~ A Tip A Day ~

LoneRanger · #1 09-30-2007, 02:32 PM

{ERG} ~ A Tip A Day ~

In many ways, XP is the most reliable and user-friendly version of Windows to date. However, it is not without problems. If you use XP on a regular basis, you’ve probably been infected once or twice by Windows Fever — a serious condition marked by elevated blood pressure, sudden verbal outbursts at your computer screen, and the mad desire to toss your entire PC out a window. If you are currently experiencing these symptoms, step away from your computer, count to 10 (better yet, make it 1,000), and start visiting this thread everyday for:

A TIP A DAY - ANOTHER QUALITY RELEASE FROM YOUR FAVORITE {ERG} GROUP.

If you haven’t contracted the disease yet, consider yourself lucky. With a good diet, regular exercise, and the digital preventive medicine that I will be sharing with you all, you can expect to remain free of the fever.

PLEASE NOTE THAT NONE OF THESE TIPS HAVE BEEN ACTUALLY WRITTEN BY ME (though I have tried and used successfully quite a few) THEY HAVE ALL BEEN COLLECTED FROM VARIOUS SOURCES IN MY SOJOURNS THROUGH THAT WIDE AND WONDERFUL PLACE WE CALL THE INTERNET.

30 September 2007

Close an Unresponsive Program

Occasionally, a program may throw the digital equivalent of a temper tantrum and refuse to close.When that happens, you can force it to shut down by using the Task Manager, as follows:

1. Simultaneously press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys on your keyboard, which opens the Windows Task Manager. (However, if your version of Windows is configured differently, then pressing these keys might open a Windows Security box. In that case, simply click the Task Manager button.)

2. Click the Applications tab.

3. Click the name of the unresponsive program.

4. At the bottom of the Task Manager, click the End Task button.

5. If the troubled program doesn’t close immediately, a message alerts you that the program is not responding. Click the End Now button.

6. If the program still does not respond, or if Windows feels sluggish, then shut down your computer and restart it.

LoneRanger · #2 09-30-2007, 02:33 PM

A Special Request To The MODS:

Please Stick This Thread To Offer Convinenance In Viewing & Posting

LoneRanger · #3 10-01-2007, 01:17 PM

01 October 2007:

Delete an Undeletable File

Sometimes files can become corrupt, in which case Windows XP prevents you
from deleting them and displays an error message that says the files cannot be deleted because they are currently in use. Even if you reboot your computer and try to delete the files again, usually you see the same error message. To force Windows to delete the files, try the following steps.

To delete common files:

1. Close all open documents and programs that are currently running.

2. Shut down your computer, and then reboot it.

3. Return to Windows and try to delete the file again.

4. If you still can’t get rid of the file, shut down your computer.

5. Turn on your computer and immediately press the F8 key on your
keyboard several times until the Windows Advanced Options Menu
screen appears.

6. Use the up or down arrows on your keyboard to select Safe Mode,
and then press the Enter key.

7. The next screen displays the message “Please select the operating
system to start.” Assuming you have only Windows XP installed on
your system, press the Enter key. If you have more than one operating
system installed, use the up or down arrows on your keyboard to
select Windows XP, then press the Enter key.

8. Windows loads some software, which could take a minute or two.
Depending on how your version of Windows is configured, a login
screen or the Welcome Screen appears. If you see the login screen,
type your account name and password (if you have one), and then
press Enter. If you see the Welcome Screen, click the icon for the
account labeled Administrator or an account that has administrative
privileges, and then type your password (if you have one).

9. A message alerts you that Windows is running in Safe Mode. To
proceed, click the Yes button.

10. You can use Safe Mode in much the same way that you use the
regular Windows mode. Locate the undeletable file, and then try
deleting it again.

11. If you are successful, reboot your computer and return to the regular
Windows mode. If your efforts are not successful, seek the help of a
certified computer professional.

To delete videos with the file extension .avi:

1. Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows.

2. Click the Run button.

3. A window opens. Type regedit in the blank, and then click the OK
button or press the Enter key.

4. Click the OK button or press the Enter key.

5. The Windows Registry Editor opens. In the left window pane, double-
click the registry key labeled HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE. If you
can’t find it, do the following:
a. In the left window pane of the Registry Editor, scroll to the top.

b. If any of the HKEY registry keys are open — as indicated by a
minus sign (-) on their left side — then close them by clicking
that minus sign. When a registry key has been properly closed, it
will have a plus sign (+) next to it.

c. Repeat this process for the remaining HKEY registry keys until
the only things visible in the left window pane are the five
HKEY keys

Double-click the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE registry key.

6. A new column of registry keys appears. Double-click the Software reg-
istry key.

7. Open the Classes registry key.

8. A long list of registry keys appears. Scroll down and double-click
CLSID

9. Another long list of registry keys appears. Scroll down and double-click
the one labeled {87D62D94-71B3-4b9a-9489-5FE6850DC73E}.

