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I don't know where to start.

My device manager lists nothing anymore.  I get no SOUND, my wireless card doesn't work, etc,.  Also my desktop/windows reverted back to "Classic" style and I don't have the option to change it to the "new" style if that makes sense.  Not a huge deal I know but there has to be a reason I don't have the option anymore.

When I try to use the help feature on my system I get a pop up telling me that I don't have it selected or loaded.  Something like that.  It also won't let me use "System Restore".  

I've tried selective start up and that doesn't work.

I need some help here...

Thanks,
Josh

Er... what happened just prior to this?

Sounds suspiciously viral.

Have you tried a repair installation?And do you have a real Windows CD to reinstall if that is necessary?I have so much junk on there it WOULD probably be a good idea to wipe it clean I guess.  But there are some items I need to get off there first and my hardware won't work.

I do have a disk.  Not sure where it is but I have it somewhere.



Rob, it happened after an update and reboot.You still have the option of running repair/recovery from an XP install CD.  And you're lucky enough to be able to boot to the operating system, so you can still copy files as needed.  If you have a second hard drive you can install as a slave, you're laughing.

Don't forget about the files hidden in obscure places, like Outlook personal folders.  Best to copy the whole of C:\Documents and Settings.So I just need to put the install/recovery CD in and it will prompt me on what to do?Yup.

Always backup important data first, to be on the safe side.Another dumb question...

I have another computer at home that needs "fixing".  Can I just use the same Windows disk to reinstall everything on both computers?

Microsoft licensing requireds ONE copy of Windows for each machine.  

Is this a real Windows CD, or some sort or restore CD provided by the manufacturer? What does it SAY on the disc? Quote

Another dumb question...
 
I have another computer at home that needs "fixing".  Can I just use the same Windows disk to reinstall everything on both computers?

i cant RUN "scan disk", or disc defragment"..scan disk attempts to start but FAILS, and disk defragment stays at zero percent..never MOVES..HELP!   Compter is running super slow even with dsl    WINDOWS METry running scandisk & defrag in safe mode.
Running slow?...

Online Virus Scan and SPYWARE Scan
http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/activescan.htm

Highly recommended second Online Malware Scan
http://www.ewido.net/en/

Ok I was trying to change my resolution to 1600x1200 the monitor said "Out of Range" and in couple of seconds it returned to 1280x1024 so I tried again, and again it said "Out of Range" I thought I'd wait a couple of seconds for it to return, but it didn't.
So I try to boot my computer from below the button, and when it starts it does the usual

Verifying (DMI?) compilation....
Boot from CD
Boot from CD
and then it does this (DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER.) WICH it shouldn't be doing and just stops there.
I guess it can't boot from my CD ROM's because there's nothing in them and it wants the system disk. So I put in the system disk (floppy) and it starts MS-DOS and now I'm really confused. How can I possibly boot my windows from a black screen where I can type
And I dont have my Windows XP CD so I would like to boot it without having to FORMAT or re-install windows.
My guess is I just have to get it to boot from Hard Drive but how?

Edit: I typed this from my mums computer btw What's the status of that computer right now?  Is it turned off?  Still have a floppy disk in it?  Still a CD in the CD-ROM drive?Its turned off at the moment, and I never had any CD in the CD drive floppy is also out of it.All right, if you turn it on, do you see this again:

Verifying (DMI?) compilation....
Boot from CD
Boot from CD
and then it does this (DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER.)

Quote

All right, if you turn it on, do you see this again:

Verifying (DMI?) compilation....
Boot from CD
Boot from CD
and then it does this (DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER.)

Do you know how to access your BIOS settings to see what is set for 1st boot device, 2nd boot device, 3rd boot device?

Why don't you have your Windows XP CD?

A laptop has just been passed on to me from my older sister.  It is a Gateway.  Though I'm not sure what model, it's fairly new, and I'm running XP Pro.  It has a Linksys wireless G card, and it has been PROPERLY installed and everything, cause she used it at college.  We have a Linksys wireless G router (model WRT54G) currrently set up at my house.  The family PC is connected to the router with an ethernet cable, and my dads laptop is connected to it using a wireless G card.  The problem is that the new laptop won't make the connection with the router.  It says in the linksys wireless G adapter utility that there is "no association with access point".  At first i thought it was probably a problem with the program or something, but i tried to hook the laptop up to the router using an ethernet cable, and the laptop wont recognize that connection either (although the lights that are next to the ethernet port on the back of the laptop are lit up like it IS connected, I cannot get on the internet).

My sister is trying to find the cd that she thinks CAME with the adapter so i can make sure it was set up properly, and maybe try and set it up again (reinstall the drivers?).  I'm not sure if that is the problem. Actually, I have no idea what the problem is.

Any ideas?

I wasn't sure where to put this post, so I apologize if this is in the wrong forum.KevinF......  Pug the laptop back into the router , open up the control panel and run the network setup wizard .......  it should get you going .

dl65  well I ran network setup wizard and it immediately told me that the network setup wizard could not be completed, because the wizard can't find my network hardware.

I looked in device manager and there is a tab called "other devices" and it's icon is a question mark.  there are 2 "ethernet controller"'s in there (woah, along with some other stuff), and it says their drivers arent installed.  i also tried to run new connection wizard>connect to the internet>set up my connection manually>connect using a broadband connection that is always on, and it tells me that it's created, but it doesn't show up in my connections...Hop onto Gateway's support site (on another computer) and download the netwrok card drivers for that laptop.I downloaded the driver that Gateway suggested, and first off, it tells me to open the network adapters tab in device manager, which doesn't exist.  I tried to update the two unknown "ethernet controllers" but it doesnt appear that the driver I downloaded work with either.

When I look at the properties of anything in the other devices tab, it tells me:

Driver Provider: Unknown
Driver Date: Not Available
Driver Version: Not Available
Digital Signer: Not digitally signed

So I'm not sure how to update them.Is there any chance you can post a screenshot of your device manager?  That would really help.Yeah no problemAndOh dear!  You have a few problems with your laptop's installation.  No idea what the two "base system controllers" are, but you can bet that your laptop isn't going to work properly without those items being fixed.  The SM Bus entry relates to the smart battery, so you can expect problems with charging, also.

Please obtain and install all drivers for that laptop.

That wireless adapter - is it PCMCIA, USB or onboard?Hah, yeah, it won't charge.

I'm guessing PCMCIA, because it's not USB or onboard.  It's a linksys wireless card.

How can I install the drivers if I don't know what piece of hardware they correspond with, or does that not matter?Gateway support for that model number.The computer is a 400VTX.  The model of the wireless card is WPC11 ver. 4.

How do I update the drivers?  I have all of the drivers available for download from Gateway's website.

Sorry if this is obvious and I just don't get it.Alright all of the drivers I needed are not available on Gateway's website, so I contacted their Customer Service and they are going to get me the drivers I need, I think.

