Entries for October, 2009

31 Oct
2009

What is Sistray.exe and What is It Doing on My Computer?

Posted by Kat

Found sistray.exe on your computer and don’t know if it should be there or not?  Don’t fret–you’re not the only one.  Fortunately, this program is usually harmless.

Sistray.exe helps with your graphics and is completely harmless–99% of the time.

SiS stands for Silicon Integrated Systems.  The SiS Mirage 3 integrated graphics chip allows computers to smoothly run 3D gaming graphics.  It enables the graphics card to switch clock settings automatically from 3D to 2D, which saves on CPU resources.

Sistray.exe makes it show up in the system tray on your computer.  This is the bar at the bottom-right of your windows screen that shows various icons (such as the Battery icon on laptops, and the Speakers/Volume icon on almost every windows computer in the world).

A malicious file also poses as this file.

It’s not a very common occurrence–but it does happen.  There is a Trojan virus called Prova that has a file called sistray.exe.  The file information will of course not list it as a virus.

How can you know if this file is “the real deal” or not?  Right-click on the icon or the file’s listing in your file manager.  Click on “properties” or “about” to see who or what program owns the file.  If a program other than Silicon Integrated Systems claims it, you may have a malicious file on your hands.

Anti-virus and anti-spyware programs do not take care of the whole problem.

If the sistray.exe file on your computer is from a rogue piece of software, then you definitely should run an anti-virus program to remove the Prova Trojan!

Unfortunately, anti-virus programs often do not clean up the mess that malicious software leaves behind.  You may still have problems with your Windows registry.

The Windows registry is a database that coordinates all of your system’s process files with one another, and with your computer hardware.  Without it, your computer would take way too long to perform even the simplest operation.

Unfortunately, programs like Trojan horses and viruses often leave this database damaged and “confused.”  Even non-malicious programs can leave behind “junk” in the registry when they don’t properly uninstall (many don’t).  The registry also becomes clutter through normal use, by no fault of the computer owner.

Regular application of a registry cleaning program will fix sistray.exe errors, as well as any other errors or damaged files.

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30 Oct
2009

How to Repair an “Out of Memory” Error

Posted by Kat

Trying to finish a task, like saving a final version of a PDF file or something similar, is not fun when you come across an “out of memory” error.  In order to keep from seeing the “out of memory” error and keep your programs functioning efficiently, follow a few of our guidelines.

Memories…  When You Run out of Memory

There are various types of memories–physical memory, random-access memory, and virtual memory–which all work together to store your data and allow you to access it.  The physical memory stores your files, the random-access memory (RAM) helps you retrieve what you need quickly, and the virtual memory, a quirky combination of RAM and physical memory, extends the amount of RAM you have into the physical kind to allow you to run more and bigger programs.

In order to stay on top of how much memory you need, you can do a few things to monitor the amount you are using.  First, if your machine is running more slowly than it used to, Microsoft says this can be a tip-off that you are getting low on space.  Also, that CTRL-ALT-DEL combo will bring up Windows Task Manager, which will show you how much memory you’re using with any given combination of programs.

Types of Memory Errors and What to Do

Various scenarios can trigger an “out of memory” error.  It might be that you have simply used up what you have, in which case, the easy solution is to get more.  This may be in the form of physical disk space (install another hard drive?) or allowing more RAM space on your disk (which can be configured).

Sometimes an “out of memory” error really means you have too much of one type of memory.  If your machine is set to have too much RAM, then not enough virtual memory will be available for larger tasks like saving files to the physical memory.  For a detailed instructions to reconfigure this, search the Microsoft Support Center.  But be warned, it involves editing the registry–make sure you’ve backed up the registry first.

So You Think You Have a Memory Error

It may be that the signs you’re noticing are not really “out of memory” errors after all.  Unless you actually have had an “out of memory” error message occur on your PC, it may be that the slowness you are experiencing is actually a symptom of registry errors lurking on your machine.

