Entries for the ‘cleanup’ Category

29 Jan
2010

How to Perform a Computer Tune Up

Posted by Kat

It is no secret that on occasion we need to do a computer tune up to keep our computer in tiptop shape, but the average computer user is usually in the dark on how to go about this. This is where we come in. We are going to share with you some steps to take to tune up your computer.

  1. Go to your start button.
  2. Go to Accessories
  3. Select System Tools
  4. Choose Disk Defragmenter, and wait while it does its work. This can take a while if you haven’t done one in a while. Do not do anything on your computer while Defrag runs, or else it will constantly start over and not get anything done.

If your computer is still misbehaving after the Defrag is complete you may have registry errors.

The Basics of Registry Errors
The registry is the core programming of your Windows operating system. If files in your registry are corrupt, missing, or linked to nothing, you will start to have problems. Anything from a slow computer to errors can occur.

How to Deal with Registry Errors
There is a new type of program on the market today called a registry cleaner. These programs are easy and safe to use. They go into your registry fixing corrupt or missing files. They will also remove the empty registry keys that are known to slow down your computer.

What are you waiting for? Learn more about computer tune ups today.

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21 Jan
2010

How to Know When to do a Windows Cleanup, and How to Go about It

Posted by Kat

Not everyone knows when they need to do a Windows cleanup, or how to go about doing one. We’re here to give you the information you need to keep your computer in tiptop shape.

No One Can Afford a Slow Down on Their Computer

In today’s day and age, we are dependent on our computers for work and to keep in touch with the world around us. If our computer is running slow or giving us a bunch of errors, we are negatively impacted in our day-to-day lives and usually have headaches to go along with it.

Slow Registry Keys and Windows Cleanup

What does a slow computer or errors have to do with Windows cleanup? In many cases, our computers make empty registry keys that point to nowhere and slow our computer down because our Windows has to go through them to find the registry keys it needs to do anything.

This is a common registry error. Since the registry is the core of your Windows operating system, and anything impacting the registry will affect your computer’s performance, it is important to keep on top of your registry’s empty keys.

Performing an Internal Clean Up

When your computer is sluggish or showing memory errors, one of the easiest solutions is to clean up your internal memory using Disk Cleanup or Disk Defragmenter:

  1. Find “My Computer” Icon and open it.
  2. Right-click on the “C:” drive.
  3. Click on “Properties” in the dropdown menu.
  4. Go to “General” tab and click “Disk Cleanup”.
  5. This will tell you how much space you can clean up.  A box will appear saying, “Files to delete”, pick the ones you would like to delete.
  6. Click “OK” and it will start cleaning your hard drive.

After you finish the Disk Cleanup, try a Disk Defragmenter:

  1. Go to “Tools” on the “C:” drive “Properties” section.
  2. Find the “Defragmentation” section and click “Defragment Now”.
  3. When the command opens, click “Analyze”.  This will tell you how much space you will gain by performing the disk defragmenter.
  4. If you decide to defrag, then restart your computer afterwards.

Resolve Registry Errors More Easily Now

A registry cleaner will go through your registry removing all these empty keys, which causes your computer to speed up and stop giving you registry errors. Cleanup your Windows today..

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12 Jan
2010

Delete Your Subseven Trojan Virus Infection and Repair Runtime 216 Errors

Posted by Kat

The runtime error 216 message has been linked to infection from the Subseven Trojan virus. So, if you’re receiving this error message, then it is likely you’re facing an infection.

The Subseven virus is the most popular, widely available virus to the public. It is also very dangerous.

It infects any Windows previous to Vista. So, if you are having extreme difficulties deleting this virus, then I suggest upgrading your Windows program to prevent further problems. However, here is some knowledge that you’ll need when deleting the virus.

Effects of Subseven Trojan Virus

The Subseven virus will create a backdoor into your system. This allows a user to gain control over your computer.

They can do several malicious things like take screenshots of your display, log your keystrokes, and even force your computer to do things like print, open programs, and even open and close your CD tray. They can even add and delete programs, as well as log your chats.

Needless to say, this is a high risk infection.

Basically, this program roots itself in your system registry, controlling and editing it to run different processes on startup.

You’ll want to keep an eye out for files running by these names: “WATCHING.DLL, SERVER.EXE, RUNDLL1.EXE, SYSTRAY.DL, TASK_BAR.EXE, FAVPNMCFEE.DLL, MVOKH_32.DLL, and NODLL.EXE”.

