Windows Vista Score Not Updating: It appears that many people are having issues with their Windows Experience Index Scores or Vista Performance Scores not updating or refreshing. In many cases, this occurs after a fresh install of Windows Vista, after updating video card drivers or after changing video cards. In the following simple solution, I’ll show you how to fix the Windows Vista Score will not update issue.
Error 0x800CCC0B when sending email
The 0x800CCC0B error when trying to send email through outlook express is a common error that is often encountered on an attempt to send your first email from third party email services such as gmail (google mail) using outlook express. The POP account may appear to work fine and you are able to receive email without a problem. This is because the SMTP 0x800CCC0B error will only occur when sending email.
HP Scanner – NO SCAN OPTIONS – Won’t Scan
Are you receiving the No Scan Options error when trying to scan a document with your All in One HP Scanner? In the following simple solution, I’ll show you how to resolve this HP scanning problem and get your scanner working once and for all. The No Scan Options error is typically displayed on the printer when trying to scan using the “Scan To” or “Start Scan” buttons.
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How to Disable Windows Aero on Vista
Windows Aero is a Vista user interface that uses the translucent effect of Aero Glass, reflections, shadows, and smooth animations. Some people would prefer to disable this eye candy as it’s functionality is purely visual. In some cases a Vista user might even notice a performance boost by disabling Windows Aero. In the following simple solution, I’ll show you how to disable Aero and return your Windows Vista interface back to basic.
How to change Windows Vista Product key
Are you looking to change your Windows Vista product key in order to activate Windows Vista? There are two simple ways you can do this. You can easily change your Vista product key via the shortcut in the System menu or you could use the command line tool to do this very quickly. In the following simple solution, I cover both approaches.
Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0: x86 (KB928416) fails to install
If your having problems with Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0: x86 (KB928416) failing to install via Windows Update, you can rest assured that your not alone. It is common to see Error code 0x643 for the KB928416 update problem in your update history. In the following simple solution, I will show you how to overcome this Windows update issue and finally get .NET Framework 3.0 properly installed.
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Auto Login to Windows
Want to automatically logon to Windows instead of having to click a user and enter your Windows login password? The following simple solution will enable you to login to Windows automatically and send you straight to your desktop (bypassing the welcome screen) without user interaction. I highly recommend this tutorial if your the only user who has access to your computer.
Where is the debugger or host application running?
A connection to the debugger or profiler could not be established by adobe flash player 9 message followed by a Where is the debugger or host application running? dialog box could be a sign of a corrupted flash player 9 install. Or a flash player 9 installation that is missing components. In the following simple solution, I show you how to resolve this broken adobe flash player 9 problem.
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How to remove the Safely Remove Hardware Icon
The following simple solution explains how to remove the Safely Remove Hardware Icon. This tutorial is specifically tailored to those who have installed SATA drives on a board that utilizes the nVidia nForce chipset and SATA drivers. Once the SATA drivers are installed, the icon appears, misleading the user into believing that the internally attached Hard Drives can be safely removed from the system.
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Disk Boot Failure, Insert System Disk and Press Enter
This is actually a fairly common boot error: “Disk Boot Failure, Insert System Disk And Press Enter“. However, it can scare the heck out of you if your system was previously working fine and then suddenly won’t boot. There are many reasons a person might encounter this error. In the following simple solution, I outline some of the basic problems to check for when troubleshooting this Windows boot problem.
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Outlook Express Compacting Error
Outlook Express Compacting Error: The folder is currently in use by outlook or another application. This error may be encountered while proceeding to close Outlook Express after checking your email. It is known to effect systems running Windows XP with Service Pack 3 installed. The email auto compact problem is thought to be a bug. In the following simple solution, I show you how to solve the problem.
How to Fix Vista MBR | Repair Broken Vista MBR
The following simple solution explains How to Fix Vista MBR. Knowing how to Fix a broken Vista MBR (Master Boot Record), can be very important. Especially if you have installed GRUB or modified the current boot loader, rendering your Windows Vista Operating system unbootable. The entire Vista MBR repair process is fairly straight forward and requires only an original Windows Vista installation DVD containing bootrec.exe to repair the broken MBR.