10. Right-click the InProcServer32registry key, and then select Delete

11. You are asked to confirm the deletion. Click the Yes button.

12. Exit the Registry Editor by clicking the X button in the upper-right
corner.

13. Shut down your computer and restart it.

14. When you return to Windows, you should now be able to delete the
.avi file.

LoneRanger · #4 10-02-2007, 12:45 PM

02 October 2007:

Restore Windows to a Healthy State

In a pinch, the Windows XP System Restore feature is a reliable way to recover from a software crisis. In a sense, System Restore sends your computer back in time to a day when it was working properly. If Windows seems like it is undergoing a complete meltdown, try restoring it back to a healthy state, as follows:

1. Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows.

2. Click All Programs.

3. Select Accessories.

4. Select System Tools.

5. Click System Restore.

6. The System Restore window opens. Click the Restore My Computer
to an Earlier Time button.

[IMG]http://stickypix.*****.net/out.php/i1321_1.4.JPG[/IMG]

7. Click the Next button, located near the lower-right corner of this
window.

8. A calendar appears. In it, click on a day when your computer was
working properly, then click the Next button .

9. To confirm your choice, click Next.

10.The System Restore process begins. Moments later, your computer
automatically restarts itself. When it boots up, follow the on-screen
instructions.

11.To make it easier to access System Restore the next time you need it,
you can “pin” it to your Start menu (but only if your Start menu is in
XP mode rather than classic mode), like this:

a. Follow Steps 1 through 4 in this procedure to access the System
Tools folder.

b. This time, right-click System Restore and select Pin to Start Menu.

c. A shortcut to System Restore is placed on your Start menu. From now on, whenever you need to restore your computer to an earlier time, simply click the Start button and then click System Restore.

(●̮̮̃•̃) ѕнαη (●̮̮̃•̃) · #5 10-02-2007, 08:42 PM

a lot dude !!!!!!!

PremiumSeeder · #6 10-03-2007, 08:51 AM

good guide.

LoneRanger · #7 10-03-2007, 01:34 PM

03 October 2007:

Use System Restore When Windows Won’t Start

When your computer is going haywire, System Restore can be a virtual lifesaver.
But what if your high-tech troubles are so severe that Windows can’t even start up? In that case, try using the Safe Mode with Command Prompt to access System Restore:

1. After turning on your computer, press the F8 key several times until
the Windows Advanced Options Menu screen appears.

2. Use the up or down arrows on your keyboard to select Safe Mode
with Command Prompt, and then press Enter.

3. The next screen displays the message, “Please select the operating sys
tem to start.” Assuming you only have Windows XP installed on your
system, press Enter. If you have more than one operating system
installed, use the up and down arrow keys to select Windows XP, and
then press the Enter key.

4. Windows loads some software, which could take a minute or two.
Depending on how your version of Windows is configured, a login
screen or the Welcome Screen appears. If you see the login screen,
type your account name and password (if you have one), press Enter.
If you see the Welcome Screen, click the icon for the account labeled
Administrator or an account that has administrative privileges, and
then type your password (if you have one).

5. Next, a command prompt appears. Type %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe in the blank, and then press the Enter key.

6. After several seconds, the System Restore window appears. Click the
Restore My Computer to an Earlier Time button.

7. Click the Next button, located near the lower-right corner of this
window.

8. A calendar appears. In it, click a day when your computer was
working properly, and then click the Next button.

9. To confirm your choice, click Next.

10. The System Restore process begins. Moments later, your computer
automatically restarts itself. When it boots up, follow the on-screen
instructions.

PremiumSeeder · #8 10-03-2007, 07:48 PM

good trick.

LoneRanger · #9 10-04-2007, 12:40 PM

04 October 2007:

Protect Windows from a Botched Software Installation
Before you install any new program, you should create a “restore point.” Doing so will enable you to undo any problems or damage caused by the software installation. Here’s how:

1. Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows.

2. Click All Programs.

3. Select Accessories.

4. Select System Tools.

5. Click System Restore.

6. The System Restore window will open. Click the Create a Restore
Point button .

7. Click Next.

8. Under the Restore Point Description heading, type some words or
sentences that will help you to remember why you are creating this
restore point. For example, if you just bought a new antivirus
program, you could label this restore point “Before Installation of
New Antivirus Software.”

9. Click the Create button.

PremiumSeeder · #10 10-04-2007, 05:43 PM

thanks again for the above tip

LoneRanger · #11 10-05-2007, 03:23 PM

05 October 2007:

If a Program Won’t Start or Run Properly

If you suddenly discover that one of your programs will not open or run
properly, it could be the result of a software conflict. Occasionally ― for some unknown reason ― certain programs cannot coexist peacefully on the same computer. In that case, there are some remedies you can try.

Download a Newer Version
Many companies release new versions of their software on a regular basis that offer improved features and resolve problems that were discovered in the
previous versions. To update a program:

1. If you can successfully open the troubled program, search for an
option with a name like Check for Updates. Usually this can be found
in one of the drop-down menus located at the top of the program.

