Entries for the ‘cleanup’ Category

4 Nov
2009

How to Clean Your Computer’s Hard Drive

Posted by Kat

Keeping your hard drive clean is important in maintaining computer performance and running speed.  Follow these simple steps to clean your computer’s hard drive:

  1. To start, do a Windows Update on your laptop.
  2. Go to the Start menu, All Programs, Accessories, and in System Tools, select the Windows Update option.
  3. Make sure you get all available security updates.
  4. To make sure automatic updates are on, go to your Control Panel.
  5. Select Performance and Maintenance.
  6. Go to System.

While You’re at it, Clean up Your Temporary Files
While you’re in the Control Panel, select Internet Options.  Delete temporary files and cookies to clear up disk space.  Also, going to the Start menu and selecting Search, if you select All Files and Folders and type “tmp” and search.  Delete all temp files on your computer.  When you’re done, empty the recycle bin.

Disk Checks, Defragmenting, and Computer Clean Up
Next, perform a disk check, defragment, and disk cleanup on your hard drive.  To do this:

  1. Go to My Computer.
  2. Right-click on the C: drive, select properties.
  3. On the General tab, next to the pie chart showing how much disk space you are using, click the Disk Cleanup button.
  4. When the cleanup is done, delete the suggested files and empty the recycle bin again.
  5. Still in the properties for the C: drive, select the Tools tab.
  6. In turn, perform the Error Checking option and the Disk Defragment option.

Keeping Your Computer Clean
Perform this simple system cleanup to leave your PC running more smoothly by clearing up disk space and correcting errors on your hard disk.  Avoid the need to clean your computer in the future when you download and utilize a good registry cleaner.  The registry cleaner will perform many of the tasks you had to do manually with a system cleanup.


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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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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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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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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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20 Oct
2009

How to Quickly and Easily Repair Win32 Errors

Posted by Kat

Is your computer giving you win32 errors? We have the information you need to repair your win32 errors. Before we tell you how to fix the problem, let’s educate you a little bit on what the problem is.

Where did Win32 Come from?
Win32 errors stem from registry errors or corrupt files in the registry. The reason registry errors are so bad is because the registry is the core of your Windows operating system. Without it, your registry Windows won’t work.

If there are corrupt or missing files in the registry, your Windows just won’t work properly. This means errors like win32, your computer runs slower. Other errors start appearing like programs hanging and crashing.

Repair Win32 Errors Manually
The easiest manual solution to resolve a Win32 error is simply install a missing file using the Windows API.  When the error message states that you can’t access a certain dll or sys file, you can look that file up and replace it.  Make sure that you get the most current version or the one that is compatible with your software, though.

If this doesn’t work, you could attempt to reinstall Windows.  Make sure all your files are backed up before you do this.  To repair your operating system from the boot disk:

  1. Select install.
  2. The disk should find an existing version of Windows on the system.
  3. Repair this installation.
  4. If it doesn’t work, choose the clean install action.  Any existing Windows program will be overwritten with a clean install.

Solution to All Registry Errors
In the past to deal with registry errors, people would reinstall their Windows every couple of years. Because Windows would be so unstable by that point due to all the registry errors, the only fix was a clean reinstall of Windows.

This is no longer necessary. Now we have programs called registry cleaners. This software will go through your registry, cleaning up and repairing files.  Repair win32 error problems immediately and maintain your computer’s stability on a regular basis to prevent future problems like these. It really is as easy as installing and running a registry cleaner on a regular basis like you do with your anti-virus..

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17 Oct
2009

How to Repair Outlook Express Problems

Posted by Kat

Is your Outlook Express causing you grief? Do you need to repair Outlook Express? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, then read on. We may have some helpful information for you that you haven’t heard before.

It goes without saying that Outlook Express has become a central part of our lives as we have come to depend on email more and more. Yet, Outlook Express may not always be working right. It might hang and/or crash, or maybe you can’t send or receive email. Perhaps you get excessive spam and/or cannot open folders. These are all common errors with the same cause.

What are Registry Errors and What do They Have to do with Outlook Express?
What are registry errors you may ask? To answer that question, I have to get into some technical explanations, but I’ll put it into plain English for you.

The registry is the core programming code of your Windows operating system.  So if there are errors in the registry, you will see it in programs you use frequently and the speed of your computer.

Manual Fix of Outlook Express
You can try a variety of fixes to fix Outlook Express.  It’s hard to diagnose it until you try them out through trial and error.  The first and easiest thing to do is to restart your computer.  Sometimes that’s all it takes.  If this doesn’t work, start with deleting your temporary files.

  1. Shut down all your programs except Outlook and your Internet Browser.
  2. Go to Internet Options and click “Tools”.
  3. Go to Temporary Internet Files and click on “Delete”.
  4. A box will pop up.  Make sure that you click “Delete all offline files” and “OK”.  This will delete all of your Outlook Express Temporary Files.

If none of these solutions work, you can look into reregistering Outlook or compacting the folders in the Outlook files.  The easiest option is to purchase a registry tool to do this for you.

