Clean up after Windows Update

When Windows Update runs under Windows XP it creates hidden folders named $NtUninstall... within the Windows folder containing the files needed in order to remove the update. These folders may be removed to save disk space.

It is important to understand that if you remove these folders then it will not be possible to uninstall the corresponding Windows updates. However, it is rarely necessary to remove Windows updates, and when it is necessary, this usually becomes apparent immediately after installation of the update. There is very little risk involved in removing updates that have been installed and in use for more than a couple of weeks.

Solution

You can simply delete the folders with names starting with $NtUninstall. However, Windows Update creates a log of the installation, as well as entries in the registry that allow the update to be removed using Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs. These entries need to be removed as well, in order to avoid leaving invalid uninstall information.

Method 1

Removing the folders and registry entries manually.

• In Windows Explorer, click on Tools, Folder Options and select the View tab.
  
• Ensure that Show hidden files and folders is selected.
  
• Open the Windows folder.
  
• Locate a $NtUninstall... folder.
  
• Note the name or KB number that follows Uninstall.
  
• Delete the folder.
  
• Delete the .log file with the name noted above.
  
• Start the Registry Editor.
  
• Expand SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
  
• Delete the subkey with the name noted above.
  
• Expand SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Management\ARPCache
  
• Delete the subkey with the name noted above.

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Missing or corrupt hal.dll

Missing or corrupt hal.dll

At start-up, you receive the error message: "Missing or corrupt <Windows root>\system32\hal.dll" and Windows does not boot.



This error message will occur if Windows does not find the critical system file hal.dll in the location specified in the boot.ini file. This usually occurs because something (such as Bios settings changes) may have changed the drive letter allocations so the Windows folder is no longer C:\Windows (or whatever it was.) Another possibility is that the boot.ini file has been corrupted or changed. A slight possibility is that the file hal.dll is corrupted.
Method 1

* Check the system Bios settings to ensure that the drive settings have not changed.

If this does not resolve the problem, try Method 2.
Method 2

Repair using Spotmau PowerSuite boot CD. This is the easiest method.

* Insert the Spotmau PowerSuite boot CD and start the computer.
* Select Windows Recovery.
* Select Windows NT/2000/XP/2003.
* Select Recover HAL and SYSTEM.
* Choose the correct Windows version, e.g. Windows XP.
* Click Recover.





Alternatively, try Method 3.
Method 3

This method requires a Windows XP
CD-ROM.
* Insert the Windows XP CD and start the computer
* Press R to repair Windows when prompted to do so.
* Select the Windows installation that you want to repair.
* Type the administrator password when prompted to do so.
* At the command prompt type bootcfg /rebuild and press Enter.
* When Add installation to boot list? is displayed, type Y.
* When Enter Load Identifier: is displayed, type the name of the operating system, e.g. Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Home Edition.
* When Enter OS Load options: is displayed, just press Enter, leaving the field blank.
* Restart the computer and select the first item on the boot menu. Windows XP should now start normally.
* Click Start, Run, type msconfig.exe and press Enter.
* Select the Boot.ini tab.
* Click Check All Boot Paths to remove the incorrect entry.











Applies to

* Microsoft Windows NT
* Microsoft Windows 2000
* Microsoft Windows XP






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How to repair Windows

If Windows XP is behaving oddly, or you cannot boot the system or log in, the issues may be resolved by performing a repair installation.

Solution

Unfortunately, a repair installation can only be carried out if you have a Windows XP installation CD.

• Insert the Windows installation CD in the drive and start the computer.
• When prompted to do so, press a key to start your computer from the Windows XP CD.
• When the message To setup Windows XP now appears, press Enter.
• When the Welcome to Setup screen appears, press Enter.
• When the Windows XP Licensing Agreement appears, press F8 to agree.
• Make sure that your current installation of Windows XP is selected, then press R to repair Windows XP.
• Follow the instructions to complete the repair installation.

Applies to

• Microsoft Windows XP

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Cannot log in to Windows

When you log in to Windows, the computer immediately saves your settings, logs off and returns to the login screen again.

This is the result of a corrupt or invalid registry entry, which may have been changed by a virus or spyware. Therefore you are strongly advised to scan your computer for viruses and spyware as soon as possible.

Solution

Method 1

Try this method if you can start Windows in safe mode:

• Boot into safe mode.
  
• Click Start, Run and enter regedit
  
• Expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft \Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
  
• Select the Winlogon folder.
  
• If the right-hand pane contains an entry named OldUserinit:
  - delete the entry named Userinit
  - rename OldUserinit to Userinit.
  
