Troubleshooting Articles

This section is for articles that deal with resolving problems that come up, such as specific errors. Typically, the manual doesn’t show the answer.

Try ChatGPT to Understand Program Code & Error Messages

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ChatGPT session with prompt.

In this article, we’ll explore the potential of ChatGPT and SnagIt in making sense of program code and error messages. With SnagIt, we can extract text from images and feed it into ChatGPT for a detailed breakdown. Then we’ll use ChatGPT to aid us in understanding error messages.

Try Windows Steps Recorder for Troubleshooting & Teaching

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Excel file with Steps toolbar on top.

Are you one of those people that gets frustrated with tech support? You explain your problem, but the support rep still doesn’t understand your problem. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to use the Steps Recorder in Windows. Not only is this utility free, but it’s easy enough for anyone to learn. And it can help troubleshoot other PC programs.

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How to Find All Your Chrome Extensions and Folders

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Module table showing browser extension info

Ever wondered where are Chrome extensions stored on your computer? I struggled with
this question when troubleshooting some browser issues. After opening numerous cryptic folder names, I discovered a faster method using Chrome’s network logging feature. It reveals the extension locations and IDs. In this tutorial, I’ll show you my exact process so you can find any extension in seconds, even if it is hidden.

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Gmail Troubles? 4 Quick Fixes for Mailto Link Not Working

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Google Chrome protocol handlers.

Struggling with mailto links that won’t open in Gmail on Google Chrome? For example, when you click an email link on a web page, it should open your default email application. Instead of getting Gmail to open in my browser, I was staring at the Microsoft Store email app. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to fix mailto link issues with Gmail.

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Get Informed: How to Check PC Specs (Offline & Online)

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Speccy CPU panel showing AVX2 instructions.

Are you curious about what’s under the hood of your computer? Knowing its specs like processor speed, RAM, graphics card, is crucial for figuring out if it can handle new programs and updates. And you won’t have to open your wallet. In this guide, I’ll walk you through some easy ways to reveal these important elements.

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Solution: PivotTable Field Name is not Valid

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PivotTable Field Name not valid error dialog

I have a love-hate relationship with software. It’s great when it works, but frustrating when you get a cryptic error message. And these messages appear when you’re short on time and patience. This happened to me recently. Microsoft Excel was telling me my PivotTable field name is not valid. In this tutorial, I will show how to fix this with 2 easy solutions.

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How to Allow Pop-Ups in Google Chrome

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Adding a domain

Chances are, you block pop-ups in your web browser. After all, many are intrusive and interfere with reading. However, sometimes you need them for regulatory notices or functionality. This happened to me when I was going through an online course. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to allow pop-up windows on Chrome or block them without needing a browser extension.

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Why is Spell Check Not Working in Word? Find Easy Fixes

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Word document with Reveal Formatting and Languages dialog.

Does your Microsoft Word keep ignoring spelling mistakes that should be flagged? This frustrating problem affects Word users daily. It’s often due to simple settings that need adjustment. Whether the problem is affecting one document or your entire Word installation, I’ll walk you through practical solutions and troubleshooting tips to restore your spell check functionality.

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Misbehaving Outlook Email

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Image (c) WikiMedia

Some say that computer problems happen at the worst times. I’m not sure that is true, but I won’t argue. Without warning, my Outlook email stopped working last week. I could receive email, but I couldn’t open any items. Instead, I saw an error message that read “Cannot open this item. The text formatting command is not available. It may not be installed correctly. Install Microsoft Office Outlook again.”

Microsoft Outlook Hyperlinks Not Working & 4 Fixes

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Edit Windows registry value.

Sometimes you don’t realize how much you appreciate a feature until it breaks, like Outlook hyperlinks. It’s frustrating because, you know, they’ve worked before. In this troubleshooting tutorial, I’ll explain some reasons your Outlook hyperlinks are not working and possible solutions. Incidentally, the problem may show up in other Microsoft Office 365 programs.

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Excel Divide by Zero Errors Driving You Nuts? Try These Simple Fixes

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Spreadsheet show 2 examples of DIV 0 error

Ever had some of your Microsoft Excel spreadsheets show a #DIV/0 error in various cells? It brings back memories of math class for some. In this tutorial, I’ll explain what causes them and how to remove #div/0 errors in Excel from showing that dreaded text. I’ll show how to solve this problem by adding a simple IFERROR function argument. (Includes Excel practice file.)

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How to Use Windows Troubleshooting Tools

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Windows recovery settings

Ever faced a baffling computer issue on Windows 10? You’re not alone. Discover the built-in Windows troubleshooting tools designed to resolve those problems. Before seeking expert advice or commercial software, consider these free solutions to set things right.

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