Maybe you’ve received a message like the following:

“Run a DLL as an App has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.”

Well you don’t have to worry, the world’s not going to end.  A rundll error is often easier to fix than many other types of errors–but it can still be seriously inconvenient to have.

What causes problems with rundll?

These errors are fairly common if you have had to replace your hard drive.  Usually in this situation, the problems happen when you’ve used software from the hard drive vendor, instead of from Microsoft.

It can happen as well for various other non-malicious reasons.  Read below to find out how you can fix this error.  Also, read below to find out if your errors have occurred for reasons that are more malicious.

This isn’t the only reason for problems with this file.  Since Windows uses rundll to load applications, programs, and files, it is an absolutely essential part of Windows.

Unfortunately, that means that creators of spyware, viruses, Trojan horses, and other malicious programs can use this as a vulnerability to get into your computer.  They will target this file because they know you cannot safely get rid of it.  They may even give some of their own malicious software files this name, so as to fool system processes and infiltrate your computer.

Sometimes, all you need to do is reboot.

While this won’t work 100% of the time or even most of the time, it’s worth a try: simply turn your computer off and then restart it.  It won’t help in every case, but it will clear things up when the problem is just that rundll is over-extended.

Anti-virus and anti-spyware scans may help.

Or, they may not.  While a good anti-virus or anti-spyware program will take care of the original threat, it may not take care of directory files such as dll files.  This means that you should certainly run anti-malware programs on your computer, you also need to make sure your directory is in tip-top working order.

A good registry cleaner will heal files that have been damaged by viruses, spyware, adware, and other harmful programs.  It will also clean the “junk” on your registry–files left over from bad uninstalls and product updates–so that you have a cleaner, faster, more optimized computer.  Do yourself a favor and get a free scan for rundll error and other registry problems.

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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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InCD (by Nero AG) is a packaging software for Microsoft Windows that enables your computer to use rewritable CDs and DVDs in a similar fashion as floppy drives for Windows systems 2000 and up.  InCD formats media and writes to Universal Disk Format, which is not supported in Windows 98 or previous systems.

Though InCD is for Windows systems, InCD.exe is not a Windows system file.  If it is located in a subfolder of drive C:\, the security rating is at 32% dangerous.  The file is 1,212,416 bytes large and has a visible window.

When upgrading an older Nero InCD package to a newer one, there is often the error message, “Cannot connect to file system. InCD service not running.”  This simply means that there was an error upgrading and not all of the previous InCD files were removed from your hard drive, making it impossible for your newer InCD program to run.

Resolving InCD Errors on the Nero Website
To solve this, you must go to the Nero website and download the InCD-Clean Tool.  This will extract all zipped InCD files from your hard drive using the WinZip or WinRar systems.  The process only takes a few minutes to remove all InCD files from your system, ensuring that the newer version of InCD can perform a clean install without conflicting with previous files.

Prevent system errors associated with Nero InCD and ensure your computer is free of all registry errors.  Download and utilize a good registry cleaner.  Not only will this optimize your PC’s performance by eliminating all registry errors, it will also prevent dangerous system crashes and freezes that risk losing or corrupting your computer files.  Play it safe and download a registry cleaner.

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If your computer is lagging in runtime and/or performance, or if you just want to optimize computer performance, a computer check up is recommended.  For at-home easy options, follow these steps to clean your computer’s hard drive and improve overall function.

Eliminating Unnecessary Files
Go to the Start menu, select Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and click on Disk Cleanup.  Process will start automatically and may take a few minutes, it is recommended to keep all programs closed during this time.

Resizing Internet Cache
Open Internet Explorer. Go to Tools and select Internet Options.  Select General, then Settings and set the existing size to 50Meg.  Back to the General tab, select Delete Files to delete existing cache files and clear file space.

Defragment and Check Disk Utilities
Both of these utilities can be found by going into the My Computer file, right-clicking on the C: drive, selecting Properties, and going to the Tool tab.  Both of these tasks should be performed monthly or even weekly to prevent file fragmentation and corruption from slowing your computer.

Windows Update Patches
To install the latest Windows Update patches and ensure prime Windows performance, open Internet Explorer, go to Tools, and select Windows Update.  Select to reboot your computer afterwards.

