Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in .

Please help.  I have been working all day and did a very stupid thing where I changed the time stamp on all my pictures at once and found that all COMMENTS I had written under file properties are GONE.  Is there anything I can do?Need...more...info...gasp  

Operating system / antivirus & antispyware protection / SERVICE packs installed / when did it start happening / did it ever work right / installed any new software?

Do a system restore to a point prior to the problem starting:

Start / Programs / Accessories / System Tools / System Restore / choose a restore point.

Alan <>< :-)XP Pro SP2.  I did it myself.  I changed the time stamp on all the photos at once and lost all the comments I had typed in under the comments section on file properties for each photo.  There is no restore point that I would want to use.  I was hoping it could be reversed in some clever way.  If you think I am screewed, please let me KNOW and will have to redo it all.

ThanksI tried the restore points but it did nothing.  It is treating the pictures as files that were saved once again under the same name.  If there is a way to go back within a group of files to restore it at some point of evolution, then that may be what I need but fear it is not to be.  Tell me if you agree it is hopeless.  THANKS

OS is XP Pro SP2, or it was until yesterday. I did a hard shut-down 2 days ago after the computer hung, and when I rebooted, I got the Welcome screen with no users listed. Tried to boot into administrator account in safe mode, no GO - no password entered, didn't work, the real password entered, didn't work. I get the login screen and when I try to enter Administrator, it gives me "The local policy of this system does not allow you to LOGON interactively." Okay, so the only way I found to actually access the desktop in any way was to try a repair/reinstall from the CD-ROM. The CD-ROM is SP1. The problem did not go away, however. I can get into the desktop by using the new account formed, but that user still does not show up in User Accounts. If I try to make a new user, I get the error message that the admin group does not exist. So to all intents and purposes, I have no administrator privileges at all, and cannot EVEN standby, only log off, which I won't do because then I wouldn't be able to get back into the files.

Is it even possible to fully lose the Administrator Account? The GROUPS do show up in permissions but I don't know if that is just a fluke and they aren't really there. Could I import a new file frm the CD-ROM, and if so, how and where? Or, since I can get into the previous files, could I copy a file from one profile back into user accounts?  There is an Administrator profile.

Thanks for your help.  If you need any other info, please LET me know.  I have no viruses or spyware, several scans.  Somehow the files must be missing or corrupted.  
 :exclamationFrom the Mothership...Oh how I wish it were that simple!  But I have no administrator account to try - nothing is showing up in any Groups setting, nor in any users setting, including the name I am currently logged in as.  I think it's some corrupted file, perhaps the security database, that has caused this.  I just need to know if there is some place I can recover that stinkin' file, assuming I can find the one that's damaged without having to shut it down again (don't even have the shut down option, just log-off).

The Mothership.  Yes, ha ha.

I have a 2nd computer (dell DESKTOP)with 256RAM, I’ll like to ADD some RAM , there are slots for additional “cards” but I don’t understand how this works, do I get one 512 RAM card and replace the 256 card? How will I know if the SYSTEM can operate a 512 card? ( or a 1G card!!) Or do I get another 256RAM card and if so, how do I get the system to recognize both cards?  And will this improve the operating speed? thanksWelcome to the CH forums.

Check your motherboard specs for max ram supported, type of ram, and how to configure it.

Greetings to the Group - While copying files from the pc to the external hd, the power went out.  Since then, the pc won't recognize the USB external hd, even though the USB works other applications fine.  And it doesn't make any difference which port I use for the external hd, the pc won't find it.  I ran the diskmgmt.msc program and it doesn't find the hd either.  All I GET is the little icon by the clock to "safely remove hardware".  When the hd is on, the system won't run other applications, like a brower, the RUN program, Control Panel etc.  What happened and how can I fix this?  All help is appreciated.

FrogWhen this happens, it is the same as just "pulling the plug" rather than proper shutting down of the external drive.

Try the drive on another computer and see if can be accessed and then post back with your findings.
I already did that, as I also use the hd with my laptop.  The same problem with either computer.  Just not recognized at all.  If I remember right, the laptop locked up when trying to access the hd, COMPARED to with the pc some of the applications will not open up.If the drive is not recognized by more than one computer it indicates the drive itself has been damaged. Is it still under warranty by chance?No on the waranty.  Then see above. Sorry.The last hope for data retrieval on that HDD would be to remove it from the enclosure and hook it up on an IDE cable as a slave...

I'll keep my FINGERS crossed.I need some help in your explanation on hooking up the hd as a slave,  Are you just saying to take it out of the case, but then what?  How do I hook it up as a slave?  I didn't understand the process from Patio.  IDE slave, what and how?  Sorry guys, but I'm not very adept at the hardware level, any level for that matter.

No problem...
Hook it up to one of the ribbon cables inside your PC.
The jumper settings should be printed on the HDD if not visit the manuf. website for details.
It involves moving  a little 2 prong pin on the HDD.
Let us KNOW if you need further assistance...OK Patio, tell me about the jumper settings.  What are they for and what do I need to do with them?  I already hooked up the hd as a slave (I guess) with the extra hd plug I have for a second hd but not using.  I hooked up a ribbon cable and the power plug but the system wouldn't finish booting up.  Is this a working machine ? ?
Don't pull out the existing HDD as you will have nothing to boot to.Yes, this is a working pc.  I am only trying to hook up the hd from my external case as a slave to the regular hd, as SUGGESTED by this groupto check it out as it's not recognized through the USB.  It's the jumper setting I don't know what to do.  I already hooked it up but the pc wouldn't boot probably due to the jumper setting, I guess.  But the pc works fine. Quote

Yes, this is a working pc.  I am only trying to hook up the hd from my external case as a slave to the regular hd, as suggested by this groupto check it out as it's not recognized through the USB.  It's the jumper setting I don't know what to do.  I already hooked it up but the pc wouldn't boot probably due to the jumper setting, I guess.  But the pc works fine.

Can someone help with this please
I am trying to change the way i log on and Off Windows XP pro
When i GO to user accounts i get the following message.
How do i get around this,any help most APPRECIATED
SkyblueTurn off fast user switching.Thanks for that patio
But as you can SEE from the snapshot i cant tick or untick the boxes
as that OPTION is not highlighted.
When i go to user accounts i get the error message
Skyblueskyblue...

To uninstall Client Services for Netware click Start/Settings/Control Panel/Network Connections.

Right-click on your Local Area Connection, go to Properties and click it, highlight Client Services for Netware and click the Uninstall button below.

