Our experts cover the most common computer problems experienced with Windows
Here at Computeractive, we’re never short of questions about computers and how to fix the many things that can go wrong with them.
In this article we’ve collected a few of the most common Windows problems and the ways to fix them – usually in just a minute or two.
File grouping fix – Windows 7, Vista Q Whenever I view the My Documents folder there are headings called Today, Yesterday, Last week and A long time ago. How can I get rid of them?
A Right-click on an empty part of the Windows Explorer window, left-click on Group by and then left-click on (None).
Scroll or browse? – Windows XP Q The All Programs list in the Start Menu used to show several columns, now it displays just one. How do I change it back?
A Right-click on the Start button and left-click on Properties. Click on the Customise button in the Start Menu tab and then the Advanced tab. Scroll through the list to Scroll Programs and click in the box to remove the tick. Click on OK.
Task Manager tabs – Windows 7, XP, Vista Q The Task Manager has lost all its tabs and menus. How do I get them back?
A Double-click on the edge of the Task Manager window to restore the tabs.
Missing Quick Launch – Windows 7 Q There’s no Quick Launch area in the Windows 7 Taskbar. Is there a replacement?
A Left-click on the Start button and type the name of the program you want. Right-click on its icon and left-click on Pin to Taskbar.
Taskbar gone awry – Windows 7, XP, Vista Q My Taskbar has moved to the right-hand side of the screen. How can I move it so that it sits back at the bottom of the screen?
A The Taskbar can be moved to a different side by left-clicking close to the Start menu and dragging it to the desired location. To prevent this from happening again, right-click on the Taskbar and then left-click on Lock the Taskbar.
The wrong browser – Windows 7, XP, Vista Q Firefox is my default internet web browser but Internet Explorer always offers to take its place. How do I stop this happening again?