Hopefully this will fix the problem.  How the heck do a whole bunch of drivers just disappear anyway?Windows. That's all it takes.   Quote

The model of the wireless card is WPC11 ver. 4.

How do I update the drivers?

"Alan, I ended up deleting all spyware programs bar Ad-aware after I tried the 11-step thing. Do you think it will make much difference if I were to download them all again and spend all that time doing the scans in safe-mode instead of normal-mode?"

Yes.  I'd also run the Disk Cleanup utility and the defragmenter, both found in System Tools.  Run cleanup first, then the defragmenter.  

You might try the AVG Forum:

http://forum.grisoft.cz/freeforum/

Look thru it and see if it has any references to running a scan boot.  I'd bet there is.

Alan <><  

Thanks Panboy and Rob, it was because it was compressed. I compressed it thinking it would save space therefore speeding it up. I've uncompressed it and it's still extremely slow. It didn't used to be like this...

I can log on ok but when I open the BROWSER it says cannot display page, and my email will not work. it's an old Compaq 2200 running windows 98.
  How can I fix the problem... :-?  Thanks Runt  PS I don't know a lot about computersA lot more in the way of details would be helpful, but for starts GO to the MS oage and download iE6, SP1. You will need that for the UPDATES and other things.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=1e1550cb-5e5d-48f5-b02b-20b602228de6&DisplayLang=enThanks I'll try the ie 6.o  My Computer is an old Compaq 2200 with a 2 gb hd and my problem may be in the mem. it only has 16mb of ram
and it's pentium. It may be it just won't run win 98. Thanks againWindows 95 or more RAM would be helpful too. I can't imagine Win98 on 16 megs. RAM. Painfully slow. Quote

You will need that for the updates

Hi - am using window xp and OUTLOOK express 6 - have been trialling dragon, claroread, thunder to input vioce commands to navigate and hear inbox and messages in outlook express - computer was running very slow ( 256K) so we put more memory in - seemed fine then after a few minutes screen went black-reboot got locked in some wierd cylce- so removed memory and changed LOCATION  and seems to be working ok now ( 398K) - BUT no longer have sound from voice files- all the other computer sounds eg beeps and WAV files work ok ( eg windows media player is fine) - but the microsoft sam and other vioces do not work any more - cannot even GET navigator to work-no error messages just dead silence- have UNINSTALLED and reinstalled claroread and thunder screen reader twice but no luck-   harware CHECK says everything is fine..any suggestions I'd be really greatful

Within a blink of an EYE as i was trying to ADD ANOTHER user to my PC with an unlimited access, my own access rights were deleted.
When I log in with my user account, my access rights as an administrator is restricted. I can’t install, do a system restore e.t.c. when I boot in safe mode, but can’t log in as my normal user, just as a GUEST. The alternative user is the administrator option. I tried it logging in with my normal password, but gives an error. Invalid password.
I got the PC about 1 year ago with windows XP professional already installed. So it came without any XP CD's.
I have BACKED up all necessary data on the System.
Hardware on the system Cd/DVD writer drive. Unfortunately the system does not have and floppy disk drive, so am not able to use the reset disk procedure.

Please kindly assist me
Did you get a restore CD or is there some kind of system restore partition? WHat make and model?
You may need to o buy an XP CD in the near future, or at least borrow one to attempt a repair installation.

This is the second post like this this weekend. You may want to search the forums. Also one post is enough to help resolve the issue and avoid confusion.

I just recently obtained a hard drive enclosure for a hard drive i had pulled out of an old laptop of mine, and upon hooking it up i realized that I am not able to access the FILES in the My Documents section because access is being denied, likely because i had it set so that it couldnt be accessed unless you were logged in as that user.

Is there any way whatsoever to bypass that kind of protection?

I have been unsuccessful in USING that hard drive to boot up the computer as well (just as a note)Here is a good THING to READ. YOu didn't GIVE your operating system, so let's assume XP.

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421yes i apologize, its Windows XP

and thank you for the article

Added Note: Thats exactly what I needed to do to gain access to the folder, thanks a lot this was a great helpGX!Man strikes again ! ! !

Ole!

Hi Please help and assist...

After I install XP which is okey and booting properly... Pentium 3, 256MB, 10GB HDD

So when you turned it on it seems okey but after it displays the windows logo, then the screen TURNS black and it seems hanged already... :-(

As well, why is it always showing at the START the counting of Memory?? it counts till 256 but after it will show that 130 error memory???

Please help... Many thanks!
Sylvie
More info on the exact error message and what type of system you have and someone will be along shortly to assist...

patio.   8-)If you are getting a bad memory count message that is a hardware problem as it happens before XP even starts to load it sounds like.

Again, computer details are helpful.

if anybody does not already know, i have deactivated my on-board sound and uninstalled the drivers. however, two files STILL remain according to Hijack This. these are the files...

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RTHDCPL] RTHDCPL.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE

they are both for RealTek High Quality Surround Sound etc. etc.....

my question is, if i delete them via Hijack This, will this make my system unstable in any way or somehow advertly effect it?It should be fine. Some have linked that second one to some sort of mild spyware, I believe.

You could also do it with mscong, so if problems, they are reversible.nah their not spyware ther both from RealTek. (i keep a close EYE on what my COMP is doing). i just disabled them via msconfig. thanks for the help. Realtek AC97 Audio - Event Monitor. "Spyware" file used surreptitiously monitor one's actions. It is not a sinister one, like remote control programs, but it is being used by Realtek to gather data about customers.

Call me paranoid.  And call me correct!  yes,yes you were right... Quote

nah their not spyware ther both from RealTek. (i keep a close eye on what my comp is doing). i just disabled them via msconfig. thanks for the help.

if i have windows xp media center edition 2005 on my computer why CANT i INSTALL windows xp home edition. do i have to install a previous VERSION first or what. thanksOldest version should be installed first as a RULE. If you are trying to install 2 versions on the same partition, that is never a GOOD idea.

What are you trying to do?

Hi,

I have a PS file that I want to convert to a pdf file. I right-click on the ps file and then an option called "Convert to Adobe PDF" appears and when I click it it converts the ps file to the pdf file. Now I wonder, that option, does it come with the Adobe package or is it because I have GhostView installed on the computer?

Grateful for help.If you have the full Adobe Acrobat installed, it enables you to convert pretty MUCH ANYTHING to PDF.  I don't think this is something that GhostView supplies.

GhostView has a Unix/Linux heritage incidentally.  I mention it because there are lots of FREE Linux tools for converting between these (and other) file formats.

This is hard for me to describe but the problem is in my desktop.  I don't know the name for this thing but you know when you open a new folder and theres this blue panel to the left that displays the stats.