Click OK and you should be able to go to your User Accounts in your Control Panel to activate your Welcome screen.Thank you Saviour, much appreciated
Skyblue
You're welcome...

Glad I COULD help.

ok i have checked everywhere i can find to CHECK so IM back with question #2.i just downloaded a screensaver and it went intoa compressed zipped folder.help i cant find it :-?  greenfairy......  You might want to use the search feature ......
click start / search ........ now click [HIGHLIGHT]find all files and folders [/highlight]...then put the file name in the box called "All or part of the file name" then press enter and it will find it for you ......... then open it up and you have it .

dl65  yea, do like dl65 just told you. Quote

yea, do like dl65 just told you.

Using WINDOWS XP Home, bought a new PC, I'm getting more and more of these type of folders every day in my C drive main folder:

1ab994f0bwfwef234234
8281ffwefwedfsdfsdf
b97ee5sdflksdf678df989

Please help!!! What is doing this and how do I stop it? Can I delete these folders?I have thoose.

If you have wlm i think its to do with thatPost lots more info on your machine, your type of CONNECTION etc. and the posse will be along shortly...

displayname: what is wlm ? ?In most cases those are temp folders from the unpack of a MICROSOFT update. The folders normally are deleted when you do a reboot after the install of the update.

Open them up and they should be empty.

for reasons i won't go into.....i had to reinstall windows XP home ed on my dell computer.......when i finished i had to go through the various cd's that came with the computer and reinstall drivers.
i tried to download a program i needed and it said i was MISSING:
MEshim.dll                  and             Atlas.dll

can anyone tell me what this means and where can i find these things to reinstall?
i would be very appreciative as the program i can't install is a program i use for PHOTOS....and without it , i can't open the cd's with all my grandkids PICTURES on it....my wife is about to divorce me.    thank you very much for anyone's time and help.
billYou don't mention the program you are trying to install - is it Matlab 6.x :-?

There is lots of info on the WWW about creating Atlas.dll which seems to be user specific, didn't find info on MEshim.dll, it may be created during the app installation.

Bit more detail could help us to help you SORRY.......kinda in a panic.
i am trying to install  kodak easyshare    it's a program that works with a digital camera...saves the pics and allows you to print them using the printer that comes with the camera.    i have (thank the lord) already backed up all the pics on cd's...but that doesn't do me any good without being able to load the program.   my wife uses it all the time to send relatives photo's of the grandkids.
it appeared i was going to have it download perfectly and then it pops up with the unable to install stuff....missing    the  MEshim.dll      and    Atlas.dll
thanks.   appreciate any help you can be.
billMeshIM is an instant messaging software for typing messages for people to read in real time.  

Atlas.dll is used for Web SITE development.  

Make sure you are trying to download the correct program.  It sounds like the one you are downloading is used to create Web site applications.And Kodak Easyshare is a nightmare waiting to happen...
There are many free alternatives.

I am experiencing a problem with my desktop COMPUTER (dell, win XP home ed).
A new wallpaper is "stuck" on my desktop and I cannot change it any more.  When i restart my PC, the old wallpaper shows for a second, then a new simple blue wallpaper takes over.  When I try to modify it (display properties/desktop) it is frozen.  I cannot browse, or select a different picture.  I tried every method i can think of, but nothing unlocks it.   Does anyone have any solutions or have experienced this before?
Many thanks.

billOpen up your Display Properties window.

On the Themes tab, select Modified Theme.  Save your changes.  Now try to change your desktop image.i tried that....no go.   still won't work.     any other suggestions would be most appreciated, though, as i've run out of ideas.   thank you for your time....it is appreciated.Do you have Active Desktop enabled ? ?
If so disable it and try again...i can't do anything with the desktop....it is totally locked up.    Try safemode...
What type of protection programs are you running and when is the last time you updated/scanned ? ?i am running windows XP/home ed.    i use cox security suite for my anti VIRUS and anti spyware.....i cleaned the registry.   i have tried the safe mode.   i am at a stinking loss as to what to try next.   almost ready to just chuck it all and accept the fact there is no fix.
thank you all for the suggestions.    appreciate your taking the time.

billWhat did you use to "clean" the registry ? ?
Can you do a system restore back to an earlier date ? ?for whatever reason, the system restore will not work....i've tried it several times , using several different restore points.   another headache.
i used  commercial registry cleaner....forgot the NAME....some generic thing......it was never a part of the problem...i installed it in hopes that it might help...  no go.   bout to throw in the towel.
thanks for your time, though.In safemode go to Start / Run and type in sfc /scannow and hit Enter...have your Windows XP CD handy as it will ask for it....let it run til it finishes and re-boot.
Post your results.You do have a real Windows CD (as opposed to a restore CD)?hello! i am having the same exact problem! i cant change anything on my backgroud except the color? i used to have a pic and now its gone until i shut down, then for a brief second its there, but when i turn the pc back on, its not there anymore, settings are WHITED out and will not change, like the author of this thread i tried a system restore but i cant do it? its been like this a few months, everything else works fine, just  no background!  i have windows xp on a compaq presario!  any help will be much app!!   thanks.John in future it's best to start your own thread so it can recieve the proper ATTENTION...
You can start by updating and running all your malware scans.
Then post back with a list of what you ran and what was found...i did put this in a new thread, but when i saw someone with the same problem i just had to put it here too.   whats a malware scan? i have a adaware program..You need more than that...

AVG Anti - virus
Spybot
AdAware
Stinger
AVG Anti-Spyware.

All free
ALL some of the best.

Is it possible to use batch to send a FILE VIA smtp? or ftp to my website?

if so how would i do this?

I want to upload rar or zip files to my webserver or ATLEAST be ABLE to send them via email using smtp.

i have my own smtp which CAME with my domain

How can set my pc restart in every hours AUTOMATICALLY?WAIT...do u want to set your COMPUTER so it RESTARTS every few hours?yes! if it can automatically restart then PERFECT.

Hi All, I am just a newbie at chatting on forums, but I hope someone out there can helpme. I have a Toshiba Portege Laptop that I can't boot-up and am having trouble getting into the bios to fix the NTLDR problem.  I have searched this site to find out how I can override this error and get into the BIOS but all the shortcuts that were offered are not working - is there ANYONE else with a suggestion, thank you :-?Topic moved, not SURE if this should be in "Others" or MS Windows... so I will stick it in MS Windows since the error is often caused by a problem in Windows....
When your computer says NTLDR is missing, it tends to be due to a blank hard drive, or an HDD that is not bootable.