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Find Windows Login Password
The following simple solution can be used to retrieve a Lost Windows login password. Helpful for those who have forgot Windows Login password and need to Reveal Windows Login Password. I can recall multiple instances when I have needed to Find Windows Login Password for an administrative account. Over time it’s easy to forget what password we have set for the Windows admin account. The good news is that these passwords are easily recoverable by using a tool called Ophcrack.
How to Disable Windows Search Indexing in Vista
The Windows Vista search indexing service (desktop search) has been for many, more of an annoyance than than the helpful search tool it was designed to be. As most have probably noticed, the Vista search indexing tool seems to continue indexing files at inappropriate times, grinding away at the hard drive and further slowing down the computer while your trying to do your work. So what can we do to keep the Search indexing tool from taking over our resources while were trying to get work done? Read on to disable this search indexing feature.
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Vista Windows Update prompting to reinstall KB936181
Vista Windows Update prompting to reinstall Security Update for Microsoft XML Core Services 4.0 Service Pack 2 (KB936181). After installing the KB936181 update numerous times, Windows Update keeps listing it as an available high priority update that still needs to be installed. Furthermore, update KB936181 keeps reinstalling. How do I fix this KB936181 update Issue?
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Windows Update keeps prompting to install KB936181
HELP! Windows Update keeps prompting to install Security Update for Microsoft XML Core Services 4.0 Service Pack 2 (KB936181). I’ve already installed the KB936181 update multiple times, but Windows Update keeps listing it as an available high priority update that needs to be installed. Furthermore, update KB936181 keeps reinstalling. What do I need to do to fix the KB936181 update Issue?
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Vista Boot Menu Manager – Manage your Vista Bootloader
Vista Boot PRO is a Free Vista Boot Menu Manager tool that can be used to edit your Windows Vista bootloader or boot configuration. The Vista Boot Manager comes in very handy if you have installed multiple operating systems. Simple or advanced boot changes can be made with the tool. For example, you can change the name of the operating system boot entries, add new boot entries or even change the advanced Boot settings. The Vista Boot Management utility can be run from Windows XP, Windows 2003 or Windows Vista with the .NET 2.0 or later framework installed.
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How to dual boot Windows XP and Vista (With XP Preinstalled)
Looking to install Windows Vista on your PC, but don’t want to get rid of Windows XP? In the following simple solution, I show you how to install Windows Vista alongside an existing installation of Windows XP. Once you have completed these instructions, you will be able to dual boot Windows XP and Vista. During system startup, you will be able to select to boot from either Windows XP or Windows Vista. In addition, both Windows XP and Windows Vista will be installed on the same hard drive, eliminating the need to install Windows Vista to a second hard drive.
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Blue Screen of Death Screensaver
The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is one of the most feared screens in the Windows world. When encountered, the blue screen is usually a sign of failing system hardware or software incompatibility issues. However, did you know that there is a screensaver prank available directly from Microsoft that will allow you to play a trick on your friends, co-workers or classmates?
Delete Internet Explorer Browsing History via command line
In the following tutorial, I’ll show you how to quickly Delete Internet Explorer Browsing History via a command line. The cool part about deleting your browsing history via a command line, is that you can create simplex batch files to automate the entire process of clearing stored passwords, deleting cookies, deleting history and files stored by the Internet Explorer browser.
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How to Play AVI files in Windows Media Player
Help! I have audio but no video while playing an AVI file in Windows Media Player. In the following tutorial, I’ll show you how to playback AVI files with Windows Media Player that were created using the XVID, DX50, DIVX, or mp4v video compression format. By default, Windows Media Player will playback the audio of these AVI files, but will not render the video. To fix this problem, we simply need to install the proper XVID codec and we will be on our way to watching those XVID encoded AVI movies on our PC.
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Freeze a clicking hard drive to recover data
Freeze your hard drive to recover data: Recovering data from a clicking hard drive can be a touch and go task. In most cases, a clicking hard drive signifies that the drive is stuck in seek mode and is a sign that your drive is failing. In most cases, if the clicking hard drive contains the operating system you boot from, you will lose the ability to boot from this device (it will just sit there clicking away) and the drive will appear to be dead. In which case, many people assume the drive is shot and data cannot be retrieved.