When you open any folder on your computer, a list of hyperlinked tasks is displayed next to the folder contents on the LEFT usually. You can select a file or folder, and then click a task to rename, copy, move, or DELETE it. You can also send a file in e-mail or publish it to the Web.  Its the one with File Folder Tasks on top, Other Places on middle and Details on the bottom.

Anyway the problem is one day this strange panel appeared on my desktop and I don't know to get rid of it!



As you can see from the picture its that blue pane on the left.  How do I get rid of that pane from my desktop?   You got to that screen via My Computer or My Documents, right?  Right click on Start and select Explore.  Is that the view that you want?No you misunderstand I meant on the Desktop itself with nothing open theres this blue pane on the left of the desktop screen.  I don't know how to make that pane disappear.  Any SUGGESTIONS?Switch to Classic View, for a lot of reasons.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/classicview/intro.mspxOk I tried GOING to Control panel and changing Folder Options to Use Windows Classic INSTEAD of Show Common Tasks in Folders but the problem is not solved.  This only gets rid of the task panes in folders not on the Desktop.

This Renable File and Folder Task Pane is on my desktop Not in a folder.  I opened the Display on Desktop and changed the THEME to classic under Themes section and even though the Desktop turned into the classic version the *censored* Task Pane is still there!

Did anyone else have this problem?  I'm beginning to think this could be an error or glitch.As a *possible* solution, I suggest installing CCleaner and running it.  Be sure to include the Issues scan in your usage of CCleaner.  Your screenshot is of a Windows Explorer window, not your desktop, so that's a little confusing.  Within Explorer windows, clicking the "Folders" button (next to the search button) will solve your problem.  Otherwise, right-click on the desktop; choose "Properties".  Click the "Desktop" tab, then "Customize Desktop".  On the next dialogue box, click the "Web" tab.  Remove everything from that list.

Good Day
I have big problems withXP pro
For some reason to which i have no IDEA, I can no longer access other user account at start up.
There is mine with password, my wife's and one for the kidz. When my wife tries to start up her account only mine comes up with asking for a password.
also
When I shut down, I nolonger get the XP shutdown options the way XP normally presents them. What I do get is something that resembles windows 2000 shutdown screen. Anyone have any idea on how to fix this problem? Also
I cannot even see their account user incons in control panel then to account user.[ch12288]
DBSounds like someone has been fiddling in the control panel.  I bet the "kidz" account has adminstrator privileges...  If you're only seeing one user, could it be that someone has deleted the other user accounts?  Look under C:\Documents and Settings - how many user folders do you see there?

Under Control Panel-->Users-->Change the way users log on and off, what options are selected?

Is this XP Pro of Home?  Right-click "My Computer" and click the "Computer name" tab.  Are you connected to a domain or a workgroup?Thank you so much for your time,
Here is a better discription of what is happening
For my version of XP pro,
When I start up, I have a box prompting me to enter my password and my name is already in there. This User ID and password prompt looks very much like what you would see if you were using windows 2000. Before the trouble, in XP you get a screen with all the users icons, I am the space man and wife is the frog (She likes frogs) I do not get that anymore. However at the user ID box, if I change to my wife's name and hit enter I get to her account and I get to mine if I enter User ID and password. You do this the same way if you are using windows 2000.

Shutting down
I no longer have the OPTION switch users unless I shut down. The shut down prompt looks much like the windows 2000 prompt but it does have a decorative XP logo in it. I have to hit the drop down arrow and select what ever Shut down, RESTART etc. This is what I have now. I want it to return to the XP version where as everthing is right there you just hit the icon of choice including switching users.

My wife and kidz and my accounts are still there, and am able to access if I shut down completly or restart. I did as you said and they do exist.
Another sad story
When I try to go to user account in control panel, only my account comes up with useless options. I no longer have the ''Way users log on'' I do not have that option.

Another wierd thing, I cannot even defrag anymore
By the way I am the fool that inatvertenly fiddled with something

Is there any hope for me?
Thanks
DBThis is the kind of behaviour that you see with an XP Pro system that is a member of a domain - different logon METHOD, etc.  See what I said about about My Computer-->Computer name.  Change to a workgroup rather than a domain.  Then tell us if things have improved.Hello again,
I found what you were talking about for computer name. But what I found was in Control panel to System. However at first I did right click My computer and lloked for computer name and could not find it. I looked for about 30 minutes
As I mentioned above, I did find computer name. and work group was still entered. Below that there is and option I am not able to access that may SEEMINGLY allow me to change from domain to work group. But it is not highlighted for use. Is there anything else I can look at?
Good DayPerhaps you could use System Restore to go back to a point before this happened?Hi Rob,
I sent you a reply on your website emailHmm... it seems to have vanished into oblivion.    PM me if you really want private support, but unless you're in my area (northwest England) I may not be able to do a lot.  Otherwise, feel free to continue with this thread.PS  I have fixed the web contact page.  An error had arisen following a change of web server...  Thanks for highlighting it.

hello can someone please HELP me with this issue? The problem is that the DESKTOP icons on my home computer are no longer transparent to see my background through them and i can no longer use any of my PICS as backgrounds . my background is stuck blue. I have a e- machine dont know what model it is it does have windows XP im really not to good with computers please have patience. thank youControl Panel-->System-->Avanced-->Performance-->Settings-->Visual effects.  Check "Use drop shadows for icon LABELS on the desktop".

Hello.
About 2 weeks ago my computer screen started rolling up and down by itself, kind of like a nervous ‘twitch’. The mouse arrow keeps steady though.
Only the desktop is okay, as soon as I open a program (FIREFOX, IE, Outlook Express, WORD processing/Office) the screen starts acting funny.
I tried to adjust the monitor settings and cleaned the mouse.
I ran Spybot Search & Destroy, Ad-Aware, CCleaner, CW Shredder and SPYWARE doctor and Trend Micro Anti-Spyware – nothing helped.
My firewall and anti-virus protection has always been up and RUNNING (Zonealarm).
I even restored the computer to an earlier point.
Nothing helped!
I don’t know what else to do, but this twitching screen is driving me crazy. Can you help please ??
Does device manager show anything like ! or a ? for the video card ?

Have you checked for updated video drivers?

Do you have a spare monitor you can plug in and see if the problem is still there?

Alan  What are your normal display settings?  DESCRIBE the behavior you see in more detail.  What mouse do you have?  Have you tried updating the mouse driver?  Do you have another mouse you can try with your computer?  Remove and reseat the video card and make sure you have the most current drivers. You didn't say what it was, or anything about the machine, or age, so.......

