How to disable Copilot in Microsoft Excel

Copilot, Microsoft's generative AI tool, is enabled by default in modern versions of Excel, Word, and other Microsoft 365 (M365) apps. If you wish to disable Copilot in Excel, it can be done easily by following the steps below:

• Select the File tab (upper left)
• Select Options (lower left)
• Select Copilot (left sidebar)
• Uncheck the box next to Enable Copilot
• Select OK
• Close any open Excel windows
• Relaunch Excel

If you later change your mind, you can turn Copilot back on at any time by checking the Enable Copilot box and restarting Excel.

How to find the IP address of any device connected to your Verizon DSL router

Many networks use TCP/IP to communicate and exchange data over the network.  On TCP/IP networks, each connected device is given an IP address.  This IP address can be useful to know, and if you have a Verizon DSL router managing your network, you can use that router to find the IP address of any device connected to it (and even devices that were connected but aren't currently).

To find a device's IP address using your Verizon DSL router:

On a computer connected to your router, open your web browser (Firefox, Chrome, Edge, etc.).  In the browser's address bar, type in the IP address of your Verizon DSL router and press Enter.

🛈 If you're not sure of your router's IP address, it will probably be 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 10.0.0.1.  If it's not any of those, this post "How to find the IP address of a router" can help you to find it.

Once you've input the router's IP address, the router's configuration utility will load.  You'll see a red and black page with the Verizon logo at the top, and then a bar with several options below that.  Click on the My Network icon on that bar.

A list of connected (and previously connected) devices will appear under the My Network heading.  The name of each device is displayed in bold; locate the device you're looking for on the list.  In the details below the device's name, you'll see its IP address.

🛈 If your router is using Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to hand out IP addresses, the IP address for each device on your network (except your router) may change the next time you reboot or disconnect/reconnect that device.

(Originally posted to Helium.com, 2011)

How to set the IP address for a Ricoh Aficio MP 4001/5001 copier

To print to and scan from a multifunction copier on a TCP/IP network, the copier will need an IP address.  Some networks will use Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to assign the IP address to the copier, but if you want the copier to keep its IP address permanently, you can manually assign it an address yourself.  This assignment can be done from a computer, using Ricoh's Web Image Monitor, or it can be done directly from the copier itself.

The instructions below explain how to assign an IPv4 address directly from the copier's operation panel.

🛈 These instructions also apply to other similar Aficio models, such as the MP 3500, MP 4500, MP 4000, and MP 5000, as well as some color-capable machines like the MP C3500, MP C4500, MP C4000, and MP C5000.

🛈 The copier's default gateway can be set in the same manner as the IP address; just select IPv4 Gateway Address from the Interface Settings tab instead of Machine IPv4 Address.

🛈 If the copier has a paper jam or is out of toner, you may not be able to access any settings until the condition has been fixed.

⚠ Before assigning an IP address to the copier, ensure that the specific address is not in use by another device, otherwise a connection conflict will occur.

1. Go into the System Settings menu

With the copier on and ready, press the User Tools/Counter button in the upper left corner of the operation panel.  When the User Tools menu appears, tap System Settings.

2. Go to the IP address settings

On the System Settings screen there will be a row of tabs toward the top of the screen.  Tap the tab labeled Interface Settings.  Then tap Machine IPv4 Address.

3. Disable DHCP

To manually enter an IP address, DHCP will have to be turned off.  There are two buttons toward the top of the screen -- Auto-Obtain (DHCP) and Specify.  If Specify is the highlighted button, then DHCP is already off.  If Specify is not highlighted, tap it to highlight it.

4. Enter the IP address

Below the DHCP settings, there is a line that says "Machine IPv4 Address" followed by a series of numbers.  Tap Change to the right of the numbers, then type in the IP address that you want to use.  After every three digits that you type, the cursor will automatically move to the next octet (set of three numbers) in the address.  If you type just one digit for an octet (such as "1" instead of "001") then you'll need to manually advance to the next octet by tapping the right arrow button on the screen.

Once you've entered the IP address, tap the onscreen pound (#) button or press the pound button on the keypad.

5. Enter the subnet mask

Enter the subnet mask the same way you entered the IP address: tap Change after Subnet Mask, enter the address, then press the pound button.  If you don't know what subnet mask to use, contact your network administrator.

