July 11, 2008 by Ralph Kirkland.

This stumped me at first.  I continued to accept the EULA, but I still got the message.  I kept doing the same thing over and over, one definition of insanity.

So what is the problem.  It involves the way that Vista limits installations to reduce unwanted applications from installing.  The problem is that in this case, it creates its own problem.

If you want to solve it yourself, back up the registry before you begin.  For this I recommend a program called ERUNT.   It backs up the entire registry in case you make a mistake.  The Microsoft regedit does not back up everything.

Once you have a backup, you can edit the registry.  Follow the instructions of this Microsoft tech bulletin, 884202.

If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, give me a call.  I can check other problems for you at the same time.

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July 30, 2007 by Ralph Kirkland.

My reflections on computer support. I will be listing whatever I find interesting. That may be great prices. It may be fun. It may be anything that I find, computer related or not.

I work on computers in the Decatur, GA area. I work mainly for small business and some homeowners. I setup wired and wireless networks and computers, along with security. I am always open to new ideas. I am not perfect, nor do I know everything. I always try to get it right.

I have been trying to build my business. How can I get more clients? I tried cold calling. A little success, but a lot of work for little gain. I tried mailing brochures. Basically, no response. I have tried networking. More success, but not as much as I hoped.

Finally, I started researching how to get customers. I recommend two books, neither directly about computer consulting. One is Get Clients Now! By C. J. Hayden. From that I find I needed to modify my networking. I had been failing to follow-up effectively. When people did not become customers quickly, I quit calling on them. I had no system for follow-up. I worked on my introductions, which had been pretty weak. Then I read Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port. He has much advice on which clients to keep, only the ones you like working with. Seems counter-intuitive to me. But it has helped me. I am now looking for customers that I like.

This is beginning to work for me. For more on what I have done to keep in touch take a look at my Squidoo lens.

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