Reinstall Windows
Thank you for replying. I do know that I have plenty of hard drive space I have a partitioned hard drive. But I need some other GUIDANCE as to how to get into my BIOS, thanks.Getting into the BIOS is not a solution to this problem. What happened prior to this? How about some details?While searching for help, and trying to find out why and what the NTLDR is, the answer was that I need to get into the BIOS so that I can look at what has been changed in the BIOS / configuration settings. As when I first booted up I was able to get into the BIOS and I think that I accidently clicked on something and it changed the settings and silly me said yes to accept the changes...argh!! So now I need to get back into and peruse the settings to see what was changed.  I hope you can help thanks. Just take out the CMOS battery for a minute and it will reset to default values.I just repaired my sony laptop last night for the same reason. I was fortuante to have the recovery and application disks. the ntldr is part of three FILES you need to start up the computer. I hope you have your operating disk. its very simple just put it in and follow the on screen commands. My sony is old and had three system recovry and three application recovery disks. it took about FORTY minutes to restore my computer. the down fall is that you will lose everything you added to your computer other than what was originally on it when you first got it. I am told there are other ways to get around it, but i waited for nine months to find an exact answer and had no luck. I finally just told myself ,its just pictures and what ever programs i lost i will have to replace in time. ...or you can bring it to a best buy or computer place. best buy gave me a quote of between 250 and 300 dollars to fix. your decision. all i know is that after nine months the things on my computer that i was so worried about losing don't seem so important any more and now I have a brand new fresh computer to start all over again. good luck. from headacheone.

Hi people.

I have a quick question for you all.

I need to restore my REGISTRY outside of WINDOWS.

I have a BOOTABLE flash disk, and I can get to the command prompt.

I use NTFSDOS to get to my windows installation.

I have read about a program called Reg.exe that I can use to restore the MISSING hive FILE.

This is the one -

\systemroot\system32\config\software

Does this program work? What would be the command I would put in to restore that hive?

I am very new to this.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

ok i talk with some friends on the mic and the MUSIC i have on my speakers also GOES them thats on the mic how do you fix that?So the microphone picks up the music from the speakers too?
I think that's something you're just going to have to live with.
It's doing what it's meant to do, capturing sound.
Either TURN the music volume down or the microphone LEVEL down.
You can't make it only GET your voice.

Hello,
I would like to start by SAYING that I'm by no means computer illiterate. I simply cannot fix this problem.

When I navigate to www.anywebsite.com I recieve the error "Firefox can't find the SERVER at www.site.com" but here's the tricky part. The website WORKS if I try it 5 or more times. The reason I believe it's a DNS ISSUE is that if I was to find out the dns of "" website and use that in my web browser it would work perfectly on my first attempt. I'm running windows xp.What OS and what type of connection do you have ? ?I RUN windows xp as stated in my first post and I'm using ADSLThe link below may be of some help to you.
http://www.updatexp.com/dns-windows-xp.html

Hi there.

My brother in law INSTALLS programs on my computer when I am not around. I have told him not to, but when I am not there he does anyway. So I CONTEND with pop-ups and other nonsense from some of the programs he installs. Since he wont stop doing it, I am wondering if there is a way to set up windows xp so only I can INSTALL programs.

Thanks!

-MacCreate a limited user account for your brother with his name.  

Add a PASSWORD to your administrator's account.

Don't tell him your password.

Better yet, don't create an account for him at all, activate the guest account, and have him use that.  If he tries to use your account, the password will KEEP him out.  If he logs on as a guest, Windows will not let him install anything.  Problem solved.

I currently have DirectX 9.0b but I can't install 9.0c. When I checked the file version #'s of my 9.0b .dll files which were supposed to be 4.09.0000.0902, I found that it was a 5.01.2600.2082

Does this mean that I have an invalid DirectX?

How do I fix it and how can I install DirectX 9.0c?Start > Run
Enter dxdiag and click ok
Click the System tab
Under System Information, look at the DirectX Version

If it says DirectX 9.0c then you ALREADY have it installed.  POSSIBLY Windows Update automatically downloaded and installed it.I've already done that and the version states that I still have 9.0b even after I tried to manually install 9.0c.Try going to the Windows Update site and see if it offers to update your system's DirectX.

If you have not updated to service pack 2 you will have to choose that option first.

www.windowsupdate.com

Thanks for the help. But I finished updating windows and dxdiag still shows 9.0b. I tried reinstalling 9.0c yet it still didn't work. I still have 9.0b. What can I do?Two questions, please:

Why do you NEED DirectX 9.0c (that is, what is WRONG with 9.0b)?

Do you now have the Windows XP service pack 2 installed?

If you are concerned that DirectX is not working, try opening the dxdiag program again and clicking the buttons to run all the TESTS.  If dxdiag does not find a problem, it's all good.

We have just opened a FREE tech chat site with experienced hosts to help you with your pc questions or just friendly chat  . You can get to it from the link below.

Thanks for your support and we look FORWARD in helping you with your computer related questions

http://www.buzzen.com/chat/chatroom.php?rm=!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!PcHelpHere

See you in the ROOM We already have one...but thanx.Yes, this is kind of like advertising another site, but.... Well it's POSTED in 2 places so it's that "other" kind of advertising...Funny, it's suddenlty now down to just this one.   
How did that happen?

Quote

[highlight]kind of like[/highlight] advertising another site

I was kind of wondering why it's still here myself.

At least I had the common sense to ask the Admin of this site if I could ask people to check out some things on my site, but was turned down unless I could word it differently.  Just how could one word it without it being advertising or spam?  Who knows?

Not trying to take anything away from the Admin or Moderators of this site, but wouldn't it be considered spam and subsequently deleted?  As GX1Man said...there were two...now one.

In any case...was just sounding off...

Quote

I was kind of wondering why it's still here myself.

At least I had the common sense to ask the Admin of this site if I could ask people to check out some things on my site, but was turned down unless I could word it differently.  Just how could one word it without it being advertising or spam?  Who knows?

Not trying to take anything away from the Admin or Moderators of this site, but wouldn't it be considered spam and subsequently deleted?  As GX1Man said...there were two...now one.

In any case...was just sounding off...

And what might you be advertising ? ?

Notice that i never posted a link to our site , did not want to take anything away from your site just add another avenue for ppl to get help .

