Tuesday, May 31, 2011

The Endless Reboot Issue with Windows 7 Upgrade

The new Windows 7 operating system offers some great benefits but it does not come without its share of issues. Once you get through the small and annoying little bugs it seems that using Windows 7 is smooth sailing. Once of the complaints from many Windows 7 users is the endless reboots that seem to happen during the installation upgrade.

When attempting to upgrade to Windows 7 some users may experience one of the two common error messages.
  • Windows 7 could not be installed.
  • The previous version (Vista or XP or whatever version was being upgraded) has been restored.
Both messages indicate that there is a problem with the upgrade. These reboots could go on forever even if you stop the upgrade and restart your system. Users report that each time the system is rebooted Windows will automatically start the upgrade process again and the same error messages surface again and again. This process can go on and on until you do something to stop this vicious reboot cycle and finally complete the Windows 7 download once and for all.

Here is a quick fix for the Windows 7 endless reboot bug:
  • Select your previous operating system from the boot menu at startup.
  • Insert your old operating system installation disk into your drive.
  • When the old operating system setup menu appears click Exit setup.
  • Click Start.
  • Click on All Programs.
  • Click on Accessories.
  • Right click and the Command Prompt.
  • Choose Run.
  • At the Command prompt type in D:/Boot/Bootsect.exe/NT60 All. (Note: You will want to replace the letter D with the letter of the drive that contains your installation disk if it is not D). This command should reset the parameters for your system to complete the installation.
  • Reboot your system and try the installation process again.
These instructions should help you get past the reboot bug. If you do not have an installation disk or continue to experience problems with the upgrade you should contact Windows help and support.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Netsetup.cpl Error Code

The Netsetup.cpl usually offers the explanation of: an error occurred while Windows was working with the control panel file. It will usually read C:/windows?syste32/netsetup.cpl. This is a benign error message but annoying none the less. The nice thing is it is a very specific error with a very simple and specific fix.

The Netsetup.cpl error generally has two causes. It seems to be confined to users with Windows XP service pack 2 and is related to either an application from Verizon called IPMon32 or a Visual IP InSight application. IPMon32 is an application that is used by Verizon to provide the user with certain diagnostic tools. The Visual IP InSight Client is an application that deals with the Windows Dial-UP Networking. Interestingly both applications that cause the error message do not seem to effect the other applications but they have been said to be related in some way to spyware. Both applications are unnecessary to the workings of your system and take up an unusually large quantity of space.

Many users are not even aware that they have these applications installed on their system and in most cases they do not need either program for any reason. It makes sense to remove these programs especially if they are prompting an error message.

Take the following steps to disable the IPMon32 service:
  • Go to your Start menu
  • In the Run box type msconfig
  • Click the Startup tab
  • Uncheck IPMON32
  • Click Apply
  • Restart your computer
Next check your list of Programs to see if you have Visual IP InSight Client installed. If it is on your list of programs you will want to remove it. If it is not on your list you have taken all of the necessary steps to rid yourself of the Netsetup.cpl error message.

To Remove Visual IP InSight Client take the following steps:
  • Go to Start
  • Control Panel
  • Add or Remove Programs
  • Allow the list to populate this may take a few minutes
  • Check to see if Visual IP InSight Client comes up on the list
  • If it does highlight this program
  • Click Remove if it is on your list, if it is not there exit the Control panel and you are finished with your task
  • If you do remove the program proceed with exiting the Control Panel and restarting your computer

Thursday, May 19, 2011

A Virus that Just Won’t Die

Many of us have had the experience of dealing with a particularly resilient computer virus. It’s bad enough that you got a pesky virus in the first place but when you have one that just won’t die it as if you are cursed. Unfortunately it is not uncommon to be plagued with a virus that comes back more than once, or even twice. It will continue to come back until you take steps to remove it once and for all. Sometimes your virus software just can’t get to the root of the virus.
When a virus infection returns before you throw in the towel or spend hundreds of dollars getting your computer cleaned and repaired you may want to take a few basic steps to see if you can kill the little bugger yourself first. After all; what have you got to lose?