• Check that the value of Userinit is "C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe," (the comma at the end of the string is important.) Note: if your Windows folder is not C:\Windows, modify the path accordingly.

Method 2

If you have a Microsoft Windows installation CD:

• Perform a repair installation.

Method 3

Try taking the hard drive and attaching it to another Windows XP computer as a slave, or by using a USB-to-IDE adapter. Alternatively you can try making a BartPE recovery CD and booting the computer from that. Any method can be used that gives you read/write access to the hard drive.
Often, the registry entry referred to above has been changed from userinit.exe to wsaupdater.exe. Therefore you have a good chance of success if you just copy Windows\System32\userinit.exe to Windows\System32\wsaupdater.exe

Method 4

Gain read/write access to your hard drive from another computer running the same version of Windows.

• Log in as administrator.
  
• Ensure that Windows Explorer folder options have enabled Show hidden files and folders.
  
• Click Start, Run and enter regedit
  
• Select HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
  
• Click File, Load Hive, then navigate to Windows\System32\Config on your hard drive (not the host system!)
  
• Select system and click Open.
  
• For Enter a Key name type anything.
  
• Expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft \Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
  
• Select the Winlogon folder.
  
• If the right-hand pane contains an entry named OldUserinit:
  - delete the entry named Userinit
  - rename OldUserinit to Userinit.
  
• Check that the value of Userinit is "C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe," (the comma at the end of the string is important.) Note: if your Windows folder is not C:\Windows, modify the path accordingly. This is the Windows path when the drive is in use in your computer, not the drive letter it has currently.
  
• When you have made the changes click File, Unload Hive.

Applies to

• Microsoft Windows 2000
  
• Microsoft Windows XP

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NTLDR is missing

When you boot your computer you receive the message "NTLDR is missing".

This message means that the Windows boot loader cannot be found. This is often the result of trying to boot from a disk that is not a boot disk. If not, it means that the boot loader file has been lost or corrupted.

Solution

Method 1

Disonnect any removable drives, and check that there are no CDs or DVDs in the CD/DVD drives, then restart.
If this does not resolve the problem, try Method 2.

Method 2

Repair using Spotmau PowerSuite boot CD.

• Insert the Spotmau PowerSuite boot CD and start the computer.
  
• Select Windows Recovery.
  
• Select Windows NT/2000/XP/2003.
  
• Select Recover NTLDR and NTDETECT.
  
• Choose the correct Windows version, e.g. Windows XP.
  
• Click Recover.

Applies to

• Microsoft Windows 2000
  
• Microsoft Windows XP

 


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Get a Security tab in XP Home file and folder properties

Windows XP Home Edition doesn't have a Security tab on the Properties page of files and folders. The only way to change the access rights for files and folders is with the command line utility CACLS, which is not very easy to use. However, it's possible to get the Security tab, which provides a much easier way to change the access permissions for files and folders.

Solution

Method 1

The Security tab is visible in Windows XP Home only when Safe mode is used.

• Start Windows XP Home in Safe mode.

Method 2 

Download and install the Security Configuration Manager from Microsoft.

• Click on this link, and save the download somewhere handy.
  
• Run the downloaded file, which is a self extracting archive.
  
• Choose a suitable empty folder to hold the extracted files (by default the self-extractor uses the location it is run from) and click OK.
  
• Open the folder containing the extracted files.
  
• Locate the file named setup or setup.inf.
  
• Right-click this file, and select Install.
  
• A progress window will appear, and you will be prompted to restart the computer.
  
• Restart Windows.

Upon restart, file and folder properties dialogs should have a Security tab showing their access permissions.

Applies to:

• Windows XP Home Edition 

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How to restore the registry when Windows XP won't boot at all

If the Windows XP registry is badly corrupted, you may be unable to start Windows even in safe mode, preventing you from using System Restore. However, you can restore the registry backups contained in a restore point using the Recovery Console.

Solution

To carry out the steps described below you must have access to a Microsoft Windows XP installation CD, which you can boot from to access the Recovery Console.
If you don't have a Windows XP CD, you can carry out the same steps using a different boot CD such as Bart's Preinstalled Environment (BartPE) bootable live windows CD/DVD. The same principles, if not the same commands, could also be applied when using a Linux-based recovery disc such as the Ultimate Boot CD.

• Check the boot priority in the Bios settings to ensure the computer will boot from CD-Rom.
  
• Boot from your Windows XP CD.
  
• Start Windows Setup.
  
• Press R to access the recovery console.
  
• Select your Windows installation.
  
• Type the administrator password (just press enter if you don't have one.)
  