I now notice that updates for WXP come in different forms, . .Windows, Microsoft and Automatic.

It would be interesting to know Which is which, anyone know ?

Jp

PS ......... I SEE a little icon for automatic update, however I have not installed it, but now I am FINDING out that this Update apparently is reccognized by MS, but I would like to know it's origin, since, I also have viewed the warning from MS, concerning Authentic, etc. Just GETTING a little more cautious, . .   !!

Automatic updates will automatically download high priority updates without requiring you to do anything.
Windows Update allows you to select which Windows updates you want to download.
Microsoft Update allows you to choose updates for all Microsoft products installed, for example Windows and Office.
Does that help?Calum

Its a start   , however, I have an automatic update that windows requires an end user license agreement
then there are the express install option and the custom install , but there is no clue as to what this is ? Somehow that does not sit right with me, be glad to hear your thoughts on this.

Thanks much !

JpChoose Express, this will install all of the updates downloaded.
Custom will let you choose which to install.
Express is better for most people.Calum,

Dats wat I'll do !

TYM

JpWithout SP2 installed you won't be able to recieve them anyways...Hey patio,

Thing is, after activating this automatic update,
the SP2 Install D/L poped up, ANOTHER thing is, shall I prepare my computer with several details like the QFE update, etc.

Or, . .

do the D/L and run around fixing this and that afterwards,   ??

Jppatio, you may recall this from another thread,

( Update before Installing SP2 )




This came from, Windows XP "Get Your PC Ready for Windows XP SP2" and Get th latest PC manufacturers updates for SP2, . .

This is an issue I'm TRYING to resolve, any help you may have will be welcome !

JpI have tried to help. Install SP2.

Drivers are rarely an issue here....

Hi,

just wonder if i can get some help here.

I've been getting this WINDOWS update icon down at the right hand BOTTOM corner. When i clicked it, it said "installing updates..." Then, it went disappear. Next a minute, it appears again and requiring me to click it to get the update. I'm getting this over and over again. It's basically the same patch.

Here is the description of the patch
MSXML 4.0 SP2 Security Update(KB927978)
A vulnerability EXISTS in the XMLHTTP ActiveX control within Microsoft XML Core Services that could allow for remote code execution

I think there is an error in installing this security patch.

Has anyone had any troubled with this?

BTW, my DESKTOP machine runs on XP Pro SP2.

Thank you in advanceHere is some info:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927978

Try downloading the update DIRECTLY from the MS Web site instead of using Windows Update.  Once it is installed, Windows Update will not bother reminding you about it any longer.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=24B7D141-6CDF-4FC4-A91B-6F18FE6921D4&displaylang=en

Hi everyone. Every time I connect to the internet, after 1 , 2 or EVEN after 30 minuits, WINDOWS show a dialog box "GENERIC Host Process W32 has encounter problem and needs to CLOSE". After this my internet stop working but the icon of internet connection located near the windows time still VISIBLE. I tried installing Microsoft Hotfix to solve the problem but it didn't solve my problem.
Please help me. I will really appreciate you.
Thanks

Best regards
WahabOne of these links might have the cure:

http://wer.microsoft.com/responses/Response.aspx/1501/en-us/5.1.2600.2.00010100.2.0?SGD=1b13475c-66f0-4ec6-9482-853f33f085e6

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&familyid=A87B44B9-7A6A-49B6-BD89-AFAD4E049C48

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/894391

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/821690

http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=820939&SiteID=1

Hi,

I have a question to ask. How do i change the date in the date modified in windows explore. I mean at the moment, it shows the month then day then year or mm/dd/yyyy. What i'd like it to be is dd/mm/yyyy. my computer's RUNNING on windows XP Pro.

Thank you in advanceuse cmd? and type
date
and for time
u type time...I tried, it doesnt work....associates,
Open your Control Panel and go to Regional and Language Options.  Click on Customize.  Click on the Date tab.  Next to Short date format:, type in dd/MM/yyyy.  Click APPLY and OK and then exit the program.  That should do it for you.Thanks CBMatt, worked for me. Wonder how Associates is doing?I'm glad it worked for you, Carbon.  And yes, I'd like to know if this worked out for associates.  It hasn't even been a full day, so I won't REPORT him missing just yet.Thank you CBMatt for your reply.

Yes, it works like a charm.

Thank you for this.Awesome, I'm glad it worked for you.you can change the date like this
Code: [SELECT]echo 09-03-2007 | date

I am running winxp and winme on same system. Each on their own hardrive. My winme hardrive failed to load one DAY. And now I need to CREATE a winme STARTUP disk. I do not have either os disk because I bought both hardrives preloaded at a retail store.Welcome to the CH forums.

See here...  But you may be SOL if the ME cd is required.

Good luck Quote

I am running winxp and winme on same system. Each on their own hardrive. My winme hardrive failed to load one day. And now I need to create a winme startup disk. [highlight]I do not have either os disk because I bought both hardrives preloaded at a retail store.[/highlight]

good day, my windows xp desktop settings, i just want to ask if how to hide/remove the SHADOWS in the font of the icons on my desktop? its have an blue shadows.. i want it remove but i can find the settings... hope you help me...Go to Control Panel --> System --> Advanced --> Settings (under performance) and tick "use drop shadows for icons on desktop".
Then click Apply and OK out of the boxes.
Hope this helps.i already try it but it never HAPPEN..That's the only place you can enable/disable it, are you sure it's ticked and that you applied the setting?i already ticked it and apply but noting change...there's other settings in this?

by the way Calum thank you so much..This could be a longshot, but...

Follow the same STEPS Calum has given you.  But this TIME, instead of checking/unchecking anything, try clicking on Let Windows choose what's best for my computer and click OK.  If that doesn't work, try Adjust for best appearance instead.  Do either of these MAKE any difference?its ok.. i got it... thank you so much CBMatt also Calum...Well, I'm glad you managed to get it sorted out.Same here, stop by any time.
And nice catch CBMatt, that was going to be my next suggestion (adjust for best appearance).

I'm sure alot of you get many posts like this, however I have searched the internet and i have no idea how to fix my problem.

When I turned on my computer(I built it myself) it displays the type of motherboard i have in my computer (LAN Party) then goes to a black screen and at the bottom "Verifiying cd-rom drives or something. Then immediately after that it's SUPPOSED to go to the Windows XP screen but instead it says the following files are MISSING or corrupted. WINDOWS/SYSTEM32/CONFIG/SYSTEM. Then it says to put in the winodwsxp cd and when prompted to press 'R'.

