Monday, September 22, 2014

Outlook Tech Support Solutions

For businesses, Microsoft Outlook is by far the most powerful email management software released till date. Developed by the leading software maker, Microsoft Outlook offers many features for various purposes. We can say that most business activities heavily depend on the proper functioning of this brilliant software program. It can also double as Outlook help desk for small businesses, which is a good alternative for costly help desk applications.

Microsoft Outlook is highly customizable and flexible, allowing users to tweak Outlook the way they prefer. Outlook’s greatest feature is its ability to allow multiple accounts. This way, all the priority emails will be available in one place. With this option, you can sort, organize, and manage emails from various accounts.

Like that, there are many other useful features in Microsoft Outlook, which make it beneficial for office as well as home purposes, especially for people, who maintain various webmail accounts for different purposes. However, it is not entirely devoid of issues.

No matter how perfectly developed a software program is, errors, corruption of files, and issues are bound to happen. Regular troubleshooting is an ongoing process in large companies. This is because, not all users are techies or experts in dealing with all issues concerning Outlook. This is why, it is best to subscribe to Outlook help desk and support centers offering services such as resolving email errors, configuring free email accounts with your ISP, installation of Outlook, and setting up customized and personalized email accounts in the application.

In addition, you need to use spam blockers while using your email client for preventing spam and other trash emails in your inbox. These Outlook support services can also be useful in forwarding e-newsletters into folders, this way easy storage can be enabled. As mentioned, Outlook support is a continuous process intended to meet the customer’s requirements as well as brining in quality knowledge and expertise.

One of the common methods by which support is being offered is via e-mail tech and other support assistance. It is possible for users to download the e-mail assistance software, and deploy the tool at their convenience. All you need to do is follow certain systematic steps.

There is also telephonic tech support provided by certain Outlook tech support services. Actually, you will find that most of the issues concerning Microsoft Outlook are quite straightforward. Most of the time, you will be able to fix those unresolved issues just by going through the Help option available on your computer. However, where this does not work, you should acquire help from professional tech support service providers.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Manually Downloading Core Windows 8 Apps

The Windows 8 operating system comes packed with a bunch of apps, which provide core features such as opening emails, reading news, managing photos and many more. With the major release of the operating system, there were many core apps introduced. If you look into the number of apps added to the operating system from the beginning, there are about 20 core apps in total.

The users need to install the updates to these applications as and when they are updated. This will enable them to use the apps with better functionalities and features after every download. The apps are updated regularly in the best interest to improve their features.

To get the latest updates, all you need to do is visit the Windows store, look for the app and then update the same if you find any. You do not have an alternative other than downloading the updates through an internet connection. However, it seems that the Deskmodder blog has discovered an alternative way to download the updates manually.

Follow These Steps While Downloading Windows 8 Apps
  • First, you need to visit the Microsoft knowledge base website and you need to scroll until you find the core apps listed in the page. 
  • Make a note of the knowledge base number. 
  • With the Internet Explorer browser, open catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/Home.aspx. 
  • You will get a prompt asking you to install the Microsoft update catalogue extension, which you need to accept to install it in the computer. 
  • Once this is over, you need to enter the Microsoft knowledge base number into the search box of the website and hit Enter or click on the Search button. 
  • This will result in displaying a number of updates available, for both 32-bit systems and 64-bit systems. You can choose the one you need and add it to the cart. 
  • When you are done with adding the updates to the cart, you can start the download, by clicking on the Download button present in the web page. 
  • While downloading Windows 8 core apps, select a folder on the computer where you can save the downloaded apps and wait until the download completes. 
  • Downloads will be automatically saved in this folder. 
  • These files are saved in the *.cab format which can be extracted later with an archive software. 
  • You need to double click on the *.msi file to execute and install the same. 
Hence, now you have an option to download core apps to the computer manually. Contact our support desk for any further assistance.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Removing Ask Toolbar From Windows Operating System

Ask toolbar is one of the most infamous browser add-on from the Ask search engine. Although there are malware applications that masquerade as toolbars, Ask toolbar is not one of them. Even if it is not a malware, it is a useless application that changes the default search engine settings of every web browser that runs on your system and makes Ask website your homepage.

