My work computer is a laptop running Windows 7. I am working far from my office this week (as I often do) and I connect to my work server through Remote Desktop Connection. Typically this is pretty much problem-free, but for the last two or three days, when I log in to the server, I am seeing the server's desktop not as a full screen, but in a window about 10" wide on my 17.3" laptop screen. As well, while the laptop's screen has a 16:9 aspect ratio, the window looks to be 4:3. Attempting to resize the window through the Maximize/Restore Down icon avails me naught: I can mouse over the edges of the window and drag it to a new size, but it maxes out at the size that I mention, which covers maybe 60% of the screen's real estate. Numerous reboots and resets have not rectified it and I am at a loss as to how to proceed.
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posted by ricochet biscuit
on Apr 24, 2013 -
6 answers
My Windows 7 laptop frequently goes to 100% CPU usage and becomes unusable. I've discovered that if I put it to sleep and immediately wake it up, the CPU usage goes back down to a reasonable level (10% ish) and stays that way, but this problem recurs at least daily. How can I diagnose and fix the cause of this issue?
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posted by PercussivePaul
on Mar 18, 2013 -
15 answers
I have a Dell laptop with Windows 7 32-bit on it and I'm having the weirdest issue with it. The "Devices and Printers" control panel window hangs every time I open it. It gets to about 90% of the way, according to the progress bar, and then stops. I can manage my printers using the Admin tools but everything else is unreachable. Is there any way to fix this short of a Windows re-install? This is a work laptop and I'd rather not have to go through our IT service department since they'll nuke everything on it that wasn't there when I got it.
posted by tommasz
on Jan 4, 2013 -
8 answers
I have a docked laptop hooked up to two monitors. How can I keep those monitors in Extended Display mode every time I boot up?
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posted by starvingartist
on Dec 5, 2012 -
6 answers
I can't connect to the wireless network-- have connected with other laptops and my smart phone just fine to this connection. Is there something I can change on my computer? I need to figure this out ASAP or I may have problems with applying for jobs and doing my schoolwork!
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posted by camylanded
on Nov 26, 2012 -
11 answers
Which PC laptop to buy for engineering college that'll last me at least 3-4 years? Coming from Apple Macbook.
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posted by Parh6512
on Sep 15, 2012 -
36 answers
What tech specs are most essential for working remotely via Citrix? Longtime Mac user here, have never bought a Windows machine. I need to buy a laptop to work remotely for my job (paralegal at a mid-size law firm). I will be logged into my Firm's network, and running a variety of software programs off Citrix (iManage Desksite, Filesurf, Word, Hotdocs template manager, Adobe Professional, etc). What key features should I be looking for? Is 8GB of RAM enough? Recommendations for specific brand names are also welcome.
posted by invisible ink
on Aug 25, 2012 -
15 answers
How do I wirelessly stream laptop output to TV? No DLNA, no Intel WiDi, but HDMI port available.
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posted by theobserver
on Jul 7, 2012 -
12 answers
I'd like to find a laptop for my son (age 9) so he can play Flight Simulator X to his heart's content this Xmas. Here's the hurdles: I know NOTHING about laptops and I have very little money to spend. Help!
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posted by biddeford
on Oct 3, 2011 -
7 answers
I have a brand-new Dell laptop. What's the best way to remove all the bloatware? What things
should I install? (Please no Linux, this is a Windows 7 machine and I need it to stay that way.)
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posted by desjardins
on Sep 23, 2011 -
24 answers
What's the most basic MP3 DJ software for an hour-long laptop set?
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posted by ajp
on Jun 21, 2011 -
9 answers
I am tasked with choosing a low-price laptop for my sister and her son, but everything I know about Windows computers is ten years or more out of date. Do we still need to avoid Celeron chips? What brands are more reliable? Bonus questions inside.
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posted by nowonmai
on Jun 14, 2011 -
24 answers
I have a few questions about a home server / backup / HTPC solution and I would really appreciate some help. Details inside.
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posted by decrescendo
on May 18, 2011 -
13 answers
Notebook PC: I'm considering getting a nicer Windows notebook to use in addition to my MacBook Pro and there is one key feature that I've only found on Macs: 2-finger scrolling on the trackpad.
