Entries for the ‘Operating Systems’ Category

3 Nov
2009

How to Repair Parse Errors and Speed Up Your Computer

Posted by Kat

If you experience a parse error, chances are either you have delved into the world of writing code or you are trying to install Windows XP from a CD.  In either case, a parse error can be a major interruption to your work.  Fixing an error like this should go along with basic computer maintenance to keep your computer running at peak efficiency and top speeds.

Fixing Parse Errors

A couple of different scenarios could be happening here.  The word parse comes from the Latin root for part of speech and generally refers to checking computer code for syntax errors (things that are basic to the formatting of the code or more simply, how it is notated).

Usually errors of this type refer to missing punctuation such as colons, brackets, or semicolons.  If you are using a program such as Silverlight or another similar program and experiencing a parse error, try searching the program manufacturer’s website for support or browsing support forums.

Another common type of parse error has been encountered when trying to install the Windows XP operating system (OS) onto a computer using a CD.  In this instance, the error appears with the words “Manifest Parse error: Invalid at top level of document.”

It seems that a number of these CDs contain a corrupted CONTROLS.MAN file that needs to be replaced before the OS can be installed.  Instructions for doing this can be found by searching for “manifest parse error.”

Speeding Up Your PC

When fixing these errors it is doubly frustrating if you have to wait forever for your computer to load programs, save files, and finish other tasks.  If your computer crashes and gives you the blue screen of death along the way, you will probably lose your data and need to start over.  If you have been experiencing a general onslaught of computer errors, then fixing your parse error will be even more difficult.

In order to make sure that your computer is able to do the things you ask of it, you need to make sure you are performing routine maintenance on various aspects of your PC.  Defragment the hard drive weekly, keep anti-virus software up-to-date, and run the Check Disk tool.  All of these things will help to prevent general computer errors so that you can smoothly deal with parse errors on your web page, blog, or when installing an OS.

Need More Help?

If your computer is still behaving strangely or suffering from slow processing speeds, you probably need to add a registry cleaner to your maintenance regimen.  Your registry can become clogged with obsolete information and corrupted entries making it hard for programs to perform tasks like fixing a parse error.  Help your computer fix that parse error by running a registry cleaner that will speed up your PC and keep it error-free.

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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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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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19 Oct
2009

Why You Must Know the Ins and Outs of Outlook Express Problems

Posted by Kat

It is common these days to have Outlook Express problems. You may know you need to repair Outlook Express, but you may not know how. This is where I come in. I’m going to share with you the most common problems.  Then I’m going to tell you what causes these problems.  After that, I will tell you how to repair your Outlook Express. I feel that everyone should have a clue as to why things go wrong.

Symptoms of Outlook Express Errors
First, the problems you may be encountering.  Any of these will give you headaches:

  • Your Outlook Express may be hanging or crashing
  • You may be unable to send or receive e-mail.
  • You may be receiving excessive spam
  • You can’t open folders.

Common Cause of Outlook Express Errors
Now on to the cause. The cause can simply be put as registry errors.  Since you would have to know how a computer works and something about programming to know what a registry error is, I will put it in layman’s terms.

The registry is the core programming of your Windows operating system. So when something goes wrong in the registry, you will see it in the programs you use daily and the performance of your computer in general.

Fixing Outlook Express Problems
You can try several different avenues for repairing Outlook Express manually, but most of them are just trial and error.  There is no definitive solution.  Start with the easiest one first.  All you have to do is restart your computer.  Sometimes this is enough to reorganize the files and get you on the way.  If it doesn’t work, try this:

  1. Shut down all the other programs and keep Outlook and your Internet Browser open.
  2. Delete all your Temporary Files by going to “Options” in your browser.
  3. Select “Tools” and go to “Delete Temporary Files”.
  4. When the box appears, make sure you select “Delete all offline temporary files”, too.  This will make sure that the temporary files in Outlook will be deleted.

If none of this works, you could always reregister Outlook.  Sometimes compacting the folders within your Outlook program performs wonders, too.  When all else fails, try a registry cleaner to prevent and maintain your computer.

Before you jump right into any old registry cleaner software, research how to repair Outlook Express.  I have found the most helpful and informative options at this website.  Whether you decide to try a manual fix or see if a registry cleaner will catch it, regular maintenance of your registry is necessary in extending the life of your computer.

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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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15 Oct
2009

How to Repair Outlook Express Errors

Posted by Kat

Is your Outlook Express not working the way it should? What we are about to share with you will help you repair your Outlook Express, but before we share this fix with you let’s go into a few of the problems you may be encountering with Outlook Express and what causes them.  Then, you can fully appreciate and understand the fix.

