May you never need it

The Windows Memory Diagnostic tests the Random Access Memory (RAM) on your computer for errors. The diagnostic includes a comprehensive set of memory tests. If you are experiencing problems while running Windows, you can use the diagnostic to determine whether the problems are caused by failing hardware, such as RAM or the memory system of your motherboard.

Windows Memory Diagnostic is designed to be easy and fast. On most configurations, you can download the diagnostic, read the documentation, run the test and complete the first test pass in less than 30 minutes.

Labels: General, Troubleshoot

Some clues

"You've finished your report, presentation, or cost analysis using a Microsoft Office program. The information is rich with data and detail. Now comes the final step: printing it and showing the world your hard work on paper. This is the point at which printing can give you a headache. Right when you want to wrap up your work, project, or school assignment, questions start popping into your mind"

Labels: Troubleshoot

Universal

What is Update Notifier?
The Update Notifier is a small utility that scans your computer for installed software and displays a list of updates. Also you can see the latest updates for applications from your Watch List.

Labels: Add-in, Troubleshoot

Windows XP answers

"The Windows XP frequently asked questions section contains some of the more popular tips/tweaks. Obviously, this section will be updated pretty regularly so do keep visiting to check what new FAQ's have been added. All FAQ replies are supplied 'as is' I am unable to accept any responsibility resulting from the use of any of the FAQ replies. You use them at your own risk!'

• How Do I Enable Show Hidden Files and Folders
  
  
• How Do I Get XP To Empty The Temporary Internet File Folder When My Browser Closes (UPDATED)
  
  
• How Do I Hide Icons In The Notification Area
  
  
• How Do I Add/Remove 'Supplied By From Internet Explorer Title Bar
  
  
• How Do I Replace a lost, broke or damaged Windows XP CD
  
  
• How Do I Delete An Undeletable File
  
  
• How Do I Create A Desktop Shortcut To The Windows Disk Defragmenter
  
  
• How Do I Enable Single Clicking Of Icons To Open An Application
  
  
• How Do I Disable The Windows XP Splash Screen
  
  
• How Do I Change The Default Location Of The My Document Folder
  
  
• How Do I Backup The Registry In Windows XP

Labels: Troubleshoot

Still sign on, or not

Note If you have not created a password reset disk, and you have also forgotten the password for all user accounts, you cannot log on to your existing Windows installation for security reasons. This information applies to starting Windows XP typically, to safe mode, and to Recovery Console. In this case, you must perform a "clean" installation of Windows XP, re-create all user accounts, and then reinstall all your programs.

Labels: General, Password, Tips, Troubleshoot, Vista

Installation warnings

Scotia, New York, August 9th, 2005

"BillP Studios announced today that results of recent tests show WinPatrol PLUS with R.I.D. will detect 100% of the top spyware threats on a Microsoft Windows-based PC. Recent results by independent testers confirmed WinPatrol's "Real-time Infiltration Detection" methodology is effective in alerting users to newly installed software."

"WinPatrol takes snapshot of your critical system resources and alerts you to any changes that may occur without your knowledge. You'll be removing dangerous new programs while others download new reference files.

WinPatrol isn't the only software we recommend for complete safety but with Scotty on Patrol you'll find yourself informed on what's going on inside your computer. WinPatrol puts you back in control of your computer so you'll know what programs are and should be running at all times."

Labels: Troubleshoot, Virus

Open, but hidden

1. Hold down the Alt key and tap the Tab Key. When you see the desired window, let go of the Alt key.
   
   
2. Hit Alt+Spacebar
   
   
3. Hit M and then use the arrow keys to get the window to the right spot.
   
   
4. Hit Esc when it's near the right spot.
   
   
5. Now drag on the edges of the window to size it. (do not use the Maximize button)

Labels: General, Tips, Troubleshoot

I said shutdown!

" Have you ever tried to shut down Windows, only to have the shutdown sequence hang, or to have the computer reboot instead of shutting down? Shut down problems are one of the most common types of problems with the Windows operating system. At the same time though, they are also one of the problems that is most seldom resolved because shut down problems tend to take a back seat to more serious issues. Troubleshooting operating system shut down problems is easier than you might think though. In this article, I will share some techniques with you that you can use to resolve shut down problems on machines in your office."

