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General Desktop

Globe and Mail Update

July 10, 2006 at 12:46 PM EDT

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The following tips and fixes deal with general desktop computer hardware and software problems:




  • CMOS checksum error, computer beeps during bootup
  • Can Windows System Restore be permanently deactivated for removable/external hard drives
  • Windows screensaver won't work
  • Windows XP doesn't detect an external USB floppy diskette drive


  • Can a notebook use a wireless network to share a printer connected to a PC?
  • Screen freezes when playing some video clips, but sound continues
  • Can't delete spyware file


  • How do you activate autofill, and the Tab shortcut for hotmail?
  • Computer shows only black screen with flashing cursor on bootup
  • Virus scan causes system to freeze, then desktop icons disappear


  • DVD burners won't allow disc to be ejected properly after burning
  • Can a digital photo too big for monitor be reduced for easy viewing?
  • Moving data from failing C: drive to create a new bootable drive


  • Volume icon gone from task tray, no sound from PC
  • Computer stuck at BIOS screen
  • Hard drive mysteriously running out of space


  • Windows crashes while viewing photos from CD
  • CD tray keeps opening and closing by itself, happens with two different drives
  • Old wallpaper reappears after rebooting


  • Burning smell, no video signal after memory upgrade
  • New PC fans keep speeding up under load
  • Monitor won't show all colours


  • Is there a way to uninstall Spyaxe?
  • PC gives 'invalid system disk' error for hard drive after Windows 98 installation
  • Hard drive appears on bootup, then system can't find it


  • Computer keeps experiencing Blue Screen of Death
  • Computer won't recognize CD-ROM drive
  • Computer stuck at BIOS screen


  • Hooking up fans in a PC case
  • Computer suddenly running slowly, computer can't keep up with typed text
  • Windows 98SE PC has slowed right down


  • Perflib — Perfdata file keeps getting created in Windows temp folder
  • Trying to paste pictures into Excel spreadsheets creates multiple copies of photos on desktop
  • Can't remove Downloader-ASN Trojan from PC


  • Sound disabled after upgrade from Windows 98 to XP
  • Is c:\WINDOWS\System32\wlnotify.dll a harmful file?
  • Perflib — Perfdata file keeps getting created in Windows temp folder


  • Keyboard and mouse won't work
  • Can you lock a Windows drive letter for a removable drive?
  • Start icon has disappeared from Windows desktop


  • Some letters on keyboard don't work
  • Computer powers up, then shuts itself off
  • Can a hard disk crash be fixed?


  • Computer shuts down during virus scans
  • Can you delete a virus that Norton can't detect?
  • Upgrade or update Windows 98?


  • Monitor loses video signal
  • Drive letters for removable USB hard drives
  • Windows XP keeps losing track of CD/DVD drives


  • Brother multifunction device won't work after XP Service Pack 2 installation
  • Optical drives, second hard drive not appearing in Windows
  • Can't install Norton Internet Security 2005


  • Windows XP won't recognize optical drives
  • Touchpad cursor prone to wandering
  • Window wrong size for monitor after changing screen resolution


  • Can old video drivers be removed safely?
  • Must RAM be an exact match?
  • Computer won't boot/makes burning smell after thunder storm


  • Keyboard works very slowly ever since holding shift key down for long period
  • Can't delete ad-related icons from Windows 98 desktop
  • System infected by trojan, hijacker


  • System sounds four beeps, shuts down, could it be overheating?
  • How can I delete a virus-filled copy of Windows 98 and start fresh?
  • Monitor makes periodic hissing sounds


  • Screensaver won't work
  • CD-ROM tray opens/closes by itself
  • Symantec alert on bootup


  • C: malfunctions after Studio MX installation
  • Hard drive keeps filling itself up with files mysteriously
  • Lexmark 3200 behaves erratically


  • McAfee renamed files, is this safe?
  • Programs won't execute using 'run' command
  • Protecting Word documents


  • No sound from Win98se PC
  • PC takes a long time to boot, shut down
  • Can't back up to disc