• Enter the following commands:
  CD C:\
  CD "system volume information\_resto~1"
  DIR
  
• Pick the restore point (RPx) you wish to use, using the folder date stamps to guide you.
  
• Enter the commands:
  CD RPx (x is the restore point you chose)
  CD SNAPSHOT
  
• Copy the registry backups so that they overwrite the existing registry files:
  COPY _registry_machine_system C:\Windows\System32\Config\System
  COPY _registry_machine_software C:\Windows\System32\Config\Software
  COPY _registry_machine_sam C:\Windows\System32\Config\Sam
  COPY _registry_machine_security C:\Windows\System32\Config\Security
  COPY _registry_user_.default C:\Windows\System32\Config\Default
  
  
• Type the command exit to close the Recovery Console and restart the computer.

Applies to

• Microsoft Windows XP 

 




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Boot straight to your desktop in Windows XP

Do you find it annoying that Windows asks you to log in when you start your computer, even though you are the only user? Would you like to have Windows go straight to your desktop on startup?

Solution

• Click Start, Run, and enter control userpasswords2 .
  
• Clear the check box captioned Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer.
  
• Click OK.
  
• Enter the user name and password for the account you want to log in to at start-up.

Applies to

• Microsoft Windows XP 

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How to Automate the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP

Cleanmgr.exe is designed to clear unnecessary files from your computer's hard disk. You can use command-line options to specify that Cleanmgr.exe cleans up certain files. You can then schedule the task to run at a specific time by using the Scheduled Tasks tool.

To start the Disk Cleanup tool, either run the Cleanmgr.exe command, or click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup.

Disk Cleanup supports the following command-line options:

• /d driveletter: - This option specifies the drive that you want Disk Cleanup to clean.
  
  Note: The /d option is not utilized with /sagerun: n.
• /sageset: n - This option displays the Disk Cleanup Settings dialog box and also creates a registry key to store the settings that you select. The n value, which is stored in the registry, allows you to specify tasks for Disk Cleanup to run. The n value can be any integer value from 0 to 65535. To have all of the options available when you use the /sageset option, you might need to specify the drive where Windows is installed.
• /sagerun: n - This option runs the specified tasks that are assigned to the n value if you use the \sageset option. All drives on the computer are enumerated and the selected profile runs against each drive.
  
  For example, in Scheduled Tasks, you could run the following command after you run the cleanmgr /sageset:11 command:
  
  cleanmgr /sagerun:11
  This command runs Disk Cleanup and includes the options that you specified with the cleanmgr /sageset:11 command.

The options for the files that you can specify for Disk Cleanup by using /sageset and /sagerun include:

• Temporary Setup Files - These are files that were created by a Setup program that is no longer running.
• Downloaded Program Files - Downloaded program files are ActiveX controls and Java programs that are downloaded automatically from the Internet when you view certain pages. These files are temporarily stored in the Downloaded Program Files folder on the hard disk. This option includes a View Files button so that you can see the files before Disk Cleanup removes them. The button opens the C:\Winnt\Downloaded Program Files folder.
• Temporary Internet Files - The Temporary Internet Files folder contains Web pages that are stored on your hard disk for quick viewing. Disk Cleanup removes these page but leaves your personalized settings for Web pages intact. This option also includes a View Files button, which opens the C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 folder.
• Old Chkdsk Files - When Chkdsk checks a disk for errors, Chkdsk might save lost file fragments as files in the root folder on the disk. These files are unnecessary.
• Recycle Bin - The Recycle Bin contains files that you have deleted from the computer. These files are not permanently removed until you empty the Recycle Bin. This option includes a View Files button that opens the Recycle Bin.
• Temporary Files - Programs sometimes store temporary information in a Temp folder. Before a program quits, the program usually deletes this information. You can safely delete temporary files that have not been modified within the last week.
• Temporary Offline Files - Temporary offline files are local copies of recently used network files. These files are automatically cached so that you can use them after you disconnect from the network. A View Files button opens the Offline Files folder.
• Offline Files - Offline files are local copies of network files that you specifically want to have available offline so that you can use them after you disconnect from the network. A View Files button opens the Offline Files folder.
• Compress Old Files - Windows can compress files that you have not used recently. Compressing files saves disk space, but you can still use the files. No files are deleted. Because files are compressed at different rates, the displayed amount of disk space that you will gain is approximate. An Options button permits you to specify the number of days to wait before Disk Cleanup compresses an unused file.
• Catalog Files for the Content Indexer - The Indexing service speeds up and improves file searches by maintaining an index of the files that are on the disk. These Catalog files remain from a previous indexing operation and can be deleted safely.