Here's the kicker, when I put the Windows XP CD in, when the black screen comes up it says press any key to boot from disk...I try to press KEYS but then it goes right back to that error screen. I have no idea how to fix this. =(Hi BryanAU  Welcome.... 1st..

Please post as much information [highlight]about your computer[/highlight], operating system, and problem as possible, what happened prior to problems, etc. Too much info is OK, too little is pointless! Don't just say "My computer doesn't work. What's wrong?" We shouldn't have to drag the details out of you. It is YOUR problem, not ours.

It helps a lot!  Hmm..fair enough. I didn't know if this problem really had muchto do with my specs.
Antec Mid-Tower
DFI Lanparty nF3 250Gb Mobo
Glacier Aluminum 500WATT Power Supply
ATI RadeonX800 Graphics Card
AMD Athlon2.6Gb Processor Chip
SeaGate 80Gb HardDrive
1Gb RAM cardHave you tried a repair install?

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspxWhen I press "any key" to enter the Windows XP CD SETUP nothing happens.Do you have a USB keyboard by chance?ACTUALLY yes I do. But if it wasn't plugged in correctly the blue lights wouldn't light up on the keyboard?Humor me and try a real PS/2 keyboard and see if it makes a difference.PS/2 keyboard? PS = Playstation? If so I don't have that.BryanAU ...... PS2 = Personel System 2.
If you look on the back of your tower, you will probably see 2 ports that look like the one I have attached.......  one is purple ( keyboard) and the other green (Mouse)

A PS2 keyboard plugs into the purple port.

dl65  ah okay thats what i thought you meant but i never heard it called PS2...now i have to find my old key board to try it...i'll let you knowYes! I looked it up and i fixed it. Now I just have one question left. Why would a PS/2 keyboard make all the difference compared to a USB one?My guess: The motherboard has built-in support for the PS/2 keyboard but not for USB devices.  The USB keyboard likely will not function until you get to Windows and the operating system installs the drivers for it.  That's why it is a good idea to keep your old PS/2 keyboard around, even if it looks a little grungy.

 USB drivers load under windows. PS2 is readily recognized by the bios and works without windows drivers. Some bios have a setting that will allow use of "USB legacy devices", but these often require some sort of support under DOS. XP doesn't have DOS, it has a DOS emulator; therefore, no real DOS support.Another TESTIMONIAL that newer is not always better. Thanks for humoring me.

I recently noticed a bunch of spywaure problems on my computer. I tried downlloadin spybot to erase the p roblems, but found out to get rid of the problems I needed to boot up in SAFE mode. When I went into msconfig I checked the box to boot into safe mode. When I restarted my computer it was blank screen. Will not restart. HellllllllllllllpYou don't need to use msconfig to boot into safe mode. I have NO idea what you have done, but if you have system restore, do that. Safe Modew is F8 several times BEFORE the Windows logo.I tried using the F8 key. It didn the same thing as it's doing now. Stupid me didn't figure out that if it was doing it with the F8 key, it would probably do it if I checked the box boot.ini. Now it TRIES to do it everytime I turn on my computer, and all I get is a black screen.What are the specifics of the computer? Do you have a real Windows CD that says Microsoft all over it?GX1_Man,

When talking about Systems Restore DISC, doesn't the manufacturer provide the restore disc for the Systems model, for example,
1ST Disc;Compaq Restore Plus
2ND Disc, Compaq OS System CD for MS WXP, . .and so on.

If so, for system restore does this always take more than ONE disc ?

JpIt depends on the manufacturer. Some offer restore CD(s) only. Some provide a real Windows CD or a restore CD (like Dell). Some offer neither, only a restore partition on the hard drive.

So, I've been known to experiment with my computer's configuration.  Sometimes with successful outcomes, and sometimes not.  :-/

Tonight, I got my hands on a Windows 98 SE disc and decided to try to install it on my external Seagate drive.

I've been running XP Professional SP2 for the past few years on a non-partitioned hard drive.  Everything is on the C drive.  In My Computer, the external hard drive was recognized as the F drive. (Only two hard drives hooked to computer.)

I re-booted my computer with the Windows 98 SE in the drive.  I had hoped there was a partition manage similar to the one on the XP Professional disc.  The screen for the Windows 98 SE disc was a bit different, but nothing too odd.

So, I began going through the screens, nonchalantly passing a screen warning me about corrupting other operating systems booting tendancies (STUPID!), and finally came to a screen asking where I wanted to install Windows 98 SE.  The external drive (F) did not show up on the list.  The only drive that showed up was my drive holding XP Professional (C).  At this point, I didn't want to mess around any longer and quit the Windows 98 SE setup.

I turned off my computer.  When I STARTED back up, I took out the Windows 98 SE disc and the screen that either says "Press any key to boot from CD...." or nothing at all presented me with a new message.

"Invalid system disk
Replace the disk, and then press any key"

So, now I'm at a loss of ideas.  I PUT in the Windows XP Professional CD to try out the Repair Console I always saw, but never utilized.  I assumed the problem had something to do with the booting configuration, so I tried out the "BOOTCFG /rebuild" COMMAND to repair my boot.ini file.

-I selected "1," when it asked me to select the installation.  "C:\WINDOWS" was the only selection.
-Prompt for the identified versions of Windows installed: Y
-Prompt for entering the load identifier: MS XP Pro
-Prompt to Enter OS load options: /fastdetect

This did nothing at all and I'm too scared to try anything else.

If anyone knows any way to solve this problem, please take me through the steps.  There are some important files on the C drive that I can't lose.  I'm positive all of the files are still intact as when I checked the hard drive size with the Windows XP Professional disc, it said my 120 GB HD had 35 GB free.

THANK YOU!!!
Ryan KIf youare going to attempt something like this you must install the oldest version of Windows first. As it is you have probably mangled the boot manager or the MBR.

Take out the other drive and boot with your legal XP CD. Fromt he repair console type in fixmbr and press enter.

Good luck.

(By the way that XP drive WAS partitioned, as all drives must be. It just happened to be partitioned as one primary drive.)You're right,  I stand corrected.

I typed the fixmbr command and exited the prompt.

When I restarted, I SET the boot device to the hard drive, but I'm still getting the

"Invalid system disk
Replace system disk, and then press any key"

screen!

Do the same procedure except type fixboot....

