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I received an eMachines el1850-01e at my drop-off repair location that wouldn’t boot in to Windows.  It was hung up as if a setup had been started but was unable to finish.  The customer had no idea how it happened.

Upon trying to repair it, the customer let me know that the data wasn’t important and that I could wipe it out and reinstall from scratch.  Unfortunately for me, there was no indication how to boot into the recovery partition, assuming it wasn’t damaged.

I tried the F8 method and then choosing the utility option.  F11 did nothing, F10 asked me to change my winboot file.  Delete took me to the BIOS setup.

Finally, after a lot of trying, I found that holding alt + F10 simultaneously did the trick.  So, I did just that.  I rebooted and repetitatively hit alt+F10 until a black screen appeared asking me to edit the partition boot options or continue.  I hit continue and voila!

System recovery partition found.

Related articles

• Failure to boot; Windows 7 Repair (samup4web.wordpress.com)

“New JavaScript engine and hardware acceleration mean greatly improved speed. Minimalist interface leaves more room for webpages. Download manager with malware protection. Improved tab function. Many security features. Tracking Protection. Improved standards support. Pinned tabs make sites like apps in Windows 7.”

The only noted cons are that it only works with Windows 7 and Vista.

Personally, because I am fully invested in Google’s service offerings for email, calendar, Android phones, and more, I use Google Chrome as my default browser.

Recently, however, I had a client with a strange problem.  Internet Explorer 8 worked like a champ while Internet Explorer 9 would lock up, error out, and take forever to load.  If it did load successfully, it ran fine on certain web pages and would lock up on others.

Turns out, the video card was the problem.  That’s right…the video card.

Check out Microsoft’s Knowledge Based Article 2398082:

If this option is selected, Internet Explorer 9 is running in Software Rendering mode. If the option is greyed out, your current video card or video driver does not support GPU hardware acceleration.

This option was greyed out on my client’s system. In English that means that Internet Explorer 9 will not work well with their current video card, which happened to be built in to their motherboard.

As a solution, I uninstalled Internet Explorer 9 and restored Internet Explorer 8.

I also installed Chrome and reinstalled the updated version of Firefox.  The logic behind Chrome and Firefox is that even if they prefer Internet Explorer 9, it may be safer to run those browsers since they will continue to work with his current video card.

The final solution would be to upgrade the video card or consider purchasing a new system all together.

Related articles

• QUESTION: I thought Internet Explorer 9 was supposed… (37signals.com)
• Internet Explorer 9 trounces rival browsers in malware tests (winrumors.com)

It was very easy to find old information on how to disable Facebook accounts, but there is very little in the way of permanently deleting them.

First, some sobering news.  As most computer users are beginning to learn, there isn’t much in the way of Internet privacy.  For many reasons, you pretty much have to assume that if you have put it online, it is in some data warehouse, somewhere, forever.  For instance, while I do not know it for a fact to be true, since Facebook does backups on their servers, even if you permanently delete your Facebook account, I wouldn’t be so certain it doesn’t still exist on a backup or two somewhere.

While this is a bit off subject, services like Facebook wouldn’t be very valuable if they weren’t redundant and reliable.  However, that’s another post for another day.

How To Permanently Delete Your Facebook Account

Note: Before proceeding, you may want to download your information from Facebook to your computer for your records.  Instructions for downolading your Facebook information can be found by clicking here.

1. It is wise to log in to your Facebook account and delete all traces of your existance first.
2. Start by logging in to Facebook, click on your profile link, and click the “Friends” link under your profile picture.  On the Right hand side of your Friends page you will see a button that says, “Edit Friends”.  Click the “Edit Friends” button and manually delete all of your friend connections.
3. After deleting all of you friend connections, return to your Profile page and click the “Photos” Link under your profile picture.  Open each photo in each album and delete them one by on.
4. Remove all of the tags of you on other photos.  In the same Photos section as above, under the header “Photos and Videos of You,” open each photo and remove every “Tag”.
5. Return to your profile page and click on the “Info” tag.  Remove all information from every category.  You won’t be able to remove your email address at this point.
6. All of the apps you have installed have personally identifiable information.  Delete all installed apps from your account by; Clicking on the Account drop down of any Facebook page, selecting “Privacy Settings,” clicking the “Edit your settings” link under the Applications and Websites section towards the bottom of the page, clicking on the applications you would like to remove.  As Facebook says, “…you can find it by clicking the Edit Settings button towards the top right-hand side of the page.  You’ll then see an expanded view of your settings for that application.  From here, you can click the “Remove application” link.
7. Last, but not least, you may want to go on to your wall and manually delete each post.  Unfortunately, there is no way at this point to delete all Wall Posts at once.
8. You may have taken advantage of additional features of Facebook that I have not mentioned here.  Follow similar procedures for each feature until you have manually deleted as much of your data that you can find.