6. Save the new IP address

Once you've entered both the IP address and subnet mask, tap OK in the upper right corner to save the information.  If you exit out of this screen without pressing OK, the new settings will not be saved.

7. Exit out of User Tools

Press the Exit button in the upper right corner of the screen to exit the System Settings menu, then press it again to exit User Tools.  After a few moments the new IP address should take effect; you can verify this by pinging the copier from a computer, or by trying to print to it.  If the new IP address does not take effect, turn the copier completely off and then turn it back on again.  (To turn it off, press the power button on the right side of the operation panel, wait for the screen to go dark and the green light to stop flashing, and then flip the orange power switch on the lower left side of the front of the copier.)

(Originally published on Helium.com, 2011)

How to disable Copilot in Windows Notepad

Like other Microsoft office apps, Windows Notepad now includes Copilot features built in. Some people may like the Copilot features (create a prompt-based draft document, summarize a document, change a document's tone or format, etc.) but others may rather disable Notepad's new AI-related capabilities.

If you want to disable Copilot in Windows Notepad, simply follow the steps below. You can re-enable Copilot at any time if you change your mind.

• Click or tap the Settings button (the gear icon) in the upper right corner of the Notepad window.

• Scroll down to the AI Features section of the Settings menu.
• The toggle switch next to Copilot will be set to On (if Copilot is enabled). Click or tap it to change it to Off. 

How to disable Copilot in Microsoft Word

Microsoft has integrated Copilot, its generative AI tool, into Word, Excel, and other Microsoft 365 applications. There are many benefits to using Copilot—which Microsoft is quick to point out—but it may not be for everyone. For example, with some layouts in Word, Copilot will superimpose its icon over the text (and possibly cursor) beneath it, as shown below.

Disabling Copilot in Microsoft Word is a simple process. If you ever want to reenable it, that can be done easily as well. To disable Copilot in Word, follow these steps:

• Select the File tab (upper left)
• Select Options (lower left)
• Select Copilot
• Uncheck the box next to Enable Copilot
• Select OK

How to display the IP address on an HP LaserJet 4250 printer

When an HP LaserJet 4250 printer is on and ready to print, the only thing displayed on the screen is "Ready."  However, you can set your printer to display its IP address.  Displaying the IP address isn't always necessary but can be helpful -- it prevents having to hunt through the onscreen menus to find it when you need it.

Follow the steps below to display the IP address for an HP 4250 printer.  (You can turn the IP address display off at any time by following these steps and selecting "Off.")  These instructions also apply to the other printers in this series, including the LaserJet 4200, 4300, and 4350.

From the ready screen, press the down arrow button to bring up the menu.  Scroll down through the menu options until you see Configure Device, then press Select (the green button with the check mark on it).

Scroll down through the Configure Device menu until you come to System Setup.  Press Select when System Setup is the highlighted choice.  Then scroll down to Show Address and press Select.  

Two choices will be displayed on the screen: Auto and Off.  The one with the asterisk (*) next to it, which will probably be Off, is the active choice.  To turn IP address display on, use the up or down arrow to highlight Auto, then press Select.  A message will be displayed to let you know that the new setting has been saved.

When you exit out of the menu (by using the Back button) the printer's IP address will be displayed under the word "Ready".

🛈 IT departments often use stickers to denote printer IP addresses.  By setting the printer to display its IP address on the ready screen, you can avoid having to tag each printer.  It also eliminates the headache of having to re-tag each printer if you ever need to change its IP address.

(Originally published on Helium.com, 2011)

How to replace the battery in a Relic ZR11812 watch

Why pay a jeweler to replace the battery in your watch when you could do it yourself?  A decent watch repair kit only costs about $20 and can save you money even after only one or two uses.

Replacing the battery in a Relic Bailey Stainless Steel Watch can be done in under 10 minutes by following the steps below.

You will need:

• Replacement battery (SR621SW / 364)
• Watch back removal tool (or precision needle nose pliers)
• Tweezers (or precision needle nose pliers)
• Precision flathead screwdriver (or thin-bladed knife)
  
  

🛈 These instructions were written for the Relic ZR11812 Bailey watch, but they also apply to similar Relic models.

⚠ Always be careful when taking a watch apart not to damage the face or scratch the watch.

