Entries for the ‘PC Problems’ Category

11 Mar
2010

How to Make Your Computer Faster than It was When You Bought It!

Posted by Kat

It happens to everyone. Your computer slows down over time. After months, or even years of use, your computer’s speed has slowed to where it’s very noticeable. I’m here with some tips and tricks on how to make your computer faster.

First Steps to Fix a Slow Computer

The first thing we need to do is make sure your computer is not infected with any virus’ as those can not only slow your computer to a crawl, but they can do some serious damage to your computer’s integrity. Start your anti-virus program and update it as many times as it will let you update. Then do a full scan on all of your hard drives.

Basic Computer Maintenance

Though Scan Disk and Disk Defragmenter are considered basic maintenance, most people don’t know to do them, or that they need done on a regular basis. Once a month is usually often enough.  Unless you add and remove programs often, then do it every two weeks.

Scan Disk scans your hard drive for bad sectors, and Disk Defragmenter works like a secretary organizing a filing cabinet. If you don’t use Disk Defragmenter, your files are scattered and fragmented, which takes your computer longer to get the information it is looking for, and thus slow speeds.

  • Go to your Start menu
  • Choose  Accessories
  • Choose System Tools
  • In XP, you will have to select Scan Disk.  Then when Scan Disk is through, go through steps 1-3 again to select Disk Defragmenter. In Windows Vista at this point, all you have to do is pick Disk Defragmenter at this point. Scan Disk is built into Disk Defragmenter in Windows Vista.
  • Let Disk Defragmenter run without you using the computer at all. I suggest going to bed and letting Disk Defragmenter run while you sleep as it can take hours. If you use your computer at all while Disk Defragmenter is trying to run, it will restart.

My Computer is STILL Slow, Now What?

So you are clean of virus infection and you have done basic maintenance, but your computer is still slow. Your computer has registry errors. Registry errors are any error in the core programming code of your Windows operating system. To fix registry errors, I suggest getting a good registry cleaner. Registry cleaners are programs written to go into your registry, look for errors, then fix those errors. All in a matter of a few minutes.

For more information on registry cleaners and how to make your computer faster visit our site today.

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4 Mar
2010

Learn the Basics of Error Code 80040154

Posted by Kat

Today using instant messaging programs is a daily part of our lives. We use them at work, and we use them to keep in contact with our friends and family. So when you start to get MSN error code 80040154, it can be a very disruptive error.

Fixing Error Code 80040154

When you start to get this error, the easiest steps to take are to uninstall it and install the most up to date version.

  1. Download the newest version
  2. Go to Control Panel
  3. Find Add/Remove Programs
  4. Find MSN Instant Messenger on the list of programs
  5. Choose to Uninstall
  6. After uninstalling, go to where you saved the newer version and run the .exe file that installs the new version

This should fix your problem. If not, then you have a registry error causing issues.

Registry Errors 101

You may have heard of registry errors, but not know exactly what they are. That’s ok; I’ll explain them to you in a way you can understand. Registry errors are any errors in the core programming code of your Windows operating system.

They can be as serious as corrupt or missing files, or something as simple as a link to a program you uninstalled. Registry errors come in many flavors, from error messages to slow computer speeds and system crashes.

Fixing Registry Errors

In the past to fix registry errors, you would have to go into registry editor, search through thousands of files for the ones that are causing trouble, and then try to fix those files. Doesn’t sound too bad does it?

It took hours, even days to go through the registry files. If you made a mistake and deleted the wrong files, you could turn your computer into nothing but an expensive paperweight. I know many a professional that would rather do a clean installation of Windows rather than mess with the registry.

Today we have programs called registry cleaners, which are written to go into the registry, search out registry errors, and then fix them. All in a matter of minutes. The errors can be corrupts files, missing files, empty registry keys, ActiveX, and dead end links to name a few. They are extremely easy to use and make it onto the list of programs professionals use when working on computers with errors. For more information on registry cleaners and how they can fix error code 80040154 visit our site today.

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2 Mar
2010

How to Fix Error 721

Posted by Kat

So you use VPN(virtual private networking) and are trying to connect to another computer. Maybe it’s your work and you’ve been telecommuting in for a while, or you’re trying to connect to your home network from somewhere. Then it happens, you just can’t get connected and are getting error 721.

First Steps to Fix Error 721

There are several causes for this to happen. The first and most common is a firewall issue on the side of the computer you are trying to connect to, so we’ll address that first.

