Tag: Remote Support

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Today at CBits Tech Support

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Today at CBits Tech Support

Hi.

Another Saturday doing tech support during the Coronovirus pandemic. Here’s a selection of the work I did today.Update to the latest version of Windows 10

I had picked up a laptop earlier in the week from a customer in Langdon Hills (Laindon) Essex. It was running very slowly and locking up. Doing remote support with those problems is impossible, so I offered to pick it up, observing social distancing. Having solved the slowness and locking up, the Windows Updates kept failing. It takes a long time troubleshooting this because each update attept takes a long time. Eventually I got the updates to work. One final abtibacterial wipe and it’s ready to go back to the customer tomorrow (Sunday).

I spoke to several customers on the phone who logged me in for remote support. These jobs included:

  • Updating the Skype app on a laptop, and resetting the Microsoft password that is used to sign in to Skype.
  • Installing the Viber Windows desktop app and linking it to the existing phone app.
  • Reinstalling NortonLifeLock 360 Premier.
  • Turn off Facebook Notifications that pop up (slide in) from the right of the screen.
  • Discussion about the new Google Meet chat that shows on the left side of Gmail.
  • Two password resets for different customers, one for Microsoft and Skype, and other for Amazon.
  • Advice and product recommendation for a WiFi range extender for an existing TP-Link wired Powerline Adapter.

Finally, another remote support session to do another Windows Upgrade. The customer had this message. “You’re currently running a version of Windows that’s nearing the end of service. We recommend you update to the most recent version of Windows 10 to get the latest features and security improvements.” However, his desktop PC wouldn’t update to the newer Windows 10 Version 1909. I was able to sort this out remotely.

If you need tech support, please phone the numbers top-right of this page. You can also subscribe for free to receive emails of updates here. Look for the ‘Subscribe’ option.

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Recent Jobs

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Recent Jobs

Working on a Sunday to catch up with filing job sheets. Here’s a small selection of recent work undertaken.

Decommissioning a Windows XP computer. I was going to remove the hard disk and put it in an enclosure so the data didn’t go off to the recycling centre, but someone had already removed it. So, it’s safe to take it to the tip.

Telephone support for email problems, followed by more phone-based email troubleshooting (this time for TalkTalk email).

Remote support for a regular customer for suspected virus clean-up.

Upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 on a desktop PC and a laptop for the same couple. Microsoft is still not charging for this with the method I use, and since the customer pays me a monthly subscription (retainer) the work was done using up their contract hours making this a free upgrade to Windows 10.

 

Remember, I offer remote support worldwide, so please contact me if you need my services.

 

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First full day back at the office today for three weeks.

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on First full day back at the office today for three weeks.

Some of the jobs planned for today:

  • Remote support to solve a lost password problem
  • Reinstall Windows 7 after a virus (customer wants a fresh reinstall)
  • Complete Windows Updates on the above PC. That’s a long job in itself because Windows Updates have been very slow lately, but I can use technicians tools to speed up the process
  • Replace failing hard drive
  • Solve a “Windows Repair” loop problem
  • Reset an old Android tablet and install key apps to see if it’s still usable. Decommission if not
  • Transfer old phone contacts to Google Contacts on an old Samsung phone so the magically appear on the customer’s new phone, then decommission the phone for recycling

I have a few other jobs to do too if I have time.

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Today at Colin Bowen IT Services

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Today at Colin Bowen IT Services

Working in the office today. Already been for my walk and coffee, so here’s the plan:

  • Replace the failing hard disk in Dell hard disk failurethis PC, and transfer all the data and software over to the new super-fast solid state hard disk. It will look exactly the same to the client, but boot around three times faster and be much faster generally, and have more storage space
  • Logging in to a computer (at a client’s house) to upgrade it to Windows 10
  • More remote support to fix Windows Updates which are stuck at some failed updates
  • Logging in to a business client to set up an email account in Outlook 365 on a new user account
  • With the remaining time, I’ll be working on other “work in progress” and returning calls to other people who need tech support

If you need tech support, (computer, tablet, and phone help), please contact me and I’ll be pleased to help.