What is the make/model of the monitor as well?

is anyone else having problems with this update?
i INSTALL mine and about 2 minutes later it's like it's not even installed. the notice pops up again saying i need to install it. i MUST have installed this thing 30 times but it KEEPS telling me to install it. it's getting VERY annoying.
anyone have a way to fix this?Have you gone to Add/Remove Programs to SEE if it's listed there yet ? ?
If so remove it and retry.
I have also seen this when Windows Installer takes a dive...you can dload a fix from the MS website.

patio.   8-)ok, i checked and i do have the latest version of windows installer. i went ahead and reinstalled it anyway just incase there was a problem with it, but i'm still having the same problem.You're missing the point...did you check to see if the update was listedf as i stated above and follow those instructions ? ? ?
And as far as the installer it doesn't matter what version it is...it gets corrupted. DLoad the fix and RUN it...

See Sig

patio.   8-)

im running windows XP and whenever i install a windows update or my virus scan updates its like my computer doesnt realize its been UPDATED. 15 minutes LATER it installs the update again and just KEEPS doing it. its really annoying. it just keeps installing the same updates over and over. what would cause this?Double Postyeah, but this ONE has my virus software doing it too. i didnt know if it was related or not.Are you sure you are clean from malware? How do you know? What HAPPENED prior to all of this starting?

Can anyone help me?
I am running win xp home SP2 from an oem original disk.

About 5 weeks ago, turned on pc, booted into windows, scandisk screen came up and checked D:/ drive (contains working files). Comleted ok, then went on to check C:/ drive (contains o/s,DRIVERS and programs). Started deleting files, about 20, but did not fix or recover files. It then froze. I rebooted BUY nothing.

Clean INSTALLED o/s (reformatting C:/ drive only) and all other drivers and programs.

All seemed ok (except of course that C:/ drive was now D:/ drive and visa versa). However every time pc was switched on scandisk would check C:/ drive.

Then 2 weeks ago whilst trying to download a windows update got an error message 0x80072EFD. Went to ms site, showed 2 possible solutions to this problem. Tried the first without success so tried the second but this did not solve problem either.
Rebooted pc, ran POST then screen went black.

Tried several times to boot. Cannot get into 'safe mode' screen. Can get into
BIOS (SET up han not changed). Gave up and DECIDED to reinstall.

This gets as far as 'press any key to boot from cd', which I do. The next screen   ' set up is inspecting your computers hardware configuration' comes up then the csreen goes black.
My hard drive set up is 2xseagate baracuda 80Gb sata drives mirrored.

Before I strip the pc down can anyone suggest a solution.

thanks in advance.
Oops, forgot to give spec.

M/b Epox ep8rda3+ rev 3.2 bios update 8rda3+34729.rar dated 23/08/05
AMD athlon 2500+ barton with alaska 3400 copper base with8cm fan.
500w power supply
2xbaracuda 80Gb sata, mirrored hard drive
2xkingston 256mb ddr pc3200 400Mhz
Sappphire radion  9200se 128mb
Liteon 52x32x52x16x combo
Win xp sp2 oemTry reinstalling to ONLY the primary hard drive by disconnecting the second drive.

Alan <><

I have two same Windows XP OS in my computer.
How do I remove one of them?How do you know that you have two installations on your computer?Because I installed two.I wonder why you did that.  Did you install them both to the same partition?  To the same folder?Actually it was my sister.
She used to have only one XP OS on her laptop, and when she tried to install Norton Antivirus, the Windows stop responding everytime booted into desktop. All desktop icons and Start Menu are not responding.
So she ran the recovery disc, the recovery somehow installed a fresh XP OS on the laptop. So she got two now.
After I fixed the initial installation, now I want to remove the later installation and use only the initial one.I repeat: how do you know there are two installations on the hard drive?  This sounds like the original installation was repaired or overwritten.  What makes you think that there are two, distinct installations? Quote

Did you install them both to the same partition?  To the same folder?

What makes you think that there are two, distinct installations?

I don't know how was the folders situation as the laptop is with my sister abroad.

Of course I know a formatting will solve everything - if only she don't want to keep the files or she has a CD writer to backup all her files.

I am looking for a proper way of clean removal / uninstallation.

so i am running out of space on my primary drive, and i want to possibly make my sl;ave the primary and drop the primary i have now ( its only 20 gigs) is it possible to put all my program files on a dvd, and reinstall windows the replace them? or would it be best to just reinstall the programs as i go along?What you're proposing will not WORK.  Programs install to the Program Files directory, but they also put files elsewhere, notably in the C:\windows directory.

You could use a program like Norton Ghost to copy the entire hard drive - you would have more success with that.You could Do as Rob Says And Ghost the WHOLE HDD

But i think it would be Cleaner if you did the Full Reinstall, sure it will take a lot longer, but you'll have a more tidy system afterwards, because you WONT install the Stuff you haven't used in months, and all the Left over crap form long gone Programs wont be there any more

But either way make sure you BACK up your important DataAye, that's a better solution.Yay , Approval From rob, makes me Feel Complete  ok then a full install is what it will be, THANK you all for your help

Ok, i think ive been looking at the wrong section. I need to look in video adapter and not display dont i? Theyve got my one there, intel GRAPHICS controller. Im gonna do this and REPORT back.Go to this page and put in your service tag. Then you can download just the right DRIVER for you O/S

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/index.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen

If you choose "Services and Warranties" on the right side of this page with your service tag, you can SEE when the computer was originall shipped, when the warranty ended and all the original components.


Yes! Downloads the right card, re-installed soulseek and now have full virus protection and my computer is running better than ever. Thanks again.Glad you are all fixed up and thanks for posting back.

Whats the best way to say set a PRIORITY in the start menu> programs> startup folder so a CERTAIN folder or app will be the last thing to startupi dont think the priorty really matters, just the things u want to start-up or NOT to start-up. (such as apps u never really use, or apps that can start up when u simply click on them. Ex. quicktime player automatically starts up when u turn ur comp on, it does not need to do this because u can start it up simply by clicking it.)

P.S. to select what apps start up or not...

START>RUN> type " msconfig" without the quotes> STARTUP TABThere is a sequence that these programs load, defined in the registry.you could use "tuneup utililities" or something like that, with msconfig things sometimes comeback! Quote

with msconfig things sometimes comeback!

For some reason my DVD rom and my cd rewriter have just stopped, in device manager they are ther but in the description they say the drivers are upto DATE but cannot find the hardware,

i deleted them and scanned for NEW hardware which found them even found the name of them so i know it found the correct  thing but it is still saying cant find hardware.

does anyone know of a fix for this or am i gonna have to REBUILD my whole computer

cheers

ianWhat changes happened prior to this? WHat happens if you disconnect one? Does the other function normally?ive tried them running as a slave BEHIND the HDD and by them self chanegd the IDE lead but nothing works, they do WORK fine in another PC.

