By Agent Danny P.
Modern smartphones are amazing. They are also an expensive investment. To safeguard our investment we buy cases, screen protectors, and protection plans.
Despite these precautions, nothing will prevent us from accidentally leaving our phones somewhere. And then there’s theft. They haven’t invented an accessory guaranteed to prevent that yet.
Losing a prized possession can be rough, especially when it’s an expensive one like a smartphone. Just the thought of misplacing my phone makes my heart sink and my wallet cry out in pain. The fear really comes in when I think of all the private data that ends up stored on my phone. Losing that could be embarrassing, inconvenient and potentially costly
Fear not! Its 2012 and our mobile devices are smarter than ever. Helping clients through the process of replacing mobile devices prompted us to put together the following step-by-step guide for protecting your phone or tablet.
Step 1: Lock Down Your Phone
If you want to make it more difficult for someone to access your data, lock your phone down with a password. Android phones and Apple iPhones both have a feature that requires pin codes and passwords to unlock them. Android phones can also be locked with a pattern that you must draw (or even facial recognition). Note: unlocking your phone with your face is a cool feature but is not as secure as using a pin code or password. Pattern unlock is also susceptible to attacks because your fingers will leave marks as they slide across your screen.
Step 2: Encrypt it!
New tablets and phones that run the “Honeycomb” and “Ice Cream Sandwich” versions of Android allow all the data on the device to be encrypted. The encryption options are available in the security settings menu and will require you to set up a pin number that will give you access to your device when you turn it on. Encrypting your device isn’t a necessity, but it does increase how secure your phone is.
Step 3: Disable potentially risky settings
There is a function in the Options and Security section of the “Settings” menu in your Android phone called “USB debugging.” Developers use this setting to access and update data on your device. This setting can also allow others to install apps on your phone. Android users should make sure this setting is “off” during normal operation. Leaving this option “on” would give thieves access to data on your device should they get their hands on your smartphone.
Installing apps from outside of the Android Market isn’t necessarily bad, but once you go outside the recognized market, you need to be very careful about the sources of the apps. Don’t install an app from the web unless you’re sure that it’s safe.
Step 4: Here’s where it gets fun…
So far, so good. But how would you like to use Google Maps to find where you lost phone is? How about using remote commands to have your phone to take a picture of the thief? Many phone and tablet security apps will allow you to do just that.
Android Lost is a free app that you can install on your Android phone that allows you to control the phone remotely. (Heck, the app can even be installed remotely.) With the app on your phone, you can remotely lock or wipe your phone, view its location on a map, play messages, read texts and even take photos using the phone’s camera. Once installed, you can prevent the app from showing up in the app list, and can control it right from the app’s website using any computer. (Pretty sneaky and cool, eh?)
Other good Android security apps include Lookout Security and Where’s My Droid. If you own an iPhone with the latest version of iOS, you can use “Find my iPhone” functionality to locate your phone using any computer. This is part of Apple’s new iCloud services suite.
Locked&Found is our contribution to the mobile device security market.. Our program is available for all Android, iPhone and Blackberry phones and Android and iPad tablets. Locked&Found service is available as a standalone service and is included as part of our Black Tie protection plans for tablets and phones.
We hope these tips help prevent future disasters.. If you don’t choose to put a password on your phone, at least install a security app. There are plenty of free ones, and it only takes a few minutes to setup. If these help you in the future, let us know! We’d love to hear about your success stories on Facebook.
-Agent Danny P.
By Agent Laura G.
It’s that time of year again – St. Patrick’s Day! That day when, regardless of your ethnic background, everyone is Irish. You dress up in green, wear a “kiss me I’m Irish” button, and hit the pubs for some fun with friends new and old.
Sometimes, however, this can lead to just a little bit TOO much fun. Whoops! Someone spilled green beer all over your table and your new smart phone. What to do???
No need to panic. Grab a towel and check out this Geek Squad handy-dandy guide to save your cell phone from liquid damage.
Before we look at drying out your phone, let’s talk about how to prevent liquid damage from happening in the first place.
First, do not lay your phone on any surface around or near liquid. Keep it away from your pitcher of green beer, be careful where you put it in the bathroom (we’ll let your imagination fill in the blanks) or anywhere else it has the potential to be dropped into or covered in liquid. Keep your phone in your pocket/purse, backpack, man bag, satchel, bag of holding, or whatever else you use to carry around your personal treasures.