  • 'Checksum fault - defaults loaded' message on bootup
  • Monitor OK, but computer won't display red colour
  • Norton System Works identifies missing MAPISRVR.EXE file


  • System slows 10 minutes after boot-up, then works OK again
  • System slows 10 minutes after boot-up, then works OK again
  • Printer generates communication error message


  • Can't install publishing program
  • Can't access hard drive's files after antivirus installation
  • Program displays message 'E-drive not recognized'


  • Transferring files from DVD to desktop takes ages
  • Cursor keeps selecting text by itself
  • Burning smell, now PC powers up but no video signal or drive activity


  • Windows Update missing, Accessories list empty
  • CD, DVD drives play music but won't run programs
  • On bootup, system issues message about pending hard drive failure


  • Blue screen of death after memory upgrade
  • Computer locks up during disk defragmentation
  • Can't clear browser history in XP


  • WinXP error report window pops up when trying to open files
  • Running programs from a secondary hard drive
  • Windows 98 PC launches scandisk on boot, freezes solid, won't boot in safe mode


  • Mouse cursor jumps frequently
  • Windows XP computer won't boot properly
  • CD drives detected, but don't show up in My Computer


  • No response from wireless mouse
  • Windows clock shows wrong time, all the time
  • Can't access Windows XP Home system restore feature


  • Drive size not recognized properly by Windows ME
  • Windows XP Pro won't recognize USB devices
  • USB joystick suddenly not detected properly by XP Home


  • Can't delete Redhat Linux from dual-boot Windows 98 PC
  • Fan spins but computer won't start
  • PC freezes a few minutes after bootup


  • Can't get rid of Spybot worm
  • Mouse is sluggish, programs won't launch when icons clicked
  • USB connection drops mouse every few seconds


  • Can't access Windows administrator account
  • Windows XP Pro starts countdown, shuts itself down after about five minutes
  • Icons won't work, system has Home Search Assistant hijacker


  • Computer powers up, drives work, but there's no display
  • CD and DVD writers work alone, but not when both are installed in the PC
  • WordPerfect 9 sort functions keep disappearing


  • "Improper shutdown" message when booting Windows ME PC
  • PC freezes when burning CDs, gives bootup errors
  • Fans spin, but PC won't boot


  • Computer beeps on bootup, can't access BIOS
  • DVDshrink causes PC to reboot
  • Scanner won't work properly


  • How do you control a dual-boot system?
  • C:\Program~1\INTERN~2\inetkw.dll
  • Improper shutdown error after hard disk defrag


  • After game installation, PC gets bootup error message
  • Scandisk freezes Windows 98se PC
  • Can Bargain Buddies files be deleted permanently?


  • Norton conflict with Service Pack 2 download?
  • Formatting an NTFS drive
  • Can't erase temporary files after virus cleaned from system


  • Missing program message
  • Problems after Service Pack 2 installation failure
  • Resetting Windows administrator account


  • Wild Tangent error message on boot
  • Screensaver causes antivirus update to drop connection
  • Do I really need Quicktime running all the time?


  • Can't get rid of trojan
  • How can I stop screen logos appearing at boot-up?
  • Puzzled by new MS Works


  • Win98 defrag restarts even with all other programs deactivated
  • Anti-virus scan gives error message about missing file
  • Power settings don't work after WinME reinstallation


  • Keyboard driver blocked on installation
  • XP PC won't recognize memory card reader
  • Monitor has vertical waves


  • Problems making CD with Powerpoint XP
  • Monitor has vertical waves
  • Problems making CD with Powerpoint XP


  • Symbols on screen don't match what's typed
  • Music CDs freeze PC
  • Disaster after Windows ME recovery


  • Error code on software installation
  • How can I uninstall anti-virus software?
  • Windows disk defragmenter won't work


  • Misbehaving wireless mouse
  • Windows errors on boot-up, log-in
  • QuickLaunch tab is missing


  • Power switch won't work
  • Display is rotated 180 degrees
  • Wiping out Trojan Downloader.win32.Stubby


  • Can the Windows hardware auto-detect feature be disabled?
  • Error MSgr??32.dllfor appears when using Word spellcheck
  • Scanner won't go above 1,600 dpi


  • Scanner won't go above 1,600 dpi
  • Adware scan results in wild tangent error message on bootup
  • C: drive full, now inaccessible


  • Win98 only displays 16 colours
  • Machine takes 30 minutes to boot
  • What's the best way to remove Windows 2000?