WindowsNetworking.com:
Troubleshooting Windows Shutdown Problems

Also:

Windows Support Center:
Windows Shutdown & Restart Center

The Elder Geek on Windows XP:
Troubleshooting Windows XP Shutdown Issues

LabMice.net
Troubleshooting Windows XP Shutdown Issues

Microsoft Support WebCast:
Microsoft Windows XP: Troubleshooting Startup and Shutdown Problems

Vista Shutdown problems

Make Windows Vista Shut Down Services Quicker



See all Topics

windows

Labels: Troubleshoot

A collectors collection

• Red Hat 8.0
  
• Windows 2000 Professional and Server
  
• Windows 2003 Enterprise Server
  
• Windows Me
  
• Windows Vista
  
• Windows XP Home
  
• Windows XP Professional

Labels: General, Tips, Troubleshoot

Plus or minus 32

Regedit.exe is the registration editor for 16-bit Windows. It is used to modify the Windows registration database.

Microsoft recommends that you use Regedit.exe only for its search capabilities on a Windows NT 4.0-based or Windows 2000-based computer.

Regedt32.exe is the configuration editor for Windows NT. It is used to modify the Windows NT configuration database, or the Windows NT registry. This editor allows you to view or modify the Windows NT registry.

The editor provides views of windows that represent sections of the registry, named hives. You must use extreme caution when you use it to change registry values.

Missing or incorrect values in the registry can make the Windows NT installation unusable.

Meryl.net:
An explanation with follow-up links.
A Tale of Two Regeds
By Meryl K. Evans

Also:
Editing the Vista Registry



See all Topics

windows

Labels: Customize, General, Troubleshoot, Tutorials

Source list

"A virus is a type of program that can replicate itself by making (possibly modified) copies of itself. The main criterium for classifying a piece of executable code as a virus is that it spreads itself by means of 'hosts'.

A virus can only spread from one computer to another when its host is taken to the uninfected computer, for instance by a user sending it over a network or carrying it on a removable disk. Additionally, viruses can spread to other computers by infecting files on a network file system or a file system that is accessed by another computer.

Viruses are sometimes confused with worms. A worm, however, can spread itself to other computers without needing to be transferred as part of a host. Many personal computers are now connected to the Internet and to local-area networks, facilitating their spread.

Today's viruses may also take advantage of network services such as the World Wide Web, e-mail, and file sharing systems to spread, blurring the line between viruses and worms."

(Wikipedia)

Virus Information

Google Directory

Panda Software:

Virus Course

This is a two-hour basic course, through which you will acquire a basic knowledge on viruses and on how to be protected against them.
The course consists of twelve chapters:

1. The beginning.
   
2. Basics.
   
3. Viruses and their effects.
   
4. Types of virus.
   
5. Example of virus.
   
6. Example of hoaxes.
   
7. Virus entry-points.
   
8. What is an antivirus program?
   
9. How to combat viruses?
   
10. Is my computer protected?
    
11. Suspected virus infection?
    
12. Some tips.

Labels: Troubleshoot, Virus

Slow machine

Do the three finger Vulcan salute (Ctrl+Alt+Delete) to bring up the Windows Task manager.

If you see a level 100% on the performance tab try these possible solutions.

If you see near 100% CPU activity on the Processes tab by an "Image name" of Cisvc.exe, you might want to turn that service off.

Description: Microsoft Index Service Helper, a service that monitors the memory usage of Microsoft Indexing Service (cidaemon.exe) and automatically re-starts cidaemon.exe if it uses more than 40 MB of memory.

It's needed if you've set up any of your drives or directories to be indexed. Without it running, you could potentially invite a memory "hole", as the indexing service would not clear its RAM usage, as it goes.

If you are not indexing anything, there's no need for it to run

1. Go to Control Panel Administrative Tools > Services
2. Click on the "Standard" tab at the bottom of the box
3. Click on the Name label to sort by Name. Locate "Indexing Service". Double click.
4. Change the "Startup type" to 'Disabled'
5. Click on "Apply"
6. click on "Stop"

Another suggestion:

100 Percent CPU Usage Occurs When You Print on an LPT Printer Port

SYMPTOMS

When you print on an LPT printer port, 100 percent CPU usage occurs until the print job is completed. This slows down other programs until the print job is completed. In some case, other programs may slow down enough that they seem completely unresponsive. This behavior affects all power users who have many programs running at one time.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because Windows 2000/XP does not have interrupt support for LPT printers.