You might want to invest in a water-resistant case to protect your phone. Try a case like the Otterbox or the very versatile, fully waterproof Lifeproof cases. If you’re still not a fan of using cell phone cases, you can have your cell phone waterproofed by the folks at Liquipel. While the initial investment for waterproofing can run anywhere from $50-$100, it’s completely worth avoiding water damage to your phone or the high costs of replacing/repairing them.
If it’s already too late and your cell got dropped into liquid after a fight with an ornery leprechaun, here’s that guide we spoke about earlier:
That should take care of it! With a little foresight you can avoid such problems. But quick response should your phone and emerald-hued alcohol come into a rendezvous with each other, you can avoid having to say “farewell” to your trusted communication side arm. That is until you see the latest eye candy version and want to upgrade. Good luck, and check back for more articles!
-Agent Laura G.
Geek Squad Online Support
By Jeremy B.
In recent weeks, we’ve seen an uptick in reports of phone scammers, some claiming to be Microsoft technicians or in a few cases, even claiming to be associated with Geek Squad.
During these phone calls, consumers are told that their computers are out-of-date and need upgrading. The caller then attempts to remote into the consumer’s computer to “fix” the issues. Under the guise of a faux service, the caller asks for a credit card number and attempts to destroy the PC via remote connection before finishing the call.
For years, we’ve advised clients to avoid cyber attacks by following these relatively simple steps:
- Do not open attachments from people you don’t know
- Use caution when clicking on links
- Have reputable protection software and keep it up to date
While these cyber protection rules still apply, scammers are creating new ways to get into your computer and take the information they want – including contacting you by phone instead pursuing you by computer. Here’s updated guidance for helping you identify and avoid these scammers:
- Don’t respond to phone calls (or emails) asking for your credit card, social security or other personal information
- Do not click on links or visit pages that you would not normally visit
- Check official Web sites for any security alerts
- Make sure your operating system is up to date.
- Use caution when logging on to public WiFi networks
- Have reputable anti-spyware programs and anti-virus programs installed on your computer
Remember, Geek Squad will never reach out to you unsolicited in an attempt to perform service. If you are in doubt about a contact, you can reach an actual Geek Squad Agent directly by calling 1-800-Geek-Squad.
For help with all your technology needs, call 1.800 GEEK SQUAD to set up an onsite consultation, find a location near you at www.geeksquad.com, or visit the Geek Squad Precinct at Best Buy or freestanding locations to speak with an Agent directly. We provide our services wherever and whenever you need them – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
By Agent Laura G.
Yesterday was International Woman’s Day, the global celebration of the power of women. Here at Geek Squad we believe in that power and our female Agents work hard every day to break through stereotypes of technology repair.
Geek Squad aims to empower women of all ages and backgrounds, even as young as elementary school children with our Geek Squad Summer Academy.
The Geek Squad Summer Academy runs technology education workshops annually in schools, camps, clubs and military bases nationwide. We strive to demonstrate the benefits of technology, how to safely incorporate it into their lives and even how to repair some tech tools. It is a great opportunity for young women to feed their curiosity about how things work and cross the boundaries in a world of technology that has traditionally been male-dominated.
If you know someone that would be a perfect fit to join Geek Squad Summer Academy or if you’re just interested in the program, check our previous blog post. You can also find out more about the program or your nominate home town as a Geek Squad Summer Academy location go to the Academy’s website here.
-Agent Laura G.
Every day, Covert Remote Support Agent Laura G. is remotely saving the sanity of clients around the United States while thwarting the presence of malware on their computers. When not working on computers remotely you can find Agent Laura in her kitchen in sunny Vero Beach, FL baking creative and innovative cakes.
By Agent Ron G.
Did you feel the pillars of heaven shake yesterday? Did hell freeze over? No, that other unthinkable event has happened: the Founding Father of Geek Squad – Robert Stephens – is moving on.
To some, this may come as a huge shock. Robert has been synonymous with the Geek Squad. He’s our high-profile founder and “Chief Inspector” – a man known for his incredible charisma and drive. And anyone who has heard him speak has experienced the “Reality Distortion Field” that follows – his words draw you in, reshape reality around you, and make you see the impossible as… well, frankly… possible.
