By

Phani Deepak Reddy

Bangalore
D.O.B: jun04th1985
Diploma holder in E&C and Certified in
M.C.S.E
At the end of this doc you will find my mail id’s . Please send your comments. If
you need any kind of study material just mail me. Tats all ….:)

Suitable for all levels of students

(Part-I)
Errors / Missing Files:

1. I get this error message: Unmountable boot volume

Solution: When booting up to Windows XP you may get an error that reads:
Unmountable Boot Volume.

This is probably because your boot.ini file is messed up. Here is a possible remedy:

1. Start Windows XP with the Windows XP CD in your CD/DVD drive.

2. Once you see the "Welcome to setup" message, press the letter 'R' on your keyboard
to enter the Recovery Console.
3. Select the Windows installation to be repaired (you will need to know the
administrator password.
4. You will then get a DOS prompt. from here, type: chkdsk /p [Enter]
5. When that is done type: fixboot [Enter]
6. Type: Y at the next prompt [Enter]
7. Then type: exit [Enter]
8. The system will now reboot into Windows.

If for some reason that didn't work, you can boot to the recovery console (example above).

Type: "chkdsk /r" [Enter]

When done type: exit [Enter].

This takes a bit longer, but the system should boot back into Windows.

2. If you get an error that NTLDR is not found during bootup

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Solution: If you have FAT32 partitions, it is much simpler than with NTFS. Just boot with
a Win98 floppy and copy the NTLDR or NTDETECT.COM files from the i386 directory to the
root of the C:\ drive.

For NTFS:

1. Insert and boot from your Windows XP CD.

2. At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
3. Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of
Windows you want to repair. Typically this will be #1
4. Enter in the administrator password when requested
5. Enter in the following commands (X: is replaced by the actual drive letter that is
assigned to the CD ROM drive)

• COPY X:\i386\NTLDR C\:

• COPY X:\i386\NTDETECT.COM C:\

6. Take out the CD and type exit

3. NTOSKRNL Missing or Corrupt

Solution: If you get an error that NTOSKRNL not found:

1. Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.

2. At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
3. Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of
Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1
4. Change to the drive that has the CD ROM.
5. CD i386
6. expand ntkrnlmp.ex_ C:\Windows\System32\ntoskrnl.exe
7. If WindowsXP is installed in a different location, just make the necessary change to
C:\Windows
8. Take out the CD ROM and type exit

4. HAL.DLL Missing or Corrupt

Solution: If you get an error regarding a missing or corrupt hal.dll file, it might simply
be the BOOT.INI file on the root of the C: drive that is misconfigured

1. Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.

2. At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
3. Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of
Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1
4. Type bootcfg /list to show the current entries in the BOOT.INI file
5. Type bootcfg /rebuild to repair it
6. Take out the CD ROM and type exit

5. Corrupted or Missing \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG

Solution: Windows could not start because the following files is missing or corrupt
\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM or \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SOFTWARE

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 1. Insert and boot from your Windows XP CD.
2. At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
3. Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of
Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1
4. Enter in the administrator password when requested
5. cd \windows\system32\config
6. Depending on which section was corrupted:
ren software software.bad or ren system system.bad
7. Depending on which section was corrupted
copy \windows\repair\system
copy \windows\repair\software
8. Take out the CD ROM and type exit

6. A file that is required to run search companion cannot be

found. You may need to run setup.

Solution: This is usually caused by connecting to your ISP while the Search Companion
is open. This problem is found in the Windows XP English language versions only.

Possible Solution:

Reinstall the Search Companion Files:

1. Log on to the computer by using an account with administrator permissions.

2. Click Start>> Run. Type in: %systemroot%\inf [Enter]
3. Scroll the resulting list and locate the Srchasst.inf file. If it doesn't seem to be listed,
try adjusting your folder options to view hidden files and folders in Windows
Explorer:

• Open Explorer>>Tools>>Folder Options>> View tab.

• Tick the "Show hidden files and folders" entry.
• Apply the change and exit Explorer.

4. Right-click the Srchasst.inf file, and then click Install. Windows will now attempt to
install the Search Companion files.

Note: You may be prompted for the Windows XP CD to complete the installation so please
have it ready.

If this continues to occur after disconnecting from the Internet, it may be caused by
corrupted files that have been cached. I have the three possible files that may be causing
this listed below. Open them in notepad so that you can determine the source of the
corruption.