Now For The Permanent Deletion Part

In the past it was not possible to permanently delete your Facebook account.  You could only deactivate it, which was silly because all you had to do to reactivate it was log in and it was like you never left.

Now you can permanently delete your Facebook account as follows:

1. Make sure you are logged in to Facebook.
2. Click This Link To Visit The Page to Permanently Delete Your Account
3. Click the “Submit” button and follow the instructions.

At this point, your account is immediately deactivated and then permanently deleted in less than 14 days.

All computers are now repaired for a flat rate of $99* labor, plus hardware or software if necessary.

Just drop your computer off at the Sign-A-Rama St. Louis location at 6256 Lemay Ferry Road, Saint Louis, MO 63129 and we will get you up and running as soon as possible.

Hardware repair, Virus Removal, Parental Controls, Data Recovery, Screen Replacement, Keyboard Replacement, Memory Upgrades, Data Backup and More.

In addition to fixing your specific computer problem, for no additional charge we will run a comprehensive set of diagnostics.  This means that not only will we get to the bottom of your problem, but you’ll also get loads of extras for free.

Comprehensive Diagnostics Include

1. Perform integrity test on system RAM with exhaustive, low-level testing.
2. Thoroughly optimize Windows by removing unnecessary “Bloatware”.
3. Setup Windows Operating System settings for optimal processor and video performance.
4. Configure and setup Windows Security and Web Browser settings for optimal Internet safety.
5. Update Windows operating system with latest patches and security fixes.
6. Thoroughly defragment the Hard Disk Drive.
7. Thoroughly dust out all system fans to protect against thermal related hardware failure.
8. Perform integrity test on Hard Disk Drive with deep sector-based tests and screening.

 Save Yourself Some Time on Your Drop-Off

When you arrive at the Sign-A-Rama St. Louis Location to drop off your computer for repair, you will be asked to fill out a form.

Save yourself some time at the drop-off location by downloading and filling out the form before your arrive:

Karl Frank Jr. Computers Drop-Off Form

* There is a $49 Minimum Diagnostic Fee if final repair is refused.  The $49 Diagnostic fee is included in the $99 labor cost, it is not in addition to the labor cost.  Therefore, all computers are repaired for $99 plus parts and software, if necessary.  The Minimum Diagnostic fee applies even if Karl Frank Jr. Computers can not find or replicate the error.  In such a rare case, the customer will be consulted and we will work together to try and replicate the error message.  All repairs come with a 30 day guarantee.  Most hardware components have a vendor warranty for 12 months and are only covered by the vendor.

Other Services

Delivery Service
If you would like Karl Frank Jr. Computers to deliver your computer, we will do so for a $25 delivery fee.

Delivery and Setup Service
If you would like Karl Frank Jr. Computers to deliver your computer and set it up (testing Internet Connections, Printers, etc.,) regular on-site fees apply (as seen on the pricing page).  In short, delivery and set-up is $75/hr. + a $25 on site fee.

Data Backup
If you would like us to attempt to back up your data before repair, an additional fee of $89 applies.  Depending on the size of the backup, you will be provided a copy on CDs, DVDs, or Flash USB Memory, or External Hard Drive.  CDs and DVDs are included in the cost.  Flash USB Memory and External Hard Drives must either be provided by the customer or purchased from Karl Frank Jr. Computers.  Most external hard drives can be purchased for less than $100, but a specific price will be provided if necessary.

Complete Business Solutions

Make Karl Frank Jr. Computers your company’s one-stop shop for IT!  25 Years Experience and Full-Time IT Consulting Company since 2002.

 Custom Web Site Development

Let the professionals at Karl Frank Jr. Computers develop a web tailored to you style and business needs. Our affordable web site development services can help your business reach out and connect with new customers every day. Call us today for a free consultation for you web site development needs.

 Search Engine Optimization

When it comes to Search Engine Optimization you need to go with a company that you can trust! Search Engine Optimization is one of the fastest growing and most unchecked areas of fraud. Thousand of scammers are calling and emailing small businesses everyday with the promise of top of page search engine results. Contact Us and talk with the professionals at Karl Frank Jr. Computers for a free evaluation of your unique search engine optimization needs so we can get your web site heading in the right direction.