If you specify cleaning up the drive that contains the Windows installation, all of these options are available on the Disk Cleanup tab. If you specify any other drive, only the Recycle Bin and the Catalog files for content index options are available on the Disk Cleanup tab.

The More Options tab contains options for cleaning up Windows components or installed programs.

• The Windows Components option creates free space by removing optional Windows components that you do not use. Clicking Clean Up starts the Windows Components Wizard.
• The Installed Programs option frees more disk space by removing programs that you do not use. Clicking Clean Up starts the Change or Remove Programs option in the Add/Remove Programs tool.

---

APPLIES TO

• Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional

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Top 5 Common Computer Problems and Solutions

If you own a computer, then you have probably encountered these computer problems before. Once you buy a computer, you must accept that sooner or later it will eventually crash due to a virus or some other massive error. If someone told you that your computer will last more than a decade, don't believe it because it is just a myth or another sales pitch. But of course, you should take care of it if you want it to last for its third year without any defects.

However, there are many people that would prefer to buy a new computer than spend some time trying to fix or figure out the problem with their laptop or desktop. Usually after the first two years, you will need some kind of maintenance because your computer will tend to lose its original speed and performance. Well, here are some if the common problems that a computer user usually experience.

You may ask why your computer has problems. To tell you frankly, most of the time the biggest problem that your computer has is YOU – the owner or the user. There are many people that neglect the first signs of computer problems. You shouldn't neglect those simple maintenance tasks that can enhance or prolong the life of your computer.

1. Computer speed or performance has slowed.

One of the things that computer owners usually notice is this. There are several reasons why this happens to your computer. Lack of maintenance, fragmented data, corrupted registry, spyware, and unnecessary loading of computer programs and services can surely affect your PC speed and performance. Managing your programs and cleaning your registry can easily boost your computer's performance speed up to 30%.

2. Computer system freezes and blue screens of death.

You need to do some serious diagnostic procedures to effectively know the problem with your computer. Computer virus or spyware are maybe some of the reasons why this is happening to your computer. Update your anti-spyware immediately to avoid this kind of problem and thoroughly scan your computer to see if it has any viruses or spywares. If you find that your computer is free from spyware then updating your hardware drive is the next step. Hardware drives makes it easier for your computer to effectively communicate with other hardware components. Without an updated driver the CPU locks up and may cause problems when you are using your computer. If that doesn't work try to increase your Computer RAM to help avoid computer freezes. By increasing the RAM you get more use out your computer's computing power.

3. The computer keeps on rebooting again and again.

This kind of problem is usually associated with hardware issue. Faulty power supply is usually the cause of this problem. Dirty or defective cooling fan is another reason why your computer is rebooting spontaneously. When your computer is trying to cool itself when the fan is defective it automatically switches off. Dust that accumulated in your computer can trap the heat inside which makes it hotter. What you should do is to clean the fan and make sure that it is running properly. Do not forget to check your power supply.

4. Noises and vibrations.

This one is almost certainly that your have hardware issue. High pitched noises can be caused by electronic components. Whatever the reason, you conduct a small investigation. Unplug your computer and remove the case and run the computer to discover the origin of noise. If a loose wire or faulty fan is not the one that is making the noise then it may be time to call a computer tech to help you with your problem.

5. Your browser home page changed itself.

It is known as "high-jacking" which is also caused by a Spyware installed on your system. The spyware in your computer installed a javascript into your web browser that tells your browser to change settings hence changing the default home page of your browser. What you can do is to run an anti-virus or spyware program to remove the spyware from your computer.

All of the problems stated in this article can be avoided easily by simply maintaining your computer. Do not panic when you are experiencing a computer problem with your pc because the key to fixing that problem is to properly diagnose to identify what's happening to your computer. Take a few minutes to run some diagnostic test or seek help in computer forums before you rush out to computer technical center.

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How to Convert FAT Disks to NTFS

How to Convert FAT Disks to NTFS

This article describes how to convert FAT disks to NTFS. See the Terms sidebar for definitions of FAT, FAT32 and NTFS. Before you decide which file system to use, you should understand the benefits and limitations of each of them.
Changing a volume's existing file system can be time–consuming, so choose the file system that best suits your long–term needs. If you decide to use a different file system, you must back up your data and then reformat the volume using the new file system. However, you can convert a FAT or FAT32 volume to an NTFS volume without formatting the volume, though it is still a good idea to back up your data before you convert.
Note  Some older programs may not run on an NTFS volume, so you should research the current requirements for your software before converting.