• Balloon.xsl
• Bar.xsl
• Lclsrch.xml

7. How can I recover emptied items from my recycle bin?

Solution: There is nothing within Windows that will recover a deleted file after the
recycle bin is emptied. So the use of a third party software must be used.

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The recycle bin is essentially a holding area. People often delete files accidentally which
was one of the reasons why the recycle bin was created. It gives a file and a user a second
chance.

When the recycle bin is emptied, the area occupied by the file or files is then marked
available by the operating system. Theoretically, until the area is overwritten, the file can
be recovered intact by a third party application. So, once you have discovered that you've
deleted a file or files in error, you should stop writing data to your hard drive until your file
or files are successfully retrieved.

You can try any of the following links for help:

• http://www.execsoft.com/undelete/undelete.asp
• http://www3.telus.net/mikebike/RESTORATION.html
• http://www.file-saver.com/undelete/menu.aspx?afl=7673
• http://www.recovermyfiles.com/
• http://www.snapfiles.com/Freeware/system/fwdatarecovery.html
• http://www.diskeeper.com/downloads/menu.asp

8. The file 'Asms' on Windows XP Professional CD-ROM is

needed

Solution: Problem: When trying to install Windows XP, you may receive an error message that states: "The
file 'Asms' on Windows XP Professional CD-ROM is needed."

This error can occur if the Setup program cannot communicate with the CD-ROM.

Solution:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=311755

9. 16 bit Windows Subsystem Error

Solution: Error Message:

"C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\AUTOEXEC.NT. The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS

and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose "Close" to terminate the application."

Solution:

Go to Start>> Run, type in: cmd [Enter]

In the resulting command prompt window, copy the following:

c:\windows\repair\autoexec.nt c:\windows\system32
c:\windows\repair\config.nt c:\windows\system32

You will need to press Enter after each line. Try to run your program. The issue should be
resolved. Additional troubleshooting information can be found in the MSKB articles listed
below:

Error message when you install or start an MS-DOS or 16-bit Windows-based program
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=324767

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 How to Troubleshoot 16-Bit Windows Programs in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314495

How to use the Program Compatibility Wizard in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324767

Additional Action:

The likely cause of this error message is a Trojan virus infection. The Trojan is thought to
be: TrojanDownloader.Win32.Dia.a

Be sure to update all of your spyware/anti-virus scanners and run complete system scans.

Recommended Scanners:

AVG 7.0 Anti-Virus

Ad-aware SE Spyware
Spybot Search &
Spyware
Destroy
CWShredder Spyware

10. My system shows I am missing some files, how can I replace

them?

Solution: If you are missing files of a Windows component, then you can run the System
File Checker. Windows File Protection only monitors and maintains XP system components.
If it is a 3rd party application, you may need to reinstall that application to restore the
missing files.

Method #1:

To run Windows System File Checker:

Go to Start>> Run, type in: sfc /scannow [Enter]

Windows may require you to insert your XP CD.

Method #2:

You can also use System Restore to recover your system back to date before the files were
missing. To activate System Restore:

Go to Start>> All Programs>> Accessories>> System Tools>> System Restore.

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 11. Cannot access Add/Remove window components in control
panel ?

Solution: Problem:

"I get an error message: Setup was unable to open information file netoc.inf. Contact your
system administrator."

I am the sys admin.

Possible Solution:

1. Insert the Windows XP CD

2. Go to Start>> Run. Type in: Expand C:\i386\NETOC.IN_ -rC:\Windows\Inf [Enter]

Note: C:\ is used if that is where Windows XP is installed.

12. Virtual memory minimum is too low ?

Solution: I keep getting this error message: "Virtual memory minimum is too low.
Windows is increasing the size of the virtual memory paging file."

What does this mean?

Answer:
The virtual memory is the space your computer uses when it runs short of RAM memory.
The paging file is the place where Windows handles your virtual memory settings. If your
computer wants to change it, you should go ahead and let it because XP will adjust the
setting to meet the current memory needs. I do not recommend changing these settings
manually as Windows can manage the size much more efficiently than the user can. Making
your virtual memory setting larger will increase the number of addresses and will make
Windows lazy.