Since no tools are included with your PC to clean out the registry, it holds onto old data and errors until you do something about it, which slows the computer down.  Run a registry cleaner to fix the “out of memory” error and remove computer slowness.

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29 Oct
2009

Speed Up and Optimize Computer Performance

Posted by Kat

We want you to get the most from your computer, to optimize computer performance to the level that you won’t want to go back to living with the slow-running, average machine that you’re working with now.  So here are some tips to optimize computer performance and get you the speed you need.

First Steps toward Computer Optimization

The very first thing we recommend is to make sure that your anti-malware programs are up-to-date.  This can include virus protection, spyware protection, and other security threat prevention programs.  Depending on what you use your computer for, you may need to consider a firewall program.

Whatever your protection, make sure the updates do not expire, because new viruses and spyware are being created all the time, and old software simply will not find the new bugs.

Next, get into a routine of backing up your files regularly.  It doesn’t matter what system you pick (manual, an internet storage company, a software program).  What matters is that you do it.  Not only will this protect you from a loss of data, but it should get you deleting obsolete files and programs as you notice them, which will free up space on your computer, boosting speed and performance.

Clean House to Boost Performance

Your PC comes with various tools built in that will increase efficiency and optimize performance.  One such tool is the Disk Defragmenter.  Fragmentation is the name given to the process of breaking down files into chunks that fit the blocks of available space on your hard drive.  It takes a computer longer to access files that have been fragmented because the disk has to spin to several places to retrieve one file.

Running the Disk Defragmenter will put the files back together and leave the empty space all together to prevent further file fragmentation. (Run a search of your computer to find this tool, since its location varies depending on what version of Windows you’re running.)  Of course, as more programs are deleted, space frees up in inconvenient places again, so this is something to do monthly.

The Check Disk program is another tool provided with your PC.  This one repairs errors on your hard disk that may be caused by improper shut downs or program crashes.  These errors can lead to further errors.  So, in order to keep your computer performing optimally, you’ll need to fix the errors as they come.  Microsoft recommends doing this once a week.

Realize Your Need for Speed

Finally, to really boost speed, run a registry cleaner to optimize computer performance and target the errors on your Windows registry.  These errors can be responsible for a host of error messages and symptoms.   With a clean registry, your computer will run faster than you can remember!

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28 Oct
2009

3 Ways to Speed Up Loading Time for Your PC or Laptop

Posted by Kat

If you’ve had your computer for more than a couple of months, you’re probably at the point where you want to speed up loading time for your programs or your computer in general.

Defragment your hard drive.

It’s easy to defragment your hard drive–and this can really speed up loading for your files, programs, and operating system.  Fortunately, this is just about the easiest maintenance you can perform on your computer.

  • Click on the Start menu.
  • Select “Accessories” (you may have to click on “All Programs” to see this).
  • In the Accessories menu, select “System Tools”
  • Click on the Disk Defragmenter
  • Run it!

Do this at least once a month.  If your computer sees heavy use, go ahead and run it every week or two, even if it tells you that you don’t need to.  This will speed up loading for everything on your computer and help keep it running smoothly.

Root out all spyware from your system!

These days, spyware is just a fact of life for most people.  It doesn’t have to be.

Spyware eventually appears on most computers as a way for advertisers to keep track of various marketing information.  Some spyware is actively dangerous to your computer, while other spyware “merely” slows your computer down.

There are a variety of anti-spyware programs on the market today. Some offer free versions, while others are free (with a donation box, of course!)

Download one or two of these programs and run them every week or so.  Every time you catch and delete a new spyware program, you’ll be glad you did.

Make sure your registry is clean and in good working order.

Spyware, adware, and other malicious programs can leave errors on your computer that anti-spyware and anti-virus programs do not remove. These problems usually reside in the Windows registry, which is a routing database for all the “action” files for all of your programs.

