Entries Tagged ‘Check Disk’

14 Jan
2010

3 Top Tips to Fix a PC Not Responding

Posted by Kat

Have you become frustrated with your PC not responding? You can do some things to check your computer and find out what the exact cause is.

Before you throw out your whole system in pure frustration, do some research and use these strategies to zero in on the cause of your system failures.

Some fixes can be very easy for you, while others might take a bit of patience. Just stick with the process and you should have your computer running without too much unnecessary hassle.

Hardware Problems

While this is the last thing you might want to check, it is the first thing you should be aware of.

First, you’ll want to make sure that you have all the proper updated drivers for your hardware. You can go to the manufacturer’s website to download the most recent drivers for your system.

The next step is a bit more complex. What you’ll eventually want to do, if all else fails, is to take each piece of hardware (video card, hard drive, power supply, RAM, and motherboard) and switch it over to a different system independently.

If your secondary system has problems or locks up with that piece of hardware, then you’ve found the source of your problem.

Run Check Disk for System Errors

If you can boot into Windows (try Safe Mode), you’ll want to run a Check Disk to scan for physical system errors on your hard disk.

It’ll check for errors involving cross-linked files, bad sectors, directory errors, and lost clusters and repair them.

  • Double-click My Computer
  • Right Click the drive you wish to scan (usually C: )
  • Scroll down to Properties
  • Click on Tools
  • Under Error Checking, click Check Now

Check Further for Registry Errors

Registry errors can be caused by a multitude of problems because many people overlook its importance. The registry is a complex system of file access and storage that can become the target of viruses, or become locked up because of lack of maintenance.

While it is extremely risky to manually manipulate your registry, an excellent program out there will sort and repair your registry files.

A registry cleaner is a fast and easy way to sort and repair your critical system files without worrying about doing lasting damage to your computer.

Be certain to research more about registry repair, maintenance, and other crucial system upkeep. When your PC is not responding, download this registry cleaner so you don’t have to toss your system in complete frustration.

Re-Tweet This Post

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.

Re-Tweet This Post

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.

Re-Tweet This Post

19 Nov
2009

How PC Repair Tools Will Optimize Your Computer

Posted by Kat

While you can wait for errors to manifest themselves on your PC, why not use some PC repair tools before the problems start?  Using PC repair tools on your computer just as a precaution will prevent a host of computer problems and optimize computer performance, bringing it to a new level.  Who’s ready for little guided tour?

Routine Error Repair Tools

Whether you have noticed or not, an unmaintained PC is accumulating various errors all the time.  Sometimes those errors take a while to manifest themselves, but you don’t have to wait until they show up and cause problems to take care of them.

For example, “fragmentation” of files happens no matter what you do, and unless you use the Disk Defragmenter tool, this situation won’t be fixed.

  • Locate this tool under My Computer and right-click on the disk you want to check.
  • The Disk Defragmenter is under Preferences and then Tools.

Hard disk errors also accumulate from routine computer use.  If these are not addressed they can be the cause of error messages in the future.  Fortunately, a repair kit in the form of the Check Disk tool is also provided with your computer.

  • This is also located under My Computer by right-clicking on your hard disk.
  • Again, go to the Preferences window and then Tools.
  • A dialogue box will appear with the option to Check Disk Now.

Choosing Other Computer Repair Tools for Your PC

If you are starting to see a lot of file errors or registry errors (which can be anything from DLL and EXE errors to blue screen messages and program freezes), you will need to choose some repair tools that target the Windows registry.  This area of your computer stores files that the computer uses during every session, and when the computer has trouble accessing files or can’t locate one, you see an error.

If you are having problems with a specific program that you’ve recently removed or updated, it may be that there are some files leftover in your PC that did not get removed during the uninstall function.  Some software manufacturers offer Program Removal Kits that will thoroughly remove their program (or old versions of it) from your PC.  You can also find removal kits that are less program-specific for download online.  Just make sure you are using a trusted site.

The Best Repair Tool for Your PC

If you are having trouble narrowing down what kind of tool to use to improve performance or if you’re still unsatisfied with your computer’s activities after using the above tools, it’s time to add a registry cleaner to your arsenal of repair tools.  Download a registry cleaner as one of your PC repair tools to optimize performance and fix errors all at once.