Choosing Between NTFS, FAT, and FAT32

You can choose between three file systems for disk partitions on a computer running Windows XP: NTFS, FAT, and FAT32. NTFS is the recommended file system because it's is more powerful than FAT or FAT32, and includes features required for hosting Active Directory as well as other important security features. You can use features such as Active Directory and domain–based security only by choosing NTFS as your file system.

Converting to NTFS Using the Setup Program

The Setup program makes it easy to convert your partition to the new version of NTFS, even if it used FAT or FAT32 before. This kind of conversion keeps your files intact (unlike formatting a partition).
Setup begins by checking the existing file system. If it is NTFS, conversion is not necessary. If it is FAT or FAT32, Setup gives you the choice of converting to NTFS. If you don't need to keep your files intact and you have a FAT or FAT32 partition, it is recommended that you format the partition with NTFS rather than converting from FAT or FAT32. (Formatting a partition erases all data on the partition and allows you to start fresh with a clean drive.) However, it is still advantageous to use NTFS, regardless of whether the partition was formatted with NTFS or converted.

Converting to NTFS Using Convert.exe

A partition can also be converted after Setup by using Convert.exe. For more information about Convert.exe, after completing Setup, click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then press ENTER. In the command window, type help convert, and then press ENTER.
It is easy to convert partitions to NTFS. The Setup program makes conversion easy, whether your partitions used FAT, FAT32, or the older version of NTFS. This kind of conversion keeps your files intact (unlike formatting a partition.

To find out more information about Convert.exe

1. 
   After completing Setup, click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then press ENTER.
   
2. 
   In the command window, type help convert and then press ENTER. Information about converting FAT volumes to NTFS is made available as shown below.
   
   
   Converting FAT volumes to NTFS

To convert a volume to NTFS from the command prompt

1. 
   Open Command Prompt. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Command Prompt.
   
2. 
   In the command prompt window, type: convert drive_letter: /fs:ntfs
   

For example, typing convert D: /fs:ntfs would format drive D: with the ntfs format. You can convert FAT or FAT32 volumes to NTFS with this command.
Important  Once you convert a drive or partition to NTFS, you cannot simply convert it back to FAT or FAT32. You will need to reformat the drive or partition which will erase all data, including programs and personal files, on the partition.

Terms
File Allocation Table (FAT)
A file system used by MS-DOS and other Windows-based operating systems to organize and manage files. The file allocation table (FAT) is a data structure that Windows creates when you format a volume by using the FAT or FAT32 file systems. Windows stores information about each file in the FAT so that it can retrieve the file later.
FAT32
A derivative of the file allocation table (FAT) file system. FAT32 supports smaller cluster sizes and larger volumes than FAT, which results in more efficient space allocation on FAT32 volumes.
NTFS File System
An advanced file system that provides performance, security, reliability, and advanced features that are not found in any version of FAT. For example, NTFS guarantees volume consistency by using standard transaction logging and recovery techniques. If a system fails, NTFS uses its log file and checkpoint information to restore the consistency of the file system. In Windows 2000 and Windows XP, NTFS also provides advanced features such as file and folder permissions, encryption, disk quotas, and compression.

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How to make long URLs shorter

If you need to give a link to a long web address full of gobbledygook in an email, forum post or blog entry, you often find that the link doesn't work when you click it because word wrap has broken it.

Even normal web addresses can be a problem if you have to read them over the phone, or put them in an ad or print article. People may type them incorrectly, and perhaps end up at another site entirely.

Solution

The answer is to use an URL shortener like imraninfo.co.cc.  This is a service that converts any web address to one that's much shorter, like this http://imraninfo.co.cc and then redirects people who use this short address to the original one.
There are many URL shortening services on the Internet. The best-known is TinyURL.com. However, unscrupulous people have exploited the fact that short addresses hide the true identity of a site, to trick people into visiting sites infested with pop-ups, spyware and offensive content. Some URL shorteners now offer an option of a preview page that lets you see where you are going to be taken before you go there. But you still need to know about this option before you can use it, and those who are most vulnerable to such trickery are often the least knowledgeable computer users.
The imraninfo.co.cc URL shortening service is provided by Tech-Pro.net, creators of The PC Guru. It aims to create safer short URLs that you can trust in several ways. Addresses are screened before creation so that links to spam advertised sites are prevented. The short URLs created by xaddr.com always open a preview page, and the user must click on the link on the preview page to reach the destination. The address is checked a second time, and users are also given a link that will show them the SiteAdvisor rating for the destination.

Applies to:

• all platforms
  

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Outlook Express sends two copies of message

Emails that you send using Outlook Express have an attachment containing a copy of the message.