Anybody know where I can find one for 2000 ?Here YA Go...Thanks PATIO. Stop by anytime.

I came home tonight and turned on my computer and all of my desktop items were blank.  I think something like this happened right before I turned it off but fixed it, some how.  The items usually have icons but they are just blank.  I cannot figure out how to get them back to normal.  I figured out how to get the "main" items back to the desktop with the pictures but I can't get the REST.  Any help would be very nice.

Brentino

Here's a picture of what I MEAN:
And what version of Windows MIGHT this be ? ?That looks like XP SP2.My computer is a Gateway, Microsoft WIMDOWS XP Edition verson 2002.  It is Pentium 4, 3.00 GHz, 512 MB of RAM. Gateway model 2002, Home edition, SEVICE Pack 2.

If I run the program, Simcity 4, and then while it's starting up I shut it down, the icons will appear.  Is there any other way?

Brentino :-?Try and do a system restore back to a date prior to when this started happening...
Have you installed any new software/hardware lately ? ?

[timestamp=1173309904] :-?

I have an excel spreadsheet that has about 30 sheets. I have separate accounts on each SHEET but often need to see the running balance of each individual sheet. I would LIKE to take the formula from sheet 2, 3, 4 etc and have it show up in sheet 1. This is what I tried:
I want the total AMOUNT on sheet 2 in cell E13 to show up on sheet 1 in cell D1. And WHENEVER I make changes to the totals on sheet 2, cell E13, I would like the new total to automatically show up on sheet 1, cell D1. I went to sheet 1, cell D1 and entered =2!E13 and hit enter and another window popped up browsing my FILES. I'm totally lost as to how to do this.

Help???The formula in cell D1 on Sheet1 should be =Sheet2!E13.  One way to enter such formulas is as follows: Click cell D1 on Sheet1 to select it.  Hit the = sign.  Now, click on the Sheet2 tab and then on cell E13 on Sheet2, and then hit Enter.

Hi, I once thought of myself as a relative techie.

I now realise I am not one of those.
A couple days ago, I tried to delete a write-protected file from my hard-drive. It took me seven hours, many tufts of hair and a lot of patience to figure out that all I needed to do was restart the PC.

Now, every file (apart from My Computer and internet Explorer) opens under the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer application.
This, of course, means that I can't access the Add or Remove Programs page because it opens under WPaFV!

I'm at the END of my tether and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Yours TRULY,

Woah!Whoa,

Your the best guy I ever met, so let me put you into the fast lane, . . . do you know what Paul Rever SAID at the end of his famous ride ?

His ride was famous and so was he, thats what you'll probably be someday.

But what for, . . hey, . . he was going so fast he had to say whoa twice !!

 ;DTee Heee Tee Hee  

     

Geeeeeeezzzzzzzzz!   ! ! , you would not believe that I am having a similar stuation,

with CONFUSION about FAXES and such, seriously, I need very much to follow this, so I hope it gets solved, I can use this kind of outdated play catch up and get all dirty, because manufacturers sell bugs and then sell the fixes, . . I wish that I was rich so I could sue the SOB's for killing me ! ! !

LOL, just in case your for real.

Jp


In My Computer, go to Tools --Folder Options --> File Types.
You can change file associations there, OK?
Hope this helps either or both of you.
Jp . . . you're one crazy guy. Quote

Jp . . . you're one crazy guy.

I always have a PROBLEM and repair Windows XP home about 5 times.
At last I cant activate anymore. I got the MESSAGE saying  ..exceeded and to use
other activate PRODUCT key which I DONT have. So how to do please?

Trustfully,

Jeremiah
the key wont expire to my topest of my knowledge...If it is a legal copy contact Mirosoft. They will WALK you through it.

Ive recently had a problem with my motherboard and had to replace it. When i replaced it  i noticed a ton of things had changed and want to know if i can have them PLACED back to normal maybe? For 1 when i start up my computer everything is fine until it says  "Windows is starting up". It says that for about 20 seconds before ACTUALLY letting me see the users LOGIN screen. Even when i type in the password it sort of lags not to mention the whole computer is dramatically slower in terms of running processes. (when i burn a disk it takes about 80% of cpu) which never has HAPPENED before! I'm positive my ram is installed in the right slots and in the correct order and just don't understand why it could be happening ?

Also i cant boot in safe mode because it gets some error which goes so fast i cant right it down..... but basically ill select start in safe mode itll do some command thing across the screen restart the computer and when it restarts says its failed and to use my last known good configuration.(This was before the motherboard though) I think it might be a problem with the registry maybe? iono someone help pleaseee!!

Windows xp media center edition2005 sp2
1.0gb of ram
80gb hardriveDid you re-install the correct MBoard drivers ? ?
I'm suprised replacing the MBoard did not set off some prompts from XP.

When i try to boot my computer up i get an ERROR. The error says Windows could not START because FILE is missing or corrupt "\Windowns\System32\Config\System". Then it says "you can attempt to repair files by starting windows setup using the original setup cdrom"..........so i threw in the windows disk, let it load up and i push r to repair it, but then i get this thing asking for my windows instalation and i type in 1. Then i cna type other stuff but i have no idea ware to go to fix this file someone please helpAfter you are in the RECOVERY console you WANT to type in sfc /scannow and hit Enter...notice there is a space between sfc and the /scannow command...Tried and it said invalid command. It says i can do these things when i type in help like it tells me........
ATTRIB
BATCH
BOOTCFG
CD
CHDIR
CHDSK
CLS
COPY
DEL
DELETE
DIR
DISABLE
DISKPART
ENABLE
EXIT
EXPAND
FIXBOOT
FIXMBR
FORMAT
HELP
LISTSVC
LOGON
MAP
MD
MKDIR
MORE
NET
RD
REN
RENAME
RMDIR
SET
SYSTEMROOT
TYPE

It says i can do all these commands so plz help

Hello,

Here's something that should be really easy.  But...... When I  click on the profile NAME, the delete button is grayed-out.   I've tried running delprof.exe from MS, but it only deleted another profile, but left behind the one I want gone!  And the whole folder tree under Documents and Settings is still there; about 3GB that I can't eliminate!

Is there another way?  Via the registry perhaps?  

