Friday, July 8, 2011

Internet Explorer 9 Stopped Working Error

After installing the latest version of Internet Explorer, many people have had problems while trying to browse. Two of the most common complaints is that Internet Explorer 9 stops responding while moving from site to site or an error occurs when trying to launch IE9. In both of these cases, a pop-up window appears with the following message: “Internet Explorer has stopped working.”

When this pop-up window appears, Windows shuts down IE9 and attempts to find a solution to why the browser stopped responding. After searching for a solution, Windows notifies the user on whether the problem has been solved or not. The reason that this error occurs in the first place is due to IE9 entering into a loop that basically has no end. As a result, IE9 shuts itself down.

For obvious reasons, it can be very annoying to have your Internet browser constantly hanging or shutting itself down. The following steps should stop this from happening:
  • After the error has been encountered, restart your computer
  • Launch Internet Explorer 9 in No add-ons mode by completing the following:
  • Click Start – All Programs – Accessories – Systems Tools
  • Click Internet Explorer (No Add-ons)
If IE9 opens correctly and no error message is encountered, then it is likely that the error is being caused by an add-on. To determine which add-on is causing IE9 to crash:
  • Close IE9 (No Add-ons) and launch IE9 as usual
  • Click on Tools – Manage Add-ons to open the pop-up window
  • Make sure that Tools and Extensions is highlighted and then change the drop down under Show to All add-ons
  • Select all the add-ons by clicking holding down CTRL-A and clicking on an add-on in the list
  • Click Disable all in the lower right corner and then close the pop up window
  • Browse as usual and see if an error occurs
If you browse and have no problems, then at least one of the add ons is causing the error message. To determine which one, open the Manage Add-ons window and enable one add-on at a time. Once you have found the add-on causing the problem, you can delete it (and re-install if necessary).

Friday, July 1, 2011

iTunes Unknown Error 3194

The iTunes unknown error 3194 can appear for those who have an iPhone, iTouch or iPad. The downside of this error code is that there are a variety of reasons why it may appear, but the upside is that it is relatively easy to fix. In most cases, unknown error 3194 appears when firmware is being restored on an Apple device.

Anytime you try to restore a stock or custom firmware on an Apple device, iTunes sends a request to the Apple servers to verify the IPSW files associated with the Apple device and to sign the files with the Exclusive Chip ID (ECID) of the device being worked on. This is called the SHSH Blob. When new firmware is released by Apple, it can cause the Apple servers to stop signing the older versions, which results in the unknown error 3194 message.

As a workaround for this error, Cydia has created an SHSH blob caching server. If you run into the unknown error, you can correct it by pointing your iTunes towards Cydia’s servers instead of to Apple servers and save your SHSH blobs for your firmware there. To add Cydia’s SHSH caching servers, do the following:
  • Download TinyUmbrella
  • Install and launch TinyUmbrella
  • Click on the Advanced tab
  • Check the box beside “Set Hosts to Cydia on Exit”
  • Click on Apply
  • Reboot your device or computer
Once you have followed these steps, try to restoring your firmware. The unknown error code 3194 should no longer appear.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Blame it on the Storm

Has your computer stopped working properly? Often times a severe thunder and lightning storm can wreak havoc on your computer. Following a storm if you find that your computer is not working the way it was a few days prior, the damage from the storm could be the culprit. There are a few common issues that indicate that your computer may have suffered from lightning damage following a storm. Depending on the issue and the damage some of these errors are easily fixable while others may be a sign of more serious internal damage to your system. There are ways to prevent lightening damage to your system.

Here are a few common issues that result from storm damage:
  • No power to your computer is indicative of power supply cord damage. Your computer fails to turn on when you boot up, or will turn on and shut off immediately.
  • Motherboard damage. Your system is not displaying information correctly, is slow or
  • Modem damage. You are unable to connect to the internet or your system is displaying error codes or freezing up during connection. .
  • Processor damage. Your system may run much slower, you may find that you are missing files, receiving error messages when attempting to open certain programs.
The best thing you can hope for is that your power supply cord was fried. This is very common after a lightning storm and is something that you can repair yourself for a small price. If you have access to another power supply cord that you know is working properly, attempt to reboot your computer with the working cord and see if makes a difference. If the computer is still not working with the good cord the damage probably extended beyond the power supply.

You can pick up a new power supply cord for about $100.00 with universal tips that can be adapted to all of your computers. Replace your cord and hopefully this will work. If you do not have access to another cord and don’t want to purchase a universal before knowing if this is the issue you can take your entire hard drive and the cord to your local computer repair shop.

Most computer repair shops will allow you to take your hard drive into the shop and test it with a different cord for free, that way you will know right there if you have an internal issue that need repair by a technician. Issues with your motherboard, modem and processor may be mild and will probably require the assistance of a trained technician who can check the part for damage. It is possible that lightning did mild damage to a part and it can be repaired for a low cost. The probability is that if your system was fried by lightning the part that received the damage will have to be replaced completely which unfortunately can be costly and may run you the cost of a whole other computer. The best advice is to prevent this from happening by protecting your system from storm damage ahead of time.

Prevention:
  • Ensure that you have a surge protector for your power supply.
  • Always unplug your system off during a severe thunder and lightning storm. Do not just log off but rather shut your system down completely and unplug it to prevent lightening damage to the internal working of your computer.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

ActiveX is Preventing a Website from Opening

ActiveX is a Microsoft technology that allows interactive content from the web to show up on your computer screen. ActiveX allows content such as music, videos and graphics to come alive using the features enabled in the ActiveX programs. Without ActiveX Windows users may not be able to utilize some of the technology available on certain websites.

Troubleshooting through the issue of ActiveX preventing you from opening certain websites is not as complex as you may think. Any roadblock can be frustrating when dealing with your computer time because it gets in the way of you doing what you need to do. For those of us that use our computers for enjoyment the last thing we want to encounter is an issue with one of the programs that we need to use to complete our task.

Simply put, you have to download ActiveX and then ensure that it is enabled on your machine before it will work. Users who do not have this feature will be prompted to download it. Even after download users may still have to either enable or allow ActiveX to run on your computer by following a series of steps.
If ActiveX is not on your system or not enabled you may get an error message that states “ActiveX is preventing the opening of this site,” “You are unable to open this site” or “This site might require the following ActiveX control.” If you do receive one of these errors you will know that you need to do something if you want to view the website. If ActiveX is not installed and you need it for a site you are trying to view the internet explorer information bar at the top of your screen will prompt you to install ActiveX and walk you through the following steps:
  • Double click on the information bar across the top of your screen which will be prompting you to install ActiveX.
  • Select Install ActiveX Control.
  • Follow the steps as they are provided to you.
  • When prompted to do so, click Install.
If you take the steps above and are met with failure you will have to ensure that ActiveX is enabled on your system. To enable ActiveX, take the following steps:
  • Open your browser.
  • Go to Tools.
  • Click on Internet Options.
  • Click on Security.
  • Click on Custom Level.
  • Under the ActiveX controls and plug-ins check the box that says Enable for Automatic prompting for ActiveX controls.
  • You will then get a warning that asks “Are you sure you want to change the settings for this zone?” Click Yes.
While this process may seem tedious just to open up a program, Windows is trying to protect your system by sending these error messages and then allowing you the information to fix them if you should choose to proceed with opening the website that requires ActiveX. You should only have to install and enable ActiveX on one occasion and you should not be met with any error messages in the future.

Monday, June 20, 2011

iPhone Error 3 – Unable to Join a Network

iPhones are a great invention but not without their share of trouble. Much like computers, iPhones offer the best that technology has to offer but not without a certain share of headaches once in a while. Most would still agree that this high tech device is well worth the small issues that arise once in awhile.