Solution

This effect is observed if you have configured Outlook Express Read options to Read all messages in plain text, but are still sending messages in HTML format. Outlook Express creates a dummy attachment with the formatted (HTML) copy of the message, so that you can easily view it if needed. It does this for incoming messages as well.
To resolve the issue, configure Outlook Express to send messages using plain text.

• Open Outlook Express.
  
• Click on Tools, Options and select the Send tab.
  
• Deselect Reply to messages using the format in which they were sent.
  
• Set Mail Sending Format to Plain Text.

Applies to

• Microsoft Outlook Express 6  

  






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How to repair Internet Explorer

If you experience problems when using Microsoft Internet Explorer, the first thing you should do is scan your system for spyware using a good anti-spyware product. Spyware can interfere with the operation of the browser and cause unexpected problems.

If this does not help, then many problems are most easily resolved by reinstalling or repairing Microsoft Internet Explorer. There are two ways to achieve this.
Method 1

• Using Windows Explorer, open the Windows folder
  
• Open the subfolder Inf
  
• Locate the file named ie.inf
  
• Right-click ie.inf and select Install.

If Windows was installed from CD, you will be prompted to insert the CD during the repair.
Method 2

• Download and reinstall Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 from Internet Explorer Downloads.

If you receive the message "Setup has detected a newer version of Internet Explorer already installed on this system.
Setup cannot continue."when you try to reinstall Internet Explorer, then you must modify the Registry to make it appear that Internet Explorer is not already installed. To do this:

• Open the Registry Editor.
  
• Expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components\{89820200-ECBD-11cf-8B85-00AA005B4383}.
  
• Select the {89820200-ECBD-11cf-8B85-00AA005B4383} folder.
  
• In the right-hand pane, double-click the value IsInstalled and change it from 1 to 0.
  
• Try reinstalling IE6 again. 

Applies to

• Microsoft Internet Explorer 6
  
• Microsoft Windows XP 

 




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Disable Desktop Cleanup Wizard

Windows XP has a feature that periodically offers to remove unused icons from your desktop. A balloon appears to say "There are unused icons on your desktop." If you would prefer to decide for yourself if or when to remove desktop icons, here's what to do.

Solution

• Right-click the desktop and select Properties.
  
• In the Display Properties dialog box select the Desktop tab.
  
• Click Customize Desktop.
  
• In the Desktop Items dialog box clear the Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard every 60 days check box.
  
• Click OK to close the dialog boxes.

Applies to:

• Windows XP

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Microsoft Word: "Macros in this project are disabled"

When starting and closing Microsoft Word, a message box appears headed "Microsoft Visual Basic" which states: "The macros in this project are disabled. Please refer to the online help or documentation of the host application to determine how to enable macros."

Solution

This problem may be resolved either by enabling macros, or by removing the macros. Macros are Visual Basic program code that can be embedded in a document to perform some function. However, macros may be used for malicious purposes (for example, macro viruses).

Method 1

Enable macro support in Microsoft Word.

• Scan your computer for viruses using an up-to-date virus checker, to ensure that the macros are not malicious. If the virus checker finds a virus, do not enable macro support.
  
• Click on Tools, Macros, Security or Tools, Options and select the Security tab (depending on your version of Microsoft Word.)
  
• Click the Advanced or Macro Security button.
  
• Set the security level for macros to Medium.
  
• Click OK to save the changes.

Method 2

Remove the default document template containing the macros. This method will, unfortunately, cause some Microsoft Word preferences to be lost.

• Start Microsoft Word.
  
• Click on Tools, Options and select File Locations.
  
• Note the location of the User Templates folder.
  
• Close Microsoft Word.
  
• Using Windows Explorer, navigate to the User Templates folder.
  
• Select the file normal.dot and rename it to xnormal.dot.
  
• Restart Microsoft Word and a new, default normal.dot will be created.

Applies to:

• Microsoft Word (all versions) 

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Stop Firefox scrolling through history

If you use a trackpad on a laptop, you may find that Firefox scrolls back and forward through history as you move the mouse pointer over its window.

Solution

This behavior can be prevented in the Firefox configuration.

• Enter about:config into the address bar and press Enter.
  
• Search for mousewheel.horizscroll.withnokey.action.
  
• Double-click this item and set its value to 0.
  
• Search for mousewheel.horizscroll.withnokey.sysnumlines.
  
• Double-click it to change the value from false to true.

Applies to

• Mozilla Firefox 

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How to open a cab file

A cab file (or cabinet file) is a file containing one or more files - called an archive - which have been compressed into a single file to save space. The files within the cab file must be extracted to a folder such as My Documents or your Desktop, before they can be used. If the cab file contains a program that you want to run, it is best to create a temporary folder into which to extract the files, before you run it.

