When Will Windows 7 End Support?

Windows 7 end of support date has been set for after 14 January 2020.  At this time Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or support for PCs currently running Windows 7.  There are still many users of Windows 7 and a lot of concern about the impact of Microsoft ending support for this version of Windows.

What Will Happen When Windows 7 Support Ends?

Firstly, do not be too concerned, your PC will not suddenly stop working after this date, nor will there be an immediate impact on the way you use your computer. There are however impacts that you should be aware of as discussed below.

Background – Windows 7

From the outset, we (at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service) believe that Windows 7 has been arguably the best operating system that Microsoft has produced so far, especially in terms of reliability and stability. Others may dispute this view and claim that this title belongs to Windows XP, but in terms of a 64-bit platform, we believe the prize firmly belongs to Windows 7.

The aim of this article is not to debate the merits and deficiencies of Windows 7 compared to Windows 8 / 8.1 or 10, but highlight a number of considerations that users need to keep in mind post-14 January 2020.

Why End Windows 7 Support?

There are good commercial reasons for Microsoft to officially retire their venerable OS (end Windows 7 support) and force you to adopt their Windows 10 product. It is likely, one way or another – either through the purchase of a new PC or the stand-alone purchase of the software itself – you’ll be spending money on a new Windows 10 licence.

What Is Meant By “Windows 7 End of Support”?

Put simply, Microsoft will no longer release new security and feature updates for Windows 7 after 14 January 2020.

Impact on Security, Internet Browsers & Applications

If you happen to rely on Microsoft Security Essentials for your internet/ browsing security, anti-virus (AV) and anti-malware needs, Internet Explorer (IE) or Edge as your web browser and other applications like Windows Media Player, you need to investigate the options and make some alternative arrangements once Windows 7 support ends.

Alternatives – End of Windows 7 Support

Those alternatives will include Google Chrome (at least in the short-term), Firefox and VLC.  In terms of AV and internet security programs, like Norton, AVG, Kaspersky, Trend Micro and McAfee, to name but a few, the situation may be a little more complex, as each software vendor will need to assess things like the global installed user base of Windows 7, their own product’s particular market share at a given time, and the R&D cost of keeping their products up-to-date to support the Windows 7 platform.

As for other Microsoft products like the various versions of Office (ie. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook etc), you may encounter compatibility problems when installing feature and security updates for these applications.

Given that Windows 7 market share is currently around 35 per cent, it will still prove commercially lucrative for certain software publishers/vendors (Microsoft excepted) to provide varying levels support for their Windows 7 products over the next few years.

Re-Installing Windows 7 After Windows 7 Support Ends

If you are intending to reinstall on an existing PC or a “new” PC for the first time, you will still be able to activate your copy of Windows 7 on-line.  Reinstalling on an existing computer shouldn’t pose a problem, provided you ensure you have the necessary device drivers available to complete this task.  If you are installing Windows 7 on a PC for the first time, it pays to ensure that the system will support it, in addition to the necessary device drivers.

For example on a desktop PC, if your system is a 6^th generation Intel Core CPU and chipset or earlier, or an AMD AM3+ or earlier, you shouldn’t experience too many issues, if any. If however, the desktop system you are installing on is newer than the ones listed earlier (ie. Intel’s Core Kaby Lake, Coffee Lake 7^th, 8^th  or 9^th generation CPU or AMD’s Ryzen AM4 or TR4 CPUs) you may encounter a range of problems during the installation phase. Also, Microsoft (with the cooperation of both Intel and AMD) effectively blocked your ability to receive updates for Windows 7 or 8.1 – long before the official end-of-support for both operating systems.

Moving From Windows 7, What Are The Options?

If after Windows 7 support ends you decide to move away from Windows 7 the easiest choice you have is to move to Windows 10.  Any new Windows-based PC that you can now buy, will have this installed as standard.

We recommend that you pay a little extra and get a system with the Professional version of Windows 10, rather than Home version.  That way, you have greater control over the endless stream of updates that Microsoft insists upon and the disruption that this often causes.

If your computer needs are modest (ie. you only use your PC for web browsing, word processing, spreadsheets, etc) you might be able to switch to a version of Linux.  It’s not the Windows operating system you’re used to, but it’s robust, secure and it works. We recommend using Linux Mint as one of the more popular options available, and it features the most Windows 7 – like the interface of all the Linux “distros”.

Another alternative is to make the switch to an Apple Mac and the Mac operating system. Given the range of considerations, you will need to make before taking this step, we’ll leave the pros and cons of taking this step for a future article.

Author, Mark Kotorac
Owner and Technician
Affordable Computer Repairs and Service

Windows 10 Update Error 0x800F0922

Since the April 2018 Update of Windows 10, many people have experienced issues with updating. In this article, we explain some of the problems and possible fixes that you can try.

The Windows 10 Update Error 0x800F0922

This error 0x800F0922 according to Microsoft can indicate that your computer cannot contact the Microsoft update servers. It may also, mean that the special “reserved” partition on your Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid State Drive (SSD) does not have enough space to accommodate the Update.

If it is the latter problem then the only thing that can be done is to resize the System Reserved partition. This is not a job to be taken lightly and we here at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service suggest that unless you have done this before, things can go horribly wrong and you would be better off bringing your computer in to us or another trustworthy and reliable computer repair business.