Wi-Fi networks are the lifeblood of the iPhone and sometimes Wi-Fi networks fail, have issues or are clogged up preventing the iPhone user from connecting as they normally would. The error message “Unable to Join Network Failure” (error-3) is an example of one of those small headaches that will require some troubleshooting. Just as a PC fails to connect the iPhone uses the same type of connections and requires the same method of connection.

If your iPhone suddenly displays the “Unable to Join a Network” or Error 3 there are a few simple steps you can take to quickly get your trusty device back up and running to keep you connected. If you are connecting to your iPHone through a router or Wi-Fi setting, it is always important to know your SSID in the event that you have trouble connecting.

The first step you will want to take is to renew the hotspot’s DHCP lease. You can do this by taking the following steps:
  • Tap Settings.
  • Tap Wi-Fi Networks.
  • Pick the network you are trying to connect to (i.e. Starbucks, Borders).
  • Go to the DHCP panel.
  • Click Renew Lease.
If this does not help you reconnect you should take the next steps:

Check the network name or (SSID) setting. SSID stands for Service Set Identifier which is the name of the network. The network and the device you are using must have the same SSID to allow the network and the device to properly communicate with each other. The SSID can be set manually or will be automatically entered if you leave the SSID blank. Make sure that it matches the network of the Wi-Fi or hotspot access point that you are using.

Check your iPhone security configuration to make sure that your WEP or WPA parameters match the access point. WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy and WAP stands for Wi-Fi Protected Access both of which are part of the security settings.

To check your settings you can do the following:
  1. Go to Settings
  2. Wi-Fi Networks
  3. Other
  4. Under the Choose a Network tab
  5. Enter or select the Wi-Fi Network Name (SSID)
  6. Select your security setting
  7. Enter your password
If all else fails you can try a different location or if you are connecting via a router you can contact the iPhone support for assistance with more troubleshooting options.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

hpqste08.exe Error

The hpqste08.exe is a normal process that is installed onto your computer system for Hewlett Packard imaging. Most likely the software was installed on your computer system before you purchased it. The program itself is considered a non-essential process. This means that the computer can function properly without this file but some of the features related to digital imaging that you use on your computer may require this program to work properly. Errors generally occur when something goes wrong with the process or the originally installed file.

The hpqste08.exe error is not a damaging error nor is it a dangerous virus, spyware or malware but it may cause problems on your system if issues occur that corrupt the program. Generally fragmentation and errors may accumulate on any software that is installed. If this occurs it may cause the program to start showing error codes, running slow or simply stop working. hpqste08.exe errors may occur when something goes amiss with the program.

It is very common to receive a hpqste08.exe error and most people who have spent a few hours on the computer have probably encountered it at one time or another. While this error is annoying it is not necessarily harmful and doesn’t set you back hours trying to find a way to correct it. Generally errors will be the result of either conflicting software applications or applications such as HP imaging that has become fragmented or damaged in some way.

The best way to resolve an hpqste08.exe error is to first identify that the exe file is located in the correct place. It is common for malware to disguise itself as legitimate files and attach to your computer causing issues. While this particular error in its original form is not harmful you still want to ensure that the file is legitimate. You can do so by checking your task list. The common path for hpsqte08.exe is at C:\rogram Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqSTE08.exe.To check your task list you can press the ctrl+alt+del key. This will display your task manager. You can then click on the processes tab which will show all of the files that are running on your computer with exception of the DLL files. Check to ensure that only hpqste08.exe is located there. If you see something else that looks similar it you should delete it leaving only the exact file as specified above.

Next you should uninstall any programs or applications you are not currently using. These may be causing errors because they are interfering with the hpqste08.exe process. If you started receiving these errors after installing new software try uninstalling that software and reinstalling it. Once you do this restart your system.

One of these suggestions should assist you in resolving the errors related to hqqste08.exe, if not you can refer to your operating system support or Hewlett Packard support to assist with further troubleshooting options.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Apple iTouch Error 1604

It is not uncommon that you may receive an error code when trying to restore your Apple device. There are a few products known to be affected by this certain error code known as the Apple iTouch Error 1604.The products known to be affected are the iTouch, the iPhone and iTunes 7.4.3 and earlier.

When trying to restore your Apple iTouch you may one of the following message codes indicating that there is a problem:
  • An unknown error occurred.
  • Error 1604.
  • The iPhone could not be restored.
If you receive one of the error codes listed above there are a few simple solutions you can try to quickly get yourself back on track. These are in no particular order. Once the issue resolves and the error code goes away you will not have to proceed with the remaining troubleshooting options.
  • Update to iTunes 7.5 or later. This may resolve the error and you will not have to continue through the rest of the troubleshooting process.
  • Restart your computer. Sometimes simply restarting your computer will resolve the issue.
  • Try connecting your device to a different USB port and try again to restore your device in iTunes.
  • Remove all of your extra USB devices and try restoring your iPod or iPhone directly from the port to the computer.
  • Try restoring your device on a different computer to see if this works. If this does work there may be an issue with your computer or your USB connection.
  • Create a new user account and then attempt to restore your device. This will determine if it is an account issue a computer issue or a device issue.
  • Uninstall the apple mobile device support, apple software and iTunes. You can do this by going to your control panel add/remove programs and uninstalling these selections. Restart your computer and then download iTunes 7.5 or later. Get your device to the restore mode and open iTunes. Plug in your device and follow the steps to install iTunes.
Hopefully one of the options will resolve your issue and the error code will go away. If these steps do not successfully resolve the issue you should contact your Apple support to assist you.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Google Black Screen

The term BSOD holds a meaning that sends a shiver down the spine of most computer users. The acronym BSOD means either blue screen of death or black screen of death and never has anything good come out of getting to the bottom of this issue. Typically when you see any colored screen be it blue, black or red it means trouble.

We all are probably familiar with the issue and if we are lucky have not encountered it. Usually it occurs because of an issue with an operating system or a virus but not always. It seems that Google programs have become increasingly more familiar with the BSOD since the introduction of Google Earth. Luckily for Google users the BSOD that is associated with Google is less damaging than when it is associated with a problem in the operating system.

If you are using Google Earth on a Mac and end up with a colored screen or a blank screen it does indicate a problem, but a very benign one. Usually with a Mac it means that the Mac web browser is blocking your cookies. It tends to occur with Mozilla Firefox 1.0.7 and later and Safari 2.0.2 and later. A few simple steps will resolve the issue and eliminate the colored screen allowing you to be back in business.

To resolve the issue if you are using Mozilla Firefox, take the following steps:
  • In Firefox, click on the Firefox menu.
  • Click Preferences on the menu which will open a new window.
  • On the left section of the window click Privacy.
  • Check Allow sites to set Cookies.
  • Click OK to save changes.
To resolve the issue if you are using Safari take the following steps:
  • In Safari click on the Safari menu.
  • In the menu click Preferences which will open a new window.
  • Click Security.
  • Make sure that under the Accept Cookies tab the Always or Only from sites you navigate to is selected.
  • Click OK to save changes.
You should only have to make these adjustments only one time and it should eliminate the black screen when you use Google Earth.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

The Endless Reboot Issue with Windows 7 Upgrade

The new Windows 7 operating system offers some great benefits but it does not come without its share of issues. Once you get through the small and annoying little bugs it seems that using Windows 7 is smooth sailing. Once of the complaints from many Windows 7 users is the endless reboots that seem to happen during the installation upgrade.