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, print to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) printer port. If the printer does not have this capability, use a parallel-USB cable.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

Also see What Slows Windows Down

Is Vista slow? Ed Bott answers



See all Topics

windows

Labels: Troubleshoot

Start menu gone

Labels: Troubleshoot

When your machine has the snivels

"There are a couple of ways to show the Windows Task Manager: hold down the Ctrl and Alt keys and press the Delete key - Task Manager will then open some versions of Windows, in others you will be presented with a small dialog box that has a button you can click to open the Task Manager; alternatively you can right-click on empty space on the Taskbar and select Task Manager from the menu."

Labels: General, Troubleshoot

Storage area

Labels: Customize, General, IE, Troubleshoot

Search machine

"The Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder is a freeware utility that retrieves your Product Key (cd key) used to install windows from your registry.

It has the options to copy the key to clipboard, save it to a text file, or print it for safekeeping.

It works on Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, XP, Server 2003, Windows Vista, Office XP, Office 2003, and Office 2007.

Labels: Add-in, General, Troubleshoot

Easy record

Labels: Tips, Troubleshoot

Get a little, lose a little

"Beginning in 2007, daylight saving time (DST) will be extended in the United States. DST will start on March 11, 2007, which is three weeks earlier than usual, and it will end on November 4, 2007, which is one week later than usual .This results in a new DST period that is four weeks longer than in previous years.

Unless certain updates are applied to your computer, the time zone settings for your computer's system clock may be incorrect during this four-week period. In particular, you must make sure that both your Windows operating system and your calendar programs are updated.

Home users: If you use Windows Vista or have Automatic Updates turned on, you may not be affected by the change in daylight saving time. If you want to confirm, follow the steps in the Daylight Saving Time Update Guide.

IT professionals and IT managers: The Daylight Saving Time Update Guide will lead you to KB articles and downloads"

Support.Microsoft.com:.
DST Help and Support Center

Also see"
Go Back 23 Hours



See all Topics

windows

Labels: General, Time, Troubleshoot

More resources

Also Bob Cercelli:
Services You Can Disable

And Blackviper.com

Some possibilities are:

Alerter -

Sends alert messages to specified users that are connected to the server computer.

Clipbook -

ClipBook permits you to cut and paste text and graphics over the network.

Fast User Switching -

Windows XP allows users to switch quickly between accounts, without requiring them to log off.

IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service -

You don't need this if you have other software to create CDs.

Messenger -

Transmits net send and Alerter service messages between clients and servers. This is how a lot of pop-up windows start appearing on your desktop.

Portable Media Serial Number -

Retrieves the serial number of any portable music player connected to your computer

Uninterruptible Power Supply Service -

Manages an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) connected to the computer.

Labels: Customize, OS, Troubleshoot

Down the drain

1. Click the Microsoft Vista Start logo in the bottom left corner of the screen
   
   
2. Click All Programs
   
   
3. Click Accessories
   
   
4. Right-click on Command Prompt
   
   
5. Select Run As Administrator
   
   
6. To view the DNS cache, type ipconfig /displaydns at a command prompt.
   
   
7. In the command window type the following and then hit enter: ipconfig /flushdns
   
   
8. You will see the following confirmation:
   

   Windows IP Configuration
   Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache

   .

Labels: Host, Troubleshoot, Vista

32 bit Limit

Labels: Hardware, Troubleshoot

Not IE

Labels: Troubleshoot

The whole story

1. Go to Run and enter Regedit
   
   
   
2. Find or create the key in
   
   

   HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\CurrentVersion\Winlogon.

   
   
   
3. To enable verbose status messages create a new DWORD value called "verbosestatus" and set it to "1".
   
   
   
4. In order to see the messages, an additional value called "DisableStatusMessages" should be set to "0".
   
   
   
5. Restart Windows.

Labels: Troubleshoot