Last updated on: May 15, 2006
New Inkjet cartridges are expensive, and refill kits are messy.  For an inexpensive substitute try Inkjets, 123inkjets, which are remanufactured units.  Want to refill it? Try Thirsty Printer.  Want to get bucks for empties? Try We Buy Empties.

Compatibles @ fantastic prices Print Pal
I buy from 77 Colors
Get reviews, technical specs, for motherboards for dozens of modesl from major manufacturers, including closeup pictures.
Did you remember to get enough memory for your computer? Here is a site with just about every con- ceiveable type.  It also has a memeroy configurator to tell you what you need.
Hardware
HARWARE UTILITIES

Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology for diagnosing hardrive problems. SMART 

Concerned about cooling of computer, get the free SpeedFan Tool.   Another free utility for monitoring system heat is CPUCool

Interpret BIOS Beep Codes emitted during POST. 

Diagnose your system RAM with free Memtest86 

If you are getting "Non-system disc" error messages when you bootup and you have now floppy or CD in the drive you could have a corrupted boot sector or partition table.  Fix it with Partition Table Doctor.

Interpret the Blue Screen of Death error codes.

Event Ids tell you what caused a problem noted in Windows' Event Log, but the codes are almost absturse.  EventID.Net tells you what's really going on.

Use MSConfig to see what's loading during startup of your computer then Merijin's free Startup List , SysInternal's Autorun to figure which of the programs are needed.

Are right-click menu's too slow? These are due to badly written shell extensions.  To root out problems, try NirSoft ShellExView

Are you having trouble maintaining WiFi connection.  The problem may be due to RF interference.  Use the utility NetStumbler to help diagnose the problem. You can find other troubleshooting advice at Lincoln Spector.



Fixing a Computer
Other Components
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Click here to save on the Ink Jet Printer bill.
A good way to save on the INK bill is to use LESS.  Don't believe me!  How about a FREE 15 day trial?
DELL Replacement Parts:   1-800-357-3355
Keeping Nozzles Unclogged
- Always use switch on printer, NEVER use power
    strip to turn-off.
- Use printer at least once a week.
- When using "nozzle cleaning utility," always print
    between 2 or 3 cleans to clear bubbles out of jets.
- If not unclogged after 6 repeated uses of "cleaner,"
    let printer sit for 2 or 3 hours before trying again.
- Never store cartridges beyond 6 months.  They have
    a limited shelf-life.