How to Fix Windows 10 Update Error 0x800F0922 – Resize Partition

First off back up all your data (Pictures, Documents, Music, Videos, Desktop etc) then backup or note down all settings for Outlook, Thunderbird, Windows Mail, Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) and any other programs that you have installed on your computer.

Keep the settings information ion a safe place. Also, make sure you have all the needed CD’s, DVD’s, product codes etc for any software installed such as Microsoft Office, anti-virus programs etc easily assessable in case they need to be reinstalled again.

To resize a partition you will need a third-party tool. The partition may need to be as large as 500MB. You need to determine what size it is now so that you can see how much space you have on your C: drive that can be “taken away” and “given” to the Reserved Partition.

Again, we wish to stress that doing this can make your computer unusable so get expert assistance if required.

Other Windows 10 Update Error 0x800F0922 Fixes

If the error 0x800F0922 is not the Reserved System Partition, then trying to Update again at another time may allow the Update to proceed. This can be due to the local Internet in Australia or your area being down or running very slowly and hence “timing out” when contacting the Microsoft servers.

Alternatively, Australia could be okay but the Microsoft servers could be at fault. We have seen them very slow at times so this is not entirely out of the question. Why this can happen is a question for Microsoft but in real terms, they could be experiencing very high demand or most of them are off-line for some reason, therefore, the remaining servers are getting hammered.

Final Fix for Windows 10 Update Error 0x800F0922

If trying later, maybe several times and different times of the day does not fix the problem with the Update. Unfortunately, a clean install may be the only other and last option.

You can use the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft to do this or you can use the Factory installed Default Reset program found in Windows 10. Using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft is covered in another article as it is quite involved.

If you would like help with the Windows 10 Update error 0x800F0922, we here at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service can assist and even reinstall Windows 10 for you as well as backing up your data. Call us today on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707.

Author, Mark Kotorac
Owner and Technician
Affordable Computer Repairs and Service

Solutions to the Windows 10 April 2018 Update Not Installing

Since the April 2018 Update of Windows 10 many people have experienced issues. In this article, we cover some of the problems and provide some solutions and troubleshooting that you can use if you have experienced Windows 10 April 2018 update not installing.

Windows 10 April Update 17134

The Windows 10 April Update 17134 version 1803 is still being “rolled out” even today (December 2018). This is the 5^th major Update that Microsoft has released and unfortunately, it comes with its own set of problems.

With this release, there are new features, improved security and performance. As with all other Updates, this introduces significant compatibility issues as well as Microsoft bugs.

If the Windows 10 April 2018 update is not installing then the quickest way to move forward is to do the following:

1. Open “Settings” (cog wheel accessed from the Start button)
2. Click on “Update and Security”
3. Click on “Troubleshoot”
4. Under the heading “Get up and running” click on the “Windows Update” option
5. Click “Run the troubleshooter” button
6. If an “Apply this fix” option comes up then select that.
7. If there are any other directions then assess them and select the most applicable. Always read the screen carefully and do not rush this job.
8. When the “Troubleshooter” has finished it generally gives the problems found and what has been repaired.
9. Restart your computer.
10. After the reboot, go back into “Settings”, then “Update and Security”, then “Windows Update”. Click on “Check for Updates” and try again.
11. Even though problems were fixed, or not as the case may be, the Update can sometimes go through successfully this time.
12. If none of this works, then you need to go and try the steps below.

Other Solutions to Windows 10 April 2018 Update Not Installing

Other things to try before giving up:

Before running anything else it is very advisable to BACKUP your DATA and any other SETTINGS you have on your computer.  Failure to do this can result in loss of files (Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos, Outlook files, Browser settings, Email settings). This is not an exhaustive list and your circumstances may well be different to another person.

1. Disconnect all unnecessary non-essential devices. External Hard Disk Drives and USB flash drives, USB Printers, audio devices (speakers and microphones) etc. What you need are a keyboard, mouse, wi-fi or Ethernet and video. Depending on your computer, some of these are built-in (laptop) and some are not (Desktop and All-In-One).
2. Try the update again.
3. Run the SFC (System File Checker) which is a Microsoft command that is run from a Command or Power Shell. You must start the Command Shell as Administrator. We have another article on how to run the SFC command. Essentially start the Command shell by clicking on the “Start Button” (lower left) and typing in cmd. When the program is shown (black box with “cmd” next to it) right click and “Run as Administrator”. A new black box appears and you will see something like C:\user\user>. From there type in sfc /scannow (hit enter)
4. This can take a while to run through to 100% so go and put the kettle on.
5. This should come back with 100% “no integrity violations”. If not, Windows should repair any issues.
6. Reboot your computer and try updating again.
7. Another option if still unsuccessful is to run DISM (Deployment Image Servicing & Management) utility which is a Microsoft command-line program (similar to SFC)
8. Open a command prompt with Administrator rights (as described above)
9. Type in the following: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth then hit the enter key
10. Please note there are spaces after DISM   :   after Online   :   after Image
11. When that has finished, you can type in the following at the command prompt (C:\)  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth   then hit the enter key
12. Then: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth    then hit the enter key
13. These commands can take some time depending on the speed of your computer, the state of the Hard Disk Drive and any issues found. Patience is a virtue so go and do something else.
14. This may (or may not) solve the Update problem. So try Updating again once all 3 commands above have been run.
15. If nothing else works then we have found just leaving the computer for several months and trying again seems to fix the problem, bizarre but true. If this is not an option, then a complete reinstall from Factory Defaults may be the only other solution. If this is to be attempted by yourself then a backup of all data and settings is required as a highly recommended safety option.

