If you’ve recently opened up Skype and tried to log in only to encounter a message box that says “Account::db_in_use” you’re in luck! Simply try one of the fixes listed below to fix this problem.

Solution #1: Make Sure you have enough free space on your hard drive

The simplest cause of this problem seems to be a hard disk that is completely filled with no free space left on it at all. Check your hard drive to see whether or not you’ve filled the entire thing up.If you find that you have very little space left on your hard drive then simply make some free space.

Once you’ve done that start Skype up again. It should run and login fine now. If it doesn’t (or if you have plenty of free space on your hard drive) try the next solution.

Solution #2: Delete the Skype “config.lck” file

(Warning: I don’t know what this file does and deleting it may result in the deletion of your Skype data such as history, photos, etc… However some users have deleted it and experienced no deletion of data. Your choice.)

This second solution is quite simple.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to your User Directory.
2. Navigate to the config.lck file located in /Library/Application Support/Skype/[Your Skype Name]/config.lck
3. Delete config.lck

For Windows Users:

1. Go to your user directory at C:/Users/[Your User Name]
2. Navigate to the config.lck file located in /AppData/Roaming/Skype/[Your Skype Name]/config.lck
3. Delete config.lck

Then start Skype up again. It should run and login fine now.

If you have a video in a format that will not play on your iPod Touch or iPhone simply follow these instruction to convert it to a format that your iPod or iPhone will understand:

1. Download and Install Handbrake

Handbrake is free for anyone to download from their website. Click here to download it. Once it has downloaded install it on your Mac.

2. Open Handbrake

3. Click Source

4. Find and Select your Video. Click Open

5. Click iPhone and iPod Touch on the Preset Menu.

If you don’t see a preset menu click on Toggle Presets.

6. Change the Destination Folder to wherever you want. This is where your video will end up.

7. Click Add to Queue

8. Click Start.

Once the process is completed (it’ll take at least a few minutes) the converted video will be in your Destination folder.

If your Apple device is on the fritz and is in need of repair the first question you probably ask yourself is “Is this under warranty?” In the past you needed to call a phone number, navigate a phone tree, and then finally force the information out of an unhelpful rep. Well no more. Apple has made a simple webpage where you can quickly and easily check the warranty status of your device. All you need is the serial number.

Click here to go to the Apple Online Warranty Tool.

There are several things that can cause your headphone jack to suddenly stop working. The problem can be software or hardware based. It can exist because of an earbud issue or a iPod issue. Let’s run through the different scenarios and take a look at some fixes for you to try:

Solution #1: Turn your iPod Off and then On again

Sometimes the iPod just needs to be turned off and on in order to work properly again. If this is the case then just press and hold the power button on the iPod, wait for it to turn off, wait ten seconds and turn it back on.

Solution #2: Try a different set of earphones

Before we move onto more complex fixes we should really try to figure out whether the problem is because of the earphones or because of the iPod. Fortunately there is a very simple way to figure this out: borrow a pair of headphones from someone and plug them into your iPod. If the problem you’re having disappears (and you can hear music properly) then you just need to buy a new set of earphones, but if the problem persists then your iPod is the culprit and we’ll have to move onto the next troubleshooting step.

Solution #3: Reset your iPod

Now that we’ve determined that the iPod is the cause of the problem we have to figure out whether the cause is software or hardware based. The simplest way to do this is by resetting the iPod back to factory defaults. This will erase the settings on your iPod and bring the player back to how it was when you first purchased it.

The instructions for restoring an iPod touch can be found on the Apple website: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1414

If you still have the problem even after resetting the Ipod then move onto the next step.

Solution #4: Tighten the headphone jack (Advanced)

(The last two solutions require somewhat advanced technical knowledge and can result in a broken iPod. Only go forward if you know what you’re doing.)

Plug in your headphones and play a song. Press down on the iPod touch surface just above where the headphone jack is and a little higher. If you hear music start playing when you press down then chances are that your headphone jack is loose. To fix this you’ll have to open up your iPod touch and tighten the two screws that hold the jack in place.

This youtube video shows the procedure:

Solution #5: Replace the headphone jack (Advanced)

(The last two solutions require somewhat advanced technical knowledge and can result in a broken iPod. Only go forward if you know what you’re doing.)

If the above didn’t work then you’ll most likely have to replace the headphone jack itself. This will require that you know how to de-solder/solder. You will also need to purchase a replacement headphone jack to place into your iPod touch.

The following two youtube videos will show you how to do this:

Good luck!

When you render an animation in Blender 3D on a Mac it is immediately saved into a folder called /tmp/. Unfortunately this folder is hidden so you can’t go and get your render.

To open it (and get your files) simply do the following: Press SHIFT+CMD+G and type /tmp/

So you’ve purchased an app from the iTunes store and it doesn’t work or it doesn’t work like you expected it to. What do you do? Well there is a way you can request a refund from Apple for the app. First let’s review their policy.

In order to get a refund the app must have one of the following problems:

1) Corrupt or faulty in some way.
2) Different in appearance or function from the description in the App Store.
3) Unworkable in your geographic area.

If you situation matches this then simply drop off an email to: iTunesStoreSupport@apple.com with the following information:

* User Name

* Details about the problem you’re having and why you’re requesting a refund

* The iTunes Order Number (Can be found in your account)

Good luck!

(Note: This information was first found at iPad Help Forums.)

A user writes that they are running into a strange error with their computer. They are trying to transfer files to an external hard drive when Windows throws up error code 0×8007045D.

This error code usually means that there is file corruption on your computers hard drive. Fortunately the problem is easy resolved by running a program called CHKDSK. It is included on every Windows computer free of charge.

To run the program open your “Computer” or “My Computer” folder. Right Click on the icon for the C drive. Click properties on the menu that opens. A Window will then pop-up. Click on the Tools tab. Then click on Check Now. Let the program run.

Hopefully that solves your problem.

A few users have written to me asking why their monitors have screens that are randomly turning yellow or green. This is a common problem with computers as they go through their life cycle.

The problem is usually caused by a loose video cable. The first thing you should do is make sure that both ends of your video cable are snug and secure. Tighten the screws on both the monitor and the computer end of the cable.

If that doesn’t work you might need a new video cable. Thankfully these do not cost much and can be bought from your local computer or electronics store. Simply replace the old cable with the new one.

If your problem is still not solved then please write to me in the comments below and we’ll see if I can help.

A reader asks:

I just bought a new Toshiba laptop and I turned it on and I’m getting something called Toshiba Recovery Wizard. What is this? This should be a new laptop?

The Toshiba Recovery Wizard is a program that can help you fix your laptop when it breaks. It’s an emergency program. It also runs when you first turn on a brand new Toshiba laptop. It’s completely normal. Just follow the instructions on the screen and you’ll be up and running in no time.

If you’re shopping for a new computer for school Apple has some great news for you. They are offering a pretty decent discount on all of their computers for College and University Students (and teachers). You simply need to head on over to their site and enter in your student information.

They are also giving away free iPods and printers!

Visit their Student Discount website here.