FYI--To find the profile setting:
Control Panel-->System-->System Properties-->Advanced-->User Profiles-->SettingsWhat profile do you want to delete?
I don't think you can delete the only profile, if it is the only profile.
And you ALSO can't delete the Administrator profile.
Do you have admin access?Do you have admin access?Thanks for the replies Calum and vinhboy,

Yes, I have admin access.  Actually, delprof.exe deleted the Aministrator profile as well!  I'm now logged in as admin nontheless. The only profile left is the one I don't use; it doesn't even have a corresponding user account.  But the folder is still there, with 3GB of application settings, ETC. that I can't eliminate.

Very strange  :-?At some point a while ago, I changed the name of a user. But apparently, the old profile tree stayed in the system.  There MUST be a way to prevent it from loading at startup.........Try from the Admin account in safemode...Ok, I've gotten a little further  

I created a second administrator account, Admin1, and was ABLE to delete that unwanted profile.  Maybe I originally created that profile with administrator privileges and then accidentally deleted the user name?  I don't know. It's history now.

The new problem:
I have that newly created account, Admin1, with administrator privileges.  However, I want to rename it to Administrator like originally.  When I try to either rename or create an account Administrator from Admin1, it tells me the account already exists.  But, I see it nowhere---no User Name, no Profile named Administrator.   I've even tried approaching this from Safe Mode (thanks patio).

It's had me stumped for a while now.  Any ideas?There is a default Administrator account automatically created by XP...i believe there can only be one with the same name.

I went to launch Power DVD this evening and got an error message on my system (laptop) I haven't seen before.  It essentially said that DirectX was not enabled and that I should launch DXDiag.exe, and enable DirectX on the DISPLAY tab.  I should point out that I use this system many hours each day, every day, and was using this very program as recently as yesterday without getting this error message (which I had also never even seen before).  Before I ran DXDIAG I went ahead and installed the most recent version of DirectX even though I was already running 9.0c.  I then ran DXDIAG and went to the DISPLAY tab only to find out that the 3 buttons related to DirectX and Direct3D were grayed out and unclickable.  I don't remember exactly what the verbage was next to each button, but it essentially said that DirectX was not supported or not active.  The FILES tab says there are no problems though, and everything else looks fine except that it's simply not active and cannot be enabled or disabled.  Again, this error message was NOT occuring even 24 hours ago, so something has happened.  I believe the only thing I've installed since then was Tunebite 4.x, which does utilize DirectX.  

Before I go rolling back my system or doing anything else, I'm hoping someone knows what's going on and what I can do about it.  I have 4 hard drive backups of this system that I've made over the last couple years, and when I install the most recent one into this laptop, DirectX is WORKING fine and the 3 buttons are all enabled, so it's NOT a hardware issue and there would be no point in listing my system specs.  I'm running Windows XP Home with all of the most recent updates and drivers installed, except for IE7 which I've been holding off on.  If you want any other information let me know.

Thanks in advance...You could be wrong about the Tunebite PRODUCT as this changes codecs and other components for graphics and sound which is the main factor in DirectX that is what it is a group of codecs certified by microsoft. There are a few web notes regarding this product, like a lot of this kind of utility, its  good when it works but a pain when its going wrong.
Uninstall it then update the DirectX , go to the microsoft site and download all the up to date windows codecs from here:-http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/forpros/codecs/codecs.aspx

check dxdiag then and see if all is working, then reinstall Tunebite.   they have a forum for all the Tunebite problems Quote

You could be wrong about the Tunebite product as this changes codecs and other components for graphics and sound which is the main factor in DirectX that is what it is a group of codecs certified by microsoft. There are a few web notes regarding this product, like a lot of this kind of utility, its  good when it works but a pain when its going wrong.
Uninstall it then update the DirectX , go to the microsoft site and download all the up to date windows codecs from here:-http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/forpros/codecs/codecs.aspx

check dxdiag then and see if all is working, then reinstall Tunebite.   they have a forum for all the Tunebite problems

My SON was trying to install "NFS Carbon", amongst other things.  He probably messed up my directX files that was installed.  I am using XP, and the DirectX version is 9.0b, It will not install 9.0c, even THOUGH it says so.  I picked up a problem with a "qasf.dll" file. And windows says its an older version.  I dont think its a good idea to uninstall directX. Can I DELETE this file and replace it with the correct version?GO here and download it from there, does that install properly?And yes, to repair DirectX the previous version should be uninstalled first... Quote

And yes, to repair DirectX the previous version should be uninstalled first...

System: Windows 2000 Pro 5.00.2195 Service Pack 4

Computer: Toshiba Portege 7020CT

Ram: 196,016 KB

Hard Drive - 6GB

Sound Card: ESS Maestro PCI for Toshiba Laptop

Video Card: NeoMagic MagicGraph256AV driver

Alright so I'm having a problem with my colors and screen, it's like all the backgrounds of websites are white, and I've noticed all my programs were more ROUNDED before and now they are more squared...

So I was running iTunes, Firefox, and a couple IM programs, I was bored and looking through my start menu when I found MAGNIFIER. I opened it up to see what it was and the program froze up my WHOLE computer, I opened Task manager to end it and that's when the problem happened. All of a sudden all my Icons and screen were HUGE and the appearance scheme was changed. I finally switched it to something that looked more normal (I changed the scheme to Windows Classic) and messed around with the color settings (it's now set at True Color 24 bit. I'm not sure what it was set to before) Screen resolution is at 1024x768.

Basically what I would like help with is to get everything back to normal, all the colors seem to be off, I first noticed the problem on Firefox with web pages' colors off, it's like all the backgrounds are white, i updated to the most RECENT version of Firefox and have had no luck. I've changed display properties, colors, color schemes, restarted, tried everything....I must be missing something...So any help would be greatly appreciated!

Here are some screen shots of the color problem...

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/esoph17/yss.jpg

This is of http://www.yahoo.com

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/esoph17/scoutss.jpg

This is of http://ohiostate.scout.com/

Hopefully that will give a good showing of the problem...

THANKS Again!  Does the same thing happen in Internet Explorer?  Perhaps you should look at the info here on Magnifier: Windows 2000 Accessibility Tutorials

Hi. When I have opened / read messages my outlook inbox ,if  I press delete, instead of the messages moving to the deleted items folder they just disappear permanently.  It doesn't happen to unread / unopened messages - if I delete something from the inbox that I haven't looked at, that one will go into the deleted items folder.   I haven't got any message rules set up and the problem just started to happen by itself several weeks after I started using outlook (had previously used express).  Thanks for looking at this QUESTION and hope someone can help.The problem could be a setting in "auto archive", this can be found after
clicking on a folder
and then "Folder Properties"
 there is a setting here.
 On the folder properties window, CLICK on the "AutoArchive" tab
and check the option to "Archive this folder using these SETTINGS:".
Select a desired time period during which these emails will be stored on the Unwanted Emails folder (for example, one week),
then select the option to "Permanently delete old items".
As a result, these unwanted emails will be automatically erased by Outlook, after whichever setting is in place for example "a week " " 10 days" "a month "since they were received. it is not recommended for you not to delete the emails right after you received email, because it's always good to TAKE a brief look on these emails, in case a KNOWN sender sent you a message from an email address which is not listed on your Contacts Address Book.