1. Remove the back cover

To get to the battery, you need to take the back cover off.  There are several notches cut into the edge of the cover; use the watch back removal tool to grip two of these notches, then turn the tool counter-clockwise to unscrew the cover.  (The watch back removal tool can be adjusted by moving the two prongs to the correct distance from each other, then tightening the movable prong.)

Once the cover is unscrewed, remove it and place it somewhere safe.  There is a thin black gasket on the inside of the cover; be careful not to lose this gasket.

2. Remove the old battery

With the cover removed, you'll see a plastic circular piece with a wide bar going across the back of the watch.  Pull this piece straight out with a pair of tweezers or small pliers.

The battery will now be exposed.  There are a couple of tabs holding the battery in place.  One of these tabs is on a movable arm -- use a small flathead screwdriver or thin knife to push this arm away from the battery and pop the battery out.

3. Install the new battery

Insert the new battery into the battery cavity, with the side with the writing on it facing up (away from the front side of the watch).  Push the battery under the two unmovable tabs first, then pull the movable tab away and slide the battery in place, then let the movable tab return to its position.  If the battery is correctly in place, the watch will start ticking again (unless you have the knob pulled out).

4. Close the watch

Reinstall the plastic round piece, with the wide bar covering the battery.  Then place the back cover (with gasket in place) back onto the watch, and turn it clockwise by hand until it starts to get tight.  Tighten it completely using your watch back removal tool or precision pliers.


(Originally published on Helium.com, 2013)
(Disclaimer: I may earn a commission on Amazon sales made from links in this post.)

Energizer batteries on sale at Amazon

Amazon has a great deal on Energizer batteries right now -- 48 batteries (24 AA and 24 AAA) for just $23.07. That's less than 50 cents per battery, a hard-to-beat price. It's a limited time deal but no specified end date, so best to buy now before the price goes back up.

These batteries have a shelf life of up to 10 years, so even if you don't need them now, this is a great time to stock up at an amazing price.

(Disclaimer: I earn a commission on Amazon sales made from links in this post.)

(Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay)

How to opt out of LinkedIn using your data to train AI models

LinkedIn is making changes to its privacy settings. One of those changes involves feeding user data (your data) into the company's generative AI (GenAI) models to help train them. Users in the UK, European Economic Area, and Switzerland are not yet impacted by this change, but users in other areas of the world may automatically be opted in.

See below for how to opt out of letting LinkedIn train its GenAI models on your data. These steps apply to the desktop version of the website, but should be similar for the mobile version.

• While logged into your LinkedIn account, click the "Me" icon on the bar across the top of the screen.
• From the drop down menu that appears, select "Settings & Privacy".
• Select "Data Privacy" on the left sidebar.
• Select "Data for Generative AI Improvement".
• If the toggle for "Use my data for training content creation AI models" is set to On, select it to turn it Off.

How to find the IP address for a Konica Minolta bizhub 368e copier

To view the IP address for a Konica Minolta bizhub 368e multifunction printer that's connected to a network:

- Tap Utility on the home screen (near the bottom)
- Tap Device Information

The IP address (IPv4 and/or IPv6) will be displayed on-screen.

How to change the paper size on a Ricoh Aficio 3035 / 3045

Many of the older lower-volume Ricoh copiers use the same basic system for setting the paper size in a paper tray.  There is a dial located either in the front or the back of the tray, and depending on where you set the dial, the system looks for that size paper.  If the dial is set wrong, the copier will jam.

On a Ricoh Aficio 3035 or 3045, the paper dial is located in the back left section of the paper tray.  If you have four paper trays on your copier, each tray will have its own dial.  (Other Ricoh Aficio models that are set up the same way include the 350, 450, 1035, 1045, 2035, and 2045.)  The paper dial is just a green plastic wheel with several common paper sizes and orientations, and it must be set correctly depending on what size paper you have loaded in the tray.  The paper size that shows through the little cut out in the back of the tray is the size that is currently selected.

If you are using a special size paper that isn't shown on the dial, set the dial to the asterisk (*) to signify a non-standard paper size, and you can specify the exact page size in the copier's user settings.  To get to the paper size settings, press the User Tools/Counter button on the operation panel, then on the touch screen select System Settings.  Go to the Tray Paper Settings Tab.  There will be a button labeled Tray Paper Size: Tray 1, as well as additional buttons for each paper tray that the machine has.  Touch the button for the tray you are using, and choose the paper size from the list that appears.  (You can scroll down to see more sizes.)