First you need to contact whoever is in charge of networking, like the IT department, for the computers you are trying to VPN into. Find out if they have made any changes to the firewall that could interfere with your connection. They should test to see if VPN traffic is passing through the firewall or if it is being stopped. If they see VPN traffic going through, the problem is on your computer.

Error 721 and Registry Errors

Like many errors, error 721 can be a registry error. A registry error is any problem with the core programming code that makes up your Windows operating system. Registry errors can be corrupt or missing files, links that point to nothing, or empty registry keys to name a few. Things like a slow computer, strange errors popping up, system crashes, hanging as programs load, and even the blue screen error can be traced to registry errors.

Steps to Take to Fix Error 721

I’m going to walk you through a system restore. It’s basically like taking your computer back in time to a date before you started getting error721. After we do the system restore, you will need to re-install any programs you installed between now and the date you pick.

For Windows Vista:

  • You want to restart your computer into Safe Mode. To do so, press the F8 button while your computer boots up until you get a menu. If your computer goes into Windows before you get the menu, you will need to try again.
  • Use your arrow keys to select Safe Mode from the menu
  • Press your Enter key
  • Once your computer is fully booted into Windows, you will see a pop up window informing you that you are in Safe Mode. Close the window
  • Go to your Start menu on the lower left of your desktop
  • Type “restore” in the search box. You will see system restore listed there. Click on that option.
  • You will have two options once you get into system restore. There will be a  recommended date and choose another date. You want to choose another date.
  • Look at the dates carefully, and pick one from before you started to get error 721, then click Next.
  • Click Finish
  • Reboot to normal Windows

Prevent Error 721

There is a way to prevent errors like error 721 from taking hold of your computer. There are programs called registry cleaners that are written for the express purpose of finding and fixing registry errors. If you get a good one and run it on a weekly basis it will make registry errors a thing of the past. For more information on registry cleaners and how they can fix error 721 visit our site today.

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23 Feb
2010

Strike Back When Error 2718 Strikes

Posted by Kat

When you get error 2718 it usually happens at start up. You will get several windows popping up with  error2718. Some of them may ask you for a disk. The windows will specify what program they want the disk for. This error is usually generated after the improper or incomplete installation of a program that has parts that try to initialize during start up.

Fixing Error 2718

There are a couple things  you can do to be rid of this problem. The first one, also the easiest one, is to go into start up and remove the program from the list of startup tasks.

To remove the program from the list of startup tasks just:

  • Go to Start on the lower left hand side of your desktop
  • Go to Run
  • Type in “msconfig” (without the quotation marks)
  • Go to the Start Up tab
  • Find the listing for the program that is giving you the errors, you may have to look at where the file is located to know which file you need to remove.
  • Remove the check box for that file
  • Reboot

If that doesn’t fix your problem, you are looking at a registry error.

Registry Errors 101

Understanding what a registry error is can be easy, but there is a wide variety of them. Simply put, a registry error is any error in the core programming code of your Windows operating system. Registry errors can vary from corrupt files, to missing files, to shortcuts to programs you uninstalled.

In years gone by, you would have to go into the registry manually and look for the problem yourself. The problem with that was that not only did it take hours, but if you didn’t know what you were doing, you could easily turn your computer into a paperweight. I know professionals that would rather just reinstall Windows than deal with the registry.

Today we have registry cleaners. Registry cleaners are programs that are designed to seek out and fix errors in your registry in a matter of minutes. These programs are good for finding corrupt or missing files and fixing them, removing empty registry keys, removing links to programs that are no longer there, fixing system crashes and hangs, and fixing blue screen errors. To find out more about registry cleaners and how they can fix error 2718 visit our site today.


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6 Feb
2010

The Secrets to Dealing with Xvid.dll Errors

Posted by Kat

There is a whole slew of .dll errors out there. Xvid.dll errors are just one dll out of many. The most common xvid.dll errors are the xvid.dll file not found errors, so we’ll address that vein of errors in this blog.

What is Xvid.dll?

Xvid.dll is a file in your dynamic link library, usually attached to a certain program or driver. So if you are getting the xvid.dll file not found errors, take note of the program you are trying to use when it pops up. That will be your clue as to which program needs it.

Some Causes of xvid.dll Errors

An infection by a virus or malware may be responsible for your computer receiving the xvid.dll errors. It is also possible that while cleaning your computer of unneeded files, you accidentally trashed the xvid.dll not knowing you needed it, and it is no longer in the recycle bin. Maybe you updated a driver and now you are receiving the error.