  • Can't get rid of Start Menu shortcuts
  • Win 98se very slow
  • System hangs during boot


  • Excel icon disappears from program list
  • Machine takes 30 minutes to boot
  • What's the best way to remove Windows 2000?


  • 'Windows\System32\services\wmplayer.exe' error
  • System failure after FAT 32-to-NTFS disk conversion
  • Transferring Windows updates to new machine


  • Maintaining a Windows ME system
  • Winword causes an error in USER.EXE
  • Transferring data from Daytimer to Outlook


  • Help doesn't work in Windows
  • Dual channel memory confusion
  • Windows won't shut down


  • Attaching hard drives to motherboard
  • Can't view folders in Explorer
  • Kernel32.DLL error appears when trying to open My Computer, My Documents


  • Printing goes wrong with certain types of documents
  • Windows 'Find' feature inconsistent
  • JPG, PDF files won't open properly


  • Notebook runs hot after XP upgrade
  • PCs misbehave even after spyware, virus scans
  • System shuts itself down when connected to Internet


  • Are there generic scanner drivers?
  • CD-R suddenly slow, hanging early in burn process
  • DVD tray keeps opening on its own


  • All-in-one scanner/printer OK in standalone mode, won't print through PC
  • Scheduled tasks no longer tied to system clock
  • Accessing files after drive transfer


  • Ad-aware uninstall gone wrong
  • Transferring XP C: drive to new motherboard after board failure
  • How can I activate the Windows password prompt?


  • How can I completely eradicate an installed program?
  • Adding or deleting a program causes system to hang
  • CD-RW listed in Device Manager, but doesn't work


  • System won't play music CDs after burning disc
  • Screensaver won't work
  • System suddenly sluggish


  • Drive thrashes when desktop icons clicked
  • Windows 98se won't boot normally
  • DLL32 illegal operation messages constantly pop up


  • Lexmark USB printer won't work right under Windows XP
  • Media Player DVD playback freezes after a few minutes
  • Screen/display problems


  • Difftime error
  • Error keeps popping up even after adware scan
  • System won't come out of hibernation


  • Office application hangs, crashes
  • Anti-virus software causes modem to dial during boot
  • Old program info stuck in Remove Programs list


  • System 32 error
  • Illegal operation messages in Windows 98
  • How can I get rid of wild tangent virus?


  • C: drive disappears after external CD-ROM installation
  • Printer icons missing after XP reinstallation
  • Windows won't accept password


  • Illegal operation message on Win98 PC
  • Windows 2000 freezes
  • Illegal error when trying to access Winword


  • Hotmail and Windows update downloads fail
  • Quotation marks don't appear until next key is pressed
  • Icons keep disappearing


  • Problem transferring fonts
  • Defragger stops at 26%
  • Excel files take 15 minutes to open, close


  • Computer slow, CPU use keeps jumping to 100%
  • PC restarts spontaneously
  • Long delay after Windows password entered


  • Keyboard not responding in Windows
  • Remote procedure call error
  • Deleting MSN Gaming Zone files


  • Windows protection error, system won't start
  • CD-ROM not recognized, registry error message appears
  • Files with names like date1, system1 appear in Windows


  • System clock loses time
  • Excel files take 15 minutes to open, close
  • Unwanted icons appear on desktop


  • Windows 98 notebook very slow after printer installation
  • CD tray opens only periodically
  • Can more USB ports be added to a computer?