When attempting to upgrade to Windows 7 some users may experience one of the two common error messages.
  • Windows 7 could not be installed.
  • The previous version (Vista or XP or whatever version was being upgraded) has been restored.
Both messages indicate that there is a problem with the upgrade. These reboots could go on forever even if you stop the upgrade and restart your system. Users report that each time the system is rebooted Windows will automatically start the upgrade process again and the same error messages surface again and again. This process can go on and on until you do something to stop this vicious reboot cycle and finally complete the Windows 7 download once and for all.

Here is a quick fix for the Windows 7 endless reboot bug:
  • Select your previous operating system from the boot menu at startup.
  • Insert your old operating system installation disk into your drive.
  • When the old operating system setup menu appears click Exit setup.
  • Click Start.
  • Click on All Programs.
  • Click on Accessories.
  • Right click and the Command Prompt.
  • Choose Run.
  • At the Command prompt type in D:/Boot/Bootsect.exe/NT60 All. (Note: You will want to replace the letter D with the letter of the drive that contains your installation disk if it is not D). This command should reset the parameters for your system to complete the installation.
  • Reboot your system and try the installation process again.
These instructions should help you get past the reboot bug. If you do not have an installation disk or continue to experience problems with the upgrade you should contact Windows help and support.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Netsetup.cpl Error Code

The Netsetup.cpl usually offers the explanation of: an error occurred while Windows was working with the control panel file. It will usually read C:/windows?syste32/netsetup.cpl. This is a benign error message but annoying none the less. The nice thing is it is a very specific error with a very simple and specific fix.

The Netsetup.cpl error generally has two causes. It seems to be confined to users with Windows XP service pack 2 and is related to either an application from Verizon called IPMon32 or a Visual IP InSight application. IPMon32 is an application that is used by Verizon to provide the user with certain diagnostic tools. The Visual IP InSight Client is an application that deals with the Windows Dial-UP Networking. Interestingly both applications that cause the error message do not seem to effect the other applications but they have been said to be related in some way to spyware. Both applications are unnecessary to the workings of your system and take up an unusually large quantity of space.

Many users are not even aware that they have these applications installed on their system and in most cases they do not need either program for any reason. It makes sense to remove these programs especially if they are prompting an error message.

Take the following steps to disable the IPMon32 service:
  • Go to your Start menu
  • In the Run box type msconfig
  • Click the Startup tab
  • Uncheck IPMON32
  • Click Apply
  • Restart your computer
Next check your list of Programs to see if you have Visual IP InSight Client installed. If it is on your list of programs you will want to remove it. If it is not on your list you have taken all of the necessary steps to rid yourself of the Netsetup.cpl error message.

To Remove Visual IP InSight Client take the following steps:
  • Go to Start
  • Control Panel
  • Add or Remove Programs
  • Allow the list to populate this may take a few minutes
  • Check to see if Visual IP InSight Client comes up on the list
  • If it does highlight this program
  • Click Remove if it is on your list, if it is not there exit the Control panel and you are finished with your task
  • If you do remove the program proceed with exiting the Control Panel and restarting your computer

Thursday, May 19, 2011

A Virus that Just Won’t Die

Many of us have had the experience of dealing with a particularly resilient computer virus. It’s bad enough that you got a pesky virus in the first place but when you have one that just won’t die it as if you are cursed. Unfortunately it is not uncommon to be plagued with a virus that comes back more than once, or even twice. It will continue to come back until you take steps to remove it once and for all. Sometimes your virus software just can’t get to the root of the virus.
When a virus infection returns before you throw in the towel or spend hundreds of dollars getting your computer cleaned and repaired you may want to take a few basic steps to see if you can kill the little bugger yourself first. After all; what have you got to lose?

Usually what happens is that your virus software will detect a virus and you take the steps to remove this. If you are using Windows operating system, it is naturally programmed to make a copy of your system in the event you have a problem and Windows does everything in its power to protect the restore points. A restore point is a place in the history of your computer that Windows can go back to in the event you get a virus. Since Windows can’t scan or alter the restore point in any way it is possible that even when you scan and remove the virus it was on your system at the point that Windows created a restore point. In this event it is possible that your system will get re-infected. This is unfortunate but true.

The main way to stop a virus from continuing to re-infect your system is to get rid of potentially infected restore points and then create new clean restore points. Take the following steps to do this:
  • Locate your System Restore in your Control Panel. (The Windows operating system houses the system restore feature in the control panel under System Properties. It may differ slightly depending on your version of Windows).
  • Delete the Restore Points.
  • Turn the System Restore back on.
  • Create a Restore Point, this can be any random date and time.
  • Once you have created a random Restore Point open your virus software and scan your system for spyware or viruses.
  • Clean the system if necessary.
  • Delete the Restore Points again
  • Then turn the System Restore back on.
  • Create another random Restore Point.
This is one way to ensure that your restore point is clean and there is nothing preventing your system from being re-infested with a virus. It is always beneficial to do a deep scan of your system regularly or put the scan on a schedule as a protective measure against these pesky viruses. Now you know that if it reoccurs you need to take one more step to get rid of it.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Internet Explorer 9 Crashes on Startup

Microsoft’s latest release of Internet Explorer is version 9. It is available for use with Windows Vista or Windows 7. This version is said to be the best browser for Windows to date. Some of the benefits that Internet Explorer 9 has to offer include:
  • Increased speed and optimal search performance.
  • Simplified designs that include one click access to favorites and a combined search and address bar.
  • Privacy controls that offer increased privacy for confidential information.
  • Improved add on management that can tell you which add on is slowing down your browser performance.
While Internet Explorer offers an excellent browsing experience it does not come with out its share of problems. These problems are generally the result of incompatible add-ons, toolbars or display adapter which sometimes happens because of an incompatible or a dated driver.

Internet Explorer 9 has been known to freeze on startup or simply restart without an error message. This is a sure sign of a problem. Some users may receive one of the following error messages before the big freeze. “Internet Explore has encountered a problem and needs to close” or “Internet Explorer has stopped responding” are the two most common error messages.
Resolving the issues with Internet Explorer can be done by using one of both of the methods listed below. If the first does not work proceed to the second method.

Changing the Add-ons Mode
  • Click Start
  • Type in “iexplorer.exe-extoff”
  • Press Enter
This opens Internet Explorer in Add-ons mode. If you do not receive any error messages during this step you can go ahead and disable the add-ons by taking the next steps.
  • Open Internet Explorer.
  • Click Tools on the right hand corner.
  • Click Manage add-ons.
  • Click on the Show drop down menu and select all add ons.
  • Select the add–ons by using the check marks
  • Click Disable in the information window.
  • Exit the program.
  • Restart Internet Explorer.
If changing the add on mode does not resolve the issue proceed with resetting the Internet Explorer Settings.

It is important to know that doing this will reset all of the settings you as a user have created and saved. This will include security, privacy browsing history and temporary internet files and cookies. It will keep the favorites and subscribed feed settings in tact.

Reset Internet Explorer Settings
  • Click Start.
  • In the Start Search Box type in “inetcpl.cpl”.
  • Press Enter.
  • When the Internet Options dialog box appears click on the Advanced tab.
  • Click Reset under the Resent Internet Explorer settings.
  • Click Reset again.
  • Close the program when the settings have been reset.
  • Restart your computer.
One of these two methods should prevent Internet Explorer 9 from crashing on startup allowing you to get the most from the new and improved browsing options.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

What is the ieframe.dll Error?

DLL is the short version for Dynamic-link library. DLL is used by the Windows operating system to handle application data that make your programs such as MS office and Internet Explorer work properly. DLL is much like the library inside of your computer screen. When we want to run a certain program such as Internet Explorer, Microsoft will refer to DLL to figure out how to do it. Much like checking out a book from the library to figure out how to plant a garden, Microsoft checks with DLL to figure out how to run the selected program.