Adding more RAM may also be of benefit as this will reduce the need for virtual memory to
be used in the first place. For running Windows XP, I suggest at least 384MB. In general,
adding more RAM is the most cost effective means of boosting a computer's performance.

I recommend buying quality RAM from a reputable company. Some cheap (unbranded) RAM
can on occasion be defective resulting in 'unexplained' crashes or freezes. Brands to look
for are Mushkin, Crucial and Kingston. To determine the price and availability for a
particular computer, select its manufacturer and then the model from the menus on
Crucial's site:

13. Not a valid win32 application?

Solution: Error message: This program is not a valid Win32 application

If you receive the subject error message while trying to install a program from a CD, this
may be due to corrupt installation media or corrupt installation files.

Possible Solution:

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Clean the installation media (CD) and the drive. If after cleaning the problem still arises,
consider replacing the CD.

14. Filenames Missing in Explorer ?

Solution: Problem:

I've noticed that filenames are missing from Windows Explorer when looking at thumbnails.
Previously they were visible.

Solution:

Hold down the shift key when switching to thumbnail view to hide the file
names. Do it again to bring them back.

15. New Hardware Found the device SDDMI2 was found. ?

Solution: This problem seems to be isolated to new Dell computer systems. The reasons
for this happening is very random. But, the good news is the fix is a very simple one, here's
how:

1. Go to Start>> Right click on My Computer and select Properties from the resulting
menu.
2. Click the Hardware tab, then click the Device Manager tab.
3. As soon you open up Device Manager, you should see the SDDMI2 hardware listed in
the "Other" category.
4. Simply right click on SDDMI2 and select Uninstall.
5. Restart your computer and it will no longer show the previously displayed dialog for
New Hardware Found.

16. Drive Image causes boot error messages ?

Solution: Error Messages:

"Err 5: Error Finding VFLOPPY.SYS

ERR 8: Fake floppy driver not found
Press any key to boot active partition."

Possible Cause:

Drive Image seems to be the cause of the error messages you are receiving. When the
choice is made to backup a partition, Drive Image rewrites the MBR (Master Boot Record) of
your hard drive creating a 'virtual' floppy disk being loaded which allows Drive Image to run
and make the image. When it completes the image, it is suppose to rewrite the MBR so that
you boot normally but in this case, that step was missed which has created these error
messages.

A common reason for this can be that Windows XP has been set up to compress files on
NTFS partitions. Here is how you can confirm that this is the problem:

7
 1. Go to: Program Files\PowerQuest\DriveImage 2002\VFD folder
2. Select all of the compressed files displayed in blue, then right click one of them and
remove the check mark in the "Compress contents to save disk space".
3. Click OK
4. Once all of the files are decompressed, click OK once again.
5. Run Drive Image 2002 again and make another drive image. Drive Image should now
be able to run its course and clean up what it couldn't before.

If the above isn't the cause of the errors, then the best way to fix this would be to use the
Recovery Console to re-write the MBR. Here's how:

For Windows 2000/XP Users:

1. Insert your Windows CD

2. Go to Start>> Run. Type in: FIXMBR [Enter]

For Windows 98/ME Users:

1. Boot from your Windows CD

2. At the A:\ prompt, type in: FDISK /MBR

17. My Search function will no longer work ?

Solution: Problem: A window opens but there are no search options there. Can this be
repaired without reinstalling Windows XP?

Possible Solutions: Yes, there are a few things to try:

Method 1:

Go to Start>> Run. Type in:

regsvr32 /i %systemroot%\srchasst\srchui.dll [Enter] or Click OK

-OR-

regsvr32 jscript.dll [Enter] or Click OK

If the above did not return Search functionality, then please try the following.

Method 2: (Have your Windows XP CD Available)

1. Logon as Administrator.
2. Go to Start>> Run. Type in:

%systemroot%\inf [Enter] or Click OK.

3. Locate the Srchasst.inf file by going to; Start>> Control Panel>> C:/>> Windows>>
INF Folder>> srchasst file.
4. Right-click the Srchasst.inf file, and then click Install. This reinstalls the Search
Companion files.

Note: When you're prompted for the system files, insert your Windows XP CD.

Method 3:

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The symptoms described could also relate to a possible hijack of your computer.