If the size you are looking for is not represented, press the Custom button, and you can input the paper dimensions manually.  Use the number pad to enter the width and length in inches, and press OK to save your selection.

Any time you change the paper size or orientation (for example, if you change from 8.5" x 11" portrait to 8.5" x 11" landscape) you have to change the dial as well, to let the copier know what dimensions to look for when it feeds the paper through.  If you try to run copies with the wrong paper size selected, the machine will detect timing errors and show a paper jam.

(Originally posted on Helium.com, July 2010)

(Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay)

Tips for loading toner in a Ricoh MP 2550 or MP 3350 copier

Ricoh manufactures a broad range of multifunction office machines.  The MP 2550 and MP 3350 are essentially the same copier, just with different processing speeds.  (25 copies per minute and 33 copies per minute, respectively.)  Both are good low-volume copiers for a home business or a small office.  Like their predecessors, replacing any of the consumables (toner, photoconductor, staples, or paper) is a simple task.

Loading toner is something you will have to do quite a few times over the life of the machine, but once you've done it the first time it's a piece of cake.  The new toner should come with installation instructions, but this article will walk you through installing new toner in your MP 2550 or MP 3350 copier.

The first thing you should always do is make sure you have the right toner.  Depending on where you ordered your toner from, you might have been shipped toner for a different copier by mistake, and they are not compatible.  The correct toner for both the MP 2550 and MP 3350 is type 2120D -- this number should be printed on the toner bottle.

Each toner bottle comes with a large black screw-off cap.  This outer cap gets removed; the inner cap (much smaller and gray) stays on.  Removing the inner cap before installing the toner can cause a huge mess and wreak havoc on your machine.

To remove the old toner bottle, open the copier's front door (the main cover in the front of the machine with the Ricoh label on it).  Lift up -- gently -- on the green toner handle, and then push down on the green lever to the left-hand side of the toner unit.  The toner hopper (the tray that the toner bottle rests on) should pop out.

Remove the old bottle, and be sure that the inner cap (the gray one) is still attached.  Occasionally this cap can come loose and remain in the toner hopper, causing problems when the new toner bottle is installed.

If you haven't already, remove the black screw-off cap from the new toner bottle.  Set the bottle on the toner tray with the top of the bottle facing toward you (away from the machine).  Slowly push the toner hopper all the way in, until the green lever on the left side snaps into place.  Gently push down on the toner handle until it, too, locks in place.

Once you close the front door, the machine will cycle the toner.  If there was previously a low toner or no toner message displayed on the screen, the copier will now load the new toner, which may take a couple of minutes.  Once the toner has been loaded, your copier is ready to use again.

These tips also apply to older copiers in the same family -- the Ricoh Aficio 1022, 1027, 2022, 2027, 2510, 3010, 3025, and 3030.  All of these copiers use the same toner (type 2120D) and it is installed in exactly the same way.  Each toner bottle is rated to last about 11,000 copies, but of course this depends on what you are copying -- how much text or image fill appears on each page, what size paper you are using, etc.

If you are having trouble installing the toner bottle, call your local service provider to see if they can walk you through the installation over the phone.  You can also visit Ricoh's Support and Downloads web page to download the product manual for your MP 2550 or MP 3350, if you don't already have it.

(Originally posted on Helium.com, 2010)

(Disclaimer: I earn a commission on Amazon sales made from links in this post.)

How to change the output trays for a Ricoh Aficio MP 5500 copier

A typical Ricoh Aficio MP 5500 copier (as well as the other copiers in the series -- the MP 6500 and MP 7500) has two options for paper output -- the finisher upper tray and the finisher shift tray.  Some MP 5500s are purchased without finishers; for these machines the only option for paper output is the plastic copy tray that hangs off the left side of the copier.

For stapled, sorted, or stacked jobs, the paper must exit out of the finisher shift tray, because of the paper path.  However, for other copy jobs -- and for jobs printed from a computer or from the document server -- the user can specify which tray they want the paper to be sent to.

When the MP 5500 is first set up, the output trays are not designated, and all output (except for stapled or collated jobs) defaults to the finisher upper tray (if a finisher is installed).  If you had previously designated output trays and then for some reason you disconnected the finisher and turned the copier on, the output tray selections would be erased, and you would have to re-enter them.