DLL has a big job inside of the hard drive. It is relied upon by the operating system to figure out where to go and what to do when a user opens a program. A DLL error can occur when the data in the library is corrupt, incomplete or missing. DLL errors can happen for a variety of reasons from simple routine use an outdated security or fire wall setting, installing an update or getting a computer virus.

The ieframe.dll error is associated with the Internet Explorer web browser. Knowing that it is associated with your browser helps to narrow down the reasons why the error is occurring. A browser error is easy to repair and generally does not mean that there is anything seriously wrong with your computer system.

If you receive an ieframe.dll error you can repair this yourself in a few easy steps. First, shut down and restart your system. If the error goes away on its own, consider yourself lucky.

If the problem persists, take the following next steps:
  • Download and install the latest compatible version of Internet Explorer; this will depend on your operating system.
  • Restart your router or the network that you use to communicate with the internet.
  • Perform a virus scan on your system.
  • Check to ensure that your firewall and security software is up to date. You may want to consider disabling the protected mode and phishing filter as this may contribute to the dll error.
  • Delete your temporary internet files by going to Start, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Cleanup. Wait for the entire process to complete.
  • Shut down and restart your system and see if the ieframe.dll error persists.
If these steps do not resolve the error you can replace the DLL by downloading a clean version of the DLL. To do this you can do an internet search for downloading DLL and follow the instructions. If you are not comfortable installing a clean version of DLL it is advisable to call Microsoft support or take your system to a trained computer technician.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

The Meaning of the Red Screen for PS3 Users

Colors such as red, black and blue for computer users and PS3 users generally mean trouble. We have all heard of the red or blue screens of death when dealing with our PC’s. The same holds true for PS3 uses. The PS3 RSOD or PS3 Red Screen of Death is frustrating and confusing for many users. Just because you become a victim of the PS3 RSOD does not mean that you are not taking care of your electronics, sometimes it just happens without warning!

The best scenario when you encounter the PS3RSOD is that your unit is still under warranty and you can bring it right back to the place you purchased it and get either your money back or have it repaired. A less attractive and more costly solution is to bring it to a technician and pay for a repair that may take well over a week. Most of us are just not that lucky to have the red screen of death occur while the machine is still under warranty.

There are a few ways to cure the PS3RSOD by yourself. These methods have proven successful and won’t cost you anything but a little bit of time.

Reasons for the PS3 RSOD and a Few Easy Fixes
  • Overheating is the most common cause for the red screen. Many users either have the console flat on the wall or the floor preventing air from circulating. Shut your system down and move it to allow some air to flow. This may require a permanent readjustment of where you have your console located.
  • Dust accumulation is another common cause for the red screen. Just as overheating occurs because of the way the console is positioned, dust also accumulates and builds up. Dust the areas around your gaming device, this includes the fan area.
  • Unplug the PS3 console and let it stand for at least 30 minutes. This is a good time to let it cool and check for dust and dirt particles. Give the console some time to cool down while you are giving it a good dust down.
  • Plug your system back in after waiting at least 30 minutes. Check all of the cords and power supplies to ensure that they are secured and plugged in properly. It is quite possible that these simple steps will get rid of the red screen of death.
After trying these solutions, if you are still med with the PS3 RSOD it is possible that you may have a bad hard drive. You can borrow a hard drive and hook it to your console just see if the red screen still appears with a different hard drive. If the red screen is still present it is likely that there is significant damage done to either your motherboard or your hard drive. In this case you should consult with a technician to get the system repaired.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Help! I Can’t See My Files and Folders

Without our knowledge sometimes we turn on our computer system and everything looks different. Our toolbar is moved, our files are hidden, we can’t figure out where we saved a certain document. It is like we moved in the middle of the night and when we woke up everything changed. As we have said before the nice thing about computers is that they are smart but sometimes too smart and have a mind all their own.

How can I view my hidden files and folders? This is a question that most of us have asked ourselves in the past. It would be nice if the computer would just answer us, but unfortunately technology has not yet advanced to that level. It is an easy and quick fix to get back into your vision the files and folders that have seemed to hide themselves from you.

While this is a very basic problem but sometimes it’s the simple issues that cause us to spend more time figuring out than the more complex issues. Determine your operating system and follow the necessary steps to get to your hidden files and folders.

Windows XP and 2000, ME, NT, 98 and 95 Users
  • Double click on My Computer
  • Click Tools
  • Click Folder Options
  • Click View
  • Under Hidden files and folders select Show hidden files and folders
Windows Vista Users
  • Click on Start
  • Click on Control Panel
  • Click Appearance and Personalization
  • Click Folder Options
  • Click View
  • Under Hidden files and folders select Show hidden files and folders
Windows 7 Users
  • Click start
  • Type Search in start search box
  • Click Change to change your search options for files and folders
  • Click on the View Tab
  • Select the radio button labeled show hidden files folders and drives
  • Remove the checkmark from the boxes labeled hide extensions for known file types and hide protected operation system files. These boxes should be unchecked.
  • Click on Apply and then OK.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Does my PC Need a Memory Test?

It goes without saying that computers have a mind of their own or so it seems. There are so many factors that determine how a computer will act and function. The overall performance of a computer can be improved by determining if there is a simple internal problem that needs adjustment. Much like a human being, computer systems are complex and when they get rundown or something is out of whack the way the system functions is compromised.

The amount of memory that a computer has determines how much information can be stored and processed successfully. When the amount of information starts to exceed the amount of memory that the computer has you may start to see problems with the overall functioning of your system.

Sometimes the computer will simply let you know that you are exceeding the amount of memory you have on your system with a prompt that states “virtual memory is too low or “your system is running low on virtual memory”. You can consider yourself lucky when the system is actually telling you what the problem is and allowing you to fix it.

Other ways that you might determine that you have a memory problem is if your computer does one or more of the following:
  • Opens and/or closes programs very slowly.
  • The system is delayed in responding to your commands.
  • The system runs slower and slower.
  • Web pages are not displaying quickly.
There are ways that you can determine if your PC needs a memory test.

You can determine the amount of RAM that is needed to run your operating system and then check your system for the amount of RAM you currently have. Windows 7 is one of the largest operating systems that require 1mg of RAM; others require this amount when large gaming applications are also installed.

Windows Vista and Windows 7 offer a memory diagnostics tool that can be used to check your memory. To get to this tool go to Start, type memory in the run line and run the command following the prompts. You can restart the computer to run the memory test. Adding memory will require the assistance of a computer technician.

Memtest86 and DocMemory are both free software solutions that can test the memory on your PC. There are other solutions that may charge a small fee to use but can help you determine if your memory needs an increase. There is a difference between bad memory and not enough memory. A test will help you to determine which course of action you need to improve the functioning of your computer system.

Friday, April 15, 2011

What is a HASH Error?

The term Hash in computer language simply means an encrypted string of characters that converts large quantities of data into smaller sizes of data to streamline the process of getting to information. Hash errors are nothing more than system errors that alert the user that there is a problem with the inner workings of the computer system. A hash error generally means that there is something preventing the computer from understanding what is being asked of it. This lack of communication may be temporary or it may be require a permanent fix such as a registry repair.

There are several forms of hash error messages that may include; a system error code 15300, ERROR_HASH_NOT_SUPPORTED, ERROR_HASH_NOT_PRESENT, or “Hash generation for the specified version and hash type is not enabled on server”. A hash error is not as well known as many of the other system errors but is as easily fixable and preventable with routine computer maintenance.