Solutions to this DLL Error

One solution is to reinstall the program that xvid.dll is attached to. You also want to update and run your anti-virus to make sure your problem isn’t stemming from an infection. If you updated your drivers and now are receiving the error, then a driver rollback may be in order.

To rollback your drivers in Windows XP, follow these steps:

  1. Right click My Computer
  2. Select Manage
  3. Go to Device Manager
  4. Double click which device you want to restore the driver for
  5. Click the Driver tab
  6. Click Roll Back Driver

If these don’t do it for you a System Restore may be in order. To do a system restore in Windows XP just

  1. Go to your start menu
  2. Choose all programs
  3. Go to Accessories
  4. Choose System Tools
  5. Click on System Restore
  6. Select “Restore my computer to an earlier time”
  7. Select the restore point you want to use based on the date that you started getting the errors
  8. On the Confirm Restore Point Selection page verify the settings you have chosen. If everything is in order, click next.

Keep in mind any programs you installed between now and the date you restored to will have to be reinstalled.

If you are still getting xvid.dll errors, the problem is in your registry.  It is time to look into getting a registry cleaner.  For more information on registry cleaners and how they can fix your xvid.dll errors, try this advanced registry cleaner today.


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30 Jan
2010

The Basics of Computer Freezes, What Causes Them, and How to Repair Them

Posted by Kat

If you are experiencing computer freezes, then you are familiar with the dread, frustration, and headaches that goes along with them. Your computer seems to freeze at random. You have no idea why and are forced to do a hard boot to get your computer up and running again. This is a big hit to your productivity and the time it takes to do your day-to-day activities.

The Root Cause of Computer Freeze
The cause of computer freezes is rooted in your registry, which is the core programming of your Windows operating system. The registry effects everything you do on your PC.  If there are any corrupt or missing files in your registry, you will start to see computer freezes and other errors. To say that errors in your registry are bad is to put it mildly; in fact, errors in your registry can prove to be catastrophic.

Manual Repair of Computer Freezes

1.    The simplest way to fix a computer freeze is to use the CTRL-ALT-Delete function.  Hopefully, you have saved the information that you are working on.  The computer will advise you which programs are causing problems.

2.    If that doesn’t work, hold your power button down and shut off the computer.  After that, you will want to take the power cord off and let the computer sit for about ten minutes.

3.    Check your fan to see if the computer is running hot.  While you’re at it, give it a quick once over for with an aerosol computer duster.

4.    If it freezes with the Browser, try reinstalling your browser.

5.    Try running a virus scan, too.

6.    Check your Internet connection to make sure it is stable.

If you still have problems, look into a tool that will help maintain your computer’s registry and check for errors.

What You Can Do to Prevent System Crashes
The good news is that today there is a kind of program that specializes in fixing registry errors. These programs are called registry cleaners. These programs don’t just fix corrupt registry keys, they also fill in missing registry keys and remove empty registry keys, which can cause computer freezing problems too.

To learn more and repair your computer freezes visit http://optimize-your-pc.com/regcure/regcure_blog.


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22 Jan
2010

The Secret to Performing an Easy Windows Diagnostics

Posted by Kat

Are you having strange errors or a slow computer? Do you need to do some Windows diagnostics, but don’t know where to start? Well my friend, I am here to help you with that.

The Root of All Your Computer Errors
You may be experiencing a slow computer, .dll or .exe errors, hanging or crashing programs, or even the dreaded “blue screen of death.” To the average computer user these are all the cause of much alarm and many headaches. It does not have to be so. Let me explain to you the root causes, then we’ll get down to how to resolve your computer problems.

Understanding the Registry
To start off with, let me explain the basics of how your Windows works. The core of your Windows operating system is called the registry. When things go wrong in the registry you will see it in how your Windows and programs behave. Most of today’s computer problems stem from registry errors, be it corrupt data, empty registry keys, or missing files.

Fixing Your Registry
Diagnosing Windows problems can be very time consuming.  You will need to try a variety of things.

  1. Run a virus and malware scan first.
  2. Try updating your Windows operating system on the Microsoft Update website.
  3. Update you Windows drivers using the Windows Drivers Guide.
  4. Go to PC Wizard and look under “Drives” for the type of hard drive you are using.  Make sure you keep track of all your errors and see if the manufacturer will replace the hard drive.
  5. Make sure your system isn’t overheating from a faulty fan and clean all the dust from your computer.