The output trays can be set up or changed through the copier's configuration settings.  To get to the output tray selections, press the User Tools/Counter button (to the left of the display) and then on the touch screen select System Settings.  The first tab is "General Features" (it should be the active one) and on the right side of the screen you should see options labeled "Output: Copier" and "Output: Document Server."  (If you have the print function installed, you'll also see an option for "Output: Printer.")

Pressing any of these choices will bring up the tray selection for that function.  If your copier doesn't have a finisher, "Copy Tray" will be the only option you can choose.  If the copier does have a finisher, you'll see options for "Finisher Upper Tray" and "Finisher Shift Tray," and "Copy Tray" will be grayed out.

To make a selection for one or more of the functions, choose that function, press the appropriate choice for the output tray that you want to use, and then press OK.  You can have all of the functions output to the same tray, or you can set the trays up any way you want.

You can use the same process to change output trays on other similar families of Ricoh copiers -- the 2051/2060/2075 series and the MP 6000/7000/8000 series, among others.  You can change the output trays any time you want, except when the copier is in the middle of a job; it won't let you into the System Settings screen while it's running.  Some error codes will also prevent you from accessing System Settings.

(Originally posted on Helium.com, 2010)

(Image by Crea Park from Pixabay)

How to change the hole punch mode on a Ricoh Aficio 2075 copier

The Ricoh Aficio 2075 copier, when used with a finisher that has a punch unit installed, can make hole punched copies with either two or three holes.  To choose the hole punch option (assuming the punch unit has already been installed) just click the Punch icon on the lower right corner of the Copy screen before making your copies.

However, even though the punch unit is capable of punching either two or three holes, it is not always set up to do both.  Some users may not even be aware that it has that ability.  You can change the punch mode from three holes to two holes, or vice versa, or enable both modes, from within the copier's User Tools.  (This article also applies to the Ricoh Aficio 2051 and Aficio 2060 copiers.)

To change the punch mode, click the User Tools button on the operation panel.  On the menu that appears on the touch screen, select Copier/Document Server Features.  Go to the Input/Output tab, and scroll down to the next page (page 2 of 2).  Touch the button on the left side of the screen labeled Select Punch Type.

You'll see two different buttons appear -- one for two-hole punch and one for three-hole punch.  You can select either one of these, or both of them; the option or options that are highlighted will be enabled.  You can also de-select both options if you don't want the hole punch option to appear on the main Copy screen.

Once you've made your selection and pressed OK, exit out of the User Tools menu and go back to the Copy screen to verify that the changes were saved.  If you've only enabled one of the two hole punch modes, the mode that you selected -- either two- or three-hole punch -- should appear under the Punch section of the screen.  If you selected both modes, only one will show up on the main screen, but when you touch the Punch button, both options will pop up and you can choose the one you want.

Note that not all paper types and orientations will work with both hole punch modes.  For example, you can't use three-hole punch mode when copying onto legal-sized (8.5" x 14") paper, because there is not enough room on the paper for all three holes.  If the paper size you're using and the punch mode you've chosen are incompatible, a message will flash across the screen and you'll have to make another selection.

(Originally posted on Helium.com, 2010)

(Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay)

Tools for basic DIY home electrical repair

Most homeowners probably have a sufficient toolbox or toolkit for many of the jobs they need to do around the house.  However, for electrical repairs, there are certain tools you should always keep around.  You may already have some of these tools, but if not and you plan to do any basic electrical work, you should consider investing in them.

- Screwdrivers

If you don't already have a good pair of flathead and Phillips screwdrivers, buy one now.  If possible, get a driver set that comes with multiple-sized bits of both types, because you'll find screws of varying sizes all over your house.  Depending on your price range and what you like, you might want to consider magnetic screwdrivers or ratcheting screwdrivers.

- Wire cutters

A pair of wire cutters is useful for exactly what you'd think: cutting wires.  They can also be used to cut plastic clamps or clips, or -- used carefully -- to strip wire or cable insulation.  Get a pair with rubber handles.

- Needle nose pliers

A small pair of needle nose pliers comes in handy for bending wire, gripping cables, securing clips, and many other things.  Like with the wire cutters, you'll want pliers with rubber handles.  Some people prefer spring-loaded needle nose pliers, while others like them better without any spring action between the handles.