Any files by these names are signs of infection and are, at minimal, “at-risk” processes.

Avoiding Subseven Infection

This particular Trojan is usually propagated through email attachment downloads.

Be wary of every program or file attached to emails. Do not open or download any attachment without first scanning it with an up-to-date antivirus program. Usually it is just a matter of right-click and choosing “scan” before you open or download a file.

It sounds simple enough, but sometimes it can catch us off guard, especially if we are receiving emails from people we know that are actually infected.

Always keep a high-security firewall running on your machine. It should go without saying, these days. Some firewalls can be slightly annoying, but I always say it is better to be slightly annoyed than devastatingly sorry.

Scan Your PC with Updated Antivirus Software

Unplug your PC from the internet and boot it up in Safe Mode. Be sure you have the latest update / patch for your software.

Run deep scans on your computer until you find an infection or one of the suspicious files. Delete all instances of the infected processes and files.

Download a registry cleaner to stop runtime error 216 messages on your computer and clean up any damage done from an infected registry.

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8 Jan
2010

The 4 Easiest Ways of Speeding Up a Windows XP Slow Start Up

Posted by Kat

If you have encountered a Windows XP slow startup, you probably want to speed things up. A Windows XP slow startup will make it very difficult to do anything on your system. This is because the majority of issues that cause a slow startup also affect other processes and applications. Here are a few ways to speed up your computer’s startup and address all underlying issues.

Deactivate Programs from Startup

If there are a cluster of programs that are automatically starting when your computer boots, your system will become congested. As a result, you should definitely minimize the number of programs that run on startup. It’s fairly simple to do this. Here’s how:

  1. Click Start.
  2. Go to Run.
  3. In the Start Search field text box, type in msconfig.
  4. Click OK.
  5. The System Configuration Utility will now open.  Click the Startup Tab.
  6. Uncheck the programs you wish to disable from running at startup.

An excessive number of programs at startup is one of the most common and obvious causes of slow startup. However, many other factors contribute to a slow boot.

Run Disk Cleanup

If there are a dizzying number of extraneous files on your system, then it’s time to run Disk Cleanup. Actually, you may be unaware that there are a lot of seemingly harmless files that are actually slowing down your computer. Disk Cleanup is a wonderful utility that can get rid of extra files. It’s easy to run Disk Cleanup:

  1. Click Start.
  2. Select All Programs.
  3. Go to System Tools.
  4. Click Disk Cleanup.
  5. Check the files you wish to remove.
  6. Click OK.

You should run Disk Cleanup occasionally, even if you think you don’t need to. This is because Disk Cleanup works wonderfully as a tool of prevention.

Add RAM

If you’re savvy enough, then you can also add RAM to your system to speed it up. Take note, however, that this isn’t a panacea. You need to also fix any latent issues that might be slowing your computer.

If you have fixed these issues and you still want your computer to run faster, then it’s always an option to just add RAM to your system

Registry Cleaners

Registry cleaners are very investigative tools that do detective work on your registry. If they find something out of place, then they fix it. This is why they are particularly suited to fixing slow startup problems. If you haven’t run a registry cleaner yet, you should definitely do so. It’s a good way to prevent errors and keep your system running at its optimal performance.

Speed up Windows XP slow start up, so your computer runs as efficiently as possible.

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5 Jan
2010

Common Causes and Solutions of Kernel32.dll Error Message

Posted by Kat

A kernel32.dll error message can be very frustrating, causing “hang,” system freezes, and even complete failure and shutdown.

The error happens when a file or program accesses “restricted” memory. Essentially, when the program attempts to communicate with your system, it accesses the wrong area for memory (the system memory), forcing the program to shut down.

The most likely error message is an “Invalid Page Fault”, which has a few different causes.

Invalid Page Fault Error Message

This is usually caused by a corrupted password list file (extension .pwl). If this is the case, you’ll want to delete all files with this extension.

  • Go to Start > Search > Files or Folders
  • In the Open box, type *.pwl and click Find
  • Right click on each of these files and select Delete
  • Reboot your computer
  • Your .pwl files should be reinstalled by Windows
  • Download and run mspwlupd.exe from Microsoft website

This will repair your .pwl extension files and hopefully put an end to your IPF error message.

Overheating Hardware

If your hardware gets too hot, especially your video card, then you are likely to run into this problem. Overheating can be caused by bad air circulation, dust, over clocked system specs, and even bad BIOS configurations.