Many system errors have the same common causes which include:
  • Registry damage.
  • Device Driver problems or conflicts.
  • A virus or computer infection.
  • Hardware malfunctions.
  • Software file damage.
The best advice to avoid most system errors is to be proactive and ensure that your computer is always well protected and up to date with the most current versions of the applications you are using. Preventing errors in the first place saves time money and unnecessary frustration. If you are the victim of a hash error take the following steps:
  • If you have just installed new software uninstall it and reinstall it.
  • Make sure your system is updated with the latest applications for the software you are using and any fixes or updates to your programs should be downloaded. The best way to keep up with this is to download these when you are prompted to do so.
  • Do a virus scan on your system and always ensure that your virus program is up to date.
  • Never open files from unknown senders and scan all attachments prior to opening.
  • Perform regular registry maintenance on your PC. Most computer errors do come from damaged or corrupted registries. Keeping your registry in good working order will eliminate many of the annoying system errors that pop up. There are many registry repair tools that can be downloaded for free.
In the event that theses steps do not work it is best to seek the assistance of a trained computer technician.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

What is a NTLDR Error?

NTLDR is short for NT Loader which is a program loaded from the hard drive boot sector that helps the program load and displays the startup menu. NTLDR errors apply only to the Windows XP operating systems. Windows 7 and Vista do not utilize NTLDR.

The error will generally appear reading either “NTLDR is missing. Press any key to restart” or “NTLDR is missing. Press Ctrl Alt Del to restart”, or “Boot: Couldn’t find NTLDR. Please insert another disk”. The error usually appears after the computer is started and begins to load. The error occurs for one of the following reasons:
  • The computer is trying to book from a hard or flash drive that it is not supposed to be booting from.
  • The boot files or hard drive files are corrupt or not configured properly.
  • There was an issue with an upgrade of the operation system.
  • The BIOS is outdated.
  • The IDE cables are damaged or loose.
Take the following steps in order to attempt to repair the NTLDR error.
  • The first thing to do if you get an NTLDR error message is to shut down and restart your system. Sometimes the error is a fluke and restarting could be the only fix you need.
  • Check all of your power cables. Ensure that they are tightly plugged in and in good working order.
  • Back up all of your data and uninstall and reinstall a new installation of Windows XP. Removing Windows XP from your PC and installing it again from the beginning will be a sure fix that any issues with NTLDR will go away unless you have a hard drive issues or an outdated BIOS.
If you are uncomfortable or unfamiliar performing any of these options you should seek the expertise of a trained computer repair technician who can assist you with this process. If you continue to receive NTLDR errors after taking the steps above it may mean that your hard drive is corrupt and will need to be replaced.

Friday, April 8, 2011

iTunes Won’t Start

It seems that many people who have upgraded to Windows 7 have reported issues with installing iTunes after the upgrade. While the issue can be annoying, luckily with a few small steps this problem seems to go away, at least for most users.

If you find that you are unable to launch iTunes you first want to make sure that after you install Windows 7 you have the correct installer for iTunes. For example if you are on 64bit Windows 7 then you will need the 64bit iTunes installer. You can download the proper installer at http://support.apple.com/kb/DL925. Downloading the proper iTunes installer may be the answer to your problem.

Starting iTunes in compatibility mode may also make a difference. To get to compatibility mode take the following steps:
  • Right click on the iTunes icon.
  • Click on Properties.
  • Go to the Compatibility Tab.
  • Click Run this program in Compatibility Mode.
  • Select your operating system from the dropdown field.
If this is not the answer to the problem you may be prompted to turn off compatibility mode. Follow the prompts to do so and if possible force quit iTunes by hitting CTRL + ALT + DEL at the same time.
  • Click on Start Task Manager.
  • Go to Applications.
  • Go to the iTunes Application.
  • Right Click.
  • Select Go To Process and then End Process.
Once you have force quit the compatibility mode, restart your PC and see if you can now open up iTunes. Sometimes just simply restarting your PC may be the answer to the problem.
If these options don’t work you will want to try to reinstall the Apple QuickTime which is required for iTunes. You will want to have the version of QuickTime 7.6.4 or later. It is possible that QuickTime got corrupted somehow. You can download QuickTime by going to the following site: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/. Once you download the program restart your computer and attempt to open iTunes.

It is very likely that one of the above solutions will be the answer to your problem, if not you can always contact the support offered with Windows 7 or from the iTunes site to assist with any further troubleshooting.

Friday, April 1, 2011

System Error 2146697211 MSN Chat History Error

There are literally thousands of system error codes that may occur while you are installing, running or utilizing an application on your computer system. While some system error codes can be corrected or repaired by the end user; which is you, others require a different level of involvement from a programming end.

System error codes are broad generalizations that help to pinpoint a problem with the internal workings of the computer system or program. The first step when you are faced with a system error code is to write down the information about the system error. This will help you to research the specific system error and decide if it is something that you can fix from your end or if you need to call in the expertise of a help line or customer support.

Lucky for you if you received an MSN chat history error it is an easy fix from your end. The MSN chat history error may appear in a number of ways. You may receive a system error message with the system error code 2146697211, or a message that states cannot view XML input using XSL system sheet, or the chat log will just fail to display. In any of these cases it may be caused by having Internet Explorer as a default browser or you need to repair the log. Regardless of the cause, the repair can be a quick and easy fix.

To repair the MSN chat log error take the following steps:
  • Locate and download a MSN chat log error repair tool. These are free to download. You may go to http://www.RepairErrorInstantly.com/ttfi to download this tool.
  • Install the tool after downloading it.
  • Open the MSN chat log error repair tool and scan your computer using the tool.
  • Click Fix once the scan is complete.
  • This should take care of any future issues with your MSN chat history log.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Internet Browsing Can Slow Down Your System

There is nothing worse than a slow computer system. The truth is that from the first day of use, your computer begins the process of slowing down and working less effectively. You may not see this on a day-to-day basis, but gradually just because of everyday wear and tear, your system takes a beating. A computer is not that much different than a person or a vehicle. Without proper maintenance and a checkup now and then, things begin to run less efficiently.

We all know about the dangerous virus or the malicious spyware that can, at best, slow down our system, and, at worst, crash it. What people don’t realize is that browsing the Internet day after day will eventually cause your computer to run slower. When we browse the Internet and open different programs, or download various games, it takes up energy and space on the system. The Internet is also a major source of malware, infections and data mining programs. When we visit locations on the Internet, our computer is naturally harvesting traces of the places we have been. These traces take up space and leave infections that affect computer performance and speed.

The little day-by-day traces may not be enough to harm or slow your system by themselves, but the more we browse, the bigger these little traces become and eventually our computer is running slower than ever. Even when we later remove the program, the registry is affected and traces of the places we have visited and programs we have downloaded remain in our system files. This is not to suggest that you should stop browsing or downloading, but rather know that this is contributing to the wear and tear of your system and take proper steps to remove the little things that will eventually cause great harm to your system. At DoubleMySpeed.com, there are tools available that will help you to keep your system in good working order.

The good news is that you can prevent your computer system from a gradual death by doing a few very inexpensive, very effective things that will prolong the life of your computer and increase speed and performance. There are a few natural processes that we perform with our computers than cause it to slow down. Being aware of these speed suckers can arm you with the information you need to keep your system running quickly.

The causes for a slow computer are countless, from not enough memory to a corruption of the registry. There are many programs out there that can arm you with the resources you need to keep your computer running at optimum speed, such as those found at DoubleMySpeed.com. This is free to download and install. Once the program is installed on your computer, it will allow you to scan your system for a list of the issues that are slowing down your computer system. Having this information will allow you to fix the problems that are causing undo stress on your system and slowing it down to a crawl.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

How to Know if You Have a Bad Hard Drive Sector

A sector is an area on the surface of a hard drive or disk that has several areas called platters, which are the areas on the drive or disk that are covered with the magnetic type material where the data is stored. The platters are divided into a set of tracks and each track is separated into smaller areas called sectors. The sectors on a drive are the areas where data is stored. Hard drives have many different sectors, so if one goes bad it does not ruin the entire hard drive, only the data in the sector is affected.