2. If you find this option, you must connect to the Internet so the
program can update itself.

3. If you can’t update the program, or if the update doesn’t resolve your
problem, check the program manufacturer’s website to see if a newer
version is available. If you own a legal copy of the software, you may
be able to download the newest version for free.

Download a Patch

Often companies offer small patches that can be downloaded from their websites to fix problems or glitches in their software. To locate and download a software patch:

1. Connect to the Internet and visit the website for the program’s
manufacturer.

2. Near the top of the website’s main page, search for a link with a name
like Support or Customer Service.

3. After clicking this link, look for a section labeled Updates or
Downloads.

Temporarily Disable Antivirus or Antispyware Software

Although antivirus and antispyware software are essential for the protection and security of your computer, sometimes they can interfere with the actions of other programs. If updating or patching your troubled program doesn’t solve its problems, try temporarily disabling or shutting down your antivirus and/or
antispyware software.

Here’s how:

1. If you are connected to the Internet, disconnect from it. For users of
dial-up services like AOL, MSN, or Earthlink, this is done simply by
logging off your Internet service. For users of high-speed Internet
(DSL or cable), this is done by engaging the Internet lock feature of
your software firewall or by unplugging the Ethernet cable from the
back of your computer.

2. Right-click the icon for your antivirus or antispyware program, which
is usually located in the lower-right corner of Windows near the clock.

3. Select the option to Close or Disable or Shut Down.

4. Restart your troubled program to see if it works properly. If it does,
then keep your antivirus or antispyware program turned off until you
are finished using the troubled program.

5. When you are ready to resume normal computer activities like using
e-mail or surfing the Internet, remember to turn on your antivirus
software by right-clicking its icon near the Windows clock and
selecting Enable or Restore. If the antivirus icon is not there, then you
must manually restart the program by doing the following:

a. Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows.

b. Click All Programs.

c. Select the folder containing the name of your antivirus software.
For example, if you use Norton AntiVirus, then select the folder
labeled Norton AntiVirus.

d. Click the shortcut to launch the program.

LoneRanger · #12 10-06-2007, 01:55 PM

06 October 2007:

Do certain aspects of Windows XP get under your skin or drive you bonkers? You are not alone. Some of its features have a reputation for causing grown men and women to throw childish temper tantrums or threaten their computers with bodily harm. To soothe these irritations (and keep your blood pressure at a safe level), follow these fixes

Prevent Windows Messenger from Loading

The popularity of instant-messaging (IM) software has soared in recent years, prompting Microsoft to join the party. Built into Windows XP is an IM program called Windows Messenger that always seems to hang around even if you never use it.

You can correct this by preventing it from loading when Windows starts, as follows:

1. Open Windows Messenger by double-clicking its icon located in the lower-right corner of Windows.

2. Click the Tools drop-down menu.

3. Select Options.

4. A window opens. Click the Preferences tab.

5. Under the General heading, remove the checkmark from the Run Windows Messenger When Windows Starts box. Next, remove the checkmark from the Allow Windows Messenger to Run in the Background box.

6. Click the OK button.

7. Close Windows Messenger, and then open Outlook Express.

8. Click the Tools drop-down menu.

9. Select Options.

10. A window opens. Under the General tab, remove the checkmark from the Automatically Log On to Windows Messenger box.

11. Click the Apply button.

12. Click the OK button.

PremiumSeeder · #13 10-06-2007, 02:39 PM

LoneRanger · #14 10-07-2007, 09:06 PM

07 October 2007:

Hide or Disable Windows Messenger

Even if you tweak Windows Messenger so that it no longer loads when your
computer starts, there are still some occasions when it will ignore your wishes
and load anyway. To put a stop to Messenger, you need to hide or disable it.
There are a few different ways to do this, each of which is equally effective.

Remove Windows Messenger from the Start Menu

This quick fix hides Windows Messenger from sight by removing it from the
Start menu. However, no changes are actually made to Messenger, so it remains intact and can be manually located and opened at any time. Follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows.

2. Click the Control Panel. (If you don’t see this option, then your Start
menu is in classic mode. In that case, click Settings, and then select
the Control Panel.)

3. Double-click Add or Remove Programs.

4. A window opens. In the left window pane, click the Add/Remove
Windows Components icon.

5. A new window opens. Using the scroll bar on the right, scroll down
and locate Windows Messenger. Next to it, remove the checkmark
from the box .

6. Click the Next button.

7. Windows begins the process of hiding Messenger from the Start
menu, which could take a minute or two. When it has completed, click the Finish button.

8. Exit the Add/Remove window by clicking the X button in the upper-
right corner.

9. Although Windows Messenger is now hidden, its shortcut may linger
in the lower-right corner of Windows (near the clock). To make this
shortcut disappear, right-click it and select Exit.

10. If you change your mind and want to use Windows Messenger again,
simply repeat these steps, but this time put a checkmark in the
Windows Messenger box.

The Following 15 Users Say Thank You to LoneRanger For This Useful Post:
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