The first two problems can be fixes by cleaning your PC fans and vents regularly. Open up your box to spray can air on your parts once a month. Too much dust can dramatically decrease performance and keep your system from cooling off properly.

As far as the last two, they can be more complex. I suggest setting all your BIOS options back to default and seeing if that helps.

If you are running on a used computer, there is a chance that the previous user over clocked the system. Over-clocking is basically tweaking the hardware specs past factory default settings. Obviously, this can be dangerous for your hardware.

How to Fix Registry Errors

Registry errors (such as .dll bugs) can be fixed in several ways.

If you have any virus or malware attacking your registry, it can overload your system resources and attempt to access forbidden memory in an attempt to shut down your computer. Run an antivirus program regularly and maintain a firewall to assure safe browsing.

Run a scan disk process. Go to My Computer and right click on C: icon. Select Properties and then the Tools tab. Select Check Now under the Error Checking header.

You can download a high quality registry cleaner to repair kernel32.dll error messages, as well. Remember, during your troubleshooting process, that maintenance and security are the best methods of prevention for a clean and optimized system.

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4 Jan
2010

Programs Freezing from Memory and Registry Errors? Identify and Fix Kernel32.dll Error Message Today!

Posted by Kat

Registry errors can cause serious problems in your system. To fix kern32.dll errors, you’ll want to follow the troubleshooting guidelines in this article.

Kernel32.dll errors are caused by programs and files attempting to access memory that is reserved for the system. When it tries to access that information, it will cause your system or program to crash.

Unfortunately, this is often a sign of infection. There are other causes, but I’d advise to check for viruses first, as this is the most common cause.

Memory Problems and Program Interruption

A kernel32.dll error will cause interruption to any program that you are running that is trying to use protected memory restricted to system-only memory.

It can also be caused by the following:

  • Corrupt kernel32.dll file
  • Low disk space
  • Hardware problems: faulty power supply, overheating CPU, and a malfunctioning hard drive
  • Bad BIOS configurations
  • Buggy programs

In each case, you’ll want to isolate and troubleshoot the problems. For example, if you have a buggy program that continues to give the error, reinstall the program. If you have low disk space, upgrade your hard drive or make room by deleting unused programs and files.

If you’re having hardware-specific issues, try updating your drivers. It’s also important to keep your parts at a low temperature, so make sure your laptop or PC has good airflow to keep heat off your parts.

Perform Regular Computer Maintenance

Be certain to keep your PC clean and organized. I recommend by starting off with a scan disk or check disk. This has the dual benefit of optimizing your memory space and keeping your file space organized.

  • Go to Start > Run
  • In Open, type cmd
  • Type chkdsk

This process will repair and organize your system files.

Delete all temp folder, cookies, and cache information regularly. A lot of unnecessary files and file fragments can clog up in these areas. Go to each of these folders and delete everything in them.

Defragment your computer regularly. If you don’t defrag, your hard drive memory will start to build up “dead zones” that your system cannot access.

Repair Corrupt Files with a Registry Cleaner

Registry cleaners are excellent for these types of system errors. A cleaner can pinpoint and repair corrupt or missing files for your system.

Trying to do this manually is not only dangerous, frustrating, and inefficient, but it is also ill advised. Download a trustworthy registry cleaner here to fix kernel32.dll errors and other registry-related system problems.

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1 Jan
2010

Fix JavaScript Errors in A Few Easy Steps

Posted by Kat

It’s usually quite simple to fix JavaScript bugs. Since JavaScript is a crucial part of your web browsing experience, you’ll need to fix JavaScript errors so that you can fully interact with the websites that you browse. JavaScript or other scripting errors can interfere with your ability to view content on many websites.

Watch out for Interfering Programs

Some machines that are running Windows 7, Vista, or XP may have trouble with running JavaScript on Internet Explorer 7 or 8. Often, external software such as pop-up blockers can interfere with JavaScript’s functionality. You might need to disable this software if you want to get JavaScript to start working.

The first thing you have to do is make sure that you have enabled JavaScript add-ons. Look in the Tools tab and select the Manage Add-Ons menu. Make sure you’ve enabled JavaScript by looking at the Toolbars and Extensions.

Active Scripting

Also, make sure you have enabled Active Scripting. If active scripting is disabled, JavaScript will not work properly with your web browser. Here’s how to enable Active Scripting:

Internet Explorer

  1. In Internet Explorer, click Tools.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. Click the tab labeled Security.
  4. Select Custom Level.
  5. A Security Settings dialog box will appear.
  6. Go to Scripting of Java applets.
  7. Click Enable.
  8. Click OK.