Nothing that i have changed has changed on my PC, apart from moving my documents to my second HDD

ian

My Grandma has a Dell Dimension E510. I noticed a HP share-to-web upload folder on her dektop. This caused problems on my dad's PC, so I tried to delete it. It wouldn't go. I then right-clicked it, which caused a LOCKUP and therefore this mess:

HTTP://img220.imageshack.us/img220/4246/fubar1ta.png

The only reason I got this pic was because I did manage to fix it by ENDING and then starting explorer.exe, so I didn't have to reboot. But it shouldn't lock up like this, should it? How can I remove this thing?Dilbert....... Was Grams pc working ok before you decided to "FIX IT " ?

Just a guess , but I suspect that, that HP folder is probably part of a camera software package .
Is it my imagination or do computer issues follow you around ?  You seem to have issues develop as SOON as you put fingers to the keyboard .

dl65  
hey Dilbert I had the same problem try this. Right click on the folder and then select delete and then a wizard will pop-up and then it will ask you wether you want to keep it on the desktop or delete it.. and you select delete it.. (or something DIFFERENT may say like "dont show on desktop" or something like that.. Try that

I can no LONGER access the internet or any files from my Compaq laptop. I have no desktop icons after startup and if I click the start button to access any programs nothing happens. I do have access to some functions in the start menu just not all. Thanks for any and all HELP! I am running Windows XP.What happened prior to all of this? Can you do a system restore to a time before this happened? WHat spyware/adware/virus protections is in place? Any playing around with the SETTINGS? Do you have a reall Windows CD if that is needed? What version Windows? SERVICE Pack? All Updates? A lot more info?DC65:

The same thing happened to a coworker of mine.  The cause: A virus deleted his user account and created a new account with the same name.

To verify this has not happened to you, check the folders in the DOCUMENTS and Settings folder.  Do you see two folders with your user name (one with your user name and one with the name of the computer followed by a period and your user name)?  For example, if your computer name is Flintstone and your user name is Fred do you see one folder named Fred and one named Fred.Flinstone in the Documents and Settings folder?

Doc

Hi,
I receive a NEW, BLANK internet explorer page whenever I click on a link in an EMAIL. Does anyone KNOW how to correct this? With Microsoft outlook 2002.

This message keeps showing up on desktop, WinXP,SP2.  
'An unexpected error has been detected by HotSpot Virtual Machine:
#
#  EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION (0xc0000005) at pc=0x7c9010f3, pid=2240, tid=2748
#
# Java VM: Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (1.5.0_06-b05 mixed mode, sharing)
# Problematic frame:
Have repaired VM, but after a few DAYS this message will reapear.
Thank you in advance for any assistance PROVIDED. DaleIts Probably a Java Program with a Memory Leek...

POST your Hijack this log so that it can Be Seen what PROGRAMS are running on you computer

Also GOOGLE the Error

my friend sent me his comp cause his modem, sound card, and Video doesn't work.  So I GIVE myself admin account, and I have the CD and when I update the driver it says.  

There was a problem installing this hardware: an error occured during the installation of the device. Access Is Denied.

any ideas?If this is a Windows 2000 or Windows XP Professional system, you might be trying to install files that are in an encrypted folder.  Make sure none of the folders are encrypted, or that the operating system is Windows XP Home Edition, or another FLAVOR of Windows that does not have file and folder encryption.

Docchecked its not encripted. i'm using the exact same CD as the OS. XP HomeAre you sure those are the right files for that specific hardware? WHich one gives that MESSAGE. The modem or what?modem, VGA, and audio. and yes i'm 100% sure. its the cd that came with the computer, and i double checked the hardware.Let's just do one at a time like the modem.

What if you copy the modem file to a folder on the hard drive called say "modemy" then change the attributes to full access (CD's are read only by nature) and then try to run the install. What happens?

What if you use the "Add New Hardware" in Control Panel and just direct the install to the files on the CD (assuming they are not compressed in some fashion)?

What kind of computer and how is the modem file(s) labeled on the CD?

What happened to the computer that caused the reinstall to be necessary? What other problems does it have? I assume it used to work in some fashion? The more details the better.ok guys i figured out what the problem is. the folder c:/windows is at read-only. I tried changing the attributes but it won't let me. every time i do and apply it goes through all folders. then i click on the folder again and it says Read-Only.  I went into safe mode, trying multiple things, i have all perms, except for special permissions which is for the owner only. i set owner to administrators, and it still won't let me do it. any ideas.If you are not logged in as Admin, then you cannot change it. That issue will have to be resolved first.I have admin access. I signed in as admin. I used every single acct on the comp. that was the first thing i checked forTry changing the permissions of just one file under C:\windows.  What error do you get?  Is anything noted in the event logs?Is the PC on a client-server network?  If so, your permissions in the Active Directory on the domain controller must be set to allow you to change the read-only permission.  Contact the IT administrator.

If it is not connected to a network, someone may have changed the permissions in the local security database of Windows to not allow you to change the read-only permission.  Since Windows XP Home Edition does not give you the option of changing the security permissions for individual users, the only way to fix that situation is from the COMMAND line or by upgrading to Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Media Center.

I had a similar problem at work when a Trojan Horse infected my PC.  In that case, the root directory (local disk C:) was changed to read-only.  Changing it back did the trick.  See if that works for you.

Doc

For some different perspectives from the blogworld:

http://www.sysinternals.com/blog/2005/10/registry-junk-windows-fact-of-life.htmlInteresting INDEED.  Me personally i FAITHFULLY use Total Uninstall as it has served me very well over the years. And in my personal opinion i have FOUND that Registry Cleaners in the HANDS of everyday users can be quite destructive...but that's what keeps the Customers coming back so oh well...

patio.   8-)Fortunately, there are some good freeware registry cleaners, such as Eusing Free Registry Cleaner.I had a Registry Of over 40 Megs once , i tyred a reg Cleaner on it , and It just Crashed ^.^, at this time in my Computer Experience i had Decided that any Problem could be Fixed without Reinstalling Windows... therefor i had like a 5 year old install that worked.. it just had some leftovers..

Its True tho you can Fix anyproblem , its just not always Tidy..I always export a copy of the full registry before running any such software, and even before installing new software, but maybe i'm too cautious?

What is the difference between "Microsoft Windows XP Professional with SERVICE Pack 2" and "Microsoft Windows XP Professional Upgrade with Service Pack 2" on the following LINK: HTTP://www.costco.com/Common/Search.aspx?whse=BC&topnav=&search=Windows%20XP%20Professional&N=0&Ntt=Windows%20XP%20Professional&cm_re=1-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search

I WANT to have a disk to reformat my computer any time I want.If you own a CD of a qualifying Windows product you can use the upgrade product. You just have to insert your CD when asked for a minute or so in the installation process when asked. (Sometimes you can use the upgrade with a running version of Windows but no guarantee. Also if you ever have to reload again....you can't.)

If you have NO previous and qualifying version of WIndows you need the full product (not the upgrade).

NOTE: If you have a restore CD from HP, etc. then that will not work.

