How to Access Free Yahoo! Mail with Windows Live Mail

If you like Yahoo! Mail, though, you can make Windows Live Mail share your preference. You can even choose from two flavors of Yahoo! Mail in Windows Live Mail: the free and easy YPOPs!, which lets you download incoming mail for offline access, and the sophisticated IzyMail service, which offers you full IMAP access to all your Yahoo! Mail folders.

Access Free Yahoo! Mail with Windows Live Mail Using YPOPs! (Simple and Free)

To set up a free Yahoo! Mail account in Windows Live Mail using YPOPs:

1. Install YPOPs! and make sure it is running.
2. Select Tools | Accounts from the menu in Windows Live Mail.
3. Click Add.
4. Make sure E-mail Account is highlighted.
5. Click Next.
6. Type your Yahoo! Mail address under E-mail address.
7. Enter your Yahoo! Mail password under Password.
8. Type your name under Display Name.
9. Make sure, Manually configure server settings for e-mail account is checked.
10. Click Next.
11. Make sure POP3 is selected under My incoming mail server is a ___ server.
12. Enter "localhost" (no quotation marks) under Incoming serve.
13. If "localhost" turns out not to work, try "127.0.0.1" instead.
14. Check your Yahoo! Mail user name (your Yahoo! Mail address minus "@yahoo.com") is entered under Login ID.
15. Type "localhost" under Outgoing server.
16. Click Next.
17. Now click Finish.
18. Click Close.

Access Free Yahoo! Mail with Windows Live Mail Using IzyMail (IMAP Access to Folders)

To add Yahoo! Mail to your Windows Live Mail as an IMAP account using IzyMail:

1. Make sure your Yahoo! Mail account is registered with IzyMail.
2. Select Tools | Accounts from the menu in Windows Live Mail.
3. Click Add.
4. Make sure E-mail Account is highlighted.
5. Click Next.
6. Type your Yahoo! Mail address under E-mail address.
7. Enter your Yahoo! Mail password under Password.
8. Type your name under Display Name.
9. Make sure, Manually configure server settings for e-mail account is checked.
10. Click Next.
11. Make sure IMAP is selected under My incoming mail server is a ___ server.
12. Enter "in.izymail.com" (no quotation marks) under Incoming server. Type your full Yahoo! Mail email address (including "@yahoo.com") is entered under Login ID.
13. Type "out.izymail.com" under Outgoing server.
14. Make sure My outgoing server requires authentication is checked.
15. Click Next.
16. Now click Finish.
17. Highlight the newly added "Yahoo" account.
18. Click Properties.
19. Go to the IMAP tab.
20. Type "Sent" under Sent Items path.
21. Enter "Draft" under Drafts path.
22. Click OK.
23. Now click Close.

How to run an ESET Scan in Safe Mode

This guide will show you how to run an ESET NOD32 or ESET Smart Security scan in Safe Mode. This is useful when you have a virus that ESET is not able to remove in Windows normal mode. It is recommended that you print this guide as the computer will be running in safe mode and the guide will not be accessible through the Internet.

1. Print this document and keep it available as it will be needed and it will not be accessible via the Internet for the duration of this guide.
2. Turn the computer all the way off. Do not restart the computer, leave it powered off.
3. Locate the F8 key along the top row of the keyboard.

4. Power on the computer and immediately start tapping the F8 key repeatedly about once per second. The Windows Advanced Boot Options menu will be displayed.
5. On the Windows Advanced Boot Options menu, use the arrow keys on the keyboard to select “Safe Mode” and press Enter.
   Note: The mouse will not work on this screen.
6. If prompted to "Choose an Operating System", press Enter on the default selection.
7. When the login screen appears, choose an account with Administrative Privileges. If you are not sure, choose the account that is normally used.
   - The colors will appear differently and the size may be different. This is normal for Safe Mode.
8. If using Windows XP, a screen with a Yes or No option may appear. Click Yes on that screen.
   If using Windows Vista or Windows 7, a screen titled “What Is Safe Mode” may appear. Close that screen, it is not relevant for this purpose.
9. Click on the Start button in the bottom left, and choose All Programs.
   
   
   
10. On the All Programs menu, select the ESET folder, and then ESET NOD32 or ESET Smart Security depending on the installed version.
    
    
    
11. The ESET NOD32 Antivirus – Safe Mode window will appear and prompt for a Yes or No answer. Click on the Yes button to being the scan.
    
    
    
12. The ESET Scan will begin.
    
    
    
    
    It is normal for the ESET program to be denied access to certain system files.
13. The ESET scanner may scroll through many lines of information. Once it is finished, it will display a status message inside this window. Reboot the computer to get back in to Windows normal mode.

What is Priority Care?

Micro Center Priority Care Program provides exclusive Technical Support not available to regular Micro Center customers. Whether you have a simple question about first time setup, receive an error message, or have more complicated needs like system lockups, Micro Center Tech Support offers a superior level of service to get your computer up and running faster. Priority Care not only covers basic technical support needs, but also includes additional tools and features that you won’t find anywhere else.

Our in-house Technical Support team consists of certified technology professionals that are trained to assist you on a variety of support issues. We have a full range of support services such as Live Chat, Email, Remote Access, Tech Forum, Phone Support, In-store Support and our Tech Center website. No matter what time of day, our online support information is available for you to use. In addition, you will have special access to our Priority Care Members only site for even more helpful online resources.

Benefits of the Priority Care Program* include:

• Priority status when you call Technical Support with an issue.
• Priority status when contacting Technical Support via our Online Chat service.
• Free Diagnostic Tools CD with the purchase of each Priority Care Plan.
• Comprehensive Technical Support at a reduced cost.
• Special access to online resources not available to regular customers.

To learn more about the Priority Care program, ask a sales associate at your local Micro Center store.

*Priority Care Program is only available for sale at select Micro Center locations. Some technical support services are limited to regularly scheduled hours: Live Chat, Phone, Remote Access, Email. Technical Support hours of operation: Monday - Friday, 9am to 12am Midnight EST, Saturday, 10am - 12am Midnight EST, Sunday, 11am - 9pm EST

Creating Windows Shortcuts and Updating the Taskbar

Windows provides a fairly easy interface to make quick launch icons to access commonly used programs. There are a couple of ways to initiate a program from your desktop: using shortcuts or the Taskbar.

To create a Shortcut in Start Menu:

1. Go to Start.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Click on All Programs.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Locate the Program.
4. Right-click on the Program icon.
5. Select Pin to Start Menu.
   
   
   
   
   

To create a Shortcut on Desktop:

1. Right-click on the desktop.
2. Go to New » Shortcut.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Locate the Program using the Browse option.
   
   
   
   
   
4. Name the Shortcut.
5. Click Finish to complete.
   

To pin a Program to the Taskbar:

1. Go to Start.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Click on All Programs.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Locate the Program.
4. Right-click on the Program icon.
5. Select Pin to Taskbar.
   
   
   
   
   

Reference:
Microsoft Support. How to Create a Shortcut on the Desktop. http://bit.ly/fgota
Microsoft Support. Pin a program to the taskbar. http://bit.ly/aCc2yB

Upgrade Router Firmware

Routers contain a chip similar to the BIOS on a computer. This chip contains the firmware for the router.
Firmware is a combination of software and hardware control and it can be updated to improve the function or features of a router or to address problems with security or other things.

This article will provide general information on upgrading router firmware.

1. Verify your router information. You will want to make note of the Model Number, Serial Number, and the Hardware and Firmware version. This information is usually found on the identification sticker found on the bottom of the router or in the router software.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Access your router manufacturer's website and go to the downloads area. Using the information collected in step 1, find out if there are any firmware updates available for your router. Some manufacturers will have you download the software to your computer. In some cases there is a utility built into the router itself that can check for updates automatically. Check your router documentation to be sure.
3. If your router is not one that automatically updates, download the appropriate firmware update from the manufacturer and save it to your computer.
4. Make sure your computer is connected to the router via cable or wirelessly.
5. Open Internet Explorer.
6. In the address bar located at the top of the screen, erase whatever address is in the bar and replace it with "192.168.1.1" without the quotes. Note that some routers use the address "192.168.0.1" so if it does not work right away, try the second option.
   
   
   
   
   
7. Look in the router configuration for a firmware update or upgrade option. This one from Linksys is found on the Administration page.
   
   
   
   
   
8. Browse to the file you downloaded from the manufacturer or direct the router to check for upgrades. (This depends on the router.)
9. Once the firmware has updated, the router will typically reboot. In most cases no other configuration is necessary.

That's it! Your router firmware should be up-to-date. Be sure to visit the manufacturer's website periodically to check for updates that could extend the features or capability of your router.

Tenda W311R Router Does Not Obtain an IP Address

This article will show you how to fix your Tenda W311R Router if it cannot get online.

1. Ensure that all the cables are plugged in to the correct ports. Remember that the cable from your Modem plugs in to the WAN port on the back of the Tenda router.
2. If you are using a wireless connection, try with a computer that is plugged directly in to the Tenda router.
3. Using a computer that is plugged directly in to the Tenda router, open up an Internet window and locate the address bar and erase everything from the field.
   
   
   
   
   
4. In the same location, type in “192.168.0.1” without quotes and press enter.
5. When prompted for a username and password enter “admin” for both (without quotes) and click OK.
   
   
   
   
   
6. The Setup Wizard screen will appear. Click the Auto Detect button and wait as it automatically detects your network type.
7. Once it has chosen your network type, click Next and the router will reboot.
8. Once the router has rebooted, the Tenda router screen will reappear. If it does not, to through steps 3-5 to reconnect.
9. Click System Status in the top left.
   
   
   
   
   
10. Check the WAN IP Field to see if there is an IP address other than 0.0.0.0. If so, try typing a web address in to the address bar to see if you can connect.
    
    
    
    
    
If you still cannot connect or if you have no IP address, proceed to the next step.
11. On the left, click on Advanced Settings.
    
    
    
    
    
12. On the left, click on MAC Address Clone.
13. Click on Clone MAC Address and then click on Apply. The router will then reboot.
    
    
    
    
    
14. Once the router has rebooted, the Tenda router screen will reappear. If it does not, to through steps 3-5 to reconnect.
15. On the left, click on Advanced Settings.
    
    
    
    
    
16. In the IP Address field, change the IP address from 192.168.0.1 to 192.168.2.1 and click Apply. The router will then reboot.
    
    
    
    
    
17. Once the router has rebooted, unplug the power to the Tenda Router and the Modem.
18. After 30 seconds, plug the power in to the modem.
19. After another 30 seconds, plug the power in to the Tenda router. Wait one minute and your Internet connection should be working.

Desktop Computer Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a Recovery Disc or an Operating System Disc?
A: The Recovery Disc or Operating System Disc is used when the Operating System has become unusable, due to file corruption, virus or hardware malfunction.

Q: Are any of the pre-installed applications removable?
A: Yes, any software is removable by accessing the Add or Remove Programs control in Windows XP, or Programs and Features control in Windows 7.

Q: Is Up-To-Date Security Software Necessary?
A: Security software is recommended to prevent data loss, as well as theft of personal information. If this security is not kept up to date, newly created Viruses, Worms, Trojans and other threats will have easy access to the system. We recommend ESET NOD32 or ESET Smart Security to keep your computer secure.

Q: What is DVD-RAM?
A: DVD-RAM is a re-writable DVD that can be rewritten hundreds of thousands of times. Typically DVD-RAM discs will not play in standard DVD Players. It is often used in Video Cameras.

Q: Why are Back-Ups necessary?
A: Keeping an up-to-date back-up of your computer is critical if you have files on the system that you do not want to lose. If your computer gets hit by a bad virus or the hard drive fails, you may lose all information on the computer. Keeping information saved on an external hard drive, or other storage media using backup software ensures that it will always be available.

Q: What is a HomeGroup?
A: A HomeGroup is an easy way to share files, printers and other resources when multiple Windows 7 computers are connected to one router.

Q: Where is the Microsoft Office product key?
A: To obtain the Microsoft Office product key, activate the trial by clicking the 60-day trial icon located on the desktop, or Activation Assistant icon in the Microsoft Office folder found in the Start Menu.

Tenda W268R Basic Setup and Configuration

This How-To Guide will walk you through installing your Tenda W268R router for basic internet access.

1. Unplug all network cables from the modem, computer and router (if applicable).
2. Unplug the power from the modem and the power from the router, and shut down the computer.
3. Take one end of the existing Ethernet cable and plug it into the modem in the Internet port, then plug the other end of the same cable into the blue WAN port on the router.
   
   
   
   
4. Take the Ethernet cable that came with the router and plug one end into one of the four yellow numbered ports on the router and plug the other end of the same cable into the computer.
   Though the intent may be to use the router wirelessly a hard wired connection is required for setup.
   
5. Plug the power back into the modem and wait one full minute, then plug the power into the router. Wait one full minute, and then turn the computer back on.
6. Click on the Start button, choose All Programs and click on Internet Explorer.
7. In the address bar at the top of the Internet Explorer window, type “192.168.0.1” (without the quotes) and press the Enter key.
   
   
   
   
8. In the window that appears requesting a username and password enter the username “admin” (without the quotes) and the password “admin” (without the quotes) and click OK.
9. Once the setup wizard is displayed click Next to proceed with setup.
   If the type of internet connection is unknown it can be determined by contacting the internet service provider.
10. Once setup is complete, click on System Tools on the left, choose Reboot, and then click the Reboot The Router button.
    
    
    
    
11. Once the router has been rebooted on the left side of the screen click on WLAN Settings.
12. On the right there will be an option for SSID which will by default be either “Tenda” or “WIRELESS_N.” Clear that text and change the SSID to whatever the desired network name is and click Save Settings.
    
    
    
    The SSID is the name of the wireless network that will be broadcast wirelessly.
    
13. Click on WLAN Settings on the left, then beneath WLAN Settings click on Security Settings.
    
    
    
    
14. Under Security Mode select WPA2 Personal.
15. In the Pass Phrase field enter a password of at least 8 characters that includes at least one letter and one number. Write down this password as it is required to connect to the wireless network.
16. Click Save Settings.
17. In the address bar at the top of the Internet Explorer window type “www.microcenter.com” (without the quotes) to verify internet connectivity.

For more assistance contact Technical Support here.

Adjusting AA/AF Settings with an nVidia Graphics Card

Anti-aliasing or AA removes parts of the video signal that are at a higher frequency than the monitor is setup to show. It will take areas of the image that would cause artifacts to appear on the screen and slightly blurs them to create a smoother appearance.

Antistropic Filtering or AF enhances the quality of textures on viewed surfaces that are at an oblique angle to the camera. When rendering detail at these angles, Antistropic Filtering reduces blur and preserves detail. These settings can have a substantial impact on what you see on the screen especially in PC Games.

1. Open the nVidia control panel by right-clicking on the desktop and choosing nVidia Control Panel.
   
   
   
   
   Note: If this option is not available, visit www.nvidia.com and download the latest drivers for your graphics card.
2. Ensure that the nVidia Control Panel display mode is on Advanced Settings.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Once set to Advanced Settings, choose Manage 3D Settings on the left, under the 3D Settings category.
   
   
   
   
   
4. On the Manage 3D Settings screen, change the Antistropic Filtering to the desired setting.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Change the Anti-aliasing – Mode to Override Any Application Setting.
   
   
   
   
   
6. Change the Anti-aliasing – Setting to the desired setting.
   
   
   
   
   
7. Click the Apply button at the bottom to save the settings.

How to Configure Port Forwarding

Port forwarding can help in getting network-enabled applications, such as online games or chat services that would be otherwise inoperable, up and running. This document contains information specific to Linksys routers but the steps are largely the same. If you have questions that are not answered in this document, we recommend you look in the manual that came with your router.

This article will show you how to set up port forwarding on your router.

Before you begin:

You will need to know the port number required by the application. To get this information, contact the application vendor or look at the documentation included with the program.

You will need to know the IP Address of the computer to forward the port to. To find this, first power on the computer you will use and go to Start » All Programs » Accessories » Command Prompt. When it opens, type in "ipconfig" and use the IP Address or IPv4 Address.

Here's how to set up Port Forwarding:

1. Click on the Start button and choose All Programs.
2. Locate and open the Internet Explorer application from the All Programs menu.
3. In the address bar located at the top of the screen, erase whatever address is in the bar and replace it with "192.168.1.1" without the quotes. Note that some routers use the address "192.168.0.1", so if it does not work right away, try the second option. Consult your router documentation.
   