Please go here and download Spybot Search&Destroy:

http://www.5starsupport.com/info/virusinfo.htm#spybot

Check for updates before running the program. A tutorial can be found under help. You can
safely delete what it finds.

Do likewise with Adaware SE that can be found here:

http://www.5starsupport.com/info/virusinfo.htm#adaware

18. Reinstall System Restore ?

Solution: Problem:
The problem I'm having is when trying to start System Restore a window pops up saying
'System Restore has encountered a problem and needs to close'. Then when I go into
System Properties & click on the System Restore tab I get a couple of different errors.
One time it will say: 'Run DLL as an App has encountered a problem and needs to close',
the other message says: An exception occurred while trying to run
"C:\Windows\system32\shell32.dll" or "C:\WINDOWS\system32\sysdm.cpl". This is in a
box with RUNDLL in the title bar & it has a big red ball with a white 'X' in the screen.

Possible solution:

In this case, I recommend trying to reinstall System Restore, here's how:

1. You will need to be able to view hidden files, so go to Start>> Control Panel>> Folder
Options>> View tab. Under Advanced settings, place a checkmark in: "Show hidden files
and folders". Then uncheck: "Hide extensions for known file types". Click Apply, then OK
to exit.

2. Open Windows Explorer, then go to Windows>> inf folder. Open the inf folder and
find a file named:

sr.inf

Right click this file and select "Install" from the resulting menu.

Note: This procedure will delete all restore points from your old installation and
recreate a fresh installation of System Restore.

19. Shellcon Hidden Windows Message ?

Solution: Question:
Recently, when I try to shut down Windows XP, it is very slow to react. After looking into
this, I found something running called ShellconHiddenWindow which is delaying my
shutdown process. It appears briefly, as the very last thing you see.

Answer:

You may be seeing this as a result of a recent download of a program called: Music
Match Jukebox. Or, if you have a system that is new, it may have already been installed
on your system. In any case, this could be the root of your problem. Try this:
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 1. Go to Start>> Run. Type in: msconfig [Enter] or click OK.
2. Click the Startup tab
3. Uncheck anything relating to MusicMatch (eg: mimboot.exe)
4. Click Apply, then OK
5. Choose to reboot the system, when prompted for the change to take affect.

20. I/O device error when trying to use your CD or DVD drive
?
Solution: Question:
When trying to install software using my DVD-Drive, I insert the disk in to the drive and it
just spins and does nothing else. I then get an error message:

"Only part of a ReadProcessMemory or WriteProcessMemory request was completed."

What could be causing this and how can I fix it?

Answer:

The error message is caused from Windows trying to use a transfer mode that your CD/DVD
drive cannot recognize.

A more common error message that is seen when this issue arises is:

"The request could not be performed because of an I/O device error."

However, both error messages yield the same solution.

To resolve this issue, you will need to change the transfer mode in your IDE channel
properties. Here's how:

1. Go to Start
2. Right click My Computer
3. Select Manage from the resulting menu
4. In the Computer Management window, select Device Manager
5. In the right pane, click to expand IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers
6. Identify your CD/DVD drive in the expanded menu and right click the appropriate
drive
7. Select Properties
8. In the Properties windows, click the Advanced Settings tab
9. In the Transfer Mode box that represents your CD/DVD drive (typically Device 1),
open the drop down menu and select PIO Only
10.Click OK and exit all windows.

If this does not resolve your issue, then you will need to go back using the above procedure
and change the Device 1 in step #9 back to "DMA if available". Then, change Device 0 to
"PIO Only" in the Transfer Mode box.

Device 0: Primary IDE Channel

Device 1: Secondary IDE Channel

21. opxpapp.exe encountered a problem error message ?

Solution: Question:

10
 Once I reboot my computer and reach the desktop, I receive this error message:

OPXPApp.exe encountered a problem and needed to close

What is this caused from and how can I fix it?

Answer:

The error message is caused from a program called OmniPass. If you have recently
installed this software, the installation has gone awry. It is also possible that something
within the installation has become corrupt, if it is not a recent installation. You can
either reinstall the software or if you are not using it, just go to Add/Remove Programs
and delete the program

22. System Restore Troubleshooting ?

Solution: Question:

I can manually create a restore point or let it make its own. In either case, I am not able to
restore the computer to any of the restore points created. I always receive a message that
says the restore could not be completed. Is there anything I can do to fix this problem or
am I faced with a reinstallation of the operating system?