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Email remote support

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Email remote support

icons-842848_640Happy New Year!

It was a hectic first day back in the office with a boiler service (let me know if you need someone good) and fridge/freezer delivery, but I did manage to help a couple of clients with email problems via remote support.

A small business client texted me because he hadn’t had email for a week. He has hosted business email from Fastshosts (meaning a paid-for email service, not free email like those provided by Gmail or his internet service provider), and used Incredimail software to access his emails. I’m no fan of Incredimail but he has used it for a number of years.

He suspected that the problem was with the Indredimail software that he has used for years to access his email (not my recommendation) so he uninstalled it. H couldn’t figure out how to access his Fasthosts email using Microsoft Mail on his PC. I logged in remotely and figured out the correct settings, then did some tests sending and receiving email to make sure it was all working.

The other client was a home user who had managed to lose his email icon after a Windows update. I didn’t know which software he was using to access his email, so I logged in to his computer to figure it out with him. He had been using BT Mail and accessing it with Internet Explorer, so I added a new shortcut to his desktop to make it easy to access his email again.

If you have problems with your email, or would like suggestions on a better email service, or advice on how to handle email more effectively, please get in touch. You can phone me on the numbers above-right of the page, comment below (it will be private if it contains personal information, or use the Contact menu item top-right of the page.

 

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Pay by credit card, debit card, PayPal, bank transfer, cheque or cash

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Pay by credit card, debit card, PayPal, bank transfer, cheque or cash

No need to wait until pay day!

I am now able to accept credit cards, debit cards and PayPal payments. I can also accept bank transfers (in advance), and cash and cheques for face-to-face support.

Call now for fast, convenient tech support, or download the remote support app for Windows and Mac and install/run it, then click “Start Session” for immediate support if I’m online. If I’m not online, you can leave me a message to connect  or contact you.

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Remote support to install Adobe Reader and do Java Updates, without the unwanted bundled software.

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Remote support to install Adobe Reader and do Java Updates, without the unwanted bundled software.

A regular client was having trouble with her Java Updates and asked me to log in from my office to hers to sort it out. I also installed Adobe Reader at her request. Both of these required me to side-step additional software that Java (Oracle) and Adobe want to install as part of the process. Such additional software is classed as Potentially Unwanted Programs but is commonly known as a virus or trojan; you’re getting the gift of free software (the wooden horse) but it comes with unwanted software (the invading army). All done safely in 20 minutes.

Unwanted software will be installed unless you un-tick (un-check) the option for the “recommended” software. The free software you want, Adobe and Oracle in this case, get paid when the additional bundled software is installed. Adobe and Oracle are reputable companies, but most free software comes with additional software that people don’t want and it’s often hidden. My advice is, if in doubt, ask me to log in and do it for you. It saves time (and money) in the long run.

If you want me to log in and help you, click Home in the menu bar above, and click Get Remote Support Now to install the software. You can phone me on the numbers on the top-right of the screen too.

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Miscellaneous problems solved and advice given

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Miscellaneous problems solved and advice given

Another regular client asked me to visit to sort out the following:

  • Desktop icons were stretched out – solved
  • Laptop running slowly – stopped some programs from running in the background, and advised on a RAM upgrade
  • Hotmail permanently logged in – set it to log out each time so visitors can’t get to email easily
  • Favourites missing – reinstated the favourites and the favourites bar
  • Throw out old cables – advised on what should be kept and what should be recycled following old desktop PC decommissioning.

I could have done all of this via remote support (over the internet) except for sorting out her cables.

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My new remote support setup

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on My new remote support setup

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I have new remote support software, so I set up my office to help me to provide a better service to people who need online support.

If you need remote support, go to this page www.cbits.instanthousecall.com click the blue “download” button and run/install the software. Then click start session. Easy. Takes two minutes.