 Social Networking Optimization

Do you want FREE REFERALS for your business? Then let us help you get them through online social networking. Let us automate your social network services so that you can keep top of mind with all of your customers. Best of all, once you are set up, it doesn’t cost you anything to keep a steady flow of customers.

 Google Adwords Campaign Setup

Setting up a successful Google Adwords campaign can mean the difference between negative or positive growth for your business. So don’t go to the marketplace without this modern day business essential for success. Let Karl Frank Jr. Computers set up your Google Adword’s account and rest assured that you will see a direct return on your investment. Call us today for a one on one consultation on your unique business needs.

 Email Marketing Setup

Let Karl Frank Jr. Computers show you how easy it can be to become your own mass marketing machine. We can set up a system that works with your current customer management systems that will allow you to automatically reach out and touch your customers with ads and messages that will keep you top of mind. Contact Us today for your personal consultation.

 Technical Support

Do you need someone to set up, configure and install all those new PC’s? Well, our technicians are happy to come out and make sure everyone in your office gets up and running quickly. If you are a small business with no IT department to speak of, we can also provide on-call support for your technical needs

 Networking

Whether you have small business with 2 computers that you want networked, or a larger company with an existing network, we can help. Our network technicians will visit your location and set up a network or troubleshoot issues you may be having.

 Hardware

Many IT directors from local businesses come to Karl Frank Jr. Computers for the best prices on hardware. Whether it’s a piece of memory or a hard drive, we have what you need at the price you want!

 Project-Based Solutions

Is your company ready for an IT upgrade? Do you have a project that’s too big for your IT department to handle? Maybe you don’t have anyone on staff with the skill set you need to get the job done? Our technical sales reps can sit down with you to determine what your goal is, and how we can help you get from point A to point B. We can research different technologies and offer our expertise on the best solutions for you. We can lay out a project plan that includes the hardware, software, installation, training, programming and technical support required to get the job done.

Wordbooker Plugin

For business and personal use, WordPress has come a long way for your primary web presense.  Gone are the days where it is enough to have an antiquated brochure-style web site.

Having a web presence is both more necessary and more complicated than ever, but there are some programs and features that make it easier.

If you decide to use WordPress for your website / content management system, then one of the first plugins you need is Wordbooker.  Since it is a good practice to have an active Facebook page for your business, it becomes very time consuming to have to manage both your WordPress website in addition to your Facebook page.

That is where Wordbooker comes to the rescue:

This plugin allows you to cross-post your blog posts to your Facebook Wall. You can also “cross polinate” comments between Facebook and your WordPress blog.

Wordbooker comes with many out-of-the-box customization features including automatically publishing your WordPress posts to Facebook, integrating Facebook comments with the appropriate blog post on WordPress, adding “Like” button and “Share” button features, as well as a couple of handy little widgets. 

The best part is that it does not appear to noticably slow your WordPress installation down and you can easily choose to update either your personal Facebook wall, your business Facebook Page, or both at the same time.

I tried other plugins and all were glitchy or just didn’t seem to work as anticipated.  A couple of the plugins would work, but either returned error messages, didn’t publish to Facebook Pages (only Walls), or seemed old and clunky.  After many hours of trial and error, Wordbooker is the clear champ.

For more information, check out the plugin by clicking here.

Maintenance, Support, and Troubleshooting

On Site Service (Residential) – Computer Repair In St. Louis, MO.

For your ultimate convenience, Karl Frank Jr. Computers will come to your residence to offer our computer services.  On-site computer services save you the hassle of disconnecting all of your equipment and lugging it in to the shop.

Most of all, when we are finished with your repair or consulting session, you will have the peace of mind that all of your technology products work as intended.

We can perform many different services including computer repair, new computer setup, networking solutions, and training.  1 hour minimum charge.  Call or email for scheduling and availability.

Secure and Safe Remote Support

We can diagnose and repair many issues remotely without you even leaving your home or desk.  Call or Email to get started now!

Data Transfer, Backup, Cleaning

Think how devastating it would be if your computer disappeared with all of your pictures, important documents, music collection, movies, etc. stored on the hard drive!  Don’t take the chances – if the hard drive in your computer fails, or the computer is lost or stolen, you could lose all of your data.  We can back up your data to a separate medium (1 CD or DVD included, other media must be provided or extra costs will incur for external hard drive), or transfer it to another computer.

Selling your old computer?  We can destroy the data on your old hard drive with industry leading data destruction software to ensure your personal information will not slip into the wrong hands.