Re-Tweet This Post

30 Aug
2009

6 Things You Can Do to Optimize Computer Speed

Posted by Kat

Anyone who owns a PC has experienced a decline in computer speed or performance during the life of their computer.  The main problem concerning computer speed is decreased hard drive function.  This is caused primarily by excess unwanted files on the hard drive, corrupted or fragmented files, backdated software, or the presence of spyware, malware, viruses, or other malicious invaders.

A big step in optimizing your computer speed and performance is to perform a complete computer clean up.  This entails:

  • Running the Check Disk or Error Checking utility, Disk Cleanup utility, Disk Defragment utility, and cleaning up/purging temp files keeps your computer running smoothly.
  • Emptying the recycle bin prior to defragmenting your hard drive clears up needed space.
  • Another way to improve computer speed and performance is to ensure your Windows software is constantly updated.
  • To ensure your automatic updates are turned on, go to Control Panel, select the automatic updates dialogue and check to see that it is turned on.
  • Another important step in optimizing computer speed and performance is to protect it against spyware, malware, viruses, and other malicious invaders.
  • Downloading a good virus blocker and spyware/malware screen will help locate and purge any malicious programs already on your computer and prevent further infestation by screening all internet access to your computer.

Performing all of these options will ensure your computer is running at optimal performance and speed.  Regular PC clean ups will keep your hard drive clean and free of errors, but also download and add a good registry cleaner to this agenda to further enhance computer speed and performance.

Improve your computer speed with a registry cleaner.  A good registry cleaner will not only eliminate and fix all registry errors, but it will also prevent computer crashes and data loss due to these errors.

Re-Tweet This Post

29 Aug
2009

How to Use the Check Disk Utility and Get Your Computer Running Like New

Posted by Kat

Check disk utility (CheckDisk/CHKDSK/Error Checking) is a Microsoft disk utility/Windows operating system that displays and (when selected in the user options) fixes file system integrity of your hard disks and floppy disk.

The first option on the user options fixes file system errors.  The second option scans for and attempts to recover bad sectors on the hard disk. The utility also checks the disk surface for physical errors (bad sectors) and recovers readable data.

The check disk utility can run from any of three locations: the Windows Recovery Console, Windows Shell, or the Windows Command Prompt.  The user-friendly push-of-a-button prompt is easy to run, takes anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours to do a complete check, and doesn’t take any special knowledge to use. Because it can take up to a few hours, it is suggested to run the check disk utility overnight.

The check disk utility will work with any hard drive that is formatted with a Windows file support system.  This includes most, if not all, PCs with Windows 98 and up can utilize this operating system.

In addition to using the check disk utility, download and utilize a registry cleaner regularly to keep your computer system running top-notch.  A good registry cleaner will find and fix check disk errors and registry errors on your computer’s system, keeping your hard drive clean and error-free and optimizing computer performance and speed.

Re-Tweet This Post

19 Aug
2009

How to Run a Hard Drive Disk Check

Posted by Kat

The purpose of a hard drive disk check is to check the integrity of files stored in the hard drive.  Locating and repairing bad sectors on the hard disk and scanning for system errors and misplaced files, running a disk check once a week helps prevent data loss.  Accompanied with disk defragmentation and disk cleanup, the disk check will help increase computer performance and speed and improve user satisfaction.

5 Steps in Running a Disk Check for PCs

  1. First of all, it is highly suggested that you close all open files and programs.  This ensures all file sectors are inactive and makes the scan run more quickly and smoothly and without the chance of skipping possibly damaged sectors that are in use.
  2. Next, click on the Start menu and select My Computer.
  3. Once you’re in the My Computer folder, right-click on the hard disk you want to search for bad sectors in (this is usually the C: drive in most PCs) and select Properties.
  4. Select the Tools tab in the Properties dialog box and then click the Check Now button.
  5. Select “Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors” once you’re in the Check Disk dialog box, then click Start.

The scan will now begin.  Once it is complete, a list of bad sectors will be given if they are present.  Choose to have them fixed, and once the disk check is done repairing, it is suggested that you reboot your computer.

Add and utilize a registry cleaner to avoid a time-consuming disk check.  A registry cleaner will help optimize your computer’s performance on a regular basis.  Plus, you will never have to worry about losing that paper you’ve been writing all night to a system crash.  A registry cleaner keeps your system running quick and efficiently with the click of a button.

Re-Tweet This Post