Other suggestions include installing or updating antivirus or virus scan software, ensuring your firewall is activated, and rebooting your computer at least twice a week.  All of these steps should clean and prime your computer.

Most importantly, find a registry cleaner to do your computer check up and fully optimize computer performance on a regular basis.  Don’t wait until your system crashes and you lose that document that you’ve been working on all night.  You can prevent these errors and have you system running like it did when it was brand new.

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Many computer users will buy a PC and run whatever systemoriginally installed on it. This may be because they aren’t tech savvy to install another operating system or they just don’t feel like trying new things.

Ubuntu 9.04 may be something that you want to consider installing. Even if you’ve never installed another operating system before Ubuntu may change your views. The operating system has all of the elements a top operating system needs. It moves fast and smoothly, you don’t have to worry about things jerking while you try to move them, and above all else you can expect to find things in the user interface where they should logically be.

Some users of Ubuntu have noticed the speed difference over operating systems such as Windows Vista. Some of the most noticeable differences take place when you run multiple programs and test the operating system’s multitasking capabilities. Ubuntu also has fixed problems with installing drivers.

Microsoft has produced its greatest operating system yet with Windows 7. However, the Leopard operating system has erratic behavior that has lowered its ranking as an operating system. The bottom line is that Ubuntu has risen to a level where it can compete with Mac and Windows.

It’s amazing to see such a beautiful operating system emerge so unexpectedly. While there are other operating systems that are free and open source such as Linux, Ubuntu combines the best of both worlds.

If computer users have never tried another operating system before, then you may want to try Ubuntu before you run out and purchase the latest release of Windows or Mac’s OS. It’s free to try and who knows you may like it better than other operating systems.
You may be surprised to find that Ubuntu is truly a diamond in the rough.

Source: CNET

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There are many things that you should consider when buying a computer. For many, these things range from peripherals to processors. If you have wads of cash to spare, then you would definitely not settle for anything less than a Creative GigaWorks S750 or a Harman Kardon SoundSticks II for speakers, and the latest Intel Core 2 Duo chip for your PC’s processor.

There’s a very important consideration, though, that lies beneath the glam of the unit, and I’m not talking about the processor. The PC-Mac rivalry isn’t just about which unit has the coolest shell design. Rather, it’s about which architecture can best serve the needs of the user.

Of Frameworks and Platforms

In order for you to be able to distinguish between a PC and a Mac, let me give a brief background as to their origin. While the term “PC” generally refers to any computer, it also has a technical meaning. IBM gave birth to the PC, and as such, the term refers to computers that are based on the IBM design. On the other hand, the Macintosh (Mac) is a computer built by Apple.

The two were made from different blueprints. The PC is based on the Intel model, while the Mac follows the Power PC architecture designed by Apple, Motorola, and also partly by IBM. Since they were made from different frameworks, the two computers cannot run applications designed for a particular architecture. In other words, you cannot run PC-based software on a Mac and vice versa.

An Attempt to Unify

There really isn’t a competition between the two. For one thing, the PC has long captured the market and is the preferred class or architecture. There’s a growing fondness for the Mac, though. However, the Apple fad isn’t strong enough to unseat the PC as the unit of choice.

While the PC and the Mac could definitely coexist, a good number of users of both platforms are clamoring for the unification of the two. Thus, in 2006, Apple boss Steve Jobs announced that the Mac would depart from the Power PC architecture and would already follow the Intel blueprint. The development now makes it possible for Windows to be able to run on the Mac.

The shift was not well received by die hard Mac fans, though. They consider the Macintosh as a novelty that shouldn’t be modified by the PC. This is one of the reasons why the compatibility issue still exists and that Windows still hasn’t invaded the Apple desktops.

Both Vulnerable

Some Mac fans claim that their unit is less vulnerable to malware attack. This may be true, but not due to the reason that their architecture or OS is more barb-wired than the PC. It could just very well be that hackers favor Windows as the object of their affection since it is the most popular operating system in the world. Macs do need protective software like the PC, such as registry cleaners and antivirus programs.

You should definitely consider the compatibility issue when choosing between a Mac and a PC. If you want to play it safe, choose a PC-based unit. It’s the architecture that is widely accepted and used around the world.