There is also an OEM version in the full configuration which is cheaper, if that's what you need. There are some differences in the licensing, but the product is the same.Are there any disadvantages to the OEM version?The differences are in the EULA (Licensing agreement). Microsoft want the OS to be tied to the machine, when sold by OEM's and they do not provide support beyond the Microsoft web site (which really isn't an issue). There are some reports that if one machine is disabled they will not activate the OS for use on another, and many people say they have had no problem with this.

Check with Microsoft for the weekly staus change on this. In the end, they are in business to sell software.   Quote

There are some reports that if one machine is disabled they will not activate the OS for use on another, and many people say they have had no problem with this.

Check with Microsoft for the weekly staus change on this. In the end, they are in business to sell software.  

Hi, I have a problem with the command PROMPT. I use windows XP (the greek VERSION)  and I cannot see the greek CHARACTERS in the command prompt. I can type in greek but when I WANT to display a greek text, I cannot read it.

Does anyone know a way to solve this problem?What do you see instead of the Greek characters?

At the command prompt, have you tried chcp 869to change to the "Modern Greek" console code page?  You can type chcp on its own to see what code page you're currently SET to.I tried chcp and I have 737 which is ok for me because if I change it to 869 I won't be able to read the paths of the hard disk which contain greek characters and are readable with 737.

The problem is that I am reading text from a greek web page and I cannot read the greek characters from the command prompt. I have attached I gif file which shows what symbols appear to me in the command prompt.

i have an emachines T6528 and a T2040. I've tried to download several linux os's and never can open them!  when one of them start downloading a windows ICON is shown and after the download is done it won't open!! says something like "windows can't open this PROGRAM". well, i bought a TOSHIBA laptop and went to the download ubuntu 6.0 website and it's downloading an ISO file which is what it HAS TO BE! why wont emachines download ISO's???Do you know for a fact that your download attempts stopped before the file was completely DOWNLOADED?  I don't think that's what you're saying, is it?  

I believe you do not understand what to do with the ISO file once you've downloaded it.  You have to burn it to a CD.  This creates a bootable CD.  You can't just COPY an ISO file to a CD. You also can't run it from your working Windows machine. It has to boot from the CD you make from the ISO file. It also has absolutely NOTHING to do with an eMachine.

Have a read:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=how+to+burn+ISO

Hi all

Can anyone help?When in users acccount a McAfee script APPEARS "mshta.exe".
I know this is not a virus,more of a nuisance as I had it before but cannot remember how to get RID of it?!! Does anyone have any advice on this?

Thanks
Cazzie   :-/

mshta.exe is the Windows HTA interpreter. HTA's are HTML applications that RUN without a browser.

Could you explain this more:

Quote

When in users acccount a McAfee script appears "mshta.exe"

This issue is troubling me because i can not figure out how it happened.

A few days ago i repaititoned my HD, then formatted it.

Installed 98 - then my upgrade version of XP

The very first thing i did when XP was OPERATIONAL was to install my wireless card and connect to the network/internet.

Ok, did that.  Then i opened IE and went to www.windowsupdate.com and was FLOODED with messages for registry cleaners and my system would crash alot.  

After i installed my firewall and blocked some internet attempts to my computer, it stopped.
I checked and found a generic trogan with the name systray.exe in the registry, and i deleted it.

I did not install or download anything before the pop-ups started happening.

Any ideas on that guys?

Also, I have a 1 meg connection to the net.  When i first start my computer i can download at about 130k/sec transfer speed.  After  5 minutes it tops out at 30k/sec transfer speed.

----
I have checked every RUNNING process and there are no viruses.  I am using zone alarms free firewall and norton anti virus, along with adawares free ad ware remover.
Windows XP
1.6 gighz AMD
758 ramIn their insidious but never-ending quest to make our lives miserable these malware writers are getting more and more creative...the popups you saw were in fact delivered to you thru the Windows Messenger Service which you probably didn't have time to disable before you logged on to the web.

Trust me when you re-partitioned and formatted you didn't have virii or trojans left on that drive.

I personally don't use the messenger service just for this reason although i have BETTER than adequate protection with a router and firewall. I see no need for it.

If you would also like to do without it DLoad and install "Shoot The Messenger" a handy little utility that disables Messenger Service.

patio.   8-)I agree with Patio.  Repartitioning and reformatting the hdd definitely blows away any stuff you've got on the drive.  

When I have to do that for a client the FIRST thing I do once I get the OS running, and before I ever THINK about connecting to the Internet, is load my AVG antivirus software, Adaware & Spybot antispyware, then the Firefox browser (ALL from CD, NOT the Internet). I then do the complete install of AVG UPDATES, as well as the Adaware and Spybot...then I do the Windoze updates.

You can never be too safe on the web.  Ya gotta protect yourself as no one else will.  

Alan <><  

You should have SP2 loaded and the firewall turned ON, besides haveing a loaded spyware and antivirus application before you ever connect the wire!

THEN you can connect for the updates, although you will have Alexa just from going to the Microsoft update site, guaranteed.

By the way, you do not have to load 98 to load on XP. Just start loading XP (the upgrade edition, no doubt) and insert the 98 CD when asked for proof of a qualifying product.

i'm runing windows XP and i was wondering if there was a way to TURN off the notification for hidden files.
for example, when i go into a folder and select all, i get a popup saying i have hidden files and to select them i need to make them visible. i know they're hidden CAUSE i hid them. i know this is a minor thing but i have to do this a BUNCH of times a DAY and it just gets annoying.
any help would be appreciated.I've searched the net, the GP editor and the registry and found no solution to this problem.  Sorry!

There are 3-4 (minimum) a week QUESTIONS about this. Here are some LINKS to help you get it resolved.

HTTP://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314503
 
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q294/4/27.asp
 
http://support.microsoft.com/directory/article.asp?ID=KB;EN-US;q314503
 
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q162/0/31.asp
 
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_b.htm
 
http://www.sysopt.com/articles/troubleshoot/index.htmlA STICKY, perhaps ? ?

patio.   8-)Already posted in the Q&A Section. I wish people LOOKED there too!