That’s Robert’s gift. He dreams – and then makes those dreams happen. Which is why the announcement didn’t catch me as much by surprise as others.
Why?
Simple: At heart, Robert is an entrepreneur. He loves to create things. Taking a dream, crafting it with precision, winding it up and showing it to the world is Robert’s forte. He’s a visionary with aspirations as wide as the tech industry, and as such, he simply could not be contained to one section of it for long.
I’ve known Robert for over 10 years. When I started with Geek Squad, it had 20-25 employees, and was run out of a converted hardware store in the warehouse district of Minneapolis. Now, it spans the globe, with tens of thousands of “Agents” (Geek Squad employees), and is synonymous with the words “service” and “tech support.”
Back in the old days, we toyed with dreams of greatness. Robert even coined “Worldwide Domination of the Computer Support Industry” as our catchphrase. Sure, we joked about it then – we saw the potential of Geek Squad to grow, but never imagined the heights to which it would climb in the years that followed. But you know what? Robert did – and that is what sets him apart.
Bill Gates once said that the key to success is being in the right place at the right time, recognizing you are there, and then taking massive and immediate action. It’s a common trait in the world of the movers and the shakers – those who leave a lasting impact on the world. And that’s Robert, to a T. He stepped into the tech support world back when it consisted mostly of mom and pop shops, and brought common sense, old-fashioned customer service into the 20th (and 21st) century – and all dressed up in a snappy black (clip-on) tie, white short-sleeved shirt, and black pants. (Oh, and don’t forget the white socks.)
Robert has left a lasting legacy at Best Buy, and it is with deep sadness that we see him move on. Yet we know that his boundless passion, entrepreneurial spirit, and incredible drive will leave a bigger impact as he moves into the larger technology world.
But the spirit of Geek Squad lives on, and continues to grow, in the hearts of its Agents. And while Robert may have built the brand and created the environment in which it could grow, the true culture of Geek Squad has come from its Agents. So it is only fitting that we give them a forum to express their thoughts on Robert’s departure:
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- Thank you for creating something that is more family than company, and more passion than job.
- I have never felt more ‘at home’ than I do in Geek Squad.
- It was more than just a job, it was a lifestyle.
- While you will be missed, you will never be forgotten. Geek Squad will continue to grow in your vision and what you did for Geek Squad will be a part of it’s DNA forever.
- To many of us, this is more than just a job — it’s a family. Thank You for giving all of us the opportunity to participate in something that is larger than ourselves.
- I wholly believe that without you, Geeks would never have become the cool, chic culture that it is.
- You’ve changed how the world views geeks… and I don’t think anyone else could have accomplished what you’ve done.
- What started as a job, quickly turned into an adventure – one which I will be forever in your debt for sending me.
- In my own little way here in a town in the north-east of England i’ll make sure to represent Geek Squad and the values it upholds.
- I’m really speechless right now. We have all benefitted from you more than any of realize. We will continue to make you proud of what you started.
- You made it cool to be a geek, you made providing great customer service incredibly fun, you helped bring technology into the mainstream, and most importantly you created one of the largest (and most awesome) families on the face of the planet.
- From a wondrous 13 year old dreaming about working in the Squad to a still wondrous 19 year old rising through the Agent ranks, thank you for creating the opportunities for not only myself but countless others to explore their curiosity and love for technology in an amazing environment.
- I was just looking for a job to get me through college, but instead I found a place where I could be myself, a job where I could satisfy my desire to learn & tinker with technology, and a group of people who are now considered family rather than co-workers (and an ever expanding/growing family at that!)… all because of what you have created, nurtured, and developed. I can’t express my gratitude enough.
- You’ve made me being an agent mean something…
- I am so proud to be a part of the family that you’ve brought to us, and the culture that is so special and really, so GENIUS. Thank you for bringing your brilliance to us all.
- Thank you, Robert, for creating such an environment of culture with Geek Squad. It’s empowering. It’s inspiring. It’s humbling.
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These are just a small portion of the outpouring of thoughts and feelings coming in today as the message spreads. There are more… and will be even more as the days go by.
