[Admin]

Your first port of call should be the support forum or website for the program/peripheral/update/game/whatever, if the built in help section for the program/product doesn't have the information you need. Many times, these resources will have a "frequently asked questions" (FAQ) section or "answers to common problems" area where most questions or concerns are addressed. Forums will usually have this information in pinned posts, as we do here. They also will usually have subforums. To get an answer more quickly, posting your question in the appropriate subforum is a must. For instance, if you are having a problem with a printer, posting your question in the cameras subforum will be an exercise in futility. If your question or problem isn't listed, a forum will have means for you to post to ask and a website will usually have a "Contact" link somewhere on the page where you can get direct email support.

**IMPORTANT!** When communicating on a forum or via an email to support, it helps if you indicate which operating system is on your computer (including Service Pack), whether you have a 32 bit or 64 bit processor (how to tell here) and the version of the program/model number or the peripheral/update number in reference. Also please outline the problem you are having, when it began, whether or not you made any changes to your computer prior to the problem starting and the complete and exact error message(s), if any, you are getting. Read this for more tips on posting effectively in a forum or newsgroup: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
A question with a subject line such as "Help!" is likely to be ignored or flamed, likewise a question that doesn't give basic information about your computer, its configuration and more extensive information about the issue you are having. If the forum has a FAQ section or pinned posts (which often outline the information you must provide), read them before you post. This not only saves time, it will prevent your post from possibly being overlooked, locked or deleted.

Going this route teaches you how to research and resolve problems so if something comes up in the future, you can save yourself the frustration of waiting for an answer here when there may be no one who can help.

We have composed a list of commonly used programs, computer/hardware/peripheral manufacturers and browser plug in support sites here: http://www.community...d-products-r147 As it states on the page, the list is not inclusive. If you are unable to locate the support site or forum for your program or product, please ask on the General board and we will try to help you locate it.

Also a reminder that we are primarily a Windows based computer forum. If you are using a Linux operating system or an Apple computer/products and have questions about either/or, you will get quick and appropriate help in communities/forums/sites geared towards those operating systems/programs.