How to import .nk2 files into Outlook 2010

I have had luck by just copying the old Stream_AutoComplete_XXX dat file from C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\RoamCache folder and renaming it to whatever the new dat file is.

Course you can try:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type outlook.exe /importnk2, and then click OK. This should import the .nk2 file into the Outlook 2010 profile.

   Note After you import the .nk2 file, the contents of the file are merged into the existing nickname cache that is currently stored in your mailbox.

Or try the FIX IT for me solution provided by Microsoft. That’s worked once or twice too.

How to import .nk2 files into Outlook 2010.

User Support Editorial Report – March 2013

Latest Technology

Rubbery Battery:

In the future, stretchy batteries such as these could help power solar-energy generating clothes, tattoos that monitor your vital signs, robot skin that’s sensitive to touch and other futuristic, flexible devices. Read on…

                                  

Tips & Tricks

The Best Adventure Games on Android
Which Outlook Add-ins Do I Really Need?
Let Outlook Read Email to You in Windows 7
Should You Use More Than One Antivirus Program?
Before You Give Away Your Kindle Fire – Factory Data Reset

Computer Safety

Everyday JAVA and FLASH Updates:

You say to yourself, “I just updated JAVA and/or ADOBE FLASH yesterday when it popped up…didn’t I? They couldn’t possibly want me to update it again this week”?

Yes, yes they do want you to keep updating it. Those updates are a necessary process to keep your computing safe.

You can disable JAVA and get rid of that annoyance; however, one day you may actually need it for a specific website.

Adobe Flash Player is the most common software program for viewing animations and movies within a web browser. It is installed as an add-on or extension into the web browser and is one of the core Windows programs that you should keep updated.

Here is the links to update your computer’s JAVA and ADOBE FLASH  today.

Bonus Video of the Month

MYO – Armband Gesture Control:

The MYO armband lets you use the electrical activity in your muscles to wirelessly control your computer, phone, and other favorite digital technologies.

Using groundbreaking technology, MYO is able to measure electrical activity in your muscles instantly. The result is a seamless way to interact with computers, and a truly magical sense of control. Pre-order for $149.

User Support Editorial Report – January 2012

Windows 8 – Whether You Like It or NOT

I just watched this video on Microsoft’s latest operating system and laughed until I cried. It is a lengthy video, however it does cover some of the absurdity and frustration of Windows 8.

I have been a Tech since 1999 and am always ready for change, but Windows 8 is exactly what the video states:

“2 user interfaces, stapled together”

Please note* There are some parts of the video that may not be suitable for sensitive viewers.

User Support Editorial Report – January 2013

Latest Technology

Injectable Sponges:

Bioengineers at Harvard have developed a gel-based sponge that can be molded to any shape, loaded with drugs or stem cells, compressed to a fraction of its size, and delivered via injection. Once inside the body, it pops back to its original shape and gradually releases its cargo, before safely degrading. Read on…

                                  

Tips & Tricks

What is Google Takeout?
Learn Common PC Hardware Terms
Clean Up Your Web Mail Address Book
Create Your Own Google Chrome Theme
Best Products of 2012: Home Technology
Use Snipping Tool to Capture Screen Shots

Computer Safety

How To Prevent Infections on Your Computer:

While there is no method that can 100% guarantee that your computer will be not be infected with malware, there are a number of steps that you can take to lessen the probability of this happening.

• Clean out TEMP files
• Check and stop unnecessary Startup items regularly
• Enable a firewall on your computer.
• Get the latest computer updates for ALL your installed software.
• Use up-to-date antivirus software. Run a manual scan monthly.
• Use caution when opening attachments and accepting file transfers.
• Use caution when clicking on links to webpages.
• Avoid downloading pirated software.
• Protect yourself against social engineering attacks.
• Limit user privileges on the computer.
• Use strong passwords.

For more information: Visit Guidance and Advice Read on…

Bonus Video of the Month

A Day Made of Glass 2:

Corning’s expanded vision for the future of glass technologies. This video continues the story of how highly engineered glass, with companion technologies, will help shape our world.

User Support Editorial Report – November 2012

Upgrade to Windows 7 Now

We recommend that you begin planning to update your outdated and legacy Windows XP/Vista computers, regardless if those computers are still working.

Microsoft announced that 2014 will be the official end-of-life for Windows XP. Windows XP is the most commonly used PC operating system in the world today, and we certainly still have many clients operating on this platform.  Windows XP was first released in 2001 which means this platform is 12 years old – and that is a very long time in the world of technology.

Security Risk

In the first half of 2012, Windows XP SP3 computers were infected at a rate almost three times higher than Windows 7 computers.  Much has changed since its release in 2001 and XP is simply too antiquated to combat modern-day hackers and virus writers.

via Malware Infection Rates by Microsoft Security Blog

 

Technical Support

In April 2009, Microsoft moved Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) from “Mainstream Support” to “Extended Support”.  This means that Microsoft will continue to provide regular security updates, but technical support, warranty claims and design changes are no longer being offered.