Geek Squad will always remember our founder (and Chief Inspector Emeritus) with fondness and respect, and continue to blaze the trail that he started us on 18 years ago. And so (on a personal note), I will add my own thoughts in closing:
“Robert: you’ve brought out the best in us. You’ve taken the term “geek” and turned it into a badge of honor. You gave us something to believe in, and fostered our growth. From a small group of crazy guys and gals fixing computers (and having fun at it!) you created a worldwide juggernaut of technical service – all with trademarked Geek Squad humor, pride and style.
You’ve made us believe in something: the power of an individual to change the world; that greatness lies within us all, and we need only be fearless enough to dream, reach out, and work tirelessly to make it a reality.
You’ve walked the path that giants walked. Your legacy will endure. And we look forward with great anticipation to the new ways you will shake the pillars of the industry, as we continue to uphold your dream, and carry on the Geek Squad mission of “Serving the Public, Policing Technology, and Protecting the World.”
By Agent Derek M
After two decades of service to Geek Squad as Chief Inspector and to Best Buy as Chief Technology Officer, Robert Stephens has announced his decision to move on to his next adventure.
Geek Squad was started by a person with a unique vision about computer repair 18 years ago. Robert Stephens’ idea was to create a company that combined service and style into one package, known as the Geek Squad Agent.
Tens of thousands of Agents subsequently joined Robert in his role as Chief Inspector of the Geek Squad. Through its relationship with Best Buy, Geek Squad expanded beyond computer repair, and now our ranks include Agents specializing in Home Theater, Car Audio, as well as TV and Appliance Repair.
Geek Squad also stretched beyond the U.S. thanks to the work of Robert Stephens, with Agents joining us from countries like Canada, the UK and Mexico. Our Agents also became accessible remotely, 24/7, through our Online Support teams. And with luck, our proposed Geek Squad Moon Base will one day be a reality.
Thousands of Geek Squad Agents, as well as the thousands of grade school students trained through the Geek Squad Summer Academy, and families helped by the free services provided at the Children’s Hospital of Minneapolis, all want to thank Robert for the Geek Squad he created.
Robert made sure that the Geek Squad will be in great hands when he eventually left, with Agents having invaded all levels of Best Buy and all technology platforms. As Agents, we look forward to our continuing opportunity to demonstrate how his vision can be made reality, one computer repair, TV install, appliance repair or car stereo setup at a time.
For us, that Geek Squad is more of a family than a company, and more of a passion than a job. We wish Robert all the best in his new adventures.
“Cura et Celeritas”
-Agent Derek M.
For more information, visit Robert’s statement at http://robertstephens.com.
By Geek Squad Spain
The Mobile World Congress 2012 has drawn to an end. It has been a whirlwind four days of many presentations, racing to see who had the final device, or who can surprise the users more.
As we try to summarize everything we’ve seen at the Mobile World Congress, we are sure there are even more devices in the pipeline, so make sure to leave comments to help us.
- Nokia PureView 808: a device with 41MP camera and runs on an updated version of Nokia Belle. Available in 3 colors (Black, Red and White) and, not due to arrive until later in Q2, Priced at around €450 before taxes (that’s around $600 American). The Belle OS moves very fluidly, and responds to all the actions that we request instantly. Nokia also submitted 3 applications for the Lumia series: Nokia Transport, Nokia Reading and updated Nokia Drive 2.0.
- Sony Xperia NXT: Sony released with the S, P and U. (For the Ion still have to wait a while.) These are three smartphones (very well finished) with the unique feature of the transparent bar for notifications. They also feature the Bravia Engine technology which improves image quality. Smart Tags technology looked promising, with the use of NFC allowing users to set up many aspects of the terminal automatically by passing over them.
- Motorola XOOM 2 or XOOM 2 Media Edition, MOTOACTV: Motorola released new products tablet XOOM 2 or XOOM 2 Media Edition, a variation on the 7-inch with the same hardware. Of particular interest is MOTOACTV, developed for most athletes. Worn on the wrist while running, It features Android, with a very personalized layer by Motorola. Moving smoothly through menus and with great touch control, it has GPS to track hiking trails and keep our data, and Bluetooth, allowing users to synchronize with their Android smartphones to forward calls and text messages to the MOTOACTV. Best of all, when we get home from our outdoor sports, we can connect our MOTOACTV to PC and download all the data to your computer, keeping track of your progress.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7: a 7.7-inch tablet with a 1.4GHz dual core processor and SuperAMOLED Plus screen. Of interest here is the size: .75 lbs. and 7.8mm thick. A powerful device, with great screen quality and quite portable. It also includes the ability to make calls (3G version) through its’ earpiece and microphone.