If you have Windows XP

Windows XP already has support for opening cabinet files. When you open a cab file in Windows Explorer, you will see the contents listed just as if it was an ordinary folder. You can drag and drop the contents to an ordinary folder before opening or running them.
Windows XP support for cab files is read only. You cannot create your own cab files, or add files to an existing cabinet. For a more robust solution to the problem of working with cab files, use Alpha ZIP.

If you have another version of Windows

There is no built-in support for opening cab files in versions of Windows that preceded Windows XP. There are many archive manager programs available on the Web, many of which support the cab format in addition to more common archive formats such as zip.
The PC Guru recommends Alpha ZIP. This software adds support for cab files and several other archive types to Windows Explorer, so that they can be treated just like folders. Alpha ZIP is more intuitive and easy to use than products which require you to use a separate application with its own user interface to work with cab files.

Applies to

• Microsoft Windows 95
• Microsoft Windows 98
• Microsoft Windows Me
• Microsoft Windows XP 

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Designing a simple website banner with a logo using Photoshop

Designing a simple website banner with a logo using Photoshop
Simple step-by-step tutorial on how to create a web site banner and logo in Photoshop. The sample .psd and completed website are also included.
A banner or a header is a graphic that is found at the top of a web site which usually displays the company name and the logo. It is often the first thing a person sees when they open the website. The blending of colors should be attractive, informative, comfortable for the eye and help to convince the viewer to stay on your site.

Let's start with our banner. Here we have a general banner and the colors used are soothing to the eyes. It can be used for a fashion and beauty banner or a personal or holiday banner as well.

Follow the below steps to create the above website banner :

Step 1 : Creating the banner size
Open a new file by clicking on File>Open. Make the file size width of 780px and height of 120px. You can go till 140px for the height. You can make a banner flexible according to your design.

Step 2: Giving the background color
Create a new layer. Name it bgcolor. Give a background color by doing the following:

• Change the foreground color to #E4D1B8.
• Click on the Paint Bucket Tool seen in the tools panel on the right.
• Click on the canvas with your mouse. Your background color is now changed to the new color.

Step 3 : Giving the inside background color
Create a new layer. Name it insidecolor. Select Rectangular Marquee Tool seen in the tools panel on the right. Make the rectangle size width of 760px and height of 100px inside the background. Fill it with color # C64866 using the paint bucket tool.

Step 4 : Creating the logo background
Create a new layer. Name it logobkg. Select Rectangular Marquee Tool. Make the rectangle size width of 120px and height of 100px. Put the rectangle in the left side of the banner. Fill it with black color # 000000.

Step 5 : Creating a logo using the custom shape tool
Create a new layer. Name it logo. Choose the custom shape tool seen in the tools panel on the right. Click on the Shape drop down menu seen on the top toolbar. Click on the arrow and select Ornaments. Look for the ornament which is in the banner.
Drag it in the logo space and position it so it comes in the middle of the logo background. Now you have a temporary ornament as a logo which can be replaced with your company logo if needed.

Step 6 : Creating the vertical lines in the banner
Create a new layer. Name it band. Select Rectangular Marquee Tool. Make the rectangle size width of 7px and height of 120px. Put the rectangle in the middle of the banner. Fill it with color # E8B0BD. Make four copies of the layer band.

To make a copy, right click on the layer and click on duplicate. A screen named Duplicate Layer will appear.


Enter name of the layer as band copy. Click on OK. Do the same with band copy2, band copy3, band copy4. Place the bands properly in the banner.

Step 8 : Creating the Logo Border
Create a new layer. Name it border. Select Rectangular Marquee Tool. Make the rectangle size width of 20px and height of 100px. Fill it with color # A63D56. Put the rectangle on the right of the logo background. Make a copy and place the new rectangle on the left of the logo background.

Step 9 : Creating the dashed lines
Now select the Horizontal Type Tool (text tool). Type" _________" using the hyphen key. Place it on the top of the banner. Make a copy, right click on the layer and click on duplicate. Place it at the bottom of the banner.

Step 10 : Adding your Company Name
With the text tool type your company name or website name with the color # FCF3E5.

Congratulations! Your website banner with the logo is ready!

An example of a layout that you can create with this header is shown below. Click here to view the website. Download the website files here.