- Electrical tape

Electrical tape can be used for many things, and is nice to have in your toolbag because you never know when you'll need it.  Electrical tape is useful for covering exposed wires, securing wires or cables to each other or to another surface, and even for creating a makeshift bandage (along with a paper towel or napkin) when you just want to stop the bleeding but don't want to stop working.  Be careful when using electrical tape anywhere heat might be a factor, because it tends to stretch or expand and lose some of its adhesiveness when exposed to heat.

- Outlet tester

You can buy a decent outlet tester for just a few bucks, and they are great for checking power at an electrical outlet.  Just plug the tester in and you can find out if the outlet has power or not.  Many testers will even give you more information, such as whether the outlet is wired correctly or not.  A multimeter (see below) can be substituted for an outlet tester, but an outlet tester is quicker and easier.

- Multimeter

A multimeter is a must for anything but light electrical work.  Similarly to how an outlet tester can tell you whether or not an outlet is getting power before you take it apart, a multimeter can be used to test the current or voltage to any electrical device or component, including wires and cables.  A multimeter can allow you to make sure power has been cut to an electrical device before you handle it, and it can also tell you whether the device is getting the correct voltage, or whether a fuse is good or bad.

(Originally posted on Helium.com, 2013)

(Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay)

How to change the paper type on a Ricoh Aficio MP 3500

People use all sorts of paper in their photocopiers, from super-thin, almost see-through paper to heavy-duty cardstock and transparency sheets.  Unfortunately, when you load a new kind of paper in the copier's paper tray or paper bank, it doesn't automatically know how thick, how rigid, or how smooth that paper is.  When you use anything other than ordinary copy paper or multipurpose paper, you should make sure to set the paper type in the copier's settings, for maximum performance and operation.

To set the paper type on a Ricoh Aficio MP 3500 or MP 4500 multifunction device, press the User Tools/Counter button on the copier's operation panel.  Then, on the touch screen, select System Settings.  A row of tabs will appear; choose the one labeled Tray Paper Settings.

The page of options that you'll see now is for changing paper sizes -- you can disregard these settings unless you have specially-sized paper in one of the trays and you've set the paper dial to the asterisk (*).  Touch the button in the lower right corner to scroll down to the next page.

Here you will see your paper type settings for your two standard paper trays and your bypass tray, as well as any additional paper trays or large capacity trays you may have installed.  Select the tray you want to change.

The screen that appears gives you all the paper types you can choose from, from plain paper (no display) to cardstock, bond, or recycled paper.  These choices will show up on the main Copy screen, so you can see what kind of paper is loaded in each tray, but they can also help the copier run better if it knows what it's looking for.  Using darkly-colored paper, for example, may result in jams if the copier thinks it's looking for white paper to pass through and it doesn't see it.

If the paper you are using is very thick and doesn't bend easily, you may want to disable duplex copying from that tray, so that no one uses it by accident.  Trying to run double-sided copies on very thick paper often doesn't work because the paper can't make the turns necessary to go through the duplex unit.

Once you've made your selections, press the OK button to save the changes.  When you exit out to the main Copy screen, the tray you changed should display the paper type below the paper size.

If you are using the copier as a printer too, you'll have to make the same paper type selections in the printer driver, otherwise you'll get a paper mismatch error every time you try to print from that tray.

(Originally posted on Helium.com, 2010)

(Image by Oliver Kugland from Pixabay)

How to find the MAC address of a Ricoh Image Scanner IS200e

On network-connected printers and copiers, you can typically print out a configuration page which shows useful network information -- IP address, effective protocols, MAC address, etc.  But dedicated scanners don't have that option.

On a Ricoh IS200e scanner, you'll have to navigate the menus to view network information on-screen.  Follow the steps below to find the MAC address of an IS200e.

• Press the User Tools button on the operation panel.
• Press 1 to select "System Settings."
• Scroll down through the menu using the button below the on-screen down arrow until you get to "9. MAC Address."
• Press the button below the "Settings" option.
• The MAC address will be displayed.
• Press the User Tools button again to exit out of the menu.

🛈 The System Settings menu can also be used to display other network configuration settings, including the scanner's IP address.

(Originally published on Helium.com, 2012)

How to make a Magic Chef MCD795SW microwave oven stop beeping

The Magic Chef MCD795SW is a decent microwave, but the beep that it makes every time you press a button (and when it's done cooking) is very loud and high-pitched.  Fortunately, the microwave comes with an easy way to turn the beeping off, which is helpful for using the microwave when people (especially babies) are sleeping.  With the beep turned off, the microwave will run silently, except for the low hum it makes when cooking and the sound of the door opening and closing.