About 2 weeks ago I was attempting to download an update for my Mozilla browser, the built in download manager went through the motions of opening the download manager, and telling me the download was starting, which it never did, I have been through all my browser settings, and antivirus and firewall settings and everything appears to ok, I have also lost the ability to install new programs.
 I'm running a custom built machine with ECS mobo, AMD ATHLON 1 gig of ram, windows 2000 with sp 4, up to date trend micro A/V, windows defender & adaware se. Virus scans show nothing, spyware and adaware scans are also clean. ANY HELP IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!
THANKS IN ADVANCE,What is the error you are encountering? WHat else has changed? Have you tried a trojan scanner like Ewido? Have you done scans in safe mode with System Restore turned off?There are no errors showing up, just will not download or install anything, as far as I know nothing has changed, I'm running win 2k pro with sp 4 installed , have full admin rights, I first noticed it when either trying to upgrade my mozilla browser or my ALLDATA online account. I have not tried ewido but will, if I can get it to install.Are you using Mozilla or Firefox? When did this start and under what circumstances?I'm using FIREFOX with THUNDERBIRD as my e-mail client, I don't recall, any particular circumstance, and don't recall any system CHANGES, it has been going on for a couple of weeks now, I'm wondering if something may have corrupted the operating system, I have A  copy of stinger I'm considering running to see if anything shows up with it.Try downloading the latest versions of Firefox and Thunderbird (using IE?); uninstall your previous versions, then reinstall.I ran ewido and it found 5 malware/spyware incidents, tried to install the latest FIREFOX release 1.5.0.4, it would not install, I had already tried IE for my downloads with no luck.  Why would it allow ewido to install and not firefox??, I'm going to double check my permissions, and still APPRECIATE ANY help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thanks
Do you have a real Windows CD to reinstall if necessary? I just want to get that cleared up now.  Certainly do, but I'm trying to avoid that, if you know what I mean. I've made several attempts today to install the latest firefox release, with no luck, it's funny, it let me install ewido, but firefox goes through the process of unpacking the executable and then does nothing, no warning message, no info etc. Same thing when trying to download, the download manager goes through the motions and looks as if it is downloading, but when complete it WILL NOT give you the open dialog, it still shows cancel and pause, neither of which work, and if you close firefox it tells me that x# of downloads will be cancelled, depending on how many are downloads are running, closing forefox IS the ONLY way to gain any control of the download manager back, the progress bar shows a complete download, but they are not in the folder where they were saved.
THANKS  Have you tried using a different browser?  I mean, IE comes with Windows...YES I HAVE TRIED IE, THATS WHY I'M LEANING TOWARDS AN OS PROBLEMThis behaviour sounds viral.

How about trying to install the Mozilla suite instead?  Or Opera?  I'd be very interested to know what happens.

If your O/S is corrupted, you can try a repair installation.How Much Free Space Do you have on the Computer, you may not be able to finish downloads and install things because they have no ware to goI agree that it sounds viral, I haven't tried the mozilla suite or opera, because I don't know if they will install, it seems very selective about what can install, I'm going to try the built in admin account today. As far as free space, there is nearly 9 gigs left on a 20 gig drive, as far as IE is concerned, all the SECURITY FLAWS that require this neverending plethora of security updates also comes with windows, if I wasn't so far into this COMPUTING STUFF with windows software, I'd be seriouslylooking at linux much more seriously.

what type of scripting would i use to make a program that would open a message box and when my friend puts his mouse in it to click ok it would lock his mouse there?? You may find something here http://www.rjlsoftware.com/software/entertainment/
Either way it's sure to keep you amused for the rest of the holidays.thats great now how do i get them on my friends computer? without him KNOWING it..

this is going ot be greatYou could trick him. how rename the file and tell him its a game or something or do you have a better way?That sounds like a plan, you could send it to him as an email attachment, you could even send it to him as a zip file that included a setup.bat file to install whatever you want & get it to run whenever his computer boots up.
Depending on his protection levels & dumbness LEVEL you could even install a backdoor on his computer so then you would have FULL control of it.
By the time you learn how to do these things you will be wearing a white hat. how can learn
i really what to learn stuff like that.. i want to get my ethical hacking cerfication or what so i can be a really GOOD system tester.. can u take me under your wing or would that be to much??

unlovedwarriorAnd where do you get an "Ethical Hacking Certification"? Hacks 'r Us?it was in hacking for dummies..
they were talking about something on those linesGoogle "ethical hacking" and/or "hacker forum" for more info.i tried hacking once...the software i downloaded crashed my comp. ill never do that again.

Back Orifice by CdC, i downloaded it from their site, they laced it with viruses.Hmmmm, hackers with viruses. How unusual?

FED, I forgot, but I see you are listed as a Hacker.  lol... so just google hacker forums lol... interesting... but how would i trick my friends into running the program??


i really want to do this to freak them out...

not to actually do harm..

Hi,

I tried many times to set the default page on my IE to USE blank. But the stupid MSN home page keeps coming back. It's REALLY ANNOYING. How can I set it so that it will never come back again? I use Win2K pro and IE 6.

Thanks.

MacPCTry changing it in SAFE Mode and re-boot and see if it sticks...

Are there User accts. set up on this machine ? ?

patio.   8-)

I am not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I couldn't FIGURE out where else it could go.

Anyway, I have Lynksis wireless internet. I recently noticed that my connection speed is 11.0Mbps but my dad's is 46.0Mbps and we're using the exact same connection. We are at the same distance from the router.

I am using a PC and he has a laptop. I was wondering if maybe the type of computer or age of the computer had something to do with it? But I don't see how that affects the speed of the internet. We both run Windows XP.

If any more info. needs to be provided let me know.

Thanks in advance.Wireless is limited by the adapter. Your sounds like a b card which has a max of 11 (or at least a b router). He is directly connected to it with a 10/100 card so he gets the full transmission rate possible. Wireless will be less. The computer and type (desktop or laptop) is irrelevant.

Newer routers and CARDS have higher transmission rates. In the end the mail limiting factor is your Internet connection (cable is faster than DSL).So it just has to do with the computer? Or am I not understanding you correctly?Your surfing speed is mainly affected by your internet speed, as most of the broadband is only 1Mbps. The speed that you see is the speed within your local network, which is between your computer and router. You can't see difference when surfing, but you can see the difference if you transfer files from your dad's PC. The network speed depends on your wireless adapter. There are mainly two types of wireless adapter, 802.11b and 802.11g. 802.11b has speed of 11Mbps and 802.11g has speed of 54Mbps. Check your wireless adaptor.It has to do only with your adapter. As you SAID to us, you have at home a 802.11 g router; your father has a 802.11g network adapter (on his laptop) and you have a 802.11b (not g, which means 54 Mbps, but b, which means a maximum transfer rate of 11 Mbps) network adapter on your computer. That is the difference between your computer and your's father computer: the type of wireless network adapter. Quote

So it just has to do with the computer? Or am I not understanding you correctly?

is there a WAY to find ur friends user name WITHOUT asking them?User name to what?  Email...logon account?  Need to be more specific  

Alan <>unlovedwarrior......  You could try cleaning your crystal ball..........
or perhaps seek assistance on ....... http://forums.techarena.in/?s=d630ea48c0b902acc71a23794a0c3774

I'm sure they would be pleased to HELP you .


dl65  im confused, i though thays the site thats been stealing threads from CH and other sitesOpen Explorer / click the + next to DOCUMENTS and Settings.  You should some folders with names there.  One should be your friends name.  That's what you're looking for.  However... unless you have the password to it you won't be able to logon as that person (provided it's password protected).

