Host Africa

Wednesday, 14 June 2017

Epson error 0x97


The Epson error 0x97 happens because of an internal hardware issue. There are quite a few Epson models that are known to have this hardware issue where their motherboard will fail all of sudden. There aren’t many things that you can do once you’re facing a hardware issue.There are some workarounds for the problem but as you might have already guessed, there isn’t a permanent solution except for repairing or getting a replacement.


Method 1: Unplug and Plug-in
  1. Open the printer casing and check for any jammed papers or debris. If you find any, remove it.
  2. Remove all printing cartridges
  3. Unplug all the USBs and cables
  4. Once the printer is disconnected, press the power button as if you were trying to turn on the printer. This will discharge any residual current in the printer
  5. Now reconnect all the USBs and power cable
  6. Turn on your printer and check for the error
Method 2: Unplug and Plug-in (Alternative)
This method is a variation of the method 1. So if the method 1 didn’t work then try this method to confirm if the error is caused by the internal hardware failure or not.
  1. Turn off your printer
  2. Unplug all cables
  3. Wait for 5 minutes
  4. Press and hold the power button for 60+ seconds (DO NOT release it)
  5. When the 60+ seconds have gone, plug in the power cable while keeping the power button pressed
  6. Hold the power button pressed for another 60+ seconds (after plugging in the power cable)
  7. Release the power button after 60 seconds of plug in
Now check if the error code is still shown on the printer.
Method 3: Wet Tissue 
In some cases, the error code might be displaying because of waste ink around head sprayer.  Cleaning that waste ink with a wet tissue sometimes solves the problem. Follow the steps given below to perform the cleanup procedure.
Note: This method requires a bit technical knowledge and might not be suited for everyone. If you aren’t sure then ask an expert and take help from the manual that came with the printer.
  1. Turn off your printer
  2. Open the printer casing
  3. Take a tissue and wet it with warm water
  4. Now move the head to the center
  5. Put the tissue to the head cleaning mechanic pad
  6. Move the head to the parking spot
  7. Wait 10 minutes

Sunday, 11 June 2017

How to find out what username or skype name I have

If you sign in to Skype with a username (rather than an email address or phone number), that username is what we call your Skype Name. You created it when you first joined.
If you sign in with an email address instead, then you have a Microsoft account, not a Skype Name.
If you’ve forgotten your Skype Name and can’t sign in to your account, you can check this link https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA109/i-ve-forgotten-my-username-or-password

Friday, 9 June 2017

Computer is slow

Image result for slow computer

If your computer is slower than normal, it might be infected by malware. First run a malware scan. I can recommend using Malwarebytes.

Your hard disk might be running out of space as well, you can often fix the problem simply by cleaning the hard disk of unwanted files. You can also install a firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware tools, and schedule regular registry scans. External hard drives are great storage solutions for overtaxed CPU’s, and will help your computer run faster.

  1. Malware
  2. Hard drive running out of space
  3. Hardware failing
Malware


1. Navigate to the Malwarebytes website. (http://www.malwarebytes.com)
2. Click Free Download. You will be redirected to another page, and the download should begin automatically.

3. Click "Click here" if the download does not begin automatically.

4. Click "Run" if you see a dialogue box at the bottom of your browser window asking if you want to save or run Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Otherwise, browse to your Downloads folder and double-click the installer.

5. Select the language of your choice and click "OK" when the "Select Setup Language" dialogue box appears.
6. Click "Next" when you see the "Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Setup Wizard" window.

7. Select "I accept the agreement," then click "Next," when you see the "License Agreement" dialogue box.
8. Click "Next" when you see the "Setup" dialogue box.

9. Click "Next"in the "Select Destination Location" dialogue box.

10. Click "Next"in the "Select Start Menu Folder" dialogue box.
11. Click "Next" in the "Select Additional Tasks" dialogue box. Select the options you want.

12. Click "Install"in the "Ready to Install" dialogue box.
13. Click "Finish" in the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Setup Wizard window after installation is complete.