Hard drives have millions of sectors, many of which do go bad just because of everyday use. You may or may not know if you have a bad sector on your computer’s disk drive because the computer will be alerted to the bad sector and know not to store data in that area. It is always possible that the data stored in a sector that was bad is no longer useable, even with recovery methods.

A faulty sector cannot be used if it has permanent damage to it, but a modern computer comes with many spare sectors, so if one goes bad, the computer is naturally programmed to remap to a functioning sector. When this remapping occurs, the user may not even be aware of it because all of the programs are written to the spare sector and the computer continues to function normally.

In the case that more than one sector in your hard disk has gone bad, there may be noticeable changes to the way your computer system functions. If you are having issues with reading certain data on your hard drive or receive a sector error, or a timeout, it may simply mean that the computer is remapping the data. If the problem continues to persist you can attempt to repair your hard disk sectors by taking the following steps:
  • Go to Start
  • Select My Computer
  • Under Hard Disk Drives, highlight the drive you want to scan
  • Open File, Menu and click on Properties
  • Open Tools
  • Click the Check Now button and follow any prompts
If enough of the sectors go bad, or the problems continue to persist even after your repair, it may be time for a new hard drive. The potential for a bad drive sector is just one of the reasons why it is always advisable to have a reliable back up system for all work stored on the hard drive.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Am I the Victim of a Root Kit?

It is hard to tell if you become the victim of a root kit until something devastating happens. The best method is prevention. Simply put, a root kit is a software tool that can be installed on a computer, without the user’s knowledge. Once installed, a root kit provides remote access to computer information including files and system information. The root kit is difficult to detect and it embeds itself into the operating system and “watches” the information.

Root kits are used for both good and bad reasons. Used properly, they allow parental programs and law enforcement systems to provide surveillance and protection. Parents can download these root kits to monitor their child’s online activities, and law enforcement can install these for the purposes of catching criminals. The downside is that hackers can install root kits on computers for the purpose of stealing a person’s identity or importing a virus.

A root kit can be placed on a computer in a variety of very inconspicuous ways. It can be installed by a user opening up an e-mail with a graphic or link to a website. Once the user opens the e-mail, the root kit is installed without the user’s knowledge. A pop-up window may appear when users are surfing the web, informing that in order to view a certain site a program must be downloaded. The user may download the program and at the same time be downloading a root kit.

Once a root kit is installed, it allows the hacker to communicate with the computer whenever the computer is online. This puts the user at great risk for identity theft. The root kit can allow the hacker to access sensitive information from the system, such as credit card information, banking passwords and usernames.

Running a virus scan usually protects your computer from most dangerous viruses; however, this is not necessarily true with root kits. Root kits are difficult to detect and are not typically found or removed through standard antivirus scans. The other issue is while root kits do interfere with the computer system there are rarely red flags that tell users that something is wrong. There is no slowing of the system, or issues with logon or other typical clues that there is a virus. These root kits are very savvy and work hard to not cause problems so they can continue to hack into the system.

To guard your system against root kits it is advised that security software be kept up to date. Ensure that you do not open mail from unidentified users, delete your spam e-mails and install operating system updates as they become available. There are specific security tools that are used for root kit detection and removal. These tools go beyond the standard antivirus. Doing a search for a root kit detection or root kit remover will provide results for many programs that work specifically to detect and remove root kits.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

How to Fix a Slow Computer

Anyone who uses a computer regularly can attest to the fact that over time and with increased use, most computers will begin to slow down and even freeze at times. Unfortunately, there really isn’t anything to do to prevent this from happening. As you use different programs and manipulate different files, little errors or broken pieces of files begin to get stored within a computer’s memory. As time progresses, more and more of these problems occur and begin to mount up. This means that when a computer is trying to access a program or file, it can take longer for it to find the correct, and unbroken, route to whatever it is that you have directed it. Freezing occurs when the computer cannot find an unbroken path to whatever it is that you need.

While this is a common occurrence, the positive news is that there is something you can do to correct this problem before it gets too bad. To save having to buy a new computer, there are many different products and programs out there that will help you speed up your computer by correcting any issues within it. DoubleMySpeed.com is one such tool. DoubleMySpeed.com is free to download and install. Running the software when it is installed will execute a free diagnostic scan of your computer. When the scan has finished, you will be provided with a list of issues that are slowing your computer down. As well as being provided with the list of issues, you will also be provided with options to help clean up the problem areas and ultimately speed up your computer.

When it comes to correcting any issues, only those people who are comfortable and have a good understanding of how computers work should attempt to make the corrections themselves. Instead, a safer, and proven, method is to purchase the DoubleMySpeed.com software. Once you have activated your software, it will make the necessary corrections to ensure that your computer is back up and running as it was when you first purchased it.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

My iPhone won’t Sync in Windows 7

It is not uncommon for Windows 7 users to be faced with the issue of being unable to sync their iPhones with the Windows 7 operating system. The issue seems to be isolated to Windows 7 users who use 64 bit Intel chipsets. Something with this combination prevents easily synching the iPhone with the computer.

After investigation from Intel, Apple and Microsoft, it seemed that there was an easy fix to this disruptive issue. It seems that while Windows 7 is a new and popular operating system that ensures that your computer runs quickly and efficiently, it sometimes tries to fight off other hardware that may pose a potential threat. In most cases, when users attempt to sync the iPhone to Windows 7, they are met with an error message or it simply won’t work. It is likely due to Windows 7 trying to conserve power to ensure that the system runs quickly.

There is a quick fix for this issue by taking the following steps:
  • Go to Start
  • Right click Computer
  • Choose Properties
  • Chose Device Manager
  • Choose Universal Serial Bus Controllers
  • Right click on USB Root Hub
  • Choose Properties
  • Choose Power Management
  • Uncheck the box that says “Allow the computer to turn this device off to save power”.
  • If you want to be proactive you can uncheck every entry that is checked in USB root hub to prevent this issue from occurring with other hardware.
  • Reboot your computer and attempt to sync your phone.
Gigabyte Technology is a manufacturer of many computer products including processors, motherboards and graphic cards. This company is well known to not only provide products but to investigate issues that come up with technology and provide solutions to some common problems.

Gigabyte came up with a quick BIOS update that was said to not only fix the iPhone sync issue, but provide other enhancements to Windows 7 users. For those that have a Gigabyte motherboard in their computer system, simply download the Gigabyte BIOS update from their site and it will automatically fix the sync problem. This will not work for everyone, only users who have Gigabyte mother boards. If you are unsure of the make and model of your motherboard the first solution offered above is your best and safest option.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

The Meaning Behind the Red Screen

We have all heard of the infamous blue screen of death, and have probably experienced one of the many damaging relatives, the red screen or the blank screen. Less popular, but equally as damaging as the blue or blank screen is the Red Screen of Death. It is sometimes referred to as the Red Screen of Doom and it has a codename of “Memphis.” Luckily, not everyone will have the unfortunate experience of seeing their computer screen plastered with complete red. If you never have to experience this consider yourself lucky.

Historically, the red screen is an error message reserved for the beta versions of some of Microsoft’s operating systems, including Windows Vista and Windows 98. The red screen of death does still exist, but is becoming a bad memory because of the changes in Windows operating systems. Basically the red screen is designed simply to let users know that there is a serious system error that has occurred and Windows is informing the user of this error with a big bold red screen. Windows has since reverted back to a black or blue screen for this type of error; however, some users still may be one of the few to experience the red screen.