If you still have problems with Windows 10 April 2018 update not installing, drop into our office and workshop at 48 Octantis Street in Coorparoo and we will attempt some magic for you! Please call ahead on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707.

Author, Mark Kotorac
Owner and Technician
Affordable Computer Repairs and Service

Disable Microsoft Office Updates for Windows 10?

“To Update or Not to Update, That Is The Question” (somewhat stolen from William Shakespeare)

If you want or need to disable Microsoft Office updates for Windows 10 versions 365, 2016 and 2019 then read on.

Problems Caused By Microsoft Office Updates

Microsoft Office Updates can cause problems (strange to believe but true), or maybe you don’t want the “latest” version and go through the relearning problems again.

Office 365 is constantly changing so when you are using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook etc the visual changes and features will change too. Many people wonder if Microsoft is making changes for change sake!

These later versions of Office use automatic updates as per Windows 10. Like it or not that is life today. However, it is possible to disable auto Microsoft Office Updates completely for Office 365 as well as 2016 and 2019.

How to Disable Microsoft Office Updates 365 for 2016 and 2019

Step through the following to disable Microsoft Office Updates for Windows 10:-

1. Open an Office program (app for the more trendy of you) such as Excel
2. Create a blank spreadsheet
3. Click on File (top left)
4. Click on Account in the menu that appears (generally 3^rd from the bottom).
5. On the right-hand side click the “Updates options” menu (on mid-centre of the new box – an envelope with downwards arrow)
6. Select the “Disable Updates” option which newly appears – generally below “Update Now”
7. Once selected click the “Yes” button to apply and confirm
8. Auto Updates are now stopped but they can be enabled again when you want by reversing the above procedure.

Checking the version of Microsoft Office you have can also be helpful so that you at least know where you are as a starting point for any Updates, Upgrades or if you plan on reinstalling Microsoft Office. Different people in an office may be using different versions so again knowing which version you all have can be helpful in solving problems and the like.

How to Check Your Version of Microsoft Office

To check what version of Microsoft Office you have the follow the steps below:

1. Open a Microsoft program (or app) as above e.g. Word
2. Create a blank document
3. Click on File
4. Click on Account
5. On the right-hand side you will notice “About Word” (generally under “Office Updates”. Clicking on this will give the version information about Word, Excel etc depending on which program you started with
6. If you have Office 365 Personal or Home Subscription then the version number will generally match the number in the Microsoft support website. Look for “What’s new in Office 365”
7. Other versions of Office 365 such as ProPlus etc are controlled from a different website or section.
8. For Office 2019 version has a different website or section yet again. The information should be under “Retail versions of Office 2019”
9. We should point out here that disabling updates could possibly lead to security issues as Microsoft programs can be compromised by hackers who find bugs or “holes” whereby they can penetrate the code and leaving the program and or computer vulnerable. Updates include “improvements” as well as security and maintenance patches, fixes and code changes. Microsoft may or may not inform you that any particular Update includes and of the aforementioned changes. This is not something to be too afraid of but we do advise caution.

Different forums for Windows 10 and Microsoft themselves may advise an Update is vital or necessary due to a hacker attack or a vulnerability found by someone. It often hits the news when hackers do this so being aware is often the best strategy.

If you would like further advice on how to disable Microsoft Office updates for Windows 10, contact Mark or David at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service in Brisbane on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707.

How to Fix Several Common Problems with Windows 10 Update

This article describes how to fix several common problems with Windows 10 Updates. The particular problems are:-

(A) “unexpected error downloading installation files”:  error message: 0x80190001

(B) Error message: 0x80073712 and or 0x80245006 “damaged update files”

(C) Error message: 0x80070070 “storage error”

(D) Error message:  0x80070020 “Windows feature Update failed”

(A) “Unexpected Error Downloading Installation Files”:  Error Message: 0x80190001

Error message (A) “unexpected error downloading installation files” can also be associated with 0x80190001. What happens is the download experienced unexpected problems when downloading Upgrade/Update files to install the Windows 10 version 17134 – 1803 by using Windows 10 update.

When faced with this error message please try the following:

1. Click the Start button (lower left)
2. Type in cleanmgr and when found click the program to launch “Disk Cleanup”
3. Select drive C:
4. Click OK
5. Click the “Clean up system files” button. A new window showing what Disk Cleanup will do and button to click is at the bottom.
6. Click the large OK button
7. When asked, click the “Delete Files” button
8. When this has completed try Updating again. (Settings: Update and Security; Windows Update; “Check for Updates” button)
9. If that does not work, leave the Update for several weeks or try some of the other measures we have written about in other articles on this website.
10. If nothing else works then creating a Microsoft “Media Creation Tool” may be the only other option.