Answer:

Below, you will find some System Restore troubleshooting tips to help you successfully
restore your computer.

1) If you receive an error message when trying to use the System Restore tool, be sure to
make a note of the error message and follow any contained instructions. Most of the errors
will give a description of the error and instructions to help you resolve the issue.

2) Be sure that you have plenty of disk space available where your System Restore tool is
enabled.

3) Be sure that the System Restore tool is actually running. here's how you can tell:

A. Go to Start>> Run. Type in: compmgmt.msc [Enter] or click OK

B. In the Computer Management window, expand the Services and Applications category.
C. Click Services
D. Scroll the right pane until you see System Restore Service listed. be sure that it says
"Started". If it says "Stopped", then you will need to double click the entry and click the
"Start" button to start the System Restore Service.

4) Try running System Restore in Safe Mode.

5) Try viewing the event logs to determine a probable cause of the error. here's how:

A. Go to Start>> Control Panel

B. Select Administrative Tools
C. Click on Computer Management
D. Expand Event Viewer
E. Select System

When viewing the event logs, it will make it easier to click the "Source" tab to sort the
events by name. You will then be looking for errors named "sr" or "srservice". Once you
11
have identified the logs, you can double click the log to view a description of the error and
a possible resolution.

23. Virtual Memory is Low ?

Solution: Question:

Recently, I receive a warning on my taskbar that my virtual memory is too low and
Windows will increase it. Also, many web sites that I visit, the images will not completely
load. How can I fix this issue?

Answer:

The problem is that you do not have enough RAM (random access memory) installed.
Windows first draws from your RAM, but when this runs out, it will then access your virtual
memory. When even this runs low, you will start to receive the low virtual memory
message. One solution is to allow Windows to increase your virtual memory, but the correct
method is to install more RAM to your system.

Refer to this Microsoft article for more information on Low Virtual Memory:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/837869/en-us?spid=6790&sid=global

24. Windows cannot initialize the device driver for this

hardware ?

Solution: Question:

Neither my CD Rom nor DVD-Rom drives show up under 'My Computer' in Windows
Explorer. Attempts to run software that needs to access either drive results in a message
that says 'No CD-Rom drive detected'. In the Control Panel/System/Hardware/Device
Manager the CD and DVD drives have yellow icons with exclamation points next to them.
Clicking on 'Properties' brings up this message: 'Windows cannot initialize the device driver
for this hardware. (Code 37)'.

I uninstalled and reinstalled the drivers twice. I went into set-up and switched from auto
detect to a manual setting. I even bought a new combination CD/DVD rom drive, but the
computer wouldn't detect it. In fact, it didn't even seem to be getting power. However,
when I reinstalled the old drives, they were detected immediately and had power.

Answer:

The fix involves editing the Windows Registry.

WARNING: THE NEXT STEPS INVOLVE EDITING YOUR SYSTEM REGISTRY. WE STRONGLY
RECOMMEND YOU EXPORT YOUR REGISTRY BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY EDITING. EDITING
YOUR REGISTRY INCORRECTLY CAN CAUSE IRREPARABLE SYSTEM DAMAGE. WE
RECOMMEND THAT IF YOU DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE EDITING YOUR REGISTRY THAT YOU
SKIP THE FOLLOWING STEPS.

Open the Registry Editor: - Click on Start then select Run - Type in: regedit and click OK.

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<>Backup your registry by:

1. Highlight My Computer by clicking on it once.

2. At the top of the page you should see File, click on this and then select Export Registry
File.
3. The following screen will allow you to select where you would like to save this backup
and what file name you would like to save it as.
Please note at the bottom of the screen where it says export range All; this should be
selected to ensure your entire registry is backed up completely.
5. Give the File a name and click on the SAVE button (this will bring you back to the
registry editor)

<>Remove the UpperFilters and LowerFilters values by:

1. Expand the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE key (looks like a folder) by double clicking it (or
clicking the + next to it.) Expand the SYSTEM Key
2. Expand the CurrentControlSet Key
3. Expand the Control Key
4. Expand the Class Key
5. Please look for a key containing the following string of letter and numbers:

{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}

6. Highlight this key by left clicking once on it.

7. On the right hand side you are looking for UpperFilters and LowerFilters, once you find
these please delete them - Highlight them (clicking on them once) and then delete them by
right-clicking on them and choosing delete (or pressing Delete on your keyboard.)
8. Close the Registry Editor, click on File and then click on Exit
9. Restart your computer. Your CD/DVD Drives should be back and functioning

25. Blank window in system restore ?

Solution: Question:

I had some trouble installing an application and decided to use system restore to put my
computer back to normal. The date that I restored to made things worse than it was before
so I used the 'undo' option and tried to restore to a different date. This time, all I get is a
blank window that has the system restore heading on it. How can I fix this?