  • Backup wizard in XP Pro won't work
  • Importing text deletes fonts
  • Modem dialling kills sound playback


  • Photos too big for screen
  • Gator, adware problems
  • Exception integer division by zero error


  • Why does Windows shutdown take so long?
  • Deleting files for old PCMCIA card
  • Password-protecting files


  • Windows XP computer freezes
  • Kernel error after Win98 upgrade
  • Word locks up during printing


  • E: drive disappeared
  • Windows 2000 PC won't hibernate


  • How to get rid of the Windows login box
  • Porn site icons appear on system startup
  • Folder response slow in Win98


  • Windows ME machine locks up
  • Screen dark after bootup
  • Paperport problems


  • Pop up error message appears every 10 seconds
  • Is there a best order for drives on an IDE channel?
  • Display colour depth issues in Windows 98


  • Device manager COM and LPT errors
  • Connecting Apple drives to a PC
  • Windows Explorer, recycle bin cause crashes


  • Replacing Windows 95 discs
  • Icons, Start button disappear from Windows ME
  • Getting data back from drive taken from dead PC


  • Wandering cursor in Windows XP
  • RAM reported incorrectly by system properties window
  • Explorer MFC42DLL error


  • Using backup systems and a slave drive
  • Win98 machine freezes when running .midi files
  • XP PC's keyboard won't respond


  • Recovering files after CD-RW write failure
  • Windows Media Player won't recognize CD-R drive
  • DVD drive won't work after XP upgrade


  • Removing Media Player 9
  • System won't recognize CD, DVD drives
  • Identifying a virtual memory leak


  • Scandisk runs every time on Win98 bootup
  • Optical drives not recognized by Windows
  • CD tray will not open


  • Mouse cursor jumps around screen
  • Error message appears: msgsrv32 not responding
  • Can my PC work with parts from other vendors?


  • Should I buy a CD-ROM or a burner to replace broken drive?
  • PC can't detect hard drives after software installation
  • How to access display settings when you can't click on a window


  • Disabling the Windows password popup
  • CD drive emits a buzzing sound
  • Installing a second hard drive


  • Downgrading from Windows ME
  • BIOS check hangs at CD drive
  • Burning a CD in Windows XP takes forever


  • Various failures in Windows ME likely a virus
  • Icons disappear from desktop
  • Kernel32.DLL error likely related to video drivers


  • How can I duplicate hard drives?
  • Using vendor's restore disc on Windows 98SE
  • Is beeping sound a sign of a faulty motherboard?


  • Computer freezes, reboots itself
  • Computers lose their desktop icons suddenly
  • How can I improve hard disk defragmentation?


  • What background programs can be terminated in Windows?
  • Windows 98se resources are low
  • Part of Windows is missing


  • Anti-virus shuts down during boot
  • Removing invalid entries from Widows uninstall menu
  • Windows ME kernel errors


  • Removing invalid entries from Widows uninstall menu
  • Midi files won't play in Media Player
  • Hidden program in background fouls up Windows drive defragmentation


  • Speed up Windows by removing unnecessary startup items


  • Wavy lines on computer monitor
  • Printer in Win98se won't print
  • Computer beeps when powered on, but won't start up


  • How to remove a program from Windows
  • Improper shutdown error in Windows ME
  • Reformatting a Windows hard drive


  • Windows ME kernel errors
  • Win98 Hibernation file error message
  • Improper shutdown error in Windows ME


  • Reinstalling Windows XP
  • Games cause screen to go black
  • Reformatting a Windows hard drive


  • Windows ME kernel errors
  • Win98 Hibernation file error message
  • Windows 98 computer freezes


  • Beeps on bootup indicate video memory error
  • Removing hard drive partitions
  • SMART drive failure warning
  • Windows PC behaves erratically
  • Windows Media Player locks up


  • Windows loads/runs slowly
  • Disabling Win98 password
  • Large fonts, lack of colour due to improper video settings
  • Disabling on-board video
  • Chip overheat error message keeps appearing