(B) Error Message: 0x80073712 and or 0x80245006 “Damaged Update Files”

The errors: 0x80073712 and or 0x80245006 “damaged update files” means that somehow the necessary files for the Update are missing or damaged in some way. This could be due to a problem with your Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or when downloading the files over the Internet the download did not correct for any misinformation on the file or files. Usually, with Internet downloading, TCP/IP handles any errors and gets the other computer/server to retransmit a packet if the checksums do not match. Sometimes things go wrong.

What to do:

1. Basically follow the steps above and try again.
2. Make sure anything which says “Temporary Windows installation files” or “Temporary Files” or “Windows Setup files” have a check (tick) in the box next to it.
3. Cleanup as above (point 7 above)
4. Then try Updating again (point 8 above)

(C) Error Message: 0x80070070 “Storage Error”

There are several numbers which Microsoft use for this error message: 0x80070070 “storage error” storage problem (other numbers may be: 0x80070008 or 0xC190020e). Basically, your computer does not have enough storage space to process the 17134 – 1803 Update. Windows 10 needs at least 20GB of free space on drive C: to Update your computer. As a basic rule of thumb you should always keep 10% of drive C: be it a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or SSD (Solid State Drive) free for the Operating System to “do things”, which basically means that it needs this space to run efficiently.

How to fix this problem:

1. Launch “cleanmgr as mentioned earlier in this article and clean up some space.
2. If on checking “My Computer” there is still not enough disk space on drive C: then consider backing up files to an external device of some description (HDD or Flash Drive) and remove the files until the required (or more) than 20GB is available. This can be troublesome on small SSD drives as some are only 128GB, however, it needs to be done for the Update to continue.
3. Don’t forget to check the Recycle Bin and empty if necessary.
4. Disk Cleanup (cleanmgr) should take care of the rest of unwanted files.
5. A word of warning, before anything gets deleted make sure that the files are not wanted or have been backed up. A little patience and thought here can certainly pay dividends later.

(D) Error message: 0x80070020 “Windows Feature Update Failed”

Error message: 0x80070020 Windows feature Update failed can be caused by your third-party anti-virus software (e.g. Nortons, Trend Micro, Kaspersky etc). Other security software could cause this error as well so it is not limited to the ones mentioned above.

Try the following:

1. Remove the security/anti-virus software and then try the Update again. If your software is a paid version then take careful notes on product keys and any other information needed such as your account with the vendor of the software. This is needed to download the software again after the Update. Account information should be noted down as well as product key.
2. To remove your software open Settings, and then go to Apps then Apps & Features. Select the app/program you want uninstalled and click the Uninstall button. Alternatively, if you are more conversant with Control Panel go to “Programs and Features” and remove it from there.
3. You may find that you have several anti-virus programs installed, some may be active and some may have expired. Remove all programs that are of the Security/anti-virus nature.
4. After removing the programs as stated above try the Update again. If this worked then all well and good.
5. If still no go then we are back to backing up and creating a Microsoft “Media Creation Tool” as mentioned above.

If in doubt and still need help with fixing common problems with Windows 10 updates, then we here at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service in Brisbane, Queensland are only too happy to assist, call us on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707.

Do I need a Windows Registry Cleaner? With so many people asking us about Registry Cleaners, we have written this article to help out some of the confusion that surrounds this issue.

What is a Windows Registry Cleaner?

Registry Cleaners are designed to help remove invalid items in the Windows registry which point to a program or hardware which no longer exists on the computer. These items can include items such as Dynamic-Link Library inserts (DLLs), software programs (or “apps”), uninstalled programs, or system information that is out of date, which could have occurred due to the constant Windows updates that get downloaded and installed.

These references can be left behind when a program is not uninstalled properly, the uninstaller is poorly written, or the system has crashed in the past causing these invalid entries, which are more Operating System-related.

Although Registry Cleaners can make the Windows registry clean, the overall potential benefits are greatly outweighed by the potential harm they could cause. The problem is that these programs go about their work silently in most cases so the user (you) has no idea what they are doing or it gives you lists of issues, but which ones do you attend to? This is our issue with these programs. We therefore strongly suggest that users don’t install or use Windows registry cleaners on Windows computers, all versions included.

Can a Registry Cleaner cause more problems than it fixes?

In our opinion that is a YES. So, in our opinion, the answer to the question “Do I need a Windows Registry Cleaner?” is NO. Any registry cleaner that is poorly written and that removes or changes the registry incorrectly can cause issues with programs or worse still, the Windows Operating System. All of a sudden, after a reboot, Windows will not start up again or complains of problems.

The next question customers ask is what then can I do?

How to Help Resolve These Issues

There are several things that we suggest that can be done to help resolve computer issues before resorting to a registry cleaner. If your computer is experiencing issues, we suggest you try the below suggestions before installing and running a registry cleaner;

1. If an error message comes up (usually on booting into Windows) then take a note of the error, either by taking a picture or writing the error down. Then do a Google search for that error which can assist you in what has gone wrong.
2. Running through some basic Windows troubleshooting steps may assist in tracking down the problem (see our article on that).
3. The problem could be a malware or virus issue so running a good anti-malware or anti-virus program, such as Malwarebytes and Adwcleaner, can assist here.
4. In Control Panel – Programs and Features see if any software has been installed lately and did you install it?