Answer:

Try this:

Go to Start>> Run. Type in the following one at a time clicking OK after each:

regsvr32 jscript.dll
regsvr32 vbscript.dll
regsvr32 /i mshtml.dll

25. Restore the Show Desktop Quicklaunch Icon ?

Solution: Question:

I accidentally deleted the Show Desktop icon that used to sit at the bottom left of my Quick
Launch toolbar. Is it possible to restore it?

Answer:
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Sure, this is a common occurrence. Since the Show Desktop icon isn't a normal shortcut, it
can't be restored the same way you would a shortcut to a program. Instead, it will need to
be re-created in Windows. Follow either of the two simple procedures outlined below:

Method #1:

1. Launch Notepad (Start>> Run. Type in: notepad.exe [Enter] or click OK), then copy and
paste the following:

|[Shell]
Command=2
IconFile=explorer.exe,3
[Taskbar]
Command=ToggleDesktop|

2. Save the file as: Show Desktop.scf

3. Save in: C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\ Microsoft\Internet
Explorer\Quick Launch

Note: Replace "username" with your actual account name.

Method #2:

1. Launch Notepad (Start>> Run: Type in: notepad.exe [Enter] or click OK), then copy and
paste the following:

[Shell]
Command=2
IconFile=explorer.exe,3
[Taskbar]
Command=ToggleDesktop

2. Save the file to your Desktop and save it as Show Desktop.scf

3. Drag the file to the Quick Launch Toolbar and drop it.

Note: When saving this file, Notepad may place a .txt extension at the end of the file name.
Simply remove the .txt extension if this should occur.

26. Restore the Show Desktop Quicklaunch Icon ?

Solution: Question:

I accidentally deleted the Show Desktop icon that used to sit at the bottom left of my Quick
Launch toolbar. Is it possible to restore it?

Answer:

Sure, this is a common occurrence. Since the Show Desktop icon isn't a normal shortcut, it
can't be restored the same way you would a shortcut to a program. Instead, it will need to
be re-created in Windows. Follow either of the two simple procedures outlined below:

Method #1:

1. Launch Notepad (Start>> Run. Type in: notepad.exe [Enter] or click OK), then copy and
paste the following:

14
|[Shell]
Command=2
IconFile=explorer.exe,3
[Taskbar]
Command=ToggleDesktop|

2. Save the file as: Show Desktop.scf

3. Save in: C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\ Microsoft\Internet
Explorer\Quick Launch

Note: Replace "username" with your actual account name.

Method #2:

1. Launch Notepad (Start>> Run: Type in: notepad.exe [Enter] or click OK), then copy and
paste the following:

[Shell]
Command=2
IconFile=explorer.exe,3
[Taskbar]
Command=ToggleDesktop

2. Save the file to your Desktop and save it as Show Desktop.scf

3. Drag the file to the Quick Launch Toolbar and drop it.

Note: When saving this file, Notepad may place a .txt extension at the end of the file name.
Simply remove the .txt extension if this should occur.

27. Error message when trying to install TweakUI from Microsoft ?

Solution: Question:

I have been trying to install TweakUI Powertoys from Microsoft but I keep getting an error
message. The message is:

TweakUIPowertoySetup_ia64.exe is not a valid Win32 application

How can I get TweakUI to install properly?

Answer:

This is a common mistake made by many people. You are trying to install the 64 bit version
of TweakUI on your 32 bit system.

Install the correct version and you will not have any trouble:

• If you have SP1 or higher installed on your system, use Version 2.00

28. Missing Programs in All Programs Menu ?

Solution: Question:

I have a workstation that has an "empty" All Programs menu. The user of the workstation
cannot tell me what has caused the issue, only that the program listings have suddenly
disappeared. The programs themselves are still on the computer, they just will not display
15
in All Programs. How can I fix this?