Malicious programs often leave behind their malicious traces in this database, as anti-spyware and anti-virus programs do not also act as registry cleaners.

In addition, this database can become cluttered and damaged from a variety of factors over time.

A cluttered, damaged, or out-of-date registry is the most common culprit for slow-loading, slow-running computers.  Most reputable registry cleaners offer free scans to anyone interested.  Speed up loading times on your computer by scanning your computer today!


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27 Oct
2009

4 Solutions to Repair Taskbar Problems before It Drives You Nuts

Posted by Kat

Is the need to repair your taskbar a serious problem?  Usually, it really isn’t.  The thing is that it is detrimental to the functionality of your computer.  It’s not unusual for people to be running twelve different items in their taskbar that they are cross-referencing all at the same time.

Reset Taskbar to Default with Drag and Click

The taskbar relocation is usually just a snafu that you created without even realizing it.  You can easily fix it with a drag and click.  When you drag and click the taskbar, it doesn’t drag and click like a picture or a text box.  It will go from Point A and when you let go, reappears at Point B.  There are no tracer lines to show you the journey on the way.

All you need to do is put it back in its place, and then you can “Lock the Taskbar” in place by right clicking in the taskbar and making sure the function is checked.

Run Your Security Programs

Sometimes when you get the taskbar moved back into place, it doesn’t solve the underlying problem.  Trojans, viruses, and malware can still be lurking around.  The only way to tell is to run your anti-virus and anti-spyware programs and rule out or take care of anything that could harm your computer.

Taskbar Toolbar is Grayed Out

If you are trying to reset the settings on your toolbar, you can right click on the taskbar and review your toolbar options.  If the Toolbar sub-menu options are grayed out, you may have a restriction placed on the Start Menu through the Group Editor or the registry may have some faulty keys.

To fix this, you can open the registry editor and find the following keys:

  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer
  • Export these keys and back them up.  Right-click and delete “NoCloseDragDropBands”.
  • Restart Windows.

Fix the Faulty Registry Key

If you don’t feel good about editing your registry, don’t feel bad.  Even computer techs don’t want to go this route.  If you were to take your computer to shop, they would probably do the same thing that you could do from home.  Download and scan with an advanced registry cleaner.

You can repair the taskbar, fragmented files, corrupted files, and anything else to do with registry maintenance from your house.  Just don’t wait too long.  If you are dealing with a computer crash, you will have to take it into the shop.

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26 Oct
2009

The 4 Fastest Ways to Remove ODBC Error

Posted by Kat

When your computer encounters an ODBC error, you want it gone quickly and accurately.  Waiting around for a computer tech to fix your ODBC error does not fall into this category.  Here are a few ways to address this error without leaving your home.

Causes of an ODBC Error

Microsoft explains that this error is a result of a registry error combined with an attempted installation of Microsoft Office XP or one of the MS Office XP programs.  The registry error may be a result of a previous deletion of a Corel program such as WordPerfect.  Occasionally, this program takes a couple of necessary registry keys with it upon deletion.

To brush up on the term “registry,” let us remind you that the Windows registry contains hundreds of files that pertain to user settings, program settings, and various other bits of data that allow your computer to function.  Without essential files (those are the “registry keys”), certain programs will not run or even install.  Sometimes a registry error can even be responsible for a total computer crash.

Options to Resolve the Error Quickly

Download MDAC 2.8: This is a program that checks your computer for certain components it may be missing such as the registry keys pertinent to MS Office that have gone MIA.  Obtain this program from the Microsoft Download Center.

Reset Registry Keys with mdac.inf File: Your computer actually already contains the file that can fix the ODBC error.  You will probably be asked to insert your Windows CD that came with your computer, though.  Detailed instructions can be found on Microsoft’s website.

Once you have installed this file and restarted the computer, you may need to modify the registry to create new registry keys, depending on what type of Windows installation you have on your PC.  This is a difficult business since one wrong edit may create a host of other problems or even render the computer inoperable.  Make sure to back up the registry before attempting this step.