System Tune Up

Does your computer seem a lot slower than it did when it was new?  Chances are – there’s a lot going on that you can’t see.  Programs can run without you even knowing it, and that’s only one reason why your operating system isn’t performing optimally.  Our tune up includes removing extraneous programs and services from startup, applying all necessary Windows updates and service packs, registry tweaks, physical cleaning, and a full defragmentation of the hard drive.

Disaster Recovery – $200+

Hard drive failed and have no backup?  No worries!  We can recover data from a failed drive.  Pricing varies based on level of recovery necessary.

Virus Removal/Operating System Solutions

Save Everything

Viruses can be very destructive – they not only cause lock ups, system crashes and performance issues, but can cause data loss!  Our Save Everything solution includes a full image backup (everything from your desktop background to your programs, pictures and documents), complete malware/spyware/virus removal, and full system tune up.

Save User Created Data, Reload Operating System

This option includes a data backup of all of your user created data (documents, desktop, pictures, music, videos, no programs) and reloading the operating system.  Once the OS is reinstalled, all hardware drivers and applicable system updates will be installed, and your data will be migrated back into your user profile!

Reload Operating System

Need to reinstall your operating system and don’t have any data to save?  Already performed a data backup yourself?  Just replaced a hard drive?  Whatever the reason, we can install an operating system on your computer and install all applicable system updates and hardware drivers.

Hardware Solutions

Memory Install

Adding more memory to your system is one way of increasing system performance.  Have us install up to 2 sticks of memory in your laptop or desktop and configure the operating system’s paging file to get the most out of your memory upgrade!

Hardware Install

Want to add a high performance graphics card for HD video or gaming?  Need replacement of defective hardware?  We can replace or install new hardware in your computer and configure it in the operating system for optimal performance.

Laptop Screen/Motherboard Repair

Laptop have a broken or dead screen?  Does the laptop no longer turn on?  We can replace or repair your defective laptop component and stress test it to ensure correct operation.

Laptop DC Jack Repair

The DC jack on a laptop is responsible for transferring power from your charger to the motherboard on the computer.  If it fails, the computer becomes a fancy paper weight!  We can solder a new DC jack to the motherboard of your laptop to get it back up and running in no time.  Our DC jack repair also includes a full system diagnostic so you know when you get it back – you know nothing else is wrong!

Software Solutions

Software Install

Let our experienced technicians repair an old program or install your new software program on your PC and customize it for optimal performance.

Anti-Spyware/Anti-Virus Solution

Don’t let yourself be susceptible to viruses and spyware.

Home Computer Security has become a major issue as new viruses become more and more common. Threats exist everywhere online and your home computer or laptop must be protected from viruses, spyware and any other malicious software or threats. Installation of Firewalls and virus protection is simply not a business concern any longer. All computers need proper security setup.

Karl Frank Jr. Computers in St. Louis, MO has been removing computer viruses and protecting computers from other forms of malware for more than a decade.  Karl Frank Jr. Computers uses a variety of tools to remove viruses while still keeping the integrity of your data and then we can help you prevent such occurrences from happening again.

What spyware does. Spyware potentially steals credit card and bank account numbers, passwords, and personal information. Spyware can slow down your internet speeds. Spyware can take over your Internet browser and

Virus and Spyware Removal - Since 1997

pollutes your computer with pop up after pop up. Spyware can log what you type. Spyware can steal your address book. Spyware dials expensive 900 numbers. Spyware turns your computer into a zombie that serves pornography. Spyware slows down your computer and makes it crash. Stop spyware by calling Karl Frank Jr. Computers as soon as possible.

In most cases, Karl Frank Jr. Computers Virus Removal services removes spyware and viruses without reformatting the hard drive and losing all your data, documents and family photos. We over a decade of successful experience at removing malware (malicious software).

Are you looking for the right antivirus software or do you need a virus cleaned from your computer? Contact Karl Frank Jr. Computers today and schedule a service call with our techs. Call today (314) 375-6167.

In celebration of our Grand Re-Opening, we are in the process of transferring and redesigning karlfrankjr.com.

As you can see, there are links at the top of this page for contacting us, gathering pricing information, and more.

Over the next several days, you will begin to notice new features and content appearing on this web site.  Content will include tech news that I feel matters to my clients, computer tips and other technology tips, social networking integration, and more.

If you have suggestions for features that you would like to see our website, please fill out the Contact Us form, email karl@karlfrankjr.com or call 314-375-6167.