- HTC One: HTC has nailed it this time with this series. They brought three smartphones that meet (and exceed) the needs of users: One X (the handset for those that always want the latest), the One S (for those that don’t want a big display, but still want it fast and well finished), and the One V (for those on a budget, but still with good finishes). Very thin, very lightweight, yet strong and with the latest technology.
- LG Optimus 4XHD: LG has presented of their winning selection, the Optimus 4XHD, which has the new Nvidia Tegra 3 processor , (1.5GHz), a 4.6-inch display with IPS technology and loaded with Ice Cream Sandwich by default. We also saw their bet against the Galaxy Note — the Optimus Vu – and their renewed 3D-capable smartphone — the Optimus 3D Max — with enhanced 3D video and playback. It looks like LG is aiming for all the targets to see if they hit a bull’s-eye across the board. Hopefully all their ongoing efforts will succeed
That should finish our coverage of 2012 MWC Barcelona. Keep an eye out for us at future events!
-Agent A. Gutierrez
Deputy Field Marshall, Geek Squad Spain
By Geek Squad UK
If you’re anything like us, you probably use a lot of Google based services. Over the last few weeks, you may have noticed these services have been inundating you with notices about an upcoming change to their privacy policy. What does it all mean? Agent Morgan from the UK is here to help lay it all out.
If you’ve been using any of the free Google services over the last few weeks, you’ve probably seen more than a few messages about changes to their Privacy Policy that will come into effect on the first of March. So, what does this mean for you as a user? What are the most important changes to the privacy policies? What do you need to know?
Read on for my three step guide to the Google privacy policy changes!
- Step 1: DON’T PANIC. It’s really not going to change that much. The main purpose is to have a “one policy fits all” approach, so you, as a user, can read one and know it’s not going to change over the many different Google products you likely use. Which, at the end of the day, makes it easier to understand!
- Step 2: WATCH THIS VIDEO. I think Google have done a great job of explaining most of it themselves!
- Step 3: READ THE SMALL PRINT.
Obviously step three is not the best way to spend a couple of hours, so we have trawled through it all and brought you the more important bits, what they mean and why you should pay attention to them! But, please remember, that if you are at all worried about what any company (not just Google) is doing with your sensitive information, always read their policies and never take someone else’s word for it! After all, your personal information is your private information!
So, before I start explaining, here is a direct link to the new policy, in case you haven’t seen it yet: http://www.Google.com/policies/privacy/preview/
So, where to begin? Well, the first thing that all Internet users should be aware of (and many of you will be already) is “cookies” and no, not the type you have with a glass of milk!
Cookies
Cookies, or HTTP cookies, to give them their proper title, are used by a website to send information to the browser and vice-versa. Or, in English, it remembers things you tell certain websites and the replies you get from them!
So, Google for example, use cookies, to remember what language you like to use, or if you use iGoogle, or if you have filters on your search results, all things that make using the Google services a little quicker and easier. Again, if you’re at all worried, you can clear the cookies stored on your PC from your browser’s settings.
IP Addresses.
As well as cookies, Google also keeps a record of your IP address. An IP address is basically an address for your computer; just like your house has its own number and post code, your computer has an IP address.
The main reason for this is so when you connect to the internet, certain websites and services use location-specific data to ensure you get the most relevant information. So, when you search for Take-Aways or Doctors’ surgeries you’re going to see the ones near you, not the ones in another part of the country!
Fortunately, your IP gives away very little information about you. If you were to Google your own IP, then you would see your Internet service provider (TalkTalk/Virgin/BT/SKY etc), your country, and the location of the nearest large town or city to you. So, nothing more than your post code, or anything that could tell you apart from Mr Bloggs that lives the other side of your city!
Advertising.
For this bit, we need to take a step back from the Google we all see every day, that is Google.com the search engine and remember Google Inc. is the largest advertising company in the world.
Imagine yourself in their situation; you are looking for things that interest people, so you can show them adverts that might interest them and, therefore, make the user more likely to click on these adverts. Google also had a way of knowing what sort of things they searched for, using one of the world’s most popular search engines and so, things that more likely interest them, which enabled advertising to become a lot more personal than it once was.