Can the Windows Registry be fixed without a Registry Cleaner?

If you knew what you were trying to fix, then you could use Regedit and fix or delete the key manually. This is NOT a solution for the faint-hearted and if you have never used Regedit before then we would certainly suggest you get expert help here. This is a very powerful tool and in the wrong hands can be disastrous. If you do decide to use it and have done so before then you most certainly need to backup the Registry BEFORE using Regedit.

There is a better solution and that is use System Restore to restore the registry to an earlier date. System recovery is helpful if something was installed that caused problems in the registry.

As a last resort, you could reinstall Windows, which would fix any bad registry problems by completely reinstalling Windows. Be very careful as data, files, pictures, programs etc would likely be lost when you do this. This is where a backup of your data is essential.

What do Registry Cleaners reputably fix?

These programs have been written by someone to fix one or more of the below situations:

1. Entries left after a program has been uninstalled.
2. Files and shortcuts associated with uninstalled programs
3. Computer response times
4. Slower booting up times than “normal”
5. Messages on boot about a missing file or sometimes an error message

What Registry Cleaners don’t fix

1. A computer startup problem
2. Malfunctioning hardware
3. The dreaded “BSOD” Blue Screen Of Death
4. Your computer will not boot or run significantly faster or quicker
5. It will not “fix” Registry issues or software issues, it just cleans
6. An issue that Windows reports as an issue

Should a Registry Cleaner be run in Normal or Safe Mode?

Registry Cleaners should be deleting items that are no longer in use and therefore should not encounter issues if ran in Normal Mode. If running in Normal Mode is not possible, then using Safe Mode would be you’re only other alternative.

The Registry Cleaner found problems what do I do next?

You should be presented with a list of items that the Registry Cleaner has found to be problematic. To the uninitiated, this might as well be in Greek or Cyrillic. Even to an IT “expert”, this information would possibly take hours to work through and “decode”. Here is where you take the “leap of faith” and tick or untick each item that you want to remove or keep. The million-dollar question here is “which ones”. This article cannot possibly go into the billions of combinations and this is why we don’t recommend Registry Cleaners.

Something bad has happened after running a Registry Cleaner, what do I do now?

If you are encountering new problems after running a registry cleaner, boot the computer into Safe Mode if Normal Mode does not work and run the Registry Cleaner utility to restore the backup made before the “clean”.

If you did not make a backup of the registry, try using the Windows Restore feature mentioned above or by running Restrui.exe from Windows.

Affordable Computer Repairs and Service

If you are still asking “Do I need a Windows Registry Cleaner?” give us a call in Brisbane on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707 and we will do our best to provide you with the answer you are seeking.

How to Fix the Cannot Load XPCOM message in 2018

Cannot Load XPCOM error is usually caused by a corrupted or missing dynamic-link library (DLL) file or files. Errors related to it usually occur when a program does not handle the file during use. This common problem happens within the Windows registry, where applications look up the location of DLLs they need to operate. Because these are critical files, when one becomes unavailable (corrupted, missing or the wrong one), all sorts of things can go wrong.

Common issues are program lock-ups, slow PC performance, system freezes, blue screen errors (BSOD), startup or shutdown problems, and installation errors. In the worst-case scenario, if the DLL is required by Windows, your entire system could become unstable or unbootable.

We would advise against fixing Cannot Load XPCOM errors manually. In doing so, it could take several hours, do more harm than good, and end up not even resolving the underlying problem.

Some people may recommend, as a solution, for example, downloading a program such as “Advanced System Repair Pro”. The problem with this approach is the possibility that the software program can do more harm than good. Programs such as “Advanced System Repair Pro” run a variety of troubleshooting and diagnostic tests on your computer in order to pinpoint and fix almost all known issues. If you wish you can read some more information and the practical use of this software.

Cannot Load XPCOM and Firefox

We have seen the error “Cannot load XPCOM” with the following program: Firefox. Firefox couldn’t open and the following error is displayed on the screen: “Couldn’t load XPCOM”, usually in a box in the middle of the screen. The XPCOM error is caused on a Windows-based computer whenever a user tries to open Mozilla Firefox after a Windows Update or if the Firefox’s profile folder is corrupted. Firefox’s profile folder corruption may happen after a virus attack or after installing a third-party extension on your Firefox browser.

How to Fix the Problem In Firefox

Below we list several options to correct this problem;

Option1. Reinstall – Upgrade Firefox to the latest version

From another Web browser (e.g Chrome, Edge or Internet Explorer) download and install the latest version of Firefox onto your computer.

Do not uninstall the present version of Firefox, just run the Firefox Installer and follow the on-screen prompts to repair/upgrade the current Firefox application.

Option 2. Start Firefox in Safe Mode and Disable Firefox’s Extensions (Add-ons)

Start Firefox in Safe Mode by following this procedure:

Hold down the shift key and then click or double click the Firefox icon to start the application. Then choose the “Start in Safe Mode” button.

If Firefox starts without the XPCOM error message, then it is probably a Firefox extension (add-on) which is causing the error message (“Cannot load XPCOM”). As this may be the case, disable each “add-on” one-by-one then close and start Firefox normally. With all “add-ons” disabled try to start Firefox again.

