Amazon continues its 34% discount on my Windows 7 For Dummies book, as well as my Windows 7 For Dummies book + DVD bundle.

Drop by the book’s Web page for more information.

Q: How do I transfer files from my old computer running Windows 98 Second Edition to my new Windows 7 computer?

It is inconceivable to me that there is no easy way to transfer data from a computer that’s only 10 years old.

Hewlett Packard’s tech support people said that it is impossible to transfer from Windows 98 Second Edition to Windows 7 – that no equipment exists anymore to support the transfer.

What do I do?

A: Windows 7′s free “Windows Easy Transfer” program works pretty well at copying your files from a Windows XP or Windows Vista computer. But as you’ve discovered, the program conveniently ignores people with older Windows versions, like Windows Millennium, or Windows 98. That leaves you in the lurch.

Since there’s no automatic way to move the information from your Windows 98 computer to your new computer,  you’ll have to do the grunt work yourself.

You can transfer your information several ways: Click to read more »

Q: When buying a new Hewlett Packard computer online, I customized it for the most power.

But my Windows Experience Index shows only 5.9, with my weak link being my hard disk transfer speed.

I’m really disappointed. How much stock should I put into Windows rankings? Can I do better by replacing my current hard drive? What hard drives are on the market that are scoring 7 and up in transfer speed?

Are there changes I can make to my hard drive, like changing the filing system, that will speed it up and score it higher?

A: A low-scoring hard drive nearly always torpedoes a fast computer’s Windows Experience Ratings. You’ve asked very good questions, so I’ll tackle them one by one. Click to read more »

Q: Yesterday I built a desktop computer from parts that I’ve acquired over the past few years.

While installing software today, I noticed that the power source wasn’t plugged all the way into the video card, so I pushed it in more tightly, and bam: The computer suddenly shut off, and it won’t turn back on.

Do you think I’ve fried the computer’s motherboard or its power supply?

A: First, a rap on the knuckles: Always unplug your computer before working inside your PC. Even if you’re just tightening a connector, turn off and unplug your computer first.

Now, back to your question. When troubleshooting a potential power supply problem, let your ears be your guide, by listening for these things: Click to read more »

Q: Is there a way to download Acrobat Flash Player and Acrobat Reader to my 64-bit version of Windows?  If I can’t use those programs on my 64-bit version of Windows, can I change my Windows version to 32-bit?

A: Your 64-bit version of Windows can download and run the 32-bit version of Adobe Reader without any problem. Adobe offers Adobe Reader 32-bit program for free on its Web site.

As for Flash, Adobe doesn’t yet make a Flash player for a 64-bit browser. Adobe has really dropped the ball on this one. Perhaps they’ve tired of patching all of its security flaws.

However,  your 64-bit version of Windows comes with both the 32-bit and the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer. By running the 32-bit version of Internet Explorer on your 64-bit computer, you can still view Flash on the Web.

Both versions of Internet Explorer share the same home page, and Favorites menu. Unless you specifically choose to run the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer, the 32-bit version of Internet Explorer usually runs. For example, the 32-bit version runs when you start the browser from any one of the following locations: Click to read more »

(This is the fourth in a series of posts covering information taken from my upcoming book, Upgrading and Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies.)

Let your computer double as a TV set by adding a TV tuner — a gadget that pulls in a TV signal, letting you channel surf and watch shows on your monitor.

The easiest TV tuners simply plug into a USB port, available on every computer, laptop, and netbook. When combined with the Media Center found in Windows Vista and Windows 7, TV Tuners also double as digital video recorders: Like a TiVo, they automatically record your favorite TV shows, letting you watch your faves whenever you’re ready.

USB tuners are easy to install, and they’re easily moved from one computer to another. (Keep an eye on your roommates.)

You’ll only pull in free HDTV station broadcasts if you’re within broadcast range, however, so your luck will vary considerably depending on where you live. Click to read more »