Here’s how you remove Ask toolbar from your system:

Windows 7
  • Open the Start menu by clicking on the Start icon and then click on the Control Panel.
  • From the list of options available inside the Control Panel, click on Uninstall a Program option under the Programs icon.
  • You will be able to view every program that is installed on your computer. Navigate through the list and then select Ask toolbar.
  • Click Remove and follow the on-screen instructions.
Windows Vista
  • Close any web browser that is running presently.
  • Click on the Start icon and then hit on Control Panel inside the Start menu.
  • This will bring up many options. Click on Uninstall a program, which is present inside the Programs icon.
  • Select Ask toolbar from the list and then click on the Uninstall button next to it.
  • Follow the onscreen instructions to remove all running instances of the program.
Windows XP
  • Open the Control Panel from inside the Start menu, which is present in the task bar.
  • Click on Add/Remove Programs and then select the ask toolbar from the list of programs that are displayed.
  • Click Uninstall and then Continue to initiate the un-installation.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to completely uninstall the program.
Windows 8
  • Hit the Windows Key + C and then click on the Settings.
  • Inside this menu, you will find the Control Panel.
  • Choose Programs and Features tab to view the list of programs that are installed in your computer.
  • Select the toolbar and then delete it.
As you can see, there is no need for an Ask toolbar removal tool under normal circumstances. However, on rare occasions, the toolbar may become corrupt and the un-installation becomes impossible through normal channels. If so, you will have to download an Ask toolbar removal kit and run the software. Such an Ask toolbar removal tool will completely delete every instance of the toolbar and restore your computer back to its original state. If you are unsure about how do so, contact our tech support team for additional details.

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Upgrade Paths For Windows 8.X Operating System

If you are planning to upgrade to Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 operating system, going to the Windows Store and picking up the required operating system at the retail price may be an ill-advised decision. Whether you are upgrading from Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP platform, there are several upgrade paths that are more economic.

If you know how to upgrade to Windows 8 operating system, then you can easily migrate to the same at the least expense. It’s a rather simple process, which can be done through the Windows Store. However, remember that though Windows 8.1 upgrades are available in the official Windows Store and on other outlets as an installation media, this is not available for Windows RT 8.1. Apart from that, while migration to Windows 8.1 operating system from Windows 8 is possible from Windows Store for free, Volume license versions of Windows 8, Windows 8 Enterprise, and Windows 8 Enterprise Evaluation versions are not available through the Windows Store, and you need to purchase them either from the official Microsoft website or through retail outlets.

Windows 8.1 Upgrade Path

You can migrate from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 operating system using the upgrade link on the Windows Store. However, you can only resort to upgrade to the same edition. In order to upgrade to a different edition, you will have to try other channels. Similarly, if you choose to install Windows 8 on Windows XP or Windows Vista, you will have to run the Windows Setup tool first by booting. This can be done using the Windows 8.1 installation media, which is also available for purchase on the Store.

When upgrading from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1, you can keep your customized system settings, personal files, and applications. Microsoft lets you upgrade to Windows 8.1 Pro from Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, and Windows 8 Pro with Media Center, and still keep your Windows settings, personal files, and applications intact. Moreover, you can also upgrade to Windows 8.1 Enterprise from Windows 8 Pro, Windows 8 Pro with Media Center, Windows 8 Enterprise, and Windows 8.1 Pro.

Windows 8 upgrade Path


If you are running Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home Basic, or Windows 7 Home Premium edition, you can easily upgrade to Windows 8 operating system, keeping your system settings, personal files, and even applications in the previous operating system. However, there are some restrictions when upgrading to Windows 8 Pro or Windows 8 Enterprise.

Contact our tech support team to know more on the limitations. Getting to know how to upgrade to Windows 8 will help you migrate from one operating system without any hassles whatsoever.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Connecting To Remote Assistance In Windows 7

If your machine started showing some problems, which you are not able to fix on your own, you can use the remote assistance feature in Windows 7. This feature allows you to grant administrator privileges to another person who is physically in a far away location. The person whom you grant remote assistance will be able to control your computer and do the necessary troubleshooting steps through his computer. Well, given below are some instructions given by the Windows live chat support team to use the remote assistance feature in Windows 7.

