Frequently Asked Questions

 
1. Motherboard - Can I have a faster CPU?
2. Will a V.92 modem make my Internet connection faster?
3. AntiVirus
4. How do I recover damaged or lost files?
5. I have damaged or missing system files
6. Windows 98 will not shutdown
7. My PC is slow, what should I do?
8. Time – Daylight Saving (British Summer Time)
9. Windows Service Pack 2

Motherboard - Can I have a faster CPU?

Q. I would like to upgrade my processor, what can I upgrade to?

A. The upgrade possibilities available to you are dependant on what your motherboard is capable of supporting.

The simplest way to find this out is to look at your Motherboard manual.
However it maybe possible to upgrade your system beyond what the manual says, for this you’ll need to visit the manufacturer's web site and look for any relevant “bios upgrades”*

If you cannot find your manual then you’ll need to find the make and model of your motherboard. If you are quick, this can be read when the PC is first switched on. Failing that it can usually be found printed on the motherboard its self.
Further information can then be found on the manufacturer's web site.

*Upgrading your bios should only be attempted if you are confident in doing so. If you are not, then please contact us to arrange for one of our engineers to perform the upgrade for you (email us at support@tapcast.co.uk).

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Will a V.92 modem make my Internet connection faster?

Q. So what is the difference between V.90 and V.92

A. V.92 is the new specification from the ITU (International Telecommunications Union), which while it still supports a 56Kbps connection, does bring three new features:

1. QuickConnect speeds up the time it takes the modem to communicate (hand shake) with the remote computer.
2. PCM Upstream improves the upload connection between the modem and remote computer.
3. Modem-On-Hold will allow users who use the same phone line for both the internet and voice calls to switch between the two with out loosing their connection to the Net (call waiting is required)

So although you don't gain a faster Internet experience (other than uploading) there are significant improvements.
Currently our modems are V.90 compatible but are upgradeable to V.92

For more information on V.90 and V.92 visit the sites below:
www.v90.com
www.v92.com

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AntiVirus

Q. I do not use the Internet or Email often, do I need Antivirus on my computer?

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How do I recover damaged or lost files?

Q. I’ve deleted files or they have become damaged, Can they be recovered?

A. If you've simply deleted the file, then you should be able to recover it from your recycle bin, unless of course you've emptied it.

File or Data Recovery is a very tricky process; the easiest option is to regularly perform a backup of your critical files to ensure this does not become an issue.

There are however programs you can use to try and recover lost data, some are shareware/freeware and some cost. Try www.Download.com to find recovery software that may be suited to your needs.

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I have damaged or missing system files

There are some solutions/processes available to you; "Scan Disk", "Disk Defragmenter" and "System File Checker" (or "System Restore" for Windows ME & XP).
These are your first line of recovery, though more severe losses will require greater measures.

Windows ME & XP users can find "Scan Disk", "Disk Defragmenter" and "System Restore" by clicking on Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools

Please note, Tapcast do not specialize in data recovery and do not guarantee data while a system is being serviced or upgraded. It is your responsibility to back up your data on a regular basis; this is simply good practice. Also, the links above link to sites of companies outside of our control, therefore Tapcast cannot be held liable for content or services offered by these organizations.

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Windows 98 will not shutdown

Q. After selecting Start > Shutdown from the start menu, the computer seems to hang at the 'Windows is shutting down' screen.

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My PC is slow, what should I do?

Q. Over time my PC has slowed down, the hard drive light is on more than off and programs take a long time to load.

A. There are several things to try: -

1. Remove files from the C:\Windows\Temp folder

2. Empty the Recycle Bin

3. Run Scandisk and Disk Defragmenter from the Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools.

4. Check the free space on your hard drive; this should realistically be at least 100Mb. To do this, double click on My Computer, then right click on the C: drive and choose Properties. If you have less than 100Mb free you may need to uninstall any unneeded programs to free some more hard drive space.

5. If your computer has less than 128Mb RAM, you may need to buy more memory. Windows can use a lot of memory, if you have less memory than Windows requires it will use hard drive space to supplement physical memory. This can cause your computer to run extremely slowly, as hard drive access is much slower than memory access.

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Time – Daylight Saving (British Summer Time)

Q. What happens when the clocks go forward or back?

A. By default your computer will adjust automatically when the clocks change, however you will notice that when you turn on your computer, the system will ask you to confirm that the new time is correct.

For this to take effect your system needs to initially be set to the correct date (and the correct time). You can check this by double clicking on clock in your system tray (the box to the far right of your Start bar), and making any adjustments.

On Windows 2000:

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Windows XP Service Pack 2

Windows Service Pack 2 has been released and offers significant changes to the functionality of Windows, it aims at increasing security on Windows XP Machines with better protection against viruses, hackers and worms. It comes with an improved firewall, pop-up blocker for Internet Explorer, and a new security centre, that lets you know if you're at risk.

Tapcast now has this Service Pack available. If you would like to have your XP computers upgraded to this Service Pack please contact us, and we will arrange a suitable time for this upgrade to take place.

For more information on Windows XP Service Pack 2 please visit the Microsoft Sp2 website at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx

Or if you would like to book an upgrade with us please email support@tapcast.co.uk or phone us on 01386 792196

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Disclaimer
Whilst Tapcast Computer Services endeavor to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in the web site, Tapcast Limited cannot accept any liability for:

The inaccuracy or otherwise of any information available on the web site; or

Any loss liability or expense which may be suffered in consequence of acting or omitting to act as a result of any information contained in or omitted from any such article; or

Any loss or suffering which may be caused either as a result of the information contained in the web site or such information contained in the web site being inaccurate or otherwise misleading.

In the event that any information contained in the site is inaccurate or misleading then please contact Tapcast Computer Services at support@tapcast.co.uk