Alan <> Quote

Open Explorer / click the + next to Documents and Settings.  You should some folders with names there.  One should be your friends name.  That's what you're looking for.  However... unless you have the password to it you won't be able to logon as that person (provided it's password protected).

Alan <><

Hi, I bought a new wireless router for my house, since I've been HOME from school I have been using the family COMPUTER, so I thought about buying a wireless router to use both computers.

The wireless router is a D-Link one, but I'm having problems.


I go through the setup, then It tells me when tries to configure the router that there is an invalid IP address, It tells me to hold the reset button on my router and I did that but it isn't working. I tried it with the internet on and off, same message

I tried to "Add a PC" to the router but that also tells me that my IP adress is being used by another program. I have no idea what the program could be.


Any help, insight?First of all, tell us what model of D-Link you have. Because I also have a D-link wireless router and I never had to go through what you are describing. What I did was....after confirming that both the router and my wireless card were set..........I went to the Windows XP network setup wizard. It connected both of them when I followed the instructions. What are the operating systems for both computers? More information please.If you have any type of encryption set on the router turn it off until this is resolved. We will await more info.  I have the DI-524 H/w Ver, :C1 F/W Ver. 3.02


I was on tech support and all they manage to tell me is to unplug my modem/router for 5 minutes and replug them in, they seem like more of a hassle then a solution :\



I do not think i have an encryption set on it.There is a small button that you can press to set it to default. The settings on it should be made through a wired not a wireless connection. After it is set, you can have nothing but wireless if you choose.  If you mean the reset button on the back, I have tried that with tech support, I held it in for 10 seconds, I unplugged the modem and the the router, still nothing. After the third call with tech support I thought I'd try you guys Do you have a lot  of local traffic on that channel in the neighborhood? 9The default is channel 6.) Check from your wireless machine with "site survey" or WHATEVER is offered. That's what it's CALLED with a D-Link wireless card, but you didn't specify yours. If other ROUTERS show up try Channel 8. Did you read the manual about SSID, etc.?Can you take the router and a PC to the bottom of the garden and try it there?

G'day to all.....Can any body reccomend a good privacy cleaner. I RUN xp pro sp2 with firefox browserhttp://www.ccleaner.com
Untick the yahoo toolbar when installing. thanks I do USE that But I was looking for software that has a shredder etcCcleaner has secure deletion, NSA with 7 passes.
Wow! If the NSA use it, it must be good. thanks.,      Is that automatic or does it need to be set up  TA TerryCcleaner>OPTIONS>Settings.Thanks

I frequently recommend a Linux Live CD for WIndows system problems. If you do not have one, you would be well served to download one and burn for when the day arrives for you that you have a FURAR'ed Windows problem and you need to save your data before a reformat, or try to regaincontrol of your system.

I recommend SLAX, but there are other great ones too. They are all FREE and just may save your *censored*. Google for the ones you want, then burn the file as an ISO with Nero or some other burning priogram and store it away, after you play with it for a little bit.

A Linux LiveCD will write no files to your hard drive, so there is no danger. Itruns slower than Windows, because it runs totally from the CDROM and some (like Knoppix) have a LOT of compressed files that have to be decompressed "on the fly". This is an option that will not happen with Windows, by the way. Each contains basic software - wordprocessor, CD burning software, etc. and some, like Knoppix contain everything but the kitchen sink.

These will run on computers that do not even have a hard drive installed. More RAM is a little quicker, but 256 is comfortable on SLAX. Linspire is the most WIndows like experience for a total newbie, but they are all pretty self explanatory. You will be able to reat and write FAT32, and read NTFS file systems.

If you like Linux and want to try, most are quite happy with conventional hardware but don't think it is Windows. It's not and there will be some learning curve. You had one with Windows, but don't remember it usually. Don't expect to run Windows games on it. Although there are some enulators and some games do run, I find it better to recommend keeping a Windows partition for gaming, and Linux for everything else.

If you have a spare hard drive, or want to creat room on your existing one,Linux is a great alternative to Windows. You do not need a ton of antivirus, spyware prevention, etc. programs. There is no Windows Genuine anything snafus, it's FREE, and comes with all applications a normal human would need on the installation CD(s) including a Microsoft compatible office suite, graphics programs for Photoshop like manipulation, etc. You can also download thousands of other applications, usually free also. There are hundreds of flavors, so one will be more appealing to your brain than others, so give several a try. Modems are sometimes difficult due to the prevalence of so many cheap WinMoems in computers. If you have a REAL hardware modem or a serial modem there is no problem if your ISP can support it. Cable and DSL is a piece of cake.

LINKS:

SLAX

http://www.slax.org/

KNOPPIX

http://iso.linuxquestions.org/distro.php?distro=5

LINSPIRE

http://iso.linuxquestions.org/version.php?version=146



I would totally agree.  Linux Live CDs SAVED my *censored* a couple of times.  Good post.i would really like to know what it does actually.  :-?It is an instant operating system that runs from a CD. Didn't I say that?  :-?u MIGHT  have, i guess i skipped over that part....I HERD that exists such a CD with WinXP but I have never seen it.
 Is true??Is not true. Microsoft does not sell such a product.I dont't say that is a microsoft product. As I herd is a kind of pre-installed-winXP image.There are rumors of hacked versions that do this, but I have never seen one and since we don't help with warez of any kind on this board we couldn't help with it. It is not a Microsoft product, so it is not legal.Yes you are rightI've been trying out PCLinuxOS.  Here is the link below:

http://www.pclinuxos.com/page.php?7

I want to get out of Windows (for my HOME systems) as I'm still stuck with fixing other folks' M$ products for a living.

I've found this distro to be pretty user friendly, not like some of the others, Suse in particular.  

Check it out  

Alan <>

I have a computer that has 2 NICs and 2 Local Area Connections.  They both go to different IP Addresses, DNS, etc.  Is there a way to SET up the computer so that certain programs access certain Local Area Connections and not the other?

Thanks for input,

TonyI think you'd probably need some advanced routing software installed on the PC.  Or possibly some firewall software MAY be able to do this?  (Not sure about the latter - try Jetico Personal Firewall - that's the most sophisticated free Windows firewall I've encountered.)

What exactly are you trying to do?Yes no Maybe and All of the Above, is how i would answer you question  

Network Routing is complicated and annoying..

Windows by default has some routing ABILITY. not enough , id say a FIRE wall could block apps thats what they do but its a mostly yes or no thing , not a you can use that one thing instead thing

I think you could do what you wan on Linux, there are a lot of Network management Programs on Linux, I'm not a Linux user but i know they existWell there is some great advice. What was it? Stick with Rob. He KNOWS what he is talking about anyway.

how do i completely erease the user off a COMPUTER?? everything except the music  from the ACCOUNTS. xp PRO version 2002 sp2Google buttonstill not working?

HTTP://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/lsm_delete_user.mspx?mfr=true