Usually what happens is that your virus software will detect a virus and you take the steps to remove this. If you are using Windows operating system, it is naturally programmed to make a copy of your system in the event you have a problem and Windows does everything in its power to protect the restore points. A restore point is a place in the history of your computer that Windows can go back to in the event you get a virus. Since Windows can’t scan or alter the restore point in any way it is possible that even when you scan and remove the virus it was on your system at the point that Windows created a restore point. In this event it is possible that your system will get re-infected. This is unfortunate but true.

The main way to stop a virus from continuing to re-infect your system is to get rid of potentially infected restore points and then create new clean restore points. Take the following steps to do this:
  • Locate your System Restore in your Control Panel. (The Windows operating system houses the system restore feature in the control panel under System Properties. It may differ slightly depending on your version of Windows).
  • Delete the Restore Points.
  • Turn the System Restore back on.
  • Create a Restore Point, this can be any random date and time.
  • Once you have created a random Restore Point open your virus software and scan your system for spyware or viruses.
  • Clean the system if necessary.
  • Delete the Restore Points again
  • Then turn the System Restore back on.
  • Create another random Restore Point.
This is one way to ensure that your restore point is clean and there is nothing preventing your system from being re-infested with a virus. It is always beneficial to do a deep scan of your system regularly or put the scan on a schedule as a protective measure against these pesky viruses. Now you know that if it reoccurs you need to take one more step to get rid of it.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Internet Explorer 9 Crashes on Startup

Microsoft’s latest release of Internet Explorer is version 9. It is available for use with Windows Vista or Windows 7. This version is said to be the best browser for Windows to date. Some of the benefits that Internet Explorer 9 has to offer include:
  • Increased speed and optimal search performance.
  • Simplified designs that include one click access to favorites and a combined search and address bar.
  • Privacy controls that offer increased privacy for confidential information.
  • Improved add on management that can tell you which add on is slowing down your browser performance.
While Internet Explorer offers an excellent browsing experience it does not come with out its share of problems. These problems are generally the result of incompatible add-ons, toolbars or display adapter which sometimes happens because of an incompatible or a dated driver.

Internet Explorer 9 has been known to freeze on startup or simply restart without an error message. This is a sure sign of a problem. Some users may receive one of the following error messages before the big freeze. “Internet Explore has encountered a problem and needs to close” or “Internet Explorer has stopped responding” are the two most common error messages.
Resolving the issues with Internet Explorer can be done by using one of both of the methods listed below. If the first does not work proceed to the second method.

Changing the Add-ons Mode
  • Click Start
  • Type in “iexplorer.exe-extoff”
  • Press Enter
This opens Internet Explorer in Add-ons mode. If you do not receive any error messages during this step you can go ahead and disable the add-ons by taking the next steps.
  • Open Internet Explorer.
  • Click Tools on the right hand corner.
  • Click Manage add-ons.
  • Click on the Show drop down menu and select all add ons.
  • Select the add–ons by using the check marks
  • Click Disable in the information window.
  • Exit the program.
  • Restart Internet Explorer.
If changing the add on mode does not resolve the issue proceed with resetting the Internet Explorer Settings.

It is important to know that doing this will reset all of the settings you as a user have created and saved. This will include security, privacy browsing history and temporary internet files and cookies. It will keep the favorites and subscribed feed settings in tact.

Reset Internet Explorer Settings
  • Click Start.
  • In the Start Search Box type in “inetcpl.cpl”.
  • Press Enter.
  • When the Internet Options dialog box appears click on the Advanced tab.
  • Click Reset under the Resent Internet Explorer settings.
  • Click Reset again.
  • Close the program when the settings have been reset.
  • Restart your computer.
One of these two methods should prevent Internet Explorer 9 from crashing on startup allowing you to get the most from the new and improved browsing options.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

What is the ