Jon Nicholls

Hi Jen_12, I would definitely recommend upgrading from Windows XP. This operating system is not supported anymore by Microsoft and is therefore vulnerable to security threats. If you wanted to keep your existing PC then your processor will run Windows 7 or 8 reasonably well, but you may need to add more memory (RAM). I would recommend a minimum of 2GB. This is probably your cheapest option. One other cost effective option is a reconditioned laptop. It will already have Windows 7 or 8 pre-installed, and will probably be a better spec than your existing PC. All your data could easily be transferred over from your old PC. Alternatively you could go for a brand new PC. This would have the advantage of being fully up to date with any specification you wanted, choice of operating system, and a three year warranty. Hope this helps. Regards, Jon.

Hi 5iron 2, We would should able to repair your laptop for you. We are familiar with problems with HP laptops, and we have a wide range of spares in stock, so I am sure we can repair your laptop in good time. We are in the Woodhouse area of Sheffield though, but if this is OK for you just bring your laptop down when you can. We are open until 6pm today. Regards, Jon Nicholls.

Unless you need your computer to be portable or you are limited on space, I would recommend a PC. Here's a few pointers: Laptop Pros: Portable, Cheaper. PC Pros: More reliable, Choice of Operating System (Windows), Cheaper to Repair, Fully upgradeable and customizable, 3-Year Warranty. You will be able to use a printer / scanner with a laptop or desktop. Hope this helps,

I explained the risks of using outdated software to the customer, but he insisted on using Office XP.

Hi Carl, As far as I know, if you want your own broadband connection you have 2 options; Mobile broadband (3G or 4G) or a landline and a contract (Sky, Talktalk etc.). Mobile broadband with a dongle or 3G/4G router will not be suitable for your requirements, so your only alternative is a landline. Sorry for the bad news, but if you have a good look round you might be able to find a supplier who will install a landline as part of your contract. Hope this helps.

I have never been unable to install Microsoft Office onto a Windows operating system, no matter which version of either. In fact I have just installed Office XP onto Windows 8.1 for a customer. Sometimes there are issues with compatibility, but Windows has built in tools to allow a workaround solution. So I do not think you need to worry about compatibility between Office 2010 and windows 8.1. You can always look it up on the Office website anyway, or ask in the shop when you buy one. Regards, Jon.

To answer your original question: Click Start(or Windows flag)/[right click]Computer/Properties. The Properties window will pop up, and this will tell you which operating system you are running. If it's Windows 7, just run all the updates and you will be fine. Click Start/Control Panel/View by: Small Icons/Windows Update/Check for updates. It may take a while - like 1 or 2 days, but stick it out and make sure you do them all. If it's Windows Vista you will need to change your browser to something like chrome or firefox. This is because IE11 will not run on Vista. You still need to run all the updates for Vista though. If it's XP you should consider replacing your laptop. Windows XP is no longer supported by Microsoft and is vulnerable to viruses and hacking threats. In my opinion it is not worth upgrading an old XP laptop. Hope this helps, give me a ring if you get stuck or need any more advice. Good Luck!

Try this: Backup any files you want to keep from the memory card, then format it. Add your music to the SD Card using one level of folders only - don't use subfolders. Good Luck!

If your existing laptop is running genuine Windows 7, you should consider upgrading it first. It may just need a service and a memory upgrade, which would be a lot cheaper than a new machine. Probably less than £100. Regarding a new laptop, try and stretch you budget to £350 - £400, and get one with the best processor you can afford - eg i3 or i5 - rather than lots of ram or a large hard drive. Also stick to the big brands like Toshiba, Samsung, and Dell. Avoid Advent, Zoostorm, and HP. Hope this helps.

Yes, it could be a faulty keyboard too. If cleaning it and reinstalling drivers doesn't work, your laptop will need a proper diagnosis. Good luck!

Malwarebytes is excellent at removing malware and spyware, and it's free too. Bear in mind though that the free version is passive, not active, and will not stop you from getting infected in the fist place. Therefore I recommend you purchase a full Internet Security package, like AVG. This will give a very secure machine when used in conjunction with Malwarebytes. Cheers.

No, never pay for, or install driver update software. The free software is nearly always junk, and will fill you computer full of crappy software you don't need. If your drivers are already installed they will update automatically through Windows Update. If your drivers are not installed you should be able to get them from the manufacturer's website. If the network drivers are missing you will need to use another computer to get them. Good Luck!

Hi, what are the issues with your PC? Thanks

Hi adamd, what make you think your laptop needs a new hard drive? PS If you haven't done so already, make sure you back up your files and create the recovery discs from the existing hard drive. You can then use these discs to reinstall your operating system and files on your new drive. Good Luck!

If you have a combined printer and scanner (most people have nowadays) you could always print it off, fill it in by hand, scan it, and send it back. Good luck!