  • Faulty driver prevents Windows Update from running
  • Restoring rundll file
  • Disabling dual-monitor support in Windows
  • CD-ROM slows on secondary IDE channel
  • Dirty fan causes whirring on bootup


  • Computer won't reset when power switch pressed
  • Family Tree Maker loses family lines
  • Are all USB cables created equal?
  • Windows ME freezes up
  • PC performance is choppy


  • Novell causes boot snafu in Windows ME
  • System can't find source file after BIOS flash
  • Kernel.32 DLL error in Win98
  • MS Photo Editor won't open files
  • Screen saver won't keep selection


  • Low virtual memory
  • PCL XL error when printing in Windows NT 4
  • Javascript errors with Netscape 4.79
  • Disk PIO woes
  • Can't set up scanner properly in Win98se


  • MS Works skips fields at random
  • Defrag takes forever
  • System can't detect RAM
  • Desktop icons seem to be locked in one place
  • Joystick hampers game performance


  • Anti-virus won't load during boot-up
  • Screen changes colour, keyboard quits
  • Adding memory to Asus motherboard
  • Reformatting Win98se for fresh installation
  • Windows 2000 'stop' message


  • Intermittent shutdown with Win98se
  • Sound/network card conflicts
  • Resetting desktop colour schemes in Win98
  • Virus strikes during Win2000 upgrade
  • Mouse trouble likely a virus


  • Microsoft Word constantly requests a virus scan
  • Editing Win98 registry to fix screensaver glitch
  • Display problems after Win98se upgrade
  • Boot time increased after installing second hard drive
  • Shutdown problems after Win2000 upgrade


  • Windows Media Player crashes PC
  • Win98 desktop icons have gone black
  • Can I transfer files to my D: drive safely?
  • Virus launches 'malicious script'
  • E-mailed images too big for screen


  • Contents of windows disappear when dragged
  • Video won't go full-screen
  • Msimn causes PC to hang on shutdown
  • Removing Win2000 from a dual-boot drive
  • Virus causes icons to flee from mouse


  • Hard drive trouble
  • Difficulty opening old Word Perfect files
  • Win98 PC won't recognize printer
  • Table of Contents problems in Word
  • Removing Windows Media Player history


  • On a lighter note ...
  • Defragmenting the hard drive doesn't fully finish
  • Printer problems with Acrobat
  • Modifying Win98 startup programs
  • Maximizing WinME resources


  • CD-R/RW burner malfunction
  • Windows NT won't recognize modem
  • Speeding up Windows multi-tasking
  • Does adding memory to Win98 boost speed?
  • Spool.32 error when printing in Windows 98


  • Relocating the Win98 task bar
  • Corrupt Windows 98 registry
  • Forcing Windows Explorer to default to C: drive
  • What does reformatting a hard drive mean?
  • Pop spilled in keyboard


  • Can't drag and drop in Win2000
  • Accessing BIOS on Compaq PCs
  • Norton Anti-Virus stops mid-scan
  • Excel files won't open
  • Can't reboot from Win98 Restore CD


  • Restart problem in WinME
  • Cursor slows to crawl in Win98se
  • Corrupt registry in Win95
  • ASMS error during WinXP installation
  • Error message during WinME boot


  • Clock error after Dell time-fix installed
  • NTLDR error in Win2000
  • Rogue pictures in My Pictures screensaver
  • Daytimer Organizer 2000 and Windows ME
  • Deciphering Windows startup file names


  • Disabling Quicktime as default media player in WinXP
  • Windows file associations
  • 'Wuauboot.exe' error scanning for viruses in WinME
  • Stopping a file from executing at Windows 98 startup
  • Win98se doesn't recognize installed RAM


  • Win98 glitches with big hard drives, IE 6, SoundBlaster Live!
  • Sound volume too low in Windows
  • How to play Video CDs
  • Problems with Win98 shutdown, browsing, anti-virus
  • Setting partitions on dual-boot Windows PC


  • Klez virus spoofs e-mail return address
  • Windows ME reinstallation failure
  • Missing file error in Office 97
  • Missing file error in Office 97
  • Transferring everything from a failing C: drive