Indicators of Outlook Express Problems
Some of the errors you may be getting with Outlook Express could be:

  • Outlook Express hangs and/or crashes
  • You cannot send or receive e-mail
  • You receive excessive spam
  • You cannot open folders.

Any of these errors will cause you headaches, but some people have the ill fortune of having the whole assortment. These errors are all caused by registry errors.

Manual Repair of Outlook Express
A few different approaches to fixing Outlook Express are available.  When you attempt a manual repair, you may have to go through a trial and error process first.

  1. Simply restart your computer and see if that works.
  2. If you are still experiencing problems, close down all your programs except Outlook and your Internet Browser.
  3. Delete the Temporary Files

    a.    Go to Internet Options and click “Tools”.

    b.    In the Temporary Internet Files, choose Delete.

    c.    In the box, choose “Delete all offline files” and click “OK”.  This will make sure that all your Outlook Express Temporary Files are deleted, too.

    If this doesn’t work, you may want to look into compacting the folders in Outlook or reregister Outlook Express. Of course, there are tools available for this, too. They can perform the job for you.

    Exploring the Registry to Resolve Outlook Express Errors
    Registry errors are corrupt data at the core level of your Windows operating system.  They can affect the way your computer runs in general and cause problems with programs we depend on in a day-to-day basis like Outlook Express.

    The good news is that it is easy to repair your Outlook Express. You just need to get a registry cleaner. If you install and use a registry cleaner, you will most likely find that not only is your Outlook Express running like it should, but your computer, in general, will be running like new.  Repair Outlook Express errors and optimize your computer now.


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    14 Oct
    2009

    3 Disadvantages of ActiveX Controls

    Posted by Kat

    ActiveX controls are the building blocks of the Active X programming language that is utilized to set functions in Microsoft Windows operating systems.  More specifically, it is utilized in Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, and Windows Explorer to build their feature-sets and encapsulate functionality in ActiveX Controls.

    What Do ActiveX Controls Do?
    As with any programming language, there are certain disadvantages that hinder its use or functionality.  ActiveX controls are the individual units that distribute applications used on your computer, so you can utilize a program or navigate a browser window.  Websites often use them to enable media on their sites to be seen or played.

    1. The first major disadvantage of ActiveX controls is that there are certain security vulnerabilities within the framework that make it easy for malicious programs to infiltrate your computer.
    2. ActiveX controls downloaded onto your computer possess the same rights as the current user on your PC (i.e., limited or administrative access) and therefore have the same control over your computer.
    3. Extending your trust in someone else not to abuse this is risky because some websites won’t hesitate to install malware or viruses alongside their controls.

    Preventing ActiveX Problems
    The best way to avoid these harmful disadvantages of ActiveX controls is to be aware and make sure all of your internet security settings are correct.  Correct and prevent most ActiveX control problems by downloading and utilizing a good registry cleaner.  This will prevent corrupt ActiveX controls from adversely affecting your system and keep your PC running at optimal performance.

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    9 Oct
    2009

    Fix a Slow Computer with a Computer Tune Up

    Posted by Kat

    Just like your car, you computer needs regular maintenance to work optimally.  A computer tune up is a process you should run from time to time to ensure that your PC works the way you want it to.

    The process is pretty easy to follow but takes a great deal of time; therefore it is best to save a proper tune up for a day when you won’t need to use the computer for several hours.

    Backing up the PC

    If you have never run a back up on your system, this is the time.  Ideally you should be backing up your data daily, but most people don’t.  To run a back up go to the Start menu, select All Programs, Accessories, System Tools and then Back Up.  For an initial back up select All Information on this Computer and stand by to change out CDs as needed.

    Cleaning and Tuning Your Computer

    There are several scans you want to run at this point.  First check the hard drive for errors by going to Start, My Computer and right click on the volume you want scanned.  Select Properties, then Tools and finally, Check Now.  Opt for both types of scan.

    When that is complete defragment the drive.  Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Defragmenter.  This will bring together all the little bits of files scattered around your drive and place them near one another.  This reduces retrieval time.

    Run a virus scan.  Removing any malware, spyware and other trash will also help speed up your PC.  Finally, remove any old programs you no longer use and old restore points that your computer is hording in the system.

    Finish up by running another back up and rebooting the system.

    Registry Cleaner Instead
    If all this seems time consuming, it is.  It is much simpler to run a registry cleaner and have it take care of errors in the operating system registry instead.  Truly these two functions are complimentary, but a registry cleaner is much faster and can be run more frequently; a computer tune up – light, if you will.  Download a good registry cleaner to keep your PC optimized when you don’t have time to run a full level clean up.

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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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