The Benefits of a Registry Cleaner
It used to be that you would have to re-install Windows every few years to deal with the registry errors and get your computer working properly. This is no longer the case. Now we have programs called registry cleaners.

These programs go in and clean up the registry errors that can cause so much havoc on our computers, and thus our daily lives. So what are you waiting for? Repair Outlook Express errors quickly and easily with a registry cleaner.


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8 Oct
2009

How to Defrag for Speed and Efficiency

Posted by Kat

We have made some references to the disk defrag tool, and it’s again time that we explain the whys and wherefores.  In short, doing a defrag session on your PC will increase speed and decrease processing time for your PC.

Fragmentation: Why It Happens

Files get fragmented, or saved in multiple places, because there just often isn’t enough space on the hard drive to save files in contiguous blocks.  You delete old programs, and then you install a new program or save another file, but the new content is usually a different size from what was deleted.  So the computer breaks up the program or file on the hard drive over several different “chunks” of space.

The effects of this are seen when it takes a long time to call up that file.  The disk is forced to spin to several different places in order to load all of the file.  This just takes longer than if the file were all in one place.

Make a Defrag Date with Your PC

Fixing file fragmentation is called, appropriately, defragmentation.  Windows PCs come with a Disk Defragmenter Tool already installed.  It can be a lengthy process, so plan to do this when your computer won’t be needed for a while.

The defrag tool is found by going to Start, then Programs, then Accessories.  Click on System Tools and choose Disk Defragmenter.  Follow the instructions, do not disturb your machine, and enjoy a faster PC when the process is through.

A Defrag Duo

A great accompaniment to defragging your PC is to also run your registry cleaner.  It will clean up old registry entries and fix corrupted ones, which will also boost the computer’s speed.  The dynamic duo of computer speed and efficiency is to run a registry cleaning tool in conjunction with the defrag tool.

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7 Oct
2009

Repair Computer Freezes by Yourself

Posted by Kat

Computer freezes occur for numerous reasons.  Sometimes a glitch in the software will trigger one.  Other times it is an incompatibility between the particular software pack you have and the driver required by some of your hardware.

Overheating is another common cause for a computer to freeze. Some of these issues can be addressed easily at home, others require some professional help.

Overheating PCs and laptops.

Perhaps the most common and easiest problem to fix is that of an overheating computer.  Over time the vent situated above the fan can get blocked with dust, hair and debris.  The fan, which works constantly, gets worn and it just doesn’t work as well.

The result is a computer that gets too warm.  When that happens, the machine will shut down automatically to prevent damage to the internal components.

This is a fairly straightforward repair.  First open up your computer and find the fan and watch it run.  If you see it struggling or moving erratically it is time to replace it.

It should be simple to remove.  Clean the vents around fan and dust out the entire unit, gently.  Take the fan to a store and get a replacement and install it.  Close the box.  The overheating issue should be resolved.

Incompatibility
When you have run through virus scans, system checks and scanned your disc and still come up with nothing specific you are likely dealing with an incompatibility between some installed hardware and the OS.

Even if you feel up to switching out boards on your own, the difficulty usually lies in figuring out which part needs to be replaced.  For this I recommend finding a good computer technician and asking them to figure out where the difficulty lies.  You can still opt to do the switch yourself once you know what to swap out.

Registry Cleaners
Sometimes the problem is deep within the operating system.  Files that have been corrupted or deleted cause your computer consternation and it can’t seem to move beyond its current position.  If this is the case a good registry cleaner should be able to end computer freezes and get your PC back to normal.  Designed to clean up most errors in the OS a registry cleaner is a quick, efficient way to get your computer running error free.

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6 Oct
2009

5 Ways to Repair Win32 Errors

Posted by Kat

The ways to repair Win32 errors vary depending on the nature of the file discovered to be causing errors.  Once you have successfully determined which type of file you are dealing with, it should be easy to repair Win32 errors.

Win32: Friend or Foe?

If you have seen an error message containing a file with “Win32″ somewhere in the file name, chances are that you are dealing with a missing or corrupted DLL file.  However, there is a rootkit spybot that also has a file name containing the letters “Win32.” Presumably it is so named to convince you that it should be left on your computer.

1.    If you have discovered this file on your hard drive or have already run a virus/malware scan that has come back with a file containing these letters, you will need to proceed with appropriate security threat removal techniques.

2.    If your virus or malware removal program cannot remove the file from your computer, you will need to seek help either in the form of a repair shop or an online forum.

Fixing the Win32 DLL File

The first thing you should try in addressing a Win32 error is to think back to any recent changes you may have made to the computer settings or programs.

3.    Undo these changes in reverse order, after each, attempting the action that gave you the error message.  If this fails to fix the error, you may need to reinstall the Win32 file or even the program that requires its use.

4.    You may need to obtain and install an update from the software manufacturer.  If you have fallen behind on your Microsoft updates, making sure you have downloaded all available update packages can also resolve the issue.

5.    If the error persists, you may need to run a registry cleaner to repair Win32 successfully.  A registry cleaner should also be run to clean up after any updates or programs installed.

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