• On the microwave's keypad, press the Help button (on the left side, next to the Clock button).
• The display screen will scroll through the available options, but you don't have to wait for them.  Press 3 to get to the beep setting.
• Once you've chosen the beep submenu, the screen will display the two options: 1 to turn the beep on, or 2 to turn the beep off.  Press 2 and the microwave's beeping will be silenced.  (If you ever unplug the microwave or have a power outage, the beep will be turned back on as the default setting.)

🛈 If the microwave clock has not been set yet, you may not be able to access the help menu. Set the clock first (or press Cancel).

🛈 The microwave's Help menu allows you to do other things as well, such as lock the keypad so that children can't use it, or change the display language from English to Spanish or French.

🛈 These instructions are written specifically for the MCD795SW microwave, but the steps for other Magic Chef models may be similar.

(Originally published on Helium.com, 2011)

How to remove the hard drive from a Dell Latitude D610 laptop

On desktop computers, removing a hard drive can be a time-intensive procedure.  Typically you have to open the computer's case, disconnect the hard drive's data and power cables, and remove or unscrew the hard drive.  But on a laptop, where everything is smaller and more accessible, removing a hard drive is often much simpler.

To remove the hard drive from a Dell Latitude D610 laptop:

1. Locate the hard drive

With the computer powered off, disconnect all cables, including the AC power cable.  Remove the battery and place it somewhere safe.  (If you need help removing the battery, see this guide for step-by-step instructions: How to remove the battery from a Dell Latitude D610 laptop.)

Close the computer's lid and turn the laptop over so you're looking at the bottom.  You'll see several different panels and many small screws.  As you're looking at the bottom of the computer, with the fan vent in the upper right corner, the hard drive will be located in the lower right corner, next to the battery compartment.  There is a rough rectangular outline to the hard drive bay (about 3" by 5") that you can use to identify where it is.

2. Remove the screws

Two screws secure the hard drive; these are located along the right side of the hard drive bay.  In the lower right corner of the laptop, you'll see a screw that's sunken into the laptop case -- the first hard drive screw is located just above this case screw.  The second screw is located along the right side of the laptop, about three inches above where the first screw was.  Remove both screws using a small Phillips screwdriver, and place them somewhere safe.

3. Remove the hard drive

With the screws out, the hard drive can slide right out of the computer.  There's a ridged panel located along the lower right side of the laptop, between the two screws you just removed.  This panel is connected to the hard drive.  Grip this panel and slide it out of the laptop, to the right.  It may be hard to remove, but if you apply additional force, be sure to slide the panel out straight, rather than at any sort of angle, to avoid damaging the hard drive or laptop.

🛈 While you have the hard drive out, now is a good time to clean out any dust or debris that has built up in the hard drive cavity.  You can blow it out with a can of compressed air or wipe it clean with a lint-free rag.

(Originally published on Helium.com, 2011)

How to get the page count for a Lexmark T642 printer

On many printers, when you want to find out the current page count or meter you print out a status page.  This page shows some basic information about the printer, including the page count.  Depending on the brand of printer, this status page will be called something different (HP printers call it a configuration page; Brother printers call it a user settings list) and there will be a different procedure for printing it out.  On the Lexmark T642 printer, this page is called a menu settings page, and it can be printed by following the steps below.

• Press the Menu button on the printer's operation panel (located on the left side, with a picture of a key on it).
• In the menu, the entry with the check mark next to it is the active entry.  Scroll down (using the down arrow on the operation panel) until Reports is the active entry. Press the check mark button (in the middle of the four arrows) to select it.
• Menu Settings Page is the first option in the Reports menu, so it will already be the active entry.  Press the check mark button to select it.  The menu settings page will print out.
• The page count will be listed in the Device Information section (probably on the last page).  "Page Count" will be the first entry in that section.

🛈 The Menu Settings Page is actually multiple pages.  Its exact length will be determined by the printer's configuration, network setup, and the accessories that are installed on it.

🛈 In addition to the page count, the Menu Settings Page also displays other information about the printer, such as the current toner level, a list of installed options, device settings, and network configuration.

🛈 These instructions also apply to other Lexmark models, including the T640.

(Originally published on Helium.com, 2011)