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COLOR CHART

COLOR CHART:   ALICEBLUE #A0CE00 ANTIQUEWHITE #FAEBD7 AQUA #00FFFF AQUAMARINE #7FFFD4 AZURE #F0FFFF BEIGE #F5F5DC BISQUE #FFE4C4 BLACK #000000 BLANCHEDALMOND #FFEBCD BLUE #0000FF BLUEVIOLET #8A2BE2 BROWN #A52A2A BURLYWOOD #DEB887 CADETBLUE #5F9EA0 CHARTREUSE #7FFF00 CHOCOLATE #D2691E CORAL #FF7F50 CORNFLOWERBLUE #6495ED CORNSILK #FFF8DC CRIMSON #DC143C CYAN #00FFFF DARKBLUE #00008B DARKCYAN #008B8B DARKGOLDENROD #B8860B DARKGRAY #A9A9A9 DARKGREEN #006400 DARKKHAKI #BDB76B DARKMAGENTA #8B008B DARKOLIVEGREEN #556B2F DARKORANGE #FF8C00 DARKORCHID #9932CC DARKRED #8B0000 DARKSALMON #E9967A DARKSEAGREEN #8FBC8F DARKSLATEBLUE #483D8B DARKSLATEGRAY #2F4F4F DARKTURQUOISE #00CED1 DARKVIOLET #9400D3 DEEPPINK #FF1493 DEEPSKYBLUE #00BFFF DIMGRAY #696969 DODGERBLUE #1E90FF FIREBRICK #B22222 FLORALWHITE #FFFAF0 FORESTGREEN #228B22 FUCHSIA #FF00FF GAINSBORO #DCDCDC GHOSTWHITE #F8F8FF GOLD #FFD700 GOLDENROD #DAA520 GRAY #808080 GREEN #008000 GREENYELLOW #ADFF2F HONEYDEW #F0FFF0 HOTPINK #FF69B4 INDIANRED #CD5C5C INDIGO #4B0082 IVORY #FFFFF0 KHAKI #FOE68C LAVENDER #E6E6FA LAVENDERBLUSH #FFF0F5 LEMONCHIFFON #FFFACD LIGHTBLUE #ADD8E6 LIGHTCORAL #F08080 LIGHTCYAN #E0FFFF LIGHTGOLDENRODYELLOW #FAFAD2 LIGHTGREEN #90EE90 LIGHTGREY #D3D3D3 LIGHTPINK #FFB6C1 LIGHTSALMON #FFA07A LIGHTSEAGREEN #20B2AA LIGHTSKYBLUE #87CEFA LIGHTSLATEGRAY #778899 LIGHTSTEELBLUE #B0C4DE LIGHTYELLOW #FFFFE0 LIME #00FF00 LIMEGREEN #32CD32 LINEN #FAF0E6 MAGENTA #FF00FF MAROON #800000 MEDIUMAQUAMARINE #66CDAA MEDIUMBLUE #0000CD MEDIUMORCHID #BA55D3 MEDIUMPURPLE #9370D8 MEDIUMSEAGREEN #3CB371 MEDIUMSLATEBLUE #7B68EE MEDIUMSPRINGGREEN #00FA9A MEDIUMTURQUOISE #48D1CC MEDIUMVIOLETRED #C71585 MIDNIGHTBLUE #191970 MINTCREAM #F5FFFA MISTYROSE #FFE4E1 NAVAJOWHITE #FFDEAD NAVY #000080 OLDLACE #FDF5E6 OLIVE #808000 OLIVEDRAB #6B8E23 ORANGE #FFA500 ORANGERED #FF4500 ORCHID #DA70D6 PALEGOLDENROD #EEE8AA PALEGREEN #98FB98 PALETURQUOISE #AFEEEE PALEVIOLETRED #DB7093 PAPAYAWHIP #FFEFD5 PEACHPUFF #FFDA89 PERU #CD853F PINK #FFC0CB PLUM #DDA0DD POWDERBLUE #B0E0E6 PURPLE #800080 RED #FF0000 ROSYBROWN #BC8F8F ROYALBLUE #4169E1 SADDLEBROWN #8B4513 SALMON #FA8072 SANDYBROWN #F4A460 SEAGREEN #2E8B57 SEASHELL #FFF5EE SIENNA #A0522D SILVER #C0C0C0 SKYBLUE #87CEEB SLATEBLUE #6A5ACD SLATEGRAY #708090 SNOW #FFFAFA SPRINGGREEN #00FF7F STEELBLUE #4682B4 TAN #D2B48C TEAL #008080 THISTLE #D8BFD8 TOMATO #FF6347 TURQUOISE #40E0D0 VIOLET #EE82EE WHEAT #F5DEB3 WHITE #FFFFFF WHITESMOKE #F5F5F5 YELLOW #FFFF00 YELLOWGREEN #9ACD32           Enjoy!  - and feel free to copy.

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