   
   
   
   
4. When prompted for a username and password, enter "admin" without the quotes for both the username and the password.
   
   Note that some routers differ in their default username and password, check the manual that came with your router for more information on the default username and password.
5. Once logged in, choose the Applications & Gaming tab seen highlighted in the figure below.
   Note that some routers may have these settings on the Firewall or Port Forwarding tab.
   
   
   
   
   
6. Enter the name of the application into the Application field. This is the program for which you want to forward the ports.
7. Enter the Start and End port range for the program. This information should come from the program's documentation.
8. Choose the protocol that should be used for the application; TCP, UDP, or Both. Most of the time Both is fine. Consult the application documentation for more details.
9. Enter the IP Address for the PC that is running the application. You can find this information in the Network Settings for your PC.
   
   
   
   
   
10. Place a check in the box to Enable the forwarding. This gives you the ability to set up several applications and turn them on and off without having to reenter the settings all over again.
11. Click on Save Settings or Apply along the bottom.

That's it! Your ports are now forwarded and you will be able to use the respective applications as normal.

How to Remove McAfee Security from Windows 7

This article details how to remove a McAfee security product from a desktop or laptop running Windows 7. This is useful when installing a new Antivirus program or upgrading the McAfee software.

1. Click on the Start button in the bottom left corner of the screen.
2. Click on Control Panel on the right side of the screen.
   
   
   
   
   
3. In the Control Panel, choose Uninstall a Program or Programs and Features.
   
   
   
   
   
4. In the Search box in the top right corner of the window, type “McAfee” without the quotes and wait a moment as it registers the search results.
5. Once all McAfee products are displayed, right click on the item to be removed and choose Uninstall or, if unavailable, choose Change/Remove.
6. Choose to remove all security programs and click Next to proceed with uninstall.
7. Once finished, restart the computer and install the new antivirus program.

Important Announcement from Micro Center regarding Intel Series 6 Chipsets

Intel has recently identified an issue with their 6 series chipsets, which are used with all their 2nd generation Core processors (code-named Sandy Bridge). This is a potentially serious issue, but it should not affect your data, just your system's performance. Intel believes that consumers can continue to use their systems with confidence, while working with their computer manufacturer for a permanent solution.

Some users may see degradation in the performance of SATA devices attached to the system, whether internal or external (such as hard drives and DVD drives). Intel is not aware of any end-user who has seen this issue yet, but there is a possibility that this could affect a significant percentage of users eventually, and could possibly worsen over a three year period.

Please be assured that Micro Center will stand behind every customer who purchased a system or a motherboard from us that features this chipset. Intel has already made the necessary change in the manufacturing process to correct the error, and properly functioning replacements will be available in approximately 8 to 12 weeks.

To minimize the disruption to you, we suggest that you continue to use your system until replacement parts are available. Micro Center customers who purchased a "Sandy Bridge" system should be receiving correspondence from us soon outlining our plans with Intel to correct the faulty issue. Should you have questions in the meantime, please feel free to visit your local Micro Center store or contact our national support center to speak to one of our Knowledge Experts for more information.

PLEASE NOTE: There is no problem with the Intel 2nd Generation Core Processors themselves.

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused by this issue, and our assurance that we will keep you informed of any further developments.

For additional information, please visit:
http://www.intel.com/support/chipsets/sb/CS-032263.htm

Troubleshooting Wireless Network Settings in Windows 7

This article will help you troubleshoot the Windows 7 error message "The settings saved on this computer for the network do not match the requirements of the network." It is typically a result of a wireless profile being created for the network incorrectly or connecting to a wireless network of the same name with different security settings.

1. Click on the Wireless Icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Click on the Open Network and Sharing Center option.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Click on Manage Wireless Networks in the top left.
   
   
   
   
   
4. Click on the name of the network you are trying to connect to and then click Remove just above the networks.
   
   
   
   
   
5. When prompted for verification of removal, click Yes.
   
   
   
   
   
6. Close out of the Manage Wireless Networks window and click on the wireless icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
   
   
   
   
   
7. Click on the wireless network you want to connect to and choose Connect.
   
   
   
   
   
8. When prompted, enter the security key to connect to the wireless network and click OK.
   
   
   

The wireless network should now connect correctly.