So, back in March 2003, Google started using targeted advertising, and it is only doing what any company can and would do in the situation. (Facebook and many other websites do this too!)
But, you do have a choice. If you are not happy with Google anonymously keeping an eye on what you search for in order to show you specifically targeted adverts, go to https://www.google.com/history/ , log into your account, then click “Remove Web History”. This will also pause your web history, so no more search history will be stored. So this means that searching for a florist for your wife won’t then mean you get adverts popping up with flowers, so your surprise will remain a secret until she gets them!
Also remember, that if you use Gmail, this is also anonymously scanned by Google AdSense and that you will see adverts relevant to the content of your message. Google likes to point out, so its only fair we do to, that this process is entirely automated and anonymous so no person will ever read your email or your search history.
Mobile.
With the rise of Android and Google mobile apps in general, we should take a moment to see how the privacy policy changes affect us, while on the move. All the topics covered so far, are just as relevant on your mobile device, as your home PC and in some aspects, more.
The main thing to remember here is that most mobile apps (again, not just Google ones) share your location by default; this is normally to the nearest cell mast but if you have GPS turned on, it can share your location as accurately as to a couple of meters.
Especially take care of this if you you use Google-Latitude, as your location automatically updates as long as the app is running.
Google Dashboard.
Finally, I am going to end on what is most likely your first view of the Google Dashboard.
If you are a Google account user, this is the best place to go to see what information Google has stored on you already and ways to clear anything you are not comfortable with them holding.
Some of it is very valuable information to have secured online in a safe place, like your Google contacts and android device history, which if you use android, is good, because if you were to ever have your device lost or stolen, you have a back up of all your contacts and a copy of your IMEI number to give to the police.
What to do if you’re not happy with anything.
Using the dashboard, you are able to clear most information that you have given to Google voluntarily – so this shouldn’t be an issue for the majority of people – but if you find anything available on Google about yourself that you’re not happy with, you can request Google to provide you with a copy of all information they hold on you and request its removal.
All this provided by Google, in the form of “Data Liberation”. For more information on this, you can visit http://www.dataliberation.org/
In conclusion
I believe Google themselves have done a great job in being as transparent as they possibly can, by creating the “Google: Good To Know” and if you found this article interesting then it will definitely be worth looking at as they don’t just cover the topics surrounding the most recent privacy policy update, but almost everything Google/Internet related! I’d particularly like to recommend the section entitled “Stay safe online” which covers basic Internet security and gives great advice on keeping yourself secure!
So, there we have it! Like I have said, Don’t take my word for it, if you’re even a little unsure about anything private being stored by someone else, read the privacy policy that accompanies it.
- Agent M. O. Bowler
Precinct 1580 – Cardiff, UK.
By Agent Nikolas J
iPods are awesome. Really, they are. Cutting-edge technology, bringing our favorite music and video to us at the touch of a button, any time we like. Which is why it sucks when they occasionally decide not to work.
Thinking of introducing your iPod to a concrete wall at maximum force? Relax – we got you covered. iPod troubles are one of the most common technology problems we deal with at Geek Squad. Here are some easy tips that might help you get it going again.
Symptom: It won’t turn on at all
Very common – and often very easy to fix. First, try resetting your iPod. This is like rebooting your computer. Worried you’ll lose your Guns and Roses collection? Don’t be. With a reset, none of your media or settings are lost.
- iPod Touch: hold down the home and the power buttons until you see the white Apple logo in the middle of the screen.
- All other iPods: hold down the center button and the menu button until the Apple logo appears in the middle of the screen.
After your iPod reboots, try it out and see if everything is working again.
If you’ve held down both buttons for 20 seconds or more and your iPod still isn’t doing anything, try plugging it into your computer. When you plug it in, it should receive enough power to start it up and start charging the battery. If your iPod doesn’t turn on when you plug it into your computer, try using a different USB port or a different iPod cable.
Symptom: My computer won’t recognize my iPod
Your iPod works great, but your computer doesn’t see it when you plug it in.
First, make sure the latest version of iTunes is installed on your computer. Typically, iTunes will update itself automatically, but if this has been disabled (or you aren’t sure), you can always download the latest version from the iTunes page on Apple’s website. You may also want to launch iTunes before you plug in your iPod.