If Firefox starts with no error message go back into “Start in Safe Mode” and enable each “add-on” one by one until the problem is found. After each enables you would need to shut down Firefox and then restart Firefox. A little time consuming but there is no other thorough way to do it.

To disable a Firefox “add-on” from the main screen, click on the 3 horizontal bars on the right and then click on the jigsaw piece which says “Add-ons”

At the Extensions windows (under the tab Add-ons Manager) disable all items. Probably best not to remove any at this stage. The “bad add-on” can be removed later when it is determined which it is.

So having disabled and then enabled “add-ons” the problem can be found and when the error is again displayed you will need to start Firefox in “Safe Mode” again.

If after disabling all “add-ons” the problem still there then go to Option 3 below. 

Option 3. Reset Firefox Settings to Default

Start Firefox in “Safe Mode” as before then click the “Refresh Firefox” button instead of the “Start in Safe Mode” button. This refreshes Firefox.

It is suggested by Mozilla that you refresh Firefox a second time. So do as they say.

When refreshing Firefox what will happen is:

1. Firefox browser settings are set to default
2. A new user profile is created and all “add-ons”, plug-ins, search engines are removed. So any customisation is wiped out in other words.
3. What a refresh does not do is: remove Bookmarks; Browsing History; Passwords; Cookies; web form auto-fill information and personal dictionary. 

Option 4. Uninstall and Re-install Firefox on your computer

If none of the above options resolves the XPCOM error when starting Firefox, then:

1. Backup your Firefox Passwords, Bookmarks, Settings and anything else you may need.
2. Completely remove Firefox with its folders from your computer
3. Download and install a new version of Firefox
4. Restore your Bookmarks etc as above.

Option 5. Restore Your Computer To An Earlier Working State by using System Restore

1. By using System Restore you can try to restore your computer to a previously working state in order to resolve the XPCOM error in Firefox. We don’t cover using Microsoft System Restore in this article, please see that article on our website.
2. Using System Restore (accessed through the Control Panel; System and System Protection) will undo any changes you have made to the computer in the last xx days. Xx being today’s date and the date of the System Restore point. This method can have advantages and disadvantages so “think before you leap”, you can do significant damage to your Operating System.
3. In some instances where Hard Disk space is at a premium a System Restore point may not be available.

Option 6. Ditch Firefox and use something else

Other browsers available for a Windows computer are Chrome, Safari, Edge, Internet Explorer or Opera.

Do you still want help?  If you live in Brisbane, you can bring your computer, laptop or Mac to us at 48 Octantis Street, Brisbane, you may want to check our repair rates which I am sure you will find, as most of our customers do, are in fact quite affordable. Please contact us on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707 before you arrive.

Exercising Your Consumer Rights for your Faulty Computer?

Here at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service quite often a customer will bring us a faulty computer device (for which they paid an above-average price) that falls just outside the manufacturer’s usually 12 months’ warranty (sometimes up to 24 months). They bring us the computer after having been told by the retailer or the manufacturer’s customer service department that the required repair will be at the customer’s expense.  This brings into question what are consumer rights about computers? Note that we are not talking about accidental damage caused by something like a liquid spill or smashing a laptop screen – which would be at the customers’ expense.

We also have instances when customers tell us that their computer has never functioned correctly or has been problematic since it was first purchased – but they never went back to the place of purchase to get it repaired or replaced whilst it was under warranty.

Expired Manufacturer’s Warranty

Even in cases where the manufacturer’s warranty may have recently expired, many people just accept that a faulty computer will “need” to be repaired or replaced at their own expense.  This is often the case even for products that may have originally cost $1,500 or $2,000 or more at time of purchase.

When buying a laptop or computer, they are often sold on the basis of being above-average price meaning above average in terms of quality and reliability of the computer. In other words, they were sold the argument that in addition to increased features and performance – a higher-priced product bought them better quality and reliability.

There is nothing necessarily wrong with this reasoning provided that – when things do go wrong – you can expect a better level response from that retailer, distributor or manufacturer, rather than the very same response as if you had spent a mere $500 for a cheaper, but essentially similar product.

Consumer Rights About Computers – Australian Consumer Law 

If you find yourself in this position, take some time to review your options.  One of those options is to get your computer repaired here at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service.  Another option – before bringing it to us – is to check your rights as a consumer under Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which came into effect on 01 January 2011.

The s54 of the ACL is a statutory guarantee of acceptable quality enforceable against the suppliers of goods (i.e. retailers, dealerships, etc.), as well as manufacturers. This section of the law requires that goods be fit for the purposes they are commonly used for, acceptable in appearance and finish, free from defects, safe and durable, all according to the standards of a “reasonable consumer”. The ACL’s guarantees mean you can get some faulty goods replaced even if they are out of warranty.  These are the consumer rights about computers and other goods that need to be taken into account when making your decision.,

In previous articles, we have looked at the options confronting consumers when deciding what to purchase as their next computer, including product obsolescence, life expectancy and price. You can find that article here (Which is the Best Computer to Buy), or if you are a Mac user (or someone intending to make the switch from Windows), how long can you or should you expect that new Apple MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac or Mac Mini to last (Brisbane Computer Retail Technician Advice – How long do Macs last?).