Instructions
  • Start the process of enabling the remote assistance feature by clicking the button labeled Start, then Control Panel, then System and Security, then System and finally Remote Settings. Make sure that the Remote tab of the System Properties is shown on your screen.
  • Now, you need to check mark the box that is labeled Allow Remote Assistance Connections to This Computer followed by clicking the button called Ok. Now the System Properties dialog box will be closed on your computer.
  • Next, open the option called Windows Help and Support. After that, click the button called Ask followed by clicking the link called Windows Remote Assistance. Now you need to click the link called Invite Someone You Trust to Help from the window that appears.
  • Now, you need to select Use your e-mail to invite somebody to help you from the page that is shown on your screen.
Now you will be given two options in the default email invitation produced by the Windows Remote Assistance. The two options are,
  • In order to create a file that you can attach to an email message, click the link called Send This Invitation as a File.
  • However, if you need to send the invitation as an email in a standard e-mail application like Microsoft Outlook, you need to click the link named Use E-mail to Send an Invitation.
You can choose whether you want the recipient to know the password or not. It will not be added with the email unless you specifically do so.
  • Note the password provided in the window called Windows Remote Assistance. In the Windows XP computer, using a password is only optional whereas in Windows 7, it is compulsory and the password needs to be at least six characters long. 
  • In order to control the session, use the tools that are seen in the Remote Assistance window when an incoming connection is made. 
  • Click the Close button when you are done. This is done in order to close the Windows Remote Assistance window. If the window asks for any password, enter it and confirm the action. 
These instructions from the Windows live chat support team will help you to connect to Remote Assistance feature in Windows 7.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Kinect 2.0 Exclusivity No More In Xbox One

One of the main features of the Xbox gaming console from Microsoft is that it was accompanied with the Kinect controller. However, the camera device was controversially criticized, as NSA Spybox was no longer exclusive for the gaming console, as the company is planning to release it to Windows platform. According to the news we get from Windows support team, the Kinect 2.0 developer kit will be released in the market for $199.99. The device will be made available in the market from July 2015.

If you check history, Microsoft has been doing this for a while; they first introduced the Kinect controller for Xbox 360 as an exclusive accessory and later included Windows support for the device. However, that was done only after two years of exclusivity and about 18 million individual SKU sales. However the case here is different, it is hardly a year since the Kinect 2 controller was released with the Xbox One gaming console. This can be due to the widespread acceptance of the device by Windows users. It is a known fact that Windows PC rules in the gaming industry, so there is nothing wrong in releasing the device for Windows platform in a sales point of view.

With the introduction of Kinect controller for PC, you will be able to access and control all the features of the TV right from your PC. The exclusivity that Xbox One users used to boast about is now no longer available for them. You may feel sad for those gamers who purchase the console just for the sake of controlling the TV using gestures and voice as all that can be now done from the PC by connecting it to the TV.

Since the company is releasing the developer version of the controller in the market for PC users, they will be able to make games that are specifically intended for Kinect users. With the advantages of a powerful processor and the ability to remodel on an as and when required basis, PC gaming industry is growing day by day. One must admit that Microsoft has its eyes in the PC gaming section due to this factor. With the controller now available separately in market, the Xbox users now have the choice to get a console without the controller.

While a majority agree that they would buy Xbox One without Kinect 2, some still say that they prefer the complete bundle.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Dealing With Out Of Office Message Problems In Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Outlook is an application that helps in organizing your email for more convenience. Outlook is more than just an excellent email management software program, there are umpteen features in it that help you in various activities. This is precisely why people, especially in the business circle, are heavily dependent on this software for smooth and efficient day-to-day working. Therefore, even if there is a slightest problem in Outlook, it can significantly jeopardize the normal functioning of various business activities.

System managers and network administrators constantly worry about the possible Outlook problems. Actually, most of the times, neither the administrators nor users are aware beforehand how various Outlook problems or errors occur. It is pretty difficult to individually check up each of the errors too.

There might be many issues in your Microsoft Outlook program; but out-of-office message problems are certainly quite common. It is important to note that most of the time, out-of-office message problems occur somewhere in the middle and not usually on the client or the server side.

When using the autodiscover service, it is necessary to create an additional external DNS record, so that Microsoft Outlook will be able to resolve back to the source domain, just as it normally does when run locally. Actually, creating additional DNS SRV record this way will successfully enable the autodiscover service to resolve out-of-office messages correctly, and even the client access role services for offline address book, unified message and other minor issues will be fixed.

The most important thing is to avoid overlooking crucial details while fixing Microsoft Outlook anywhere. Now, you might think that this is obvious, as you might do it normally during troubleshooting. Nevertheless, it is hard not to re-emphasize something so crucial. For instance, small things like not forgetting to include the local domain name suffix in the username section when entering usernames and passwords, though minute, can be significantly important.

Local PC credentials attempts to authorize the domain. This can be done using either the full user logon name format or NetBIOS. If the suffix is not included, authentication will automatically fail. Even if you enter the suffix in the uniform naming convention (UNC) format, it will be easily remembered in the credentials dialog box, but at the same time, if NetBIOS is used, it will not.

You should consider all that is mentioned here to avoid out-of-office message problems in your Outlook email client application. Yet if you need further help with the matter, contact our tech support team right away.