I have a dell dimension 4700c.  My CD-rom has code 37 and STARTS to work but does not read the cd.  Do I need to REPLACE it?  Or is there a simple fix?  Would appreciate any help.  highlander51Explanation of Device Manager ERROR codes and their RESOLUTIONS:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310123

Hope you find it useful...

I legally have the OEM cd key(s) for a few computers, but neither of them had proper restore disc created.  I know the OEM INSTALL discs are out there, from what i have been told.  I have also been told its legal if i use the OEM disc if they or i bought the OEM license number.  

ANYWAY any help WOULD be great.  If the liscense keys are legit and have not been used you should have no problem with the Mothership...any OEM CD will do.thats the thing though, i only have the windows disc i bought from BBY they don't have the OEM install disc, isnt there a place to download them?No. There is no legitimate place to DLoad any version of Windows...

Find someone that will let you BORROW their OEM CD.

I built a new computer with a MACH Speed motherboard (the P4MSD-800D2) and an Intel Pentium D chip. I can NOT LOAD Windows XP or Windows Media Edition on this computer. I switched the CD-ROM drive and the Hard Drive for ones that I know work and I still can't load Windows.

When I start the computer it boots from the Windows XP CD and starts to load Windows, it install GETS all the way to asking if I want to "Install XP PRESS enter - Recovery press R or Exit." When I press either Enter or R the system just freezes up completely.

I have tried 2 different retail Windows XP Pro, 1 retail Windows XP Home and an OEM Windows Media Edition. What on earth could be the problem with this thing.
Do you have the correct RAM installed for that MBoard ? ?
Mis-matched or faulty RAM will cause this.

When I switch on my computer (running XP SP2 Professional), a window opens saying 'Windows Installer preparing to install'. Then it says: 'Please wait while windows configures Sonic Activation Module. Insert the disc and click OK'. After this it says: 'Try to find the package Activate.MSI in a folder from which you can install the product Sonic Activation Module'. I click to cancel, but the window repeatedly re-appears. After about ten CANCELLATIONS it eventually stops and the machine WORKS normally from then on. I looked at ROXIO's Knowledgebase site, where it gives three methods of getting rid of this problem, but none of them have worked. There is a so-called hotfix which has no effect, and doing a clean uninstall caused the machine to crash, needing a safe mode START and system restore to get things going normally again. I also tried uninstalling Sonic MyDVD, but that didn't help either.
Please can anyone help me?
Many thanks,
Stuart.
 Try Here...   Many, many thanks!! I downloaded the SOFTWARE and it has worked!!Your Welcome. Stop by anytime...

Hello to all. I am USING windows Xp sp2. Few hours ago, my norton antivirus gave me message that MDM.exe is infected with Trojan Horse and it was unable to repair that file. So I delete that file. After that I did a full sysem scan with Norton Antivirus 2004.
After doing all this, my computer started normally, everything looks fine but when I double click on any drive in My Computer, it gave me "Open With" dialog BOX. If I right click on any drive then the first two options shows arbitrary TEXT. The "Always use this program...." check box is disabled in "Open with" dialog box.
I am sending an image showing those options.
Any hint or suggestions will be appreciated.
Thanks
Regards
WahabThat all depends on what the name of the Trojan Horse is.

http://www.google.com/search?as_q=MDM+exe++infected+with+Trojan+Horse&hl=en&num=10&btnG=Google+Search&as_epq=&as_oq=&as_eq=&lr=&as_ft=i&as_filetype=&as_qdr=all&as_nlo=&as_nhi=&as_occt=any&as_dt=i&as_sitesearch=symantec.com&as_rights=&safe=images

My CPU is running at 100% all of the TIME as a result of svchost.exe.  I'm trying to find out what processes are running and which is causing the problem.  I'm running XP Home Edition, so I've downloaded tasklist.exe, however, when I run it the screen flashes up for a SECOND and then disappears.  

I'm not sure exactly what my next step is once I have the PID, but that will be my next problem in finding the culprit that's bogging down my computer.

I'm pretty CONFIDENT that my computer is virus-free as it's SCANNED regularly.  Any suggestions on how I can see the tasklist and what to do next?lakeswimmer,

A program you may want to look into called Process Scanner.

I have it posted here:

http://www.saviour-pc.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=115

I hope you find it useful.  It has been for me.

Look forward to your comments about it...

hi im Evilcyborg and i need some HELP.
my computer starting to appear all the time a blue screen 9 in 9 minutes and i DONT now what can be the error code is a blue screen stop: 0x0000008e (0xc0000005,0x805b73,0xb5cf3a9a,0x0000000). please help me with this tksNeed...more...info...GASP  

Operating system / antivirus & antispyware protection / service packs installed / when did it start happening / did it ever work right / installed any new software?

Alan <>< :-)Check link.
http://aumha.org/win5/kbestop.php
Scroll down to 0x0000008E.Google found 1,200 reasons for that stop error.  

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&as_qdr=all&q=0x0000008e+site%3Amicrosoft.com&btnG=Search

If you tell US what you were doing or what changed with the PC hardware or operating system just prior to the stop error, we might be able to narrow it down for you.

Is there a WAY to change your own user name OR password for your computer?
At school, we are all assigned a certain username and password but my friend said he changed his to something a long the lines of leprechauns and its like 15 letters long.
My other friend changed his login name to 'google' and a 2 letter password when the username is supposed to be [year group][last name][first name] (e.g. 09doejo, john doe being his name) and the password is 5 CHARACTERS....
Talk to school IT person. I'm sure he will show you how it's done.  

We don't help with hacking the school computer on this forum, but I am sure there are plenty of others that do. Quote

Talk to school IT person. I'm sure he will show you how it's done.  

We don't help with hacking the school computer on this forum, but I am sure there are plenty of others that do.

Quote

Judging by the replies posted at that site it appears only about one in five were successful with his method.