Upgrade to Window 7

Many older PCs are simply not powerful enough to run Windows 7, and even if they are, the investment to upgrade may exceed the value of the computer.  Certainly, for computers that are at least four years old, it is more cost-effective to replace them with new computers that have Windows 7 pre-installed.

Start Planning Now

This is not something that needs to happen overnight, but if you start planning now then you could potentially phase this migration over a number of months spreading the cost of your technology spend.

If you would like to start planning for your Windows 7 migration, please give tech3Support a call today!

Note* – Windows 8 is not a recommended upgrade at this time.

Ultimate Windows Tweaker – Geek Tool of the Day

I know using the word “Tweaker” may not be the best brand label for this tool. We didn’t name it, they did.

So let’s call it, UWT. UWT is a pocket utility for tweaking and optimizing Windows 7. It is a 345KB .exe file which does not require an install, and has over 150 tweaks & settings. Simply download the zip file, extract its contents and run Ultimate Windows Tweaker.

Oh, and it’s FREE! Pack it on your geek tool belt!

Say Goodbye to JAVA

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security urged computer users to disable Oracle Corp’s Java software…

Oracle, which develops Java software, was forced to fix the security hole Sunday after the department issued this rare alert late Thursday…

The consensus from security experts is to leave Java disabled in the browser especially as few sites use Java…

If you haven’t heard the scuttlebutt about JAVA, that pretty much wraps it up. I did want to share this with you.

Oracle offers a tip on how to disable their own product on their website. See the pop up bar? Java needs your permission to run….

Seems a bit counterproductive, eh? They push their product regardless of what The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says.

via Bits - Yahoo News - The H Security

How to Disable JAVA

Monitor Setup for All Graphics Cards

Monitors have become mini TV’s and connecting to them has changed. I thought this would be helpful to show you what you need to setup your monitor(s).

Let’s get started.

Monitor Setup for all Graphics Cards

The following guide will help you determine the video adapter(s) needed to properly support your monitor setup. Please note that other optional adapters may be required for multiple monitors setup.

Step 1 — Check your Monitor(s):

The first step in determining if you require an additional video adapter(s) is to check your monitors for the type of connections: DisplayPort, DVI or VGA.

Step 2 — Check your graphics card(s): 

The second step is to determine the type of connectors of your graphics card (back of your computer). These are the standard outputs available.

Step 3 — Determine what video adapter(s) you need:

Using the below table, line up your monitor input with your graphics card output. This will help you decide on the type of video adapter or cable you will require to connect your monitor. Additional adapters can be selected in the adapter section during system customization.

Step 4 — How to Connect:

Connect your monitor(s) to your graphics card using the appropriate cables and adapters.

Painted Skies Theme for Windows 7

The sky appears as nature’s canvas, painted with moments of power and serenity.  17 beautiful pictures of the sky, captured by photographer Brook Burling. A free Windows theme!

Tech Resolutions and More

We don’t want malware, trojans, scareware, crapware or spamware. We just want safer, more reliable and secure computing for 2013, right?!

So, what are we going to do differently?  Time to get a game plan and make your tech resolutions today.

Tech Resolutions

1. Check your backup procedure: Backup solutions are not a “set it and forget it” process. You definitely need to verify the process is still working and that the destinations drive is functioning. And if you don’t have a backup procedure in place, do it now, please. (SyncBack FREE V6, can be used to automate backups to an external drive and Mozy is great for online backups)

2. Maintenance your computers: Just like your car needs an oil change and new tires, your computer needs maintenance too. Hire an IT Pro to come in every 3-6 months and clean out temp files, patch it, updated it, stop unwanted startup programs, check the antivirus and backup process. We all depend way too much on our computers to not be proactive and make sure they are in working order.

3. Check your anti-virus software program: Make sure it is up to date, that it is scanning weekly. Microsoft Security Essentials is my recommended product. It is available to small businesses on up to 10 PCs for FREE!

4. Change passwords: When was the last time you changed your bank logon ID? Yea…that’s what I thought. Let’s get that changed today. And for Pete’s sake, let’s use a better password.

5. Replace those power strips with “one” Power Surge protector. Power strips are great for plugging in lamps, speakers, pencil sharpeners, but not your modems, routers, backup drives, computers, etc. (APC  or Belkin Pivot Plug)

6. Clean it: Clear off old icons, files, folders and crap from your computer desktop. Put those files and folders in your Documents folder where they belong. I regard my computer desktop as an “inbox”, not a junk drawer.

Dual Monitors (Windows 7 Bullet Asylum theme)

Also, wipe down your mouse and keyboard. Bust out the dust inside your computer with a can of air. (Or have the IT Pro do it)

7. Organize and keep your computer software all in one place and easily accessible.

8. Inventory your computer hardware for insurance purposes.

9. Establish one location, one notebook, one folder, whatever it may be, for all your User ID’s, login passwords, email passwords, router settings and anything to do with computing.

10. Now go have a Happy New Year!

These simple steps will definitely provide you a better tech year. Best of luck with your other resolutions too.