If this doesn’t work, try using a different iPod cable and or plugging it into a different USB port. If things are still a no-go, you may need to uninstall iTunes and reinstall it (accessible from the Add/Remove Programs list in the Windows Control Panel in Windows).
Still not working? Have you checked to see if the iPod is recognized by a different computer? No? Well then, give that a try. If it works, you know that the problem is with the first computer, not the iPod.
Symptom: locked out
Did you set a password on your iPod Touch – and then (in)conveniently forget it? Locked out and jonesing for your musical fix? No sweat. Follow these instructions, and you’ll be grooving to the beat soon.
To start, we’ll need to put your iPod into “recovery mode,” and restore it using iTunes. First, power your iPod off. Hold down the power button until you see “slide to power off” on the screen – then do so. Next, launch iTunes on your computer. While the iPod is still powered down, hold down on the “home” button on the front of the iPod while you plug the iPod into your computer. Within minutes, an iTunes message will pop up, indicating an iPod in recovery mode needs to be restored. This will wipe the iPod clean of files, and reload the music from iTunes. This might take some time (especially if your iPod needs a software update), so sit back, make a bowl of popcorn, and relax as iTunes restores your iPod, updates it to the latest version, and then re-transfers all your media back onto it.
Done! Easy, right? Well, maybe not so easy, but now you know some tips on how to get your iPod up and running again. For additional tips check out the Troubleshooting Your iPod Tech Tip on our website.
If you still need help or have questions, get in contact with a Geek Squad Agent online at geeksquad.com, call 1-800-GEEKSQUAD to schedule an appointment, or visit a Geek Squad Precinct in a Best Buy store near you for help on getting your iPod up and running again.
-Agent Nikolas J.
Agent Nikolas is a husband and a father of two boys who love to beat him at Geometry Wars. His favorite piece of technology, strangely enough, is the slow cooker in his kitchen. When he isn’t removing viruses from your PC he is probably out playing in the Wisconsin snow or camping next to a nice lake somewhere.
By Agent Devin C.
Picture this: You wake up in the morning and turn on your computer to watch the latest news and check in with your friends (or catch up on the latest cat videos you may have missed). Instead of your nice welcome screen you are confronted by the dreaded Blue Screen of Death!
What do you do? Panic? Smack the computer? Roll your 12-sided die? Perhaps you should check out Safe Mode!
What is Windows Safe Mode?
Windows Safe Mode loads Windows in a “stripped down” version – just the essentials for running the operating system. Safe Mode avoids loading all extra drivers and applications that may have come installed on the computer. It also does not load most antivirus software, communication programs like Skype and Yahoo! Messenger, and other software that may have built up on your computer over time.
Windows Safe Mode is part of on all versions of Windows beginning with Windows 95. It’s a great utility to help diagnose boot-up issues, and allows you access to the system when it won’t boot up normally.
When and Why Would I Use Windows Safe Mode?
Sometimes installing new programs, updates or hardware drivers can confuse Windows, causing it to be unusable. For example, let’s say you installed the latest antivirus software, and now your computer has problems turning on. By using Windows Safe Mode, you can boot up your computer and try to uninstall that program in order to get your machine back to normal.
Windows Safe Mode can also be a way to try and remove basic viruses. Since Windows Safe Mode only loads the basics of your computer, many viruses will not load when booted. This can allow you to go through the computer and try removing infected files.
What are the Dangers of Safe Mode?
Since Windows Safe Mode does not load all of the normal Windows files, you can accidently delete files that are normally protected – ones that are critical to Windows running at all. If you are using Safe Mode to remove files, make sure you only delete files that are not important. (Not sure if the file is important? Here’s a tip: Google the file name and see what others say.)
Getting into Safe Mode is another task in itself – not one for the faint of heart. (Check out our Do-It-Yourself section for instructions on doing so.) If you still have problems, or would rather have someone else do it for you, you can get help from Geek Squad Agent by visiting your local Best Buy, calling 1-800-GeekSquad or chatting with an online support Agent at www.GeekSquad.com.
-Agent Devin C.
Double Agent Devin C can be found trekking in his Geekmobile in North Carolina and policing technology on a daily basis. When he is not saving clients from their technology issues, he can often be found glued to his computer chair with the warm glow of the monitor providing all the artifical light he needs to power his robot brain.
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Monday, March 19, 2012