  • How to stop programs that run at startup
  • Kernel 32DLL error in Windows ME
  • Windows ME restore failure
  • Windows ME update freezes
  • Buzzing sound during boot up


  • Whirring sound from PC after boot-up
  • Projector kills notebook display, mouse
  • Deleting cookies, temporary Internet files in Windows ME
  • Error printing from WP Office 2002
  • IE 6 makes desktop icons disappear


  • PC keeps running programs that were closed
  • Corrupt Win98 registry causes problems
  • Win 98se degfragger won't finish
  • Scanner won't scan in Win2000 Pro
  • Registry errors cause boot-up problems in Win98


  • Scandisk appears on Win95 shutdown
  • Scandisk won't run during bootup
  • BIOS loading problem during bootup
  • Moving files from Windows 98 to XP


  • Salvaging files from a Windows backup
  • Removing the Internet Explorer password
  • Notebook hibernation problems in Windows ME
  • CD-ROM not recognized by Win98
  • Problems copying images from Family Tree Maker


  • Blue screens with HP Omnibook
  • Win95 shutdown scan won't go away
  • Removing SoundBlaster Live! drivers
  • Windows defragmenter hangs and restarts
  • Locked out of Windows by BIOS password


  • Periodic Windows freeze Periodic Windows freeze
  • Ways to speed up Windows
  • Windows Media Player won't recognize CD-R burner
  • Running Microsoft's Pandora's Box
  • Hardware reset message during Win98 bootup


  • Problems opening jpegs in Windows ME
  • Problem burning MP3s to CD-Rs
  • Windows XP won't recognize USB high-speed modem
  • Disk defragmenter won't finish
  • USB port failure


  • Webcams can't connect for NetMeeting
  • Difficulty sharing Winfax
  • Virus showcases Russian porn
  • Errors after memory upgrade in Windows ME
  • MS/Word 97 spell checking doesn't work for XP limited account


  • Problem printing from Microsoft Office programs
  • Excel disappeared
  • Kernel failure in Windows 98 stops RealOne Audio
  • Scanned images too large for monitor
  • FAT problems with the hard disk, scandisk


  • PC-freeze with Celeron chip and WinXP
  • PC freeze-up in Windows 95
  • Scanner trouble in Win98
  • Motherboard failure
  • WinME system instability


  • Power-off problem with WinXP
  • Audio, CD-burning problems with Windows
  • Communicate i2000 software won't work
  • McAfee virus scan malfunction
  • 'Monday Sucks' message is a virus

  • Checking BIOS to install bigger hard drives
  • Customizing look of WinME lists
  • Error message actually a virus
  • Major Windows 95 system crash
  • Windows 98 (lack of) security


  • Crashing programs in Windows
  • Restoring the Windows 98 registry
  • Memory limits for Windows 98
  • Windows 98 slowdown
  • AMD shutdown glitch


  • Quicken won't work
  • Windows Explorer acts up with Act/2000
  • Printing a .PRN file
  • Freeze-up during Windows Scandisk/Defrag
  • Net Vista freeze-up


  • Maximizing a window
  • Hard drive replacement
  • Spring cleaning by reloading Windows
  • Yellow bands in scans
  • Icons flee from the mouse


  • No power to the system
  • Slow boot-up in Windows
  • Adding memory to a PC
  • Using PC-based fax and voice mail
  • Thawing the Windows freeze-up


  • Clipboard memory problem
  • Screen blacks out
  • Editing-out the Movie Maker
  • Volume icon missing in Windows
  • Windows 98 won't shut down


  • Inverted drop-down lists
  • Removing files from Windows to sell computer
  • Asus AX6B motherboard and chip upgrade
  • UDMA problems formatting an NTFS drive
  • Removing files from Windows startup routine


  • Office 2000 PDF problem
  • Why won't Windows uninstall a whole program?
  • Scans come out looking huge
  • Disabling on-board sound
  • Printing kills my USB

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