Firefox

  1. Click Edit.
  2. Go to Preferences.
  3. The Preferences dialog box will open.
  4. Click Advanced.
  5. Select Scripts and Plugins.
  6. Check the Navigator checkbox.
  7. Click OK.

If JavaScript is ostensibly enabled but you are still suffering from JavaScript errors, then you need to uninstall and then reinstall your web browser. It’s best to run the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility when uninstalling your web browser.

A manual uninstall of your web browser can still result in a bunch of leftover files. The Cleanup Utility will thoroughly uninstall all files associated with your browser so that you can start fresh. You can download the Windows Cleanup Utility here.

Uninstall and Reinstall the Web Browser

Here’s a simple way to completely uninstall the web browser using the Windows Cleanup Utility:

  1. Open the Windows Installer Cleanup Dialog Box.
  2. Click the Installed Products list.
  3. Select the malfunctioning web browser.
  4. Click Remove.

Make sure you also remove files associated with the program in the Add/Remove Programs menu.

Once you’ve done this, you’ll need to reinstall the browser. Make sure that you download the latest version of your browser. Then, open the browser and test it. If you are able to visit most websites without a pesky JavaScript error, then you’ve solved the problem.

You can also use a registry cleaner to fix JavaScript errors. Some registry cleaners are especially known for their ability to resolve JavaScript problems quickly. Select a registry cleaner that targets JavaScript errors, and you’ll be browsing at your full potential in no time. Fix JavaScript errors as soon as they surface and keep your web browser running strong.


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31 Dec
2009

Psapi.dll Errors: Causes and Solutions

Posted by Kat

A psapi.dll error can be an easy error to fix, but a difficult problem to troubleshoot. You can several things to fix the error, but each process depends on the nature and source of the error.

For instance, a psapi error can be caused by a poorly installed program, a hardware or driver issue, viruses, or registry problems (corrupt or missing files in your registry).

The psapi.dll file is a necessary system and program file, so under no circumstances should you manipulate it manually.

What You’ll Want to Do to Troubleshoot the Psapi Error

Since psapi problems can come from so many sources, you’ll need to approach the problem from different angles.

If you are absolutely sure of the source, then follow the instructions listed. If you are not exactly sure of the source, then you’ll want to go through each of these steps to see which might correct your problem.

  • Outdated copy of dll: Windows releases different service packs and updates that may change the nature of your dll files. If your updates are not current, then go to the website to update them first.
  • Missing dll: Run system check by opening up the command screen (Start > Run for XP) and typing in “sfc /scannow”. This process should replace any missing dlls, and it only takes a few minutes.
  • You receive error when starting a program: It is probably a poorly installed program. Uninstall the program and reinstall it. This should provide the program with the missing dll.
  • Hardware/driver problem: Go to your manufacturer’s website and be certain you have the correct and current drivers for each of your pieces of hardware (video card, sound card, motherboard, etc.)

How to Deal With Viruses

Viruses like to infiltrate your system registry files (like dll) because they are difficult to delete, hard to manually detect, and cause root problems for many of your system functions.

However, running a few deep scans with a reliable antivirus program should take care of the problem.  I recommend doing this first because cleaning your computers of potential viruses is always a great idea.

Always maintain a firewall for security purposes. This is often overlooked by many PC users.

Clean Out Your Registry

An organized, clean registry is key for optimal PC use. The registry is the area that many of your critical system files are stored. It also tends to collect bits of programs and cache data.

If you want optimum performance and security, you’ll want to keep your registry organized. Download a registry cleaner here to deal with psapi.dll errors, and you’ll find out a lot of helpful troubleshooting tips, tricks, and strategies.


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22 Dec
2009

Little Known Tricks to Speed up Windows XP–Keep Your PC Running Lean

Posted by Kat

There are several tips and tricks to speed up Windows XP. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a hacker. The processes are actually quite simple.

Just follow these directions and you’ll find that you’ll be running Windows faster in no time.

Speed Up Your Startup Time

If your Windows is booting up inordinately slow, then you’ll want to read up on these tips to really speed up the process.

1)    Disable Startup Services

There are certain services and processes that are running in the background that can slow down your performance. Using these methods, disable the unnecessary processes and you can speed up your speed significantly.

