1.  My computer slowed down right before I got a runtime library error message.  Does this mean I have a virus?

Don’t worry–most systems slow down just before a runtime error message appears.  It is more likely that your program was caused by a bad install or corrupt copy of your software than from any virus.

Still, viruses, Trojan horses, and spyware can cause these and other errors.  It’s always a good idea to run an anti-virus scan when you have a problem like this, just to make sure.  Don’t forget to scan once a week just for maintenance!

2.  Someone told me that a runtime library error means that my copy of Windows is wearing out.  Is this true?

It might be–in a way.

While Windows can’t “wear out” the way a piece of hardware can, something similar can happen.  This can happen both when Windows looses parts and when it gains too many of them.

An essential part of the Windows architecture is something called the registry.  The registry stores the process files of various programs and activates them whenever the programs run.  Without this registry, your computer would take much longer to run fewer programs, slower.

Over time, updates and bad uninstalls can leave lots of useless files hanging around in the registry.  As you might guess, this will slow down a computer’s functioning.

Even worse, spyware, adware, Trojans, and other viruses can insert their own malicious files into the registry.  They can even infect other files, damaging software you already have, or making files that pose as that software’s operational files!

Anti-virus programs can remove these software threats but do not generally heal the damage they do to a registry.

3.  Is there any way I can fix a runtime library error on my own?

There are a few things you can try in order to fix this kind of problem.

The first thing you should try is a re-install of the program that is giving you trouble.  Usually you can use the disk or the setup program that it came with.  Keep in mind that programs downloaded from bit torrent sites pose a special problem, as sometimes parts of a program will be missing.  You can also get a virus or spyware infection this way!

Another way to fix this and other problems is to heal any registry damage your computer might have.  Get a free scan to check for runtime library error and other errors your computer may have.

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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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Every computer needs some type of security software if the computer is to remain safe. In most cases a computer user can get by with an anti-virus program, an anti-spyware program, and a firewall. However Macs seem to be lacking in security software.

While many people use non-Mac computers there are many people who enjoy the Macs. Many people don’t consider a Mac a PC however since a Mac is a type of personal computer it then would be a type of PC. With all of the people that do use Macs you would think they would have better security measures.

In terms of numbers, the Mac OS X operating system ranks in with 14.3 percent of the most vulnerabilities in 2008. Since there are more non-Mac users you would think that they would lead in the race with vulnerabilities. However, Linux ranks in with 10.9 percent and Windows XP only has 5.5 percent. Thats a huge difference between disclosed vulnerabilities from Windows XP to Mac OS X.

The numbers don’t focus on how big of a problem each vulnerabilty can cause but rather the number of them. This means that Windows vulerabilties could be more critical than the other operating systems we don’t know.

No operating system is perfect however many Mac users under-rate the possibility of an attack happening to them when they don’t realize that they are more vulnerable than many others. If you are a Mac user and you don’t have any type of security software installed then you should tred very lightly as you may be attacked.

This isn’t to say that non-Mac users shouldn’t have any type of security software or that they need it any less. Every person that has a computer should have some type of security software. If you haven’t already you should invest in a security program or two to ensure the saftey of your personal information.

Source: CNET

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Newegg.com will give a three-user license for Panda Internet Security 2008 for free, after rebate. The anti-virus software that is tagged at $40 will be made available for free if users “purchase” it thru a special URL.

Despite this new offer, not many appear to be excited. PC Magazine as well as other authority websites recently gave the software a not so enthusiastic review, calling the anti-virus as “a mixed bag of some really stellar features and some areas where the suite is simply ineffective.”

Sources indicate that the 2008 version of the Panda Internet Security poses not much difference compared to last year’s release. But despite the minimal chances, others are still happy with the 2008 model.

The software now sports many additional features such as Wi-Fi security and backup and performance tuning. The software now also uses TotalScan technology, Panda’s online security scanning system which many software reviewers such as Neil Rubenking really like.

Purchase of the anti-virus from Panda’s website instead of Newegg will cost you $69.95. That purchase includes upgrade to the Panda Internet Security 2009 for free.

Source: AppScout

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There are times when patching up problems may not be the best solution anymore. While it should be the first option that every person encountering a dilemma should resort to, there are situations where he should just call it quits and just start over again. So when can we really say that it’s time to move on?

Wait. Before I go any further, let me just clarify this – my blog site is still about broken-PCs and not about broken hearts. I just want to set things straight since my introductory paragraph sounds like I’m talking about a troubled couple instead of a troubled computer.

I’m sure you’ve already experienced a number of problems with your operating system. Maybe you’ve even encountered the dreaded “blue screen of death”. There are many reasons why your OS goes on strike every now and then. It’s not that they’re getting fed up of running the same old games or playing the same old songs that you usually click on whenever you turn on the PC. More often than not, such quirks are caused by file corruption or malware.

The usual fix for a corrupted file is simply to just replace it. You could either get it from your backup CD or drive, or you could go online and download one. If it’s a registry or viral problem, then all you need to do is run your registry cleaner or your anti-virus.

These problem-fixers are not cure-alls, though. There are times when cleaning your registry just won’t do anymore since the dilemma already lies beyond the registry. The same thing is true with your anti-virus. You may be able to remove the viruses, but the pernicious effects caused by them cannot be reversed anymore.

If your trouble-fixers can’t solve your PC problems anymore, then you should seriously consider taking the final solution – reformat!

I know it’s drastic, but it’s the only way by which you can have a fresh start. Before you do this though, make sure that you’ve backed up all the files that you need. Take note that no file would be spared in this solution. You may encounter headaches in trying to get things back the way they used to be, but hey, I assure you that the results will be well worth it.

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