Import Registry Keys from Other Computer: It is possible to import complete and functional registry keys from another computer on your network or to create a network with another computer for this purpose.  Complete instructions for this method can also be found online.

Clean Up Registry with Registry Cleaning Software:  This option is the best for the least-technically-inclined among us.  If you shudder at the thought of a registry, much less “editing” it, then this is for you.  Fix your ODBC error and knock out the hundreds of additional errors that are undoubtedly lurking on your PC all at once.

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25 Oct
2009

How to Fix Adobe Photo Deluxe Launch Errors

Posted by Kat

In several Adobe products, including Adobe Photo Deluxe Home Edition 3.0, the error “The SHELL32.DLL file is linked to missing export SHLWAPI.DLL: SHRegGetUSValueA.” shows up when the program is launched.  This error is a result of an application error because of incorrect file naming.

Renaming Adobe Photo Shop Errors
To correct this Adobe Photo Deluxe error, follow these simple steps:

  1. Go to My Computer and open the C: drive.
  2. Then open Program Files.
  3. Find the folder Photo Deluxe HE 3.0.
  4. Locate the file URLMON.DLL and rename it to URLMON.OLD.
  5. Also, locate the file SHLWAPI.DLL and rename it to SHLWAPI.OLD.
  6. Reboot your computer and launch Adobe Photo Deluxe.

This should have solved your problem, but if not, try uninstalling and re-installing the program after backing up any project files.

Fixing Virtual Memory Errors
If you get the error, “There is not enough memory  to launch Photo Deluxe,” it is usually because you have your virtual memory set too low.  To set it higher:

  1. Go to Control Panel.
  2. Select System.
  3. In the Advanced tab, under Performance, select the Settings button.
  4. Under the Advanced tab again, click to Change the virtual memory settings.

Most other errors regarding Adobe Photo Deluxe are usually a result of registry errors on your computer.  Fix and prevent Adobe Photo Deluxe errors and other registry errors by downloading a good registry cleaner.  This will prevent any program errors resulting from registry errors on your computer, as well as prevent harmful crashes or freezes that may result in data loss on your computer.

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24 Oct
2009

How to Repair System32 and Get on with Life

Posted by Kat

It may be tempting to just let a system32 error go because they are often silent with no obvious side effects.  Don’t make this mistake; repair any system32 error the minute it crops up.  Even though it may seem like the error is inconsequential, you are playing around with the heart of your operating system.

Windows system32 directory is an integral part of Windows XP and Windows Vista registry.  These files are absolutely necessary to the function of your computer.  You may notice that your computer slows down or freezes as a result.  More than likely, it will just crash for what seems like no reason one day.

The system32 error is usually the result of a missing, corrupted, or deleted file.  When you clean up your computer, you may delete unused programs.  Many times these programs share files with other programs that you use on a regular basis.  This may delete much-needed files and leave a hole in your registry.

How to Repair System32 Errors Manually

It really depends on your level of computer knowledge whether you will want to perform some of these tasks.  A System Restore, Disk Cleanup, or Defrag are relatively harmless and a necessary part of computer maintenance.

However, it really should be decided on by the individual basis whether you want to go into the registry and edit or repair a corrupted or missing file.  Did your computer come with a Windows Recovery Disk?

  • Insert the disk and wait for the screen to show up.
  • Select the recovery console.
  • You will need to type in a specific code to fix the problem.  This may take some research online first.

Given that the file is corrupted or damaged and hasn’t been deleted, you can go into your registry and view the files in system32.  You will need to be 100% sure that you know what to do before taking on any registry repair of your own.

  • Find “Start” and “My Computer”.
  • Within Tools, select “Folders Options”.
  • Select “View”.
  • Click on “Hidden files and folders” and select “Show hidden files and folders.”
  • Uncheck “Hide protected operating system files (recommended).”
  • Select “Yes.”
  • Press the “OK” button.

