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More Desktop PCs How-To

  • How-Tos: How to recover files from deleted user accounts

    A little while ago I deleted my PC user account and created a new one. I wrongly assumed that I'd still be able to access the files on the deleted account. Are they lost forever?

  • How-Tos: How to fix a PC power problem

    I recently moved my five-year-old HP PC into a different room, during which time the power was off for two hours. The machine now refuses to boot up. The only sign of life is a flashing power LED on the case. How can I fix this?

  • How-Tos: How to get great technical support

    No one likes talking to tech support. Use our tips to help get your problem fixed - and maybe receive a little something extra, as well.

  • Video: How to Partition Your PC's Hard Drive

    Disk partitioning--separating your hard drive into multiple independent volumes--can relieve all sorts of computer-related headaches

  • How-Tos: How to: Windows 7 upgrades for businessses

    Microsoft may not have made it easy for Windows XP users to upgrade to the latest OS, Windows 7, but it has provided a number of tools to help you migrate.

  • How-Tos: How to: Upgrade your netbook

    Keeping your chosen netbook under budget may demand a trade-off in terms of specification, but what you skimp on now needn't haunt you for the life of the device.

  • How-Tos: How to choose the right version of Windows 7

    Before you pick up a copy of Windows 7, you'll have to decide whether you'll plump for the 64 or 32bit version. We take a look at which version of the OS will best suit you.

  • Video: Go mobile: How to get online wherever you are

    To stay ahead the modern workforce has to stay connected even when they're far from the office. Here's a run-down of the easiest, and least expensive ways to get online wherever you are.

  • How-Tos: How to optimise Windows 7

    Microsoft's new operating system, Windows 7, offers significant improvement over Vista. But if you want to get the very best performance possible, you should make a few system tweaks to eliminate resource-hogging programs and features.

  • How-Tos: How to fix a noisy computer

    When we're trying to concentrate, there's nothing more irritating than a noisy, overheating computer. Follow our tips to get a quiet life and save energy in the process.

  • How-Tos: How to rescue a PC, laptop, iPod or monitor

    When it comes to tech, spilling water on your laptop, or any other gadget, becomes a life or death situation. But these unfortunate accidents mean you have to scrap your tech and invest in a new iPod, mobile phone or camera right?

  • How-Tos: How to Build your own Apple 1

    There's no doubt the Apple 1 is an iconic computer. We decided to re-create this classic machine with the help of an unassembled kit. Find out how we got on.

  • How-Tos: How to get the right updates to protect your PC

    Some patches are vital; others are a waste of time. Update your PC wisely and stay secure with PC Advisor.

  • How-Tos: How to clean up your PC

    Now that the dark days of winter are over, there’s nothing better than a good spring clean to blow all the cobwebs away. This doesn’t just apply to houses – your computer can also benefit from an overhaul. After all, a tidy PC is an efficient PC.

  • How-Tos: How to upgrade from XP to Windows 7

    Vista users looking to upgrade to Windows 7 when it's finally released will have the luxury of an ‘in-place upgrade', in which the new OS overwrites the old one, preserving their installed applications, preferences, and data. However, XP users aren't being given this option and will instead have to do a clean install. We look at just how complicated upgrading to Windows 7 from XP is likely to be.

  • How-Tos: How to use Linux

    If you've only ever used Windows, getting to grips with a Linux OS can be an intimidating thought. So we've put together an easy-to-use guide to help you get the most out of this OS.

  • How-Tos: How to create a backup of your drivers

    Backing up your drivers will make your life easier but it's worth remembering there are no guarantees. I've yet to find a technique that always gets every file needed by every driver.

  • Video: Windows 7 guide, part 10: Libraries and searching

    Our guide to Windows 7's Libraries and searching features, from PC Advisor's sister title Infoworld. More Windows 7 coverage from Infoworld: Windows 7 beta benchmark testsSorting through the latest Windows 7 benchmark resultsEarly look: Windows 7 trumps VistaWindows 7 vs Vista and XP on mulicore PCs

  • Video: Windows 7 guide, part 9: features for IT admins

    A hands-on guide to Windows 7's new desktop features, from PC Advisor's sister title Infoworld. More Windows 7 coverage from Infoworld: Windows 7 beta benchmark testsSorting through the latest Windows 7 benchmark resultsEarly look: Windows 7 trumps VistaWindows 7 vs Vista and XP on mulicore PCs

  • Video: Windows 7 guide, part 8: Control Panel applets

    A hands-on guide to Windows 7's Control Panel applets, from PC Advisor's sister title Infoworld. More Windows 7 coverage from Infoworld: Windows 7 beta benchmark testsSorting through the latest Windows 7 benchmark resultsEarly look: Windows 7 trumps VistaWindows 7 vs Vista and XP on mulicore PCs