Apple Macs

On this last point, and especially on the topic of Apple Mac devices, some people have expressed overly optimistic and even unrealistic expectations in terms of their expected service life.  This may have something to do with their initial purchase price which is often considerably more than a comparable laptop/notebook/2 in 1 or desktop computer running MS Windows, as well as some talk that has been generated about the brand and the product range over the years, some of it justified, some of it less so.

How Long Should Electrical Appliances Last?

The consumer rights organisation Choice has recently called on the ACCC and their state government equivalents to revise their guidelines on how long Australians should expect their electrical appliances to last. The ABC reported on the findings.

Choice advises consumers that they should expect 4 years from a budget or entry-level laptop, 6 years for a mid-range model and 8 years for a high-end laptop.  These may not be unrealistic guidelines – but from our experience, these timelines are dependent on a number of factors, key amongst them being how someone chooses to look after and maintain their computer, laptop or Mac over the course of the computer’s lifetime. Just remember that if your faulty computer device shows any signs of accidental breakage, misuse or neglect, you may as well forget using the ACL’s guarantees to support your case for repair or replacement at manufacturer’s cost, and contact Affordable Computer Repairs and Service instead.

FYI More consumer information from Choice.

For further information and helpful advice on consumer rights about computers, contact us at Affordable Computer Repairs on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707.

How to Replace a MacBook Pro Battery

Depending on your particular model of Apple MacBook Pro, replacing the battery can range from relatively straightforward and cost-effective procedure to one which is more complex and expensive.

An Apple MacBook Pro battery replacement for anyone who still owns a Non-Unibody 15 or 17 inch MacBook Pro is an easy, do-it-yourself procedure. It’s less easy for anyone with one of the follow-on Unibody 13, 15 or 17 inches, but not as difficult as it will end up being for anyone owning a 13 or 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro. Good luck to anyone attempting this repair themselves and we suggest that you don’t try unless you are confident to do so. You might end up wishing that you bought a MacBook Air instead.

MacBook Pro Retina

If your MacBook Pro Retina is 3 years old or less or covered by Apple Care and you believe that your battery is faulty (ie. not holding charge / or sufficient charge or not recharging), contact Apple as soon as possible and get them to diagnose the problem. Even if your MacBook Pro is no longer under warranty, you may be covered under Australian consumer law and entitled to a no-cost repair or replacement.

Otherwise, contact us here at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service. We’ll diagnose the issue to assess whether you need an Apple MacBook Pro battery replacement, or you might require some other form of repair.

Apple MacBook Pro Battery Replacement Cost

MacBook Pro Retina Models A1502, A1706, A1398, A1707, A1708

Changing a battery yourself can be risky and may result in damage to your computer, particularly if yours is a 13 or 15 inch MacBook Pro Retina (with model numbers A1502, A1706, A1398, A1707, A1708).

Apple MacBook Pro battery replacement kits for these models are available for around $200 to $250 depending upon your particular model. Just be aware that this is no simple task and Apple’s motivation is to get you to replace your MacBook Pro, rather than getting it repaired. Contact us at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service for further information and to get a quote.

MacBook Pro Unibody A1278, A1286 or 1297

It’s a far less risky procedure if your MacBook Pro is a Unibody A1278, A1286 or 1297.

You will need a Tri-Lobe screwdriver to remove the 2 or 3 Tri-Lobe screws holding the battery in place.  A Tri-Lobe screwdriver is a specialist item that isn’t stocked by every hardware store. You will also need a small Philips head small to remove the computer base plate.

Your new battery needs to be chosen carefully using the relevant four-digit model (prefixed with the letter A) and EMC numbers. This information is generally found on the base plate in very small letters/numbers.

Alternatively, you can refer to the system information contained in About This Mac from the Apple symbol on the taskbar at the top of the screen.

Buying a MacBook Pro Battery

There are several options to purchase the new battery from, such as on eBay (which is often a cheaper option) or reputable resellers that specialise in Apple computer parts like Macfixit (based in Melbourne) and RamCity (located in Sydney). Prices tend to range (as at September 2018) from $150 to nearly $200 for a battery replacement “kit” depending on the models of Mac, and often includes the screwdriver(s) which are needed to remove the battery from your MacBook Pro. It is worth checking when ordering as to what exactly is included.

If you do require assistance for Apple MacBook Pro battery replacement then please contact us here at Affordable Computer Repairs. Contact us for further information and to get a quote.

How to Remove a MacBook Pro Battery

(Non-Unibody 15 and 17 inch A1150/ 1151, A1211/ 1212, 1226/ 1229 or 1260/ 1261 models)

1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect any cables such as the power cable, the Ethernet cable, mouse and external keyboard, and any other cords connected to the MacBook to prevent damaging the computer.
2. Close the lid securely.
3. Turn the computer over.
4. Locate the battery release latches on each side of the battery.
5. Slide both latches up.
6. Lift the old battery out and insert the replacement

How to Remove a MacBook Pro Battery

(Unibody A1278, A1286 or 1297 models)

For these newer MacBook Pros, the base aluminium plate needs to be removed. This is usually held in place with Philips head screws. Be advised to keep the screws in a safe place and take careful note of where the 2 or 3 longer screws are positioned. These MacBooks are generally referred to as Unibody.