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Many predict that 2008 will be the year when laptops would finally succeed in their bid to dethrone desktops as the PC of choice. I agree.

For two decades, the desktop has lorded over almost all conceivable machines which could read and process electronic data. It was supposed to be the “future” of data processing. Everybody thought that the size and shape of the PC would not change significantly for generations to come.

Small Enough?

It’s not difficult to see why many didn’t dismiss the desktop as something that’s only transitional. Back when hard disks were still as big as cupboards, many wished for a computer that could easily fit one’s bedroom without having to throw out everything in it, including the bed. It took several decades before that prayer was answered. When IBM came out with a design that perfectly fitted study and office tables, many fostered the conviction that this was what a computer should look like and that any alteration of its structure would considerably diminish its appeal and even functionality.

Of course, being the only constant thing in this world aside from politics, change redefined the looks and functions of the PC. The world shrunk, and time became a very expensive commodity. Everything has to be done fast. While the term “multitasking” was already popular even during the days of Windows 3.1, the word took on a whole new different meaning a decade after the IT industry had started to blabber it as if it was a cuss word.

Run Run Run

As we all know, recent operating systems allow the juggling of different tasks, functions, or programs. Depending on the amount of memory and the type of processor that your computer have, large applications like CAD or multimedia programs could run side by side with other software. Nobody now asks if one could perform several things at the same time on a computer. The question has already been answered a long time ago.

Now that programs could already be ran simultaneously in a single computer, the question that was next asked is if one could still run all of them while he is actually running. As I have intimated a while back, everybody seems to be running after time and running out of it. Eight hours seem to be just eight minutes. It’s not surprising then when people started to wish that they could bring and do their tasks even when they’re out of the office.

Personal Accessory

To inaccurately borrow the words of the HP slogan, laptops made personal computers personal again. While mainframes exponentially shrunk to desktop size, it still isn’t exactly personal and portable as your watch or mobile phone. You simply can’t bring it anywhere, well at least not conveniently.

Everybody is maximizing the use of his or her time. It’s not surprising then if people treat travel time as an extension of their office hours. Laptops are not just becoming more affordable, but more importantly, they are also making time an affordable commodity. Don’t be surprised, then, if laptop sales exceed desktop purchases this year.

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New Year’s fast approaching. In fact, I could already see fireworks challenging the moon outside my window at this very instance. The sight is a treat. It’s not everyday that I see something new or spectacular whenever I peek out on the window.

Speaking of windows, do you expect to see something new and exciting on your desktop this coming New Year? If you’re using an operating system other than Vista, then chances are, you couldn’t or shouldn’t expect much. I still haven’t discarded XP on my old PC, and honestly I’m starting to get tired of looking at the same old desktop themes and menus.

Vista for Less

Of course, there’s a quick fix to that eyesore. I think I’ve already provided a solution to this problem on my December 26 post (Skin-Deep). There are many available Windows themes on the Web. The one that I’ve featured in the said article is a freeware by OrdinarySoft. Like most freebies on the Net, it doesn’t pack all the features of the program. You have to buy the full version. But the limited/trial version doesn’t expire. And if you’re just after the skin, then you don’t have to skin your wallet to get what you want from the program.

If you’re not a Vista fan though, or if you think that the new Microsoft OS is still aesthetically challenged, then OrdinarySoft’s mimicry of Vista would obviously just spoil your New Year. So let’s check on another alternative in cyberspace.

Willingly Deceived

Stardock provides a library of Windows themes that would surely make you look forward to opening your PC (except if you’re doing the same at the office and you’re up against a deadline). The program, called WindowBlinds, changes every perceivable detail of your desktop, be it the start menu, task bars, and even the buttons. I tried installing the trial version and it was great. My old PC suddenly seemed to have been rejuvenated. Well, not really. I mean it’s still slow, but the new theme makes the wait quite bearable.

WindowBlinds makes you feel and think that your PC is running on an entirely new OS. You may argue that the program is just a foolish superficial deception. Maybe. But the fact that many purchased Vista just for its skin makes theme programs very good alternatives. Nobody’s complaining about XP’s performance. In fact, it’s more reliable than Vista. The only complain that XP owners have about their OS is that it looks old.

