimes, F2 or F12) right when you turn on the computer (before the Windows screen comes on).  It usually called 'boot options', or the like.  From there you will have options such as 'boot to hard drive' and 'boot to cd rom'.  One option may be, 'boot to system restore' (or something similar).  Select that option and follow the steps.  Note that this will remove your data and programs (many times it gives you a backup option,  but not always).  If the above steps do not work, let me know.

Tx, I'll try it later.

[notanonymous]

I want to add, that if your intention for doing this is to give away or sell the laptop, be aware that although your data will be erased, it could be recovered with a data recovery software.  Although the chances of someone having nefarious intentions and doing this are slim, it is good to know.  If you are concerned, you could download cc cleaner (or other, similar softare) and use their free space wiper.

[DanH]

Many Options. Hirens boot CD have some options.

For the future, I like recommending this one, although it looks scary:
http://pogostick.net/~pnh/ntpasswd/

There's also this tool, which will make bootable USB:
http://www.rmprepusb.com/tutorials/12---bootable-usb-drive-to-reset-windows-user-pasword

ETA:
Turns out Hirens uses same tool:
http://www.hirensbootcd.org/resetting-windows-password/

[ishkabible]

For the future, I like recommending this one, although it looks scary:
http://pogostick.net/~pnh/ntpasswd/

+1  It does look scary but the prompts really do hold your hand.  I removed a workstation from a server network to home network using the windows 7 built in option and it locked me out (apparently you have to unhide the admin account first, last time I follow windows instructions).  This tool let me create a new admin account without any trouble.

[DH Data Recovery]

There's an awesome tool for non techies on the geek squad mri CD.  It has a really simple gui that any novice can follow.

[ShlomoM]

Looking for help with my t430 the fan is always on and makes a spinning sound.
Any way to control the speed or temperature of the computer?
TIA

[Suave]

Looking for help with my t430 the fan is always on and makes a spinning sound.
Any way to control the speed or temperature of the computer?
TIA

http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/T400-T500-and-newer-T-series/T430-Fan-speed/m-p/1056557#M76364

[DH Data Recovery]

There was a utility we used to used on the old laptops that would speed up the fan, I'm sure it can slow it down as well. I don't recall the name though maybe speedfan or something

[ShlomoM]

http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/T400-T500-and-newer-T-series/T430-Fan-speed/m-p/1056557#M76364

There was a utility we used to used on the old laptops that would speed up the fan, I'm sure it can slow it down as well. I don't recall the name though maybe speedfan or something

Thanks for the help I'll try them out

[yuneeq]

On Mac I would use smcfancontrol.
It works great.

[notanonymous]

Looking for help with my t430 the fan is always on and makes a spinning sound.
Any way to control the speed or temperature of the computer?
TIA

IMO it is not advisable to change the fan speed, unless you know for sure the cpu is not running hot.  First check the cpu temp, or cpu usage.

[ShlomoM]

IMO it is not advisable to change the fan speed, unless you know for sure the cpu is not running hot.  First check the cpu temp, or cpu usage.

which do you use?

[notanonymous]

which do you use?

The quickest check would be looking at the task manager, on the performance tab.  If the CPU is at 100 that is why your fan is running.  It is probably overheating.

[yuneeq]

IMO it is not advisable to change the fan speed, unless you know for sure the cpu is not running hot.  First check the cpu temp, or cpu usage.

I would only set it to make the cpu cooler, never the opposite. Smcfancontrol also has cpu temp so that's a plus.

[notanonymous]

I would only set it to make the cpu cooler, never the opposite. Smcfancontrol also has cpu temp so that's a plus.

Perhaps I misunderstood the OP.  I thought the OP was looking for a way to make the fan 'quieter' (i.e. stop spinning), hence my post that I did not think that was a good idea if the problem is a hot cpu.

[yuneeq]

Perhaps I misunderstood the OP.

You did not.

[ShlomoM]

The quickest check would be looking at the task manager, on the performance tab.  If the CPU is at 100 that is why your fan is running.  It is probably overheating.

it says its running at 27% yet the fan is spinning quite fast...and loud

[popcorn1508]

I have a desktop running xp and my sound is not working on YouTube but is working on windows media player when I go to the control panel everything is frayed out and these 2 notifications pop up when I start my computer any help would be appreciated

[notanonymous]

it says its running at 27% yet the fan is spinning quite fast...and loud

What is your cpu temp?  Try this download (or find your own). http://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/
Be aware, that this software tries to install some junk-ware.  After the initial "next", select "decline" on all of the following screens.

[notanonymous]

I have a desktop running xp and my sound is not working on YouTube but is working on windows media player when I go to the control panel everything is frayed out and these 2 notifications pop up when I start my computer any help would be appreciated

#1 Everything in the Control Panel is grayed out, or only audio controls?
#2 Did this problem start happening when you started getting those messages?
#3 Do other video sharing websites not work, or only youtube?
#4 Have you tried youtube in other browsers?
#5 It would really help to read your post if you included some punctuation.