Much like fixes for a blue screen, the red screen may occur due to software errors, device drivers or bugs in the operating system. If this is the case, it typically requires a technician to diagnose and correct them. On other occasions, the red screen can be caused by something as basic as overheating, faulty or loose power supplies or cords or hardware that is running without enough memory to support it.

The first thing you will want to do is shut down the system. Let it cool for a few minutes and check all of your cables to make sure they are securely plugged into the back of your system. Take note if the system seems to be running loudly or the fan is working overtime, this can be a clue that the system is overheating.

If you have installed any recent software, try uninstalling it and restart your system to see if the screen reappears normally. It may be that there is not enough memory to run the software or it may be something as simple as loose wires causing what Windows thinks is a system error. If you determine it is the memory, you can have new memory installed before you run your new software. To be preventative, run a virus scan on your computer once it is up and running normally.

If the red screen goes away, chances are it was probably one of the simple issues that you were able to fix taking the steps above. If the red screen appears again, even intermittently, you should seek the assistance of a trained technician.

Monday, February 28, 2011

XP Automatically Restarts After I Shut it Down

Does your Windows based computer sometimes appear to have a mind of its own? There are a few reasons why Windows may do something other than what you command. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, there may be a simple fix for your computer issue:
  • Does your computer automatically restart when you prompt it to shut down?
  • Does your computer unexpectedly restart when you ask it to perform certain tasks?
  • Do you get an error message or a blue screen when the computer automatically restarts?
Windows operating systems are typically configured by default to automatically restart when a program stops responding. The first step is to check your settings. To do this, follow these instructions:
  • Click on Start
  • Right click on My Computer
  • Click on Properties
  • Click on the Advanced tab
  • Under Startup and Recovery click Settings
  • Under System Failure look at to see if the box that says automatically Restart is checked.
  • You can change the setting by unchecking the Automatically Restart box. This should stop your computer from automatically fix the issue with your computer continuing to restart.
When the box is unchecked and the system encounters a problem you will receive an error message rather than an automatic restart. When and if you receive an error message you can research the message to see what type of error you have and how to correct it.

If you do receive continuous error messages it is a clue to you, the user that a critical error or issue needs further resolution. In this event you should research the error message and complete steps to correct the problem.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

My Router Connection Keeps Dropping

There are many reasons why your router connection may drop. Some of the reasons are controllable by the user; others have to do with the network performance or the auto-speed detection of the router itself. The router has the capability to detect what the difference in speed from one network to the next and sometimes the device gets it wrong.

Sometimes a connection is dropped when the router becomes confused. When the devices at your computer and at the other end of the network are trying to auto-detect at the same time, it can cause conflict resulting in a dropped connection.

Typically home and office networks run anywhere from 10 to 100 megabits per second. 10 is the most common for most home computer systems. The router will monitor the speed and automatically change it if and when necessary. Ensure when purchasing a router that you have one that is adequate to meet your needs.

It is possible to turn off the network speed auto detection if you are consistently having problems with dropped connections, however in most cases this will not be necessary, unless you have exhausted all other options.

You should take the following steps first to attempt to remedy a dropped router connection:
  • Disconnect the power cord, cable and/or phone line to the modem.
  • Wait about 5 minutes and plug all of the cables back in to the modem.
  • IF you have more than two computers on the modem you can disconnect one computer at a time and attempt to connect using the computer that is still connected.
  • Do this one by one and see if you can determine the source of the issue. If your connection works with all but one of the computers it may mean that either the computer that is disconnected may be the source of the issue, or the router can’t handle all of the connections for your computer systems.
  • You can try the following: First, contact your internet service provider to see if there are settings that can be adjusted on their end to correct the issue. If this does not work contact your router support line and ask them for assistance with the router connections or suggestions for other capabilities.
  • A last resort may be that you may have to purchase a router that can better support your network.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Benefits of Defragmenting Your Hard Drive

Many common computer problems can be prevented by performing a simple task called disk defragmentation. In addition, prevention there are also benefits that make your computer run better. Disk defragmentation can be done on any drives that hold files, this includes flash drives.
Disk defragmentation is a simple process that rearranges files on your computer to make them run more smoothly. It is recommended that disk defragmentation should be done about once a month for frequently used drives and at least twice a year for smaller or less frequently used drives.

Disk defragmentation offers the following benefits:
  • You will be able to access your files quicker because your computer doesn’t have to search as hard for the files when it is prompted to locate them.
  • It preserves the life of your computer by cleaning up files that have been fragmented throughout your drives.
  • It will make commonly used programs run faster, which in turn makes your computer work better.
  • Performing this task regularly can prevent wear and tear on your drives, your programs and the overall functioning of your computer.
Most computers today automatically run disk defragmentation; however, there is an option you can use to per perform a disk defragmentation manually. Performing this task more frequently than necessary is better than not doing it frequently enough.

Disk defragmentation can be performed by taking the following steps:
  • Go to Start
  • Programs or All Programs
  • Accessories
  • System Tools
  • Disk Defragmenter
  • Click on Defragment Now
The time this takes will range anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the size of your memory and the number of drives you are defragmenting. You can still utilize your computer during the time that your disk is defragmenting.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

How to Get Rid of Messenger Pop-up Windows

Messenger pop-ups are little windows created by computer users or companies that use that use the Windows net send command to create the uncontrollable pop-up messages you see on your screen when you least expect it. There are a few different types of pop-ups that may surface; these may be general browser pop-ups, advertisements or pop-ups generated from adware or spyware. Regardless of what they are, most users find them annoying and distracting.

All pop-ups can be prevented by installing or using an existing pop-up blocker. While most operating systems now do include a built in pop-up blocker some users that still work from an older operating system may need to manually stop pop-ups by disabling them or installing a special program. Many browsers such as Google have pop-up blockers that can be turned on to prevent pop-ups from occurring.

There are several programs that prevent these ads from popping up without your consent and interrupting your computer work. If you are working with Microsoft Windows it is advisable that you stick with a Microsoft sponsored option for pop-up blocking, some non-Windows programs specifically designed to stop pop ups may interfere with other components of the operating system and while the pop-ups may be blocked other issues may surface.

Here are some universal instructions for Windows users to stop the messenger pop-ups from intruding on your computer screen.
  • Write down the pop-up messenger string information
  • Click on the Start menu
  • Go to the Run command
  • Type Services.msc /s
  • Click on OK
  • Locate the messenger string and select this from the box
  • On the Services toolbar select Properties
  • On the Startup type set this to Disabled
  • Click on the Stop command
  • Click Apply
  • Restart your computer for your setting to take effect

Monday, February 7, 2011

How to Correct a Blurry Screen

There is nothing worse than a blurry screen when you are trying to work or play on your computer. There are a few common causes for a blurry screen, and most causes have fairly simple fixes that can be done without the expensive help of a trained technician.

Here are a few of the common reasons for a blurry screen and some ways to troubleshoot through each of them.
  • Extreme hot and cold temperatures and changes between the two can cause the computer screen to become blurry. Ensure that the location of your computer has a fairly regulated temperature. If your screen is only occasionally blurry, take note of the temperature at the time when you notice the blurry screen. Even fans and overhead lights can contribute to a blurry screen. Experiment by removing fans and turning off lights to see if it eliminates the problem with your blurry screen.
  • Magnetic devices around your computer system may cause issues with your monitor. Remove magnets or toys away from the screen to see if this helps the resolution.
  • Loose monitor connections are a common cause for monitor blurriness. Believe it or not some people forget about the most obvious culprit. Check your connections; ensure that both ends are secured tightly.
  • The picture may be out of alignment. It is easy for resolution settings to get adjusted by mistake. Play around with the controls on the monitor to see if this brings the picture back into focus.
If none of these tips help to resolve the issue of your blurry screen it may simply mean that your monitor needs to be replaced. If possible, try hooking up another monitor to the same system to see if the problem persists before purchasing a new monitor.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Access to Adobe Reader is Denied

Trying to open, copy or move a file or folder in Adobe can result in the ACCESS DENIED prompt. The reason that access is denied may be that the user does not have permission to view the folder or the folder is not shared properly. It may also happen when trying to open up a PDF file within certain external e-mail programs, such as Microsoft Outlook Express, Mozilla or Eudora. Typically the access issue is an easy fix.