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How to totally uninstall Windows Messenger
How to uninstall Windows Messenger: There are four different Messenger applications available from Microsoft. “Windows Messenger”, “MSN Messenger”, “Windows Live Messenger” and the “Messenger Service”. In the following tutorial, I’ll show you how to remove any one of the them from your computer. Those who have installed MSN Messenger or Windows Live Messenger might want to remove the old Windows Messenger so as to keep the two from conflicting, so we will address this one first.
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Microsoft Messenger keeps logging me off
If your having issues with Microsoft Messenger logging you off constantly, your not alone. I have personally encountered this issue on many occasions. Knowing that I have a solid wired internet connection with plenty of bandwidth and my firewall and router were not blocking the Microsoft Messenger service, I knew the problem had to be with Messenger itself. As it turns out, there are some new key features in the upgraded MSN Live Messenger that help to hold a consistent connection.
How to find the MAC address of a PC or device on the LAN
How to find the MAC address of a PC or device on the LAN: Have you ever needed to find the MAC address of a computer or device connected to your network? Finding the MAC address of a PC or or device on your LAN is easy if you know at least the IP address of the PC or device that is connected. There are many cases in which a user might need to determine the MAC address of a given network communication device.
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Microsoft Windows Updates fail to install
Microsoft Windows Update failure: Are you having problems getting your Microsoft Windows Updates downloaded, are the Updates repeatedly failing to install? Recently after having upgraded to Serice Pack 3 for Windows XP, we had experienced the same issue. It appeared that the updates would continually fail to install on this particular machine. We tried stopping the automatic updates service, deleted all of our temp files, log files etc, but nothing seemed to help. On any attempt to download updates, the process would halt and say it failed to install them. As it turns out, the fix was relatively simple. Here is what we did.
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BitDefender Real-time protection is unavailable
BitDefender Real-time protection is unavailable problem: BitDefender Total Security 2008 is one of the best antivirus solutions available. However, just like any antivirus software can have it’s hiccups. Recently, I have encountered one such hiccup. One day upon logging in to my work PC, I had noticed that my BitDefender antivirus Real-time protection and Firewall was disabled and could not be turned back on. The check box was grayed out and the text next to it displayed “Real-time protection is unavailable”. To make matters worse, I could not perform an update nor manually scan any files.
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WRT600N wireless dropouts on 5ghz band
Getting WRT600N wireless dropouts on 5ghz band? We recently upgraded from a WRT54GL router to a Linksys WRT600N Linksys Ultra RangePlus Dual-Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router to take advantage of the dual band 5ghz and 2.4ghz wireless N frequencies along with the gigabit wired network connection. Initially, we were disappointed to find that while working via the 5ghz band on our wireless workstations, we would get randomly dropped connections. This would typically occur when doing large downloads (receiving large packets). All of our workstations use Intel 4965AGN wireless cards and we never experienced a hiccup on 2.4ghz frequency with the old WRT54GL router.
FTP Error Copying File or Folder
If you like to use Windows Explorer to perform your FTP file transfers and are having problems with the file transfer timing out during the last second or last few second of the download, just know that your not alone. The File Transfer ability that is built into Windows is primitive and many settings are not adjustable as they would be using more advanced FTP client software. This is especially true when it comes to setting a passive port. In many cases a person may find that larger FTP downloads time out or never finish. In the following, I’ll show you a resolution that works for me.
How to Remove Windows Desktop Search
Windows Desktop Search is a search tool that can be optionally installed on a Windows based system. In most cases it is installed along with a Office 2007 or Outlook 2007 package. Shortly after installation and after trying out it’s features, you may be one of the many people who prefer to remove the Windows Desktop Search. In the following simple solution, I’ll cover how to remove this WDS desktop search tool.
How to Download Embedded SWF files using Firefox
Downloading SFW Files. In the following tutorial I cover the process of downloading SWF (flash) files directly to your Computer using the built in Page info/Media functionality in Firefox. Subsequently, this process enables Firefox users to download any flash swf file embedded in a webpage without using additional software.
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How to Emulate Windows Mobile 6
In the following tutorial, I cover the process of Setting up Windows Mobile 6 for Mobile Browser Emulation using the Microsoft Device Emulator. This enables a user to experience Windows Mobile 6 on a PC via Emulation without even owning a Windows Mobile 6 product. It can be a great way to test drive Windows Mobile 6 before purchasing a product with it installed. In our case, it allowed us to Emulate Windows Mobile Browsing so that we could optimize our sites for the Mobile viewing audience. Installation and Emulation is simple and fairly straight forward.
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 arrives
Microsoft released Service Pack 1 to the public today and it should be available via Windows Update soon for most people as well. However, if your looking to install the stand alone update of Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista 32 or Windows Vista 64, you can find it at the following Official Microsoft links. Hopefully, the service pack addresses the slow performance issues many have complained about in the past.
Windows XP Remote Desktop – Port Forwarding
If your trying to use the “Remote Desktop” Feature that is built into Windows XP and are Hosting your Remote Desktop PC from behind a router, you’ll most likely need to open up a port in your router for forwarding. Otherwise you wont be able to remotely access your hosted computer from another PC via the internet. The following tutorial assumes that you already know how to navigate and setup port forwarding in your router and that you simply need to find out which port to forward for Remote Access. Navigating particular router software is outside of the scope of this article.
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How To Block Ads in Internet Explorer
How To Block Ads in Internet Explorer. In the Following tutorial, I cover the process of blocking Ads from displaying in Internet Explorer. Just like with AdBlock Plus in Firefox there is a similar Ad Blocker for Internet Explorer (Free Ad Blocker for IE). It comes packaged with an addon for Internet Explorer called IE7Pro and is packed with many additional plugins and features. Some key features of IE7Pro include tabbed browsing manager, spell checker, web accelerator, user agent switcher, webpage capturer, AD Blocker, Flash Block and many more user plugins.
How to install Windows XP on a HP DV6500 series Laptop
Installing Windows XP on a HP DV6500 series Laptop. This tutorial covers the process of installing Windows XP on an HP dv6500 series Laptop. Currently, most HP Laptops are being shipped with Windows Vista, and there is minimal driver support on the HP website site for those who want to downgrade to Windows XP. Hence the necessity for this tutorial. We will be using nLite to create a remastered Windows XP installation disk with integrated SATA drivers, so having a working CD Recorder is essential. I would also recommend having a USB flash drive handy to hold the additional drivers that will be installed after XP installation.
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How to Slipstream Service Pack 3 into Windows XP
Slipstreaming Service Pack 3 into a Windows XP installation CD. As you probably already know, Microsoft has recently released the Service Pack 3 final release for Windows XP to the public. Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes all of the previous updates, hotfixes and security updates to date, rolled into one simple package. By Slipstreaming Service Pack 3 into your Windows installation disk, you will have all hotfixes and updates already efficiently integrated. This means that you will have virtually no updates left to do via Windows Update after performing a fresh install of Windows XP.
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How to install Windows XP Service Pack 3
Microsoft has recently released Service Pack 3 FINAL for Windows XP to the public. Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes all of the previous updates, hotfixes and security updates to date, rolled into one simple package. It should been noted that Windows XP SP3 does not include Windows Internet Explorer 7. However, SP3 does include updates for both Internet Explorer 6 and Internet Explorer 7, and it will update whichever version is detected on your computer.
Component MSCOMCTL.OCX or one of its dependencies not correctly registered
MSCOMCTL.OCX is a Microsoft Library Windows Common Controls file. Occasionally when a Windows user is installing or uninstalling a bunch of software, certain Microsoft Libraries can become unregistered . One such file that can become corrupt or lost is the MSCOMCTL.OCX file. Then, when the user runs a program or application that requires or is dependent on this file, they may be presented with the following error:
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How to install Internet Explorer 8 for Windows XP SP2
Windows Internet Explorer 8 is the next generation browser from Microsoft. The IE8 Web Browser is commonly used by those running Microsoft’s Windows Vista Operating Systems. However, Windows XP users can enjoy the benefits of using Internet Explorer Beta 1 as well. The version of Windows Internet Explorer 8 outlined below will run on a Windows XP or XP Pro system with Service Pack 2 installed.
Some featured highlights of this new version include the ability to prevent phishing and deceptive websites from appearing without user permission. Top Level domain highlighting, so the user can confirm the domain they are visiting. Activities and Webslice features allow the user a much more interactive experience while enabling Website Publishers to increase their reach. The user can also select to navigate using the emulate IE7 feature.