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posted by nickthetourist
on Mar 27, 2011 -
26 answers
Looking for a laptop that will run Linux & Windows 7 without driver hassles. Budget ~$1k and under. Used would be ok. Must be able to install an SSD drive in it. Not a heavy gamer, but if it could run minecraft passably that would be a big bonus. Additional conditions and...
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posted by de void
on Jan 27, 2011 -
10 answers
Looking for a 14" or 15" Windows 7 laptop. Should I wait until Sandy Bridge makes its way out into the market or should I buy one now? Also, which should I buy? Details inside.
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posted by decrescendo
on Dec 29, 2010 -
11 answers
My netbook refuses to start in Windows 7, though it will boot into Ubuntu from a USB thumb drive. How can I repair Windows' startup from outside of Windows and/or booting from a thumb drive?
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posted by nicebookrack
on Dec 13, 2010 -
6 answers
Netbook/Windows Starter 7 question: What is the filename (and path) for the default, non-changeable background (wallpaper) image? Can I just save what I want as that file and have it use that instead?
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posted by fiercecupcake
on Oct 20, 2010 -
6 answers
I'm looking for a 14 or 15 inch Sony, Asus, or Lenovo Windows 7 laptop that will function as my only machine. Any recommendations?
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posted by decrescendo
on Oct 3, 2010 -
18 answers
Help me find a new non-Mac 15" Windows 7 laptop. What manufacturer should I go with? Details inside.
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posted by decrescendo
on Aug 29, 2010 -
16 answers
What type of wirelessly accessible storage solution should I go with in my new home network? Details inside...
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posted by decrescendo
on Aug 17, 2010 -
3 answers
Looking for a small, but somewhat powerful laptop/netbook. Ideally, would have the following features:
- around a 10' - 11" screen
- 2 Gig or more RAM
- Windows 7
- Available now & not a Dell
* Solid State Hard Drive (SSD)
More details inside...
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posted by cuando
on Jul 14, 2010 -
12 answers
My friend just got a new laptop, and every time she attempts to shut it down, within a few seconds it turns itself back on. Halp?
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posted by EtzHadaat
on Jun 27, 2010 -
14 answers
My laptop's Vista install is borked and now it won't start up. How can I salvage my data?
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posted by ludwig_van
on Mar 15, 2010 -
5 answers
I need a new laptop - Windows 7, about 14/15" screen, not super-powerful but with enough storage space and power for me to collect my photo archives and play the odd game. I am flummoxed by what's on offer. HELP!
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posted by mippy
on Feb 19, 2010 -
13 answers
My laptop (an Acer Travelmate) just gave up the ghost after 3 years and a replaced (but still dodgy) hard drive. Any suggestions for laptops that can handle plenty of travel and being bumped around in bags?
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posted by divabat
on Feb 10, 2010 -
15 answers
I'm trying to make my "main computer" my 2 year-old MacBook Pro instead of my home-built desktop. How can I best do this? Does anyone have any dock recommendations for that MacBook Pro?
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posted by decrescendo
on Jan 13, 2010 -
21 answers
Is there a tool available that will tell me which version of Windows the product key on this sticker is for?
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posted by flabdablet
on Dec 8, 2009 -
10 answers
What are the basic steps to remove personal information off of a hard drive? (XP Home, SP3)
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posted by salvia
on Nov 27, 2009 -
9 answers
Looking for the perfect laptop for traveling. Priorities are durability, lightness, and battery life, in that order. Performance is not too important, but it must run Windows 7 like a champ. Willing to consider netbooks.
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posted by Afroblanco
on Oct 29, 2009 -
19 answers
My laptop hasn't been the same since blitzing some particularly nasty malware. What on earth did I do?
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posted by nostrich
on Aug 20, 2009 -
9 answers
Which one of the multitude of Linux distros should someone who's never used Linux before give a go?
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posted by n3rt
on Aug 18, 2009 -
34 answers
When will Windows 7 be standard on new computers and how should this affect my intent to buy a new laptop?
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posted by jefficator
on Jun 17, 2009 -
13 answers