If this doesn’t work, consider buying a tool to help prevent and maintain registry errors. If you have that knowledge in hand the way to fix your problems then becomes clear. You see, there is a new kind of program out there called a registry cleaner which resolves your registry errors. So download Regcure today to repair your computer.

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18 Jan
2010

What the Average Joe Needs to Know About System32

Posted by Kat

I’m writing to the person who has found themselves experiencing system32 errors. These errors bring a halt to whatever you were doing on your computer, and usually bring headaches with them. I’m here to tell you what a system32 error is, why you may be experiencing them, and how to fix them.

Likely Causes of a System32 Error
Let’s get started with the known causes of system32 errors. The most common cause of system32 errors is your computer got infected with a virus or spyware. These programs are notorious for causing collateral damage to your computer. Some damage is more extreme than other damage.  But if you are getting system32 errors after an infection, it was a bad infection.

Another common cause of system32 errors is the improper installation or uninstallation of programs. If you are going to remove a program, don’t delete it. Use the uninstall file that some programs come with or add/remove programs in your control panel.

Manual Fix of a System32 Error

  1. Reboot your computer.
  2. Press F8 until you get to the Boot Menu.
  3. Select the “Boot Using Last Known Configuration” option.
  4. Your computer will restart using the last configuration that worked on your operating system.

If this doesn’t work, you could keep track of all your errors and do a little research.  Go into your Registry Editor and find any corrupted files and remove them.  This process is not for the average computer user.  In fact, even computer techies will turn down this job.  One wrong move and you’ll be replacing your entire operating system.

How to Resolve a System 32 Error
Now on to the good news, how to fix your problem. This is the part I really like to tell people because it is so easy to do. A registry cleaner will organize the computer and put everything in its place.  Going into your registry yourself could spell disaster.  One wrong move and you’ll find yourself reinstalling your entire operating system and losing valuable files.

Research registry errors like System32 here. Before I do anything with a computer error, I go here first to learn about the error.  You’ll find that some of these errors aren’t as alarming as you initially thought.  And if it is serious, you’ll find the quickest and easiest solutions, too.

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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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11 Jan
2010

Fix Mfc71.dll Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003 Problems and Error Messages

Posted by Kat

Mfc71.dll errors are usually caused by the missing or corrupt dll file. You’ll want to do a few things to fix mfc71.dll.

The mfc71.dll is linked to Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003 and software that uses this program in its programming application. The popular programs Quicken Adobe Photoshop both use this software.

You might be receiving one of the following error messages when using programs that require mfc71.dll:

  • “Mfc71.dll Not Found”
  • “Unable to locate component mfc71.dll”
  • “This application failed to start because MFC71.DLL was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.”
  • “BCMWLTRY.EXE – This application has failed to start because MFC71.DLL was not found.”

Troubleshooting Your Error

Because it is generally a BAD idea to download .dll files from websites (they are often corrupt, infected, or inappropriate files), you’ll want to do a series of updates to find the source of your error.

  • Uninstall and reinstall the program
  • Update the software
  • Update Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003
  • Upgrade and update Internet Explorer
  • Reinstall Broadcom wireless network adaptor

These are going to be the primary fixes for your error. Read further for information that is more specific on the methods.

Reinstalling the Program

If the error occurred while using a specific program or running a game, then that’s going to be the source of the problem.

If the program has an update, patch, or service pack to download, go ahead and download those updates. An update might replace the missing dll file and fix the error altogether.

Always restart your computer after installing and uninstalling programs.

It is also sound advice to run a registry cleaner to clean up any possible leftover fragments from uninstalled programs.

Updating Broadcom Drivers

If the “bcmwltry.exe” is indicated in your error message, such as in the following–
“BCMWLTRY.EXE – This application has failed to start because MFC71.DLL was not found”—then the problem is going to be with your wireless network adaptor driver.

To update your driver, visit Broadcom’s website and follow the appropriate instructions. Updating drivers is usually pretty straightforward.

If you’ve followed these fixes without any success, then I suggest scanning your computer with an antivirus program. Viruses tend to pose as .dll and other necessary system files to prevent deletion.

Also, be sure to regularly run a registry cleaner to fix mfc71.dll and other registry and system file errors, especially if you install and uninstall third-party programs regularly. It’s a good habit to get into. It’ll keep your registry free from all the bits and pieces that tend to collect freely in your registry from daily use.

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