  • Go to Start > Run
  • Type “services.msc” in the box
  • You’ll see a list and description of services running
  • Here is a list of services that you might want to disable:

Portable Media Serial Number
Task Scheduler Schedules
Uninterruptible Power
Automatic Updates
Telnet
Wireless Zero Configuration Service
Alerter
Background Intelligent Transfer Service
ClipBook
Computer Browser
Error Reporting Service
Help and Support
Indexing Service
IPSEC Services
Messenger
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing
Network DDE
Network DDE DSDM
Performance Logs and Alerts
Portable Media Serial Number
QOS RSVP
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager
Remote Registry
Secondary Logon
Server
Smart Card
Smart Card Helper
SSDP Discovery Service
System restore Service
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
Uninterruptible Power Supply
Universal Plug and Play Device Host
WebClient
Windows time
Wireless Zero Configuration
WMI Performance Adapter

2)    Clean out Scheduled Tasks folder.

  • Go to C:\Windows\Tasks
  • If you don’t want to run any of these programs on a schedule, delete the shortcuts.

Speed Up Your Shutdown Times

When you’re tweaking your computer, adding or updating programs, or installing updates, you’ll be restarting your PC frequently. Sometimes Windows can seem to take forever to shut down.

Avoiding clearing your paging file can speed up your shutdown times. A paging file stores temporary files and data. Unless you’re absolutely worried about extreme security (sometimes passwords can be stored in the paging file) every time you shut down, then go ahead and disable this process.

Follow these steps to reduce your shutdown times:

  • Go to Start > Run and type “regedit” in the box
  • Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management
  • Change ClearPageFileAtShutdown to 0
  • Restart your computer

Scan Your System with an Antivirus and Registry Cleaner

Viruses and registry errors can really slow a system down. I recommend a deep antivirus scan weekly, especially if you like to download files off the internet.

A registry cleaner will clear up a lot of system errors and clean out useless program fragments (which are stored in your registry). For more information on how to speed up windows XP, check here to see how you can keep your PC running as quickly as possible.


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21 Dec
2009

3 Handy Methods for Fixing Svchost.exe Errors that Anyone Can Use

Posted by Kat

Svchost.exe errors can bewilder even the most experienced geek. This is because svchost.exe errors refer to a huge variety of programs or processes. Here’s a rundown of svchost.exe and what you can do to fix errors related to svchost.exe.

What is Svchost.exe?

Essentially, svchost.exe is a hosting process that manages .dll files. Microsoft decided to move the majority of processes from .exe files to .dll files because .dll files work more efficiently.

Since Windows is unable to directly launch a .dll file, our favorite Redmond company built svchost.exe to “host” these .dll processes. As a result, you might notice that a huge number of svchost.exe files are running simultaneously. Your registry will consistently manage the interactions between these processes to keep your system running strong.

Methods for Resolving Svchost.exe Problems

Let’s say you’ve unfortunately encountered one of these errors. If that’s the case, you have a few options. First, try to locate the error. This can be a bit difficult due to the reasons mentioned above. But you can do it. Try this:

1.    Click Start.
2.    Type “taskmgr.exe” in the Search field.
3.    Press enter.

The Task Manager will now be open. The Task Manager displays all applications and processes you are currently running. It also delivers valuable information regarding your system’s CPU and memory storage.

4.    Click on the Processes tab.
5.    Click Show Processes from All Users.
6.    The Task Manager will now exhibit every single process currently running on your machine. It’s likely that you’re running a bunch of svchost.exe processes.
7.    Right click on one of the svchost.exe processes and click Go to Service/s.
8.    The Services Tab will now open. All services associated with that particular svchost.exe file will be displayed in this tab.

If you think you’ve found the process that is producing errors, then you should immediately end this process. You can do this in Task Manager as well.

1.    Open Task Manager.
2.    Click on the Processes tab.
3.    Select the process you wish to terminate.
4.    Click End Process.

This will immediately end that process, and will hopefully get rid of svchost.exe problems as well.

Fixing Svchost Problems through the Registry

While this is a great way to patch up your system, there’s no telling when the svchost.exe error will return. Since these files are logged as subkeys in your registry, you can clean your registry to permanently fix this problem.

The fastest and most thorough way of cleaning your registry is by using a registry cleaner. Download a reputable registry cleaner and run it once in a while. You’ll be surprised at its ability to erase those pesky errors. Obliterate svchost.exe errors from ever appearing by using a strong registry cleaner.


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