1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect any cables such as the power cable, the Ethernet cable, mouse and external keyboard, and any other cords connected to the MacBook to prevent damaging the computer.
2. Close the lid securely and turn the MacBook over.
3. Remove the base plate using a Philips screwdriver.
4. Locate the battery (usually at the front and black in colour, and carefully disconnect the battery connector from the logic board.
5. You require a Tri-Lobe screwdriver to remove the 2 or 3 screws holding the battery in place. Carefully remove the old battery and insert the replacement.
6. Reconnect the battery connector and reassemble your Mac.

For further help and advice, contact us at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service in Brisbane on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707. For a full list of our Apple services, please visit our Mac Repair page.

Apple MacBook Pro Battery Replacement

This is the first of two articles advising on Apple MacBook Pro battery replacement including such information as MacBook Pro battery life and Apple MacBook Pro battery replacement cost. The second article provides information on how to replace a MacBook Pro Battery and where to purchase batteries.

MacBook Pro Battery Life

How long your MacBook battery lasts and remains serviceable is dependent on a number of factors.  Some people only manage 2 or 3 years before they need to arrange a battery replacement, others manage never needing to do so, even after 6, 7 years or longer.

So, how long can you expect the battery inside your MacBook Pro, (or MacBook or MacBook Air) to last if you look after your computer? How long should it last? How can you tell when it’s time for a replacement? When is Apple MacBook Pro battery replacement necessary and warranted?

In this article, we explain how you can check the battery usage of your MacBook to determine whether you need to consider an Apple MacBook Pro battery replacement or whether the replacement of your battery is unnecessary. Please note that in this article we are looking to determine MacBook Pro battery life, the actual amount of usage time that your battery lasts and not just an estimate of time remaining.

Check Whether You Need to Replace Your MacBook Pro Battery

In order to determine whether or not you need to replace your MacBook Pro battery, do the following:

1. Fully charge your MacBook to 100%. You will need to use it on battery power from the full 100% until it is nearly discharged. We would suggest somewhere around the 3% mark if possible. Mac OS or OSX will alert you about the battery state especially as it gets close to the 3%;
2. Open the Applications folder and go to Utilities. When it Utilities start “Activity Monitor”.  A shortcut is to hit Command+Spacebar and type in “Activity Monitor” (without the quotes);
3. Go to the Energy Tab;
4. At the bottom of the window find “Time on battery” which informs you of how long you’re MacBook has been running on battery power;
5. Also, you will notice above this “Time Remaining” as well as “Remaining charge” figures;
6. Keeping an eye on the Energy tab information will give you a real-world account of how long your particular computer and the tasks that you have been doing is draining the battery and hence how much time you have using it without recharging;
7. To check what programs are using power pull down the battery menu bar from the top corner of the screen and look under the heading of “Apps Using Significant Energy” section;
8. Once you have a list of power-hungry programs then closing some or all (after saving your work) would assist in prolonging the time you can use your MacBook before recharging;
9. Depending on your version of the MacOS X, some combinations of the above may not be accessible or may have changed slightly since this article was written;
10. Another useful function in determining whether Apple MacBook Pro battery replacement is necessary is the battery “Cycle Count” information on MacBooks;
11. To access this go to the Apple symbol (top left of screen), the “About this Mac” then “More Info” button (could be called “Apple System Profiler”), then “System Report”. Under “Hardware” select “Power” and there is a wealth of information on the battery as well as under “Health Information” the cycle count;
12. Cycle Count is how many times the battery has been recharged from 0% to 100%. It is not a count of every time the power adaptor has been plugged in. Knowing the battery count is useful in determining if your battery is suspect. Apple state that a battery is designed to hold 80% of its original capacity after 1000 cycles;
13. If yours is below this figure – and your MacBook Pro is only 2 or 3 years old – then the battery could be failing early and in that case, Apple MacBook Pro battery replacement will be necessary. If the computer is still under warranty a visit to an Apple store may be in order, now, before it’s out of the said warranty. Even if it’s officially out of warranty, you may be entitled to a no-cost repair or replacement (by Apple) under Australian consumer law.

Apple MacBook Pro Battery Replacement Cost

Apple MacBook Pro battery replacement cost (parts & labour) is another consideration that people need to make. Whilst it’s not the most expensive component to replace (and one that many people could do themselves if they own one of the older uni-body (pre-Retina) 13, 15 and 17-inch models), many users may choose to not to do so, or feel it’s unnecessary, especially if they don’t use their MacBook Pro for work, travel, etc, and are highly reliant on battery power. Users of 13 and 15 inch MacBook Pro Retina models requiring a battery replacement face a more expensive and complicated procedure which we will discuss in another article, How to Remove a MacBook Pro Battery.

Apple MacBook Pro Battery Replacement 

Don’t forget to revisit our blogs for the second article on Apple MacBook Prop Battery Replacement, if you can’t wait that long and need assistance or further information on MacBook Pro battery replacement, then please contact us here at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service.

For more of our Mac repair services, please visit the Mac Repair page on our website. Or feel free to contact us 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707.