How to scan your PC with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

1. Click "Scan Now"in the screen that appears when you run Malwarebytes Anti-Malware the first time. Before the scan begins, the application will check for updates to the malware database.
2. Pay attention to the "Threat Scan" screen while Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scans your PC.
3. Review the results once Malwarebytes Anti-Malware has finished the scan. If you think an item should not be quarantined, uncheck it. Otherwise, click "Quarantine Selected."
4. Click the "Reports" tab and make sure "Scan Report" is selected, then click "View Report" for more detailed results.
5. Click on the "Quarantine" tab to view quarantined items.
6. Click individual items in Quarantine to delete them.

7. Restart your computer to complete the malware-removal process.

Thursday, 8 June 2017

Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

Screnshot of a 0x5C / HAL_INITIALIZATION_FAILED Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in Windows 8

A Blue Screen of Death, also called a STOP Error, will appear when an issue is so serious that Windows must stop completely.
A Blue Screen of Death is usually hardware or driver related. Most BSODs show a STOP code that can be used to help figure out the root cause of the Blue Screen of Death.

How To Fix a Blue Screen of Death


  1. Undo the change you made and test again for the STOP Error. Depending on what change you made, some solutions might include:
     
    • Startup using Last Known Good Configuration to undo recent registry and driver changes.
    • Use System Restore to undo recent system changes.
    • Roll Back device driver to version prior to your driver update.
  1. Check that there's enough free space left on the drive Windows is installed on. Blue Screens of Death and other serious issues, like data corruption, can occur if there's not enough free space on your primary partition used for the Windows operating system.

    Scan your computer for viruses. Some viruses can cause a Blue Screen of Death, especially ones that infect the master boot record (MBR) or boot sector.

  2. Important: Make sure your virus scanning software is completely up to date and that it's configured to scan the MBR and boot sector.

    Apply all available Windows service packs and other updates. Microsoft regularly releases patches and service packs for their operating systems that may contain fixes for the cause of your BSOD. 
  3. Update drivers for your hardware. Most Blue Screens of Death are hardware or driver related so updated drivers could fix the cause of the STOP error. 
  1. Check the System and Application logs in Event Viewer for errors or warnings that might provide more clues on the cause of the BSOD. 
  2. Return hardware settings to default in Device Manager. Unless you have a specific reason to do so, the system resources that an individual piece of hardware is configured to use in Device Manager should be set to default. Non-default hardware settings have been known to cause a Blue Screen of Death. 
  3. Return BIOS settings to their default levels. An overclocked or misconfigured BIOS can cause all sorts of random issues, including BSODs.

  4. Make sure all internal cables, cards, and other components are installed and seated properly. Hardware that's not firmly in place can cause a Blue Screen of Death so try reseating the following and then test for the STOP message again:
     
    • Reseat all internal data and power cables
    • Reseat the memory modules
    • Reseat any expansion cards
  5. Perform diagnostic tests on all hardware you're able to test. It's highly likely that the root cause of any given Blue Screen of Death is a failing piece of hardware:
     
    • Test your system memory
    • Test your hard disk drive
    If a test fails, replace the memory or replace the hard drive as soon as possible. 
  6. Update your BIOS. In some situations, and outdated BIOS could cause a Blue Screen of Death due to certain incompatibilities. 
  7. Start your PC with essential hardware only. A useful troubleshooting step in many situations, including BSOD issues, is to start your computer with the minimum hardware necessary to run the operating system. If your computer starts successfully it proves that one of the removed hardware devices was the cause of the STOP message.

    Tip: Typically, the only necessary hardware for starting your PC through to the operating system includes the motherboard, CPU, RAM, primary hard drive, keyboard, video card, and monitor.

Find that hardware is the cause of your Blue Screen of Death?

Try one of these ideas:
  • Replace the hardware.
  • Update the hardware's firmware.
  • Make sure the hardware is on the Hardware Compatibility List.
  • Check with the manufacturer for support information.

Find that a software program is the cause of your Blue Screen of Death?

One of these things should help:
  • Reinstall the software.
  • Check for and install any available program updates.
  • Check with the developer for support information.
  • Try a competing program.

Is your PC restarting before you can read the STOP Code on the Blue Screen of Death?

Most Windows PCs are configured to reboot immediately after receiving a serious error like a BSOD.
You can prevent this reboot by disabling the automatic restart on system failure option.