The best place to start if you have Adobe access issues is to restart your computer and try again to access the file. If this does not solve the problem, you can take the following steps to correct the access denied issue:

For Windows XP and Windows Vista Users:
  • Right click on My Computer
  • Click on Manage
  • Double click on the Services and Application Tab
  • Next click on Services
  • Double click on Server
  • Under the General Tab of the Server Properties menu go to the Startup Type prompt and select Automatic
  • Click on the Start button under Service Status
  • Click Apply
  • Click OK
  • Restart your computer for the new settings to take effect
If you are not a Windows XP or Vista user or the first fix does not solve the problem, try the following:
  • Open up Adobe Reader
  • At the Toolbar go to Edit
  • Click on Preferences
  • Go to the General tab under Categories and unclick the “Enable Protected Mode at Startup”
  • Click Yes and then OK
  • Close Adobe Reader and try again to reopen the PDF file
Hopefully one of these options will allow you access to Adobe. If all else fails, contact the support line provided through your operating system.

Monday, January 31, 2011

Prompt Message to Reactivate Windows

Sometimes you will encounter a program will make Windows want or need to reactivate itself. This is one way that you know there is an internal issue that needs to be resolved. This problem of installing a new program is a common issue that often occurs with computer that has the initial version of Windows Vista.

You may also receive an Activation Error 0xC004F02A that usually occurs when you attempt to restore a Vista image that was created during a certain volume licensing installation. These issues have since been resolved since Vista came out however they still do pop up on some PC’s.

It is important to note that Microsoft stopped offering support on April 13th of 2010 for Vista operating systems without any service packs installed. In order to receive support for your Windows Vista make sure that you have Service Pack 2 installed on your PC.

Certain changes, additions or deletions of hardware are allowed to take place by Windows without requiring you to restart your computer, but other more complex changes or multiple changes can cause something in Windows to trigger the need to reactivate itself. If you are being prompted to reactivate Windows, the best solution is to take advantage of the Microsoft Patch.

The Microsoft patch offers an easy solution to a frustrating problem of being prompted to reactivate Windows. The patch can be found on the Windows Support website. Follow the directions offered to apply the patch which in turn should provide a long-term solution to issues that have popped up on your PC with Vista installed.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Live Gaming Failure

Gaming has become a social phenomenon, but it is hard to be use games for socialization purposes when your live gaming fails to initialize. Windows offers several error messages that communicate that there is a problem with the game load. You may encounter the problem if you are running the Games for Windows Live program as a dedicated server on a Windows Vista, XP or a 2003 computer.

The following errors commonly indicate that there is a problem:
  • System cannot find the path specified.
  • Live gaming on Windows failed to initialize.
Solution One

Uninstall and then reinstall the game, this may solve the problem immediately.

Solution Two

If the first option is unsuccessful, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Games for Windows Live software. To do this, go to add/remove programs in Windows XP or Programs and Features in Windows Vista and Windows 7. When the list of programs is populated select Microsoft Games for Windows Live and uninstall or remove this. Follow the instruction prompts on your screen which will walk you through the entire process.

Once you uninstall the program you will have to reinstall the Games for Windows Live Software. Next go to the Microsoft website and download the latest update. When the update is complete follow the instructions on your screen and close all other programs. Restart your computer and attempt to start the game again.

Solution Three

The problem may occur because another gaming application is running on the same machine which may cause a repeated conflict. Ensure that you have downloaded the latest Windows updates to allow you to run your gaming programs properly.

Updates can be installed by going to the Windows website. Always allow updates to be installed when you are prompted to do when they are available, this will prevent having to troubleshoot through error messages. Do not ignore the message prompts for updates in the future, this will ensure that you are up to date with the latest software for your computer.

Hopefully one of these three solutions will remedy the issue. If not you may need to adjust your settings or contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.

Monday, January 17, 2011

What Does the Red X Mean?

We have all seen that little red X at some point or another in our computer journey. The X shows up when you open a web page or an e-mail and there should be a picture or a graphic of some sort. Interestingly enough, that little red X can be caused by any one of about 15 different reasons.

Below you will find the most common reasons for the infamous red X. Sometimes you can make a few changes on your end to eliminate the red X, while other times this is completely out of your control as a user. Here are a few simple steps that in many cases will eliminate the red X and allow you to view pictures.

Reasons You Can’t Control and Possible Solutions
  1. The image on the web page you are viewing has changed or the picture has been removed.
  2. The website you are trying to view is either offline, busy or has a technical issue.
The best thing you can do in these situations is try a few times to open the link or contact the website and inform them of the issue if possible.

Reasons You Can Control and Possible Solutions
  1. Your e-mail browser is unable to display the type of image being displayed. To attempt to open the image hold your mouse over the X and right click. Select show picture if this option is available.
  2. The “show picture” setting has been turned off or your Internet security settings are set too high. Open Internet Explorer and click tools, internet options and advanced tab. Check “show pictures” under the multimedia tab and click ok. To change your settings, open internet explorer and click tools, internet options. Click security, click default level and then ok.
  3. Your hard drive may be getting full. You will need to delete your temporary Internet files to prevent seeing the red x in the future. To do this with Internet Explorer 6 and older versions open Internet Explorer, click tools, internet options and select the general tab. Click delete files under the files listed in temporary Internet files. Select the delete all offline content and then ok. Internet Explorer 7 users will open internet explorer and click on tools, delete browsing history, delete files and click ok.
If none of these solutions work the cause may be something a bit more complex. You can do an Internet search for more troubleshooting options, contact the website or your operating system support for further assistance.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Anti-virus Conflicts

An effective anti-virus program is essential to the health and overall functioning of any computer. Not only does it prevent you from being the victim of a malicious virus that could ruin your system and corrupt your documents but it will proactively scan your system and alert you to potential risks ahead of time.

Many people think that two is better than one but not in the case of your anti-virus programs. Having two anti-virus programs will not protect your system better but it may actually make it run worse. When you have two different anti-virus programs running on your system one program acts as if the other program is an intruder and attempts to fight it off as it would a virus. This can cause an array of problems with your computer system.

Running two different anti-virus programs can cause any of the following common problems:

  • Computer errors.
  • System slow downs.
  • Program or computer freeze up.

The good thing is that if this problem does occur it is an easy fix. Simply uninstall the programs and reinstall one program.

Renewing your Anti-virus Program

You will have nothing to worry about if you are simply installing an update to your current anti-virus software that comes from the same manufacturer. Simply follow the manufacturers instructions for download and the current version will override the existing version and your system should run smooth and be protected.

Changing Anti-virus Programs

When you update or change your anti-virus software and are changing from one manufacturer to another, such as from Norton to Viper you first have to uninstall the existing anti-virus program from your system before installing or downloading the new software.

To do this you would go to Add/Remove programs on your system and uninstall your current anti-virus program. Once the program has been removed follow the instructions to install your new anti-virus software.

Take care if you are downloading software from the internet without an existing anti-virus program on your computer, this leaves you vulnerable to a virus. In the event that you have to do this you may want to consider purchasing a CD to eliminate having to download from the Internet.