Answer:

It is possible that a parasite of some sort has caused the issue. You should scan for viruses
and adware/malware as a precaution. I recommend the following scanners:

Adaware SE
AVG Anti-Spyware
AVG Virus Scan

To restore your programs to the All Programs menu, try this:

Go to Start>> Run. Type in: regsvr32 /i shell32.dll [Enter] or click OK.

Restart Windows.

Your programs should now be restored to the All Programs menu.

29. Missing Administrative Tools in Start Menu ?

Solution: Question:

When I try to access the Administrative Tools in the Start Menu, the menu is empty. What
could cause this and how can I restore them?

Answer:

Either the shell folder path for the Administrative Tools folder has somehow been reset
incorrectly or the Administrative Tools were deleted accidentally.

To restore the Administrative Tools menu list, follow the directions below:

1. Be sure to make a backup copy of your registry prior to making any changes.
2. Go to Start>> Run. Type in: regedit [Enter] or click OK.
3. Navigate to the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell
Folders

4. If listed, right click and delete the registry entry titled: Common Administrative Tools
5. Navigate again, to the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders

6. Again, if listed, right click and delete the registry entry titled: Common Administrative
Tools.
7. Exit the Windows Registry and restart Windows.

30. When running the troubleshooter in Help and Support I receive

the following error message; "An ActiveX control on this page is
not safe." How can I fix this ?

Solution: If you are trying to use one of Help and Support's listed troubleshooters to fix
a specific issue, you may receive the following error message:

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An ActiveX control on this page is not safe.
Your current security settings prohibit running unsafe controls on this page.
As a result, this page may not display as intended.

A known work-a-round for this issue is to change a setting in Internet Explorers Internet
Zone. Here's how:

1. Open Internet Explorer

2. Go to Tools>> Internet Options
3. Click the Security tab.
4. Under "Security level for this zone", click the Custom Level button.
5. Scroll the "Settings" list to find an entry titled: "Initialize and script ActiveX controls
not marked as safe"
6. Once you've found the above entry title, tick the "Enable" entry. Click OK.
7. Exit all windows.
8. Attempt the Help and Support troubleshooter once again.
9. When you have successfully completed the troubleshooting task, go back in to
Internet Explorer Security Zone and change the above setting back to "Disable".

31. Files with .exe extension will not open ?

Solution: Question:

When trying to launch an application, I receive an error that states it cannot find the .exe
file. It would open fine yesterday.

Answer:

Most likely, you have a virus that has made your .exe file associations corrupt. By
downloading the following file, it will automatically reset your .exe associations back to
their default settings in the Windows Registry.

32. Help and Support link in Start Menu not working ?

Solution: Instructions for use:

http://www.5starsupport.com/xp-faq/1-134.htm

1. Download the above registry file to your desktop.

2. Double click the Registry file
3. Select Run
4. Merge the file with your registry.

33. What is the Recovery Console and how can I install it ?

Solution: Answer:

The Recovery Console is a command line tool much like DOS. It is a valuable tool for
troubleshooting or fixing Windows XP booting issues. The recovery Console can be used for
other purposes such as:

• Copy, rename or replacing system files and folders

• Create and format addition drive partitions
• Enable or disable services
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 • Repair the file system

While you can always access the Recovery Console from the Windows XP CD, a better
option is to go ahead and install it on to the operating system for quick access when
needed. You will need about 7 megabytes of available hard disk space.

Here's how you can install the System Recovery tool:

1. Insert your Windows XP CD in to your CD-ROM

2. Once the installation options are displayed, click Exit
3. Go to Start>> Run. Type in : {E}:\i386\winnt32.exe /cmdcons (replace the "E" in the
command line with your CD-ROM's drive letter).
4. Press Enter on your keyboard
5. Follow the onscreen prompts to install the Recovery Console
6. Restart your computer

The Recovery Console will now show in the available boot options.

To see all of the available syntax for the Recovery Console, click the Microsoft article link
below:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314058

For more queries

deepak_reddy26@yahoo.com

phani.deepak.reddy@gmail.com (Orkut)

deepak0406@aol.in

deepakreddy1985@rediffmail.com

deepak_reddy04@zapak.com

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