Camouflaged

Installing programs like WindowsBlind may seem harmless, especially since it’s only skin deep. But be very careful when introducing any application that you’ve downloaded on the Internet, especially if the author of the same is unknown. Spyware are sometimes disguised as legitimate programs, and in most cases, they do seem to be genuine apps since they look like and perform the functions of the application that they purport to be. However, there’s more to it than meets the eye because the spyware is running simultaneously with the installed application and is camouflaged by the latter.

Make sure that you’re security suite is updated whenever you download and install programs from the Net, especially if the source is unknown or dubious. Many spyware focus on system files, including the operating system’s registry. So be sure you have a registry cleaner installed in order to protect your PC from veiled intruders. Start your New Year right by keeping your life (I mean your PC) safe and secured. Install RegCure and make 2008 a trouble-free and efficient year for you Happy New Year!

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Now who would’ve thought that this would be possible?

Microsoft and Cisco have recently acknowledged the need to be interdependent in an industry where monopoly is shunned outright. The top honchos of both corporations recently met to discuss ways for the two IT leaders to cross-sell their products to their respective customer bases.

The unusual cooperation stemmed not only from mutual respect, but also on demands by consumer for the integration of both companies’ products. It’s not easy to avoid the goods produced by the two IT giants. Microsoft’s Windows runs around 80% of PCs all over the world, while Cisco has about the same amount or degree of share as far as the IP networking industry is concerned.

Many are hopeful that this new development between two of the world’s IT leaders would spark a new trend of cooperation and openness between all the players in the sector. This would definitely eliminate compatibility problems that hound many PC users when integrating products from different manufacturers.

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A few weeks ago, I’ve written an entry regarding the dizzying pace at which chipmakers are churning out processors in their manufacturing plants. I lamented that many of those who bought the Core Duo model felt cheated when Intel released the Core 2 Duo unit in just a short span of time after it has introduced the former.

At the rate Intel and AMD are going, one might not help but wonder on how are we going to use or what are we going to do with all that computing muscle. The two chip-making giants have been injecting steroids in their products in order to meet the processing requirements of various applications, especially Windows Vista. However, many experts are now saying that Intel and AMD might have overshot the runway by about a mile and a half.

Wait for Me

There was a time when software manufacturers were constantly whining on how slow chipmakers are in developing a processor that could fully exploit or support the full potentials of the former’s products. Indeed, the computers back then seemed to be always inadequate. Intel and AMD can’t seem to satisfy the insatiable demands of programs, especially those which involve image or video editing, for more computing power.

Things have drastically changed since then. The lot of software authors and chipmakers has taken a 180-degree turn. It’s the application manufacturers’ turn now to do be the “it” in their game of tag with Intel and AMD. Processors have not only become faster, but it also developed multiple brain or cores.

Fitting Everything in One Package

A few years ago, Consumers and chipmakers were toying with the idea of putting two processors in one motherboard. The idea seemed plausible, although those who entertained the scheme were turned off by the thought of introducing PCs that are preposterously expensive due to the fact that it has two chips.

Advances in chip-making during the past 3 years have enabled Intel and AMD to assimilate 2 or more cores into just one chip. This proved to be more economical and viable than the 2-chip unit. Both manufacturers immediately embraced the idea.

We Can Only Use One

Software manufacturers hailed the developments in the chip-making industry. Sadly, they could not yet exploit the full potentials or capabilities of the dual or multiple core chips that are already available in the market. Many of the programs that are being sold today are not designed to take advantage of the multiple processing capabilities of the chips. Hence, the extra power of the CPU is wasted. It’s as if the computer is just running on a single core processor.

Rude Awakening

Program makers admit that they are lagging behind in the race. In the recently held Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) in Los Angeles, software giants urged each other to come up with products that would be able flex every muscle of the computer. Even this year’s most talked-about application, Windows Vista, is not designed to make use of every core of multiple-brained chips. Microsoft’s Ty Carlson expressed the need for the next Windows to be able to fully utilize the number of processing cores that would be hailed or considered as the industry standard in the future or during the period when the new OS would be released.

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