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How to Fix STOP 0x0000007E error in aec.sys
The 0x7E stop error often occurs because of a timing issue in Windows XP and Windows XP Pro. Tjis error can occur during initial system startup or even once up and running after your Computer has been sitting idle for a while unattended. The result is typically a blue screen displaying a STOP 0x0000007E error in aec.sys. Complete error message might display something like the following: STOP 0x0000007e (0xC0000005, 0x00000000, 0xF8954080, 0xF8954384) aec.sys.
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How to install Windows XP on HP DV9500 series Laptop
In the following tutorial, I outline the process of installing Windows XP on an HP dv9500 series Laptop. Most Hewlett Packard (HP) Laptops are currently being shipped with Windows Vista, and there is minimal driver support on the HP website site for those who wish to downgrade to Windows XP. Hence the necessity for this tutorial. We will be using nLite to create a remastered Windows XP installation disk with integrated SATA drivers, so having a working CD Recorder is essential. I would also recommend having a USB flash drive handy to hold additional drivers that will be used after installation. I’ve personally tested this process by downgrading an HP dv9548us notebook to Windows XP and had great success. Should work on downgrades to Windows XP on other dv9500 and dv2500 series HP laptops as well.
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How to Fix a STOP: 0x0000007B: Error
In Windows XP, The STOP: 0x0000007B: error often occurs if you move a hard drive that contains Windows XP to another computer or if you have just installed a new motherboard or drive controller. This error occurs in these cases because your registry does not contain driver entries for the current motherboards drive controller. So in effect, the device driver that Windows XP is loading from the registry will not work with the new drive controller.
Missing Message Header of Outlook Express Messages
The following tutorial will explain how to correct the missing message header when printing Outlook Express 6 messages. When the user tries to print emails from outlook express, the email might print fine, but with the To: From: message header printed as (To:xxx@xxx.com, From:xxx@xxx.com, etc). In other cases, emails might not print the header at all. In both cases, the message content is still printed just fine. Those who have installed internet Explorer 7 on a Windows XP system might experience this problem.
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How to automatically logon to Windows XP
The following tutorial covers the process of turning on the Auto Logon function in Windows XP, eliminating the need to sign in during system bootup. Automatic logon to Windows XP is accomplished by storing the login information into the system registry. Sever damage can result from improperly modifying registry. Please only proceed with this tutorial if you understand the risks involved and are comfortable with Registry modification. Autologon to Windows XP becomes more convenient. However, keep in mind that using this feature can pose a security risk by allowing any user to start your PC.
Internet Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close
If your getting the error message: “Internet Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close” while visiting various Websites or Webpages your not alone. There is a good chance that something cached in your temporary internet files may be causing the problem. A deeper concern is that it’s possible your Windows computer may be infected with a Virus or Spyware of some sort. Here are some steps I would take to circumvent or attempt to repair this problem.
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My screen goes blank after Windows logo displays
Question: Help! My Windows XP system displays the Windows boot logo and then the screen goes black and nothing else displays. I’ve tried another monitor thinking that this might be the problem and still have the same results. I have not performed any hardware or software upgrades but did perform a System Restore due to other issues. My PC boots fine into safe mode. How can I fix this problem?
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Lost Windows XP Administrator Password
The other day a buddy of mine had lost access to his Windows XP Administrator Account because he forgot his password. He turned to me for help and as usual I was willing to lend a hand. The following tutorial covers the process of resetting your administrator password on Windows XP or NT Operating Systems. Windows stores its user information, including encrypted versions of the passwords, in a file called sam. This file is commonly found in \winnt\system32\config. This file is also a part of the registry, in a binary format and not easily accessible. We will be using a utility called Offline NT Password and Registry Editor to preform the recovery.
Vista – Use your flash drive as extended system memory
The following tutorial explains how to use your USB flash drive as extended system memory when running the Windows Vista operating system. With the release of Windows Vista came the introduction to a new technology called ReadyBoost. This technology allows a Vista user to use their portable USB flash drive, SD card or CF card as an extension of system memory. This is beneficial because it is faster than the old method of extending system memory via the use of a Page file or “virtual memory” which used the hard disk.
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