Get Help with System32 Errors

The really nice thing about an advanced registry cleaning tool is that they have a reputation that they can stand behind. You can fix this problem without worrying about it because you are guaranteed that your system will be backed up and protected.  Download and repair system32 errors today.

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23 Oct
2009

5 Benefits of Fixing OCX and DLL Errors

Posted by Kat

While the occasional OCX or DLL error your computer encounters may seem rather harmless, there are a number of reasons why taking the time to fix these errors is a good idea.  Fixing OCX and DLL errors will mean that whatever program produced the error will work properly again, and the additional benefits to addressing these errors should motivate you to take care of the problem.

Benefit #1: Restore Favorite Programs

The obvious reason to address OCX and DLL errors is to allow whatever program encountered the error to function again.  These errors may affect the inner workings of the program and you may be taking the chance of losing data if you continue to run the program without resolving the issue.  If you cannot access the program at all, then it is essential that you obtain replacement files or take another action to fix these errors.

Benefit #2: Protect Other Programs

OCX and DLL errors are registry file errors.  Files contained in the registry are essential to the inner workings of your PC and are often shared between several programs.  Because of this overlap, if errors occur in one program, errors may also be found in other programs that need access to these files.  Fixing OCX and DLL errors will ensure that other programs continue to function optimally.

Benefit #3: Prevent Further Registry Error Damage

Experiencing OCX and DLL errors on your PC is a symptom of a cluttered and corrupted registry.  This often indicates the presence of other errors in the registry, especially if you have not performed regular registry maintenance on the computer.  Additionally, allowing erroneous entries to remain in the registry may get in the way of other information and cause new errors.  Addressing errors as they arise will prevent this from happening.

Benefit #4: Increase Speed to Your PC

When a computer’s registry is full of corrupted files and old entries that are no longer useful, it takes the computer longer to access useful data.  If your computer experiences a general slowness in processing speed, it may mean that your registry is clogged with too many old or broken files.

Cleaning out your registry using a registry cleaner will ensure that all the registry errors on your PC have been addressed and will improve the speed of your computer considerably.

Benefit #5: Prevent Future Errors

After using a registry cleaner to fix file errors, you can set the program to scan your computer for registry errors at regular intervals.  It will fix the errors it finds and keep your computer running at top efficiency. Use a registry cleaner to fix OCX and DLL errors, and you won’t have to worry about the effects of registry errors again.

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22 Oct
2009

2 Major Benefits of ActiveX Controls and Keeping Them Running Clean

Posted by Kat

ActiveX controls are the building blocks of Microsoft ActiveX technology that enable web developers to customize their websites by adding media that is viewable by downloading the controls.  Some Windows programs such as Windows Explorer and Windows Media Player to enable navigation and usability also utilize ActiveX controls.  Though there are a few downsides, ActiveX controls provide many benefits for PC users and internet goers.

  1. Functionality of ActiveX Controls: The most obvious benefit of ActiveX controls is their functionality.  They enable computer users to utilize programs such as Windows Media and Windows Explorer and help enrich internet experience on the Internet Explorer and Firefox web browsers.  This unique programming language makes navigation quick and easy and gives a means for PC users to interact with their computer.
  2. Quick Interaction with Internet Browser: Probably the most attractive benefit of ActiveX controls is the fact that they enable quick interaction with web pages and email messages by using pre-existing components.  This means fewer control downloads, less space taken up, and smooth running of Internet Explorer.

Though ActiveX components mainly only operate with Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox, they have a greater level of control over Windows than Java applets do.  This makes them more powerful than Java applets when it comes to interacting and controlling Windows components.

Though the benefits are positive attributes to your PC use and internet browsing, prevent corruption of ActiveX controls on your system registry with regular maintenance.  Download and utilize a good registry cleaner to keep your ActiveX controls in check and to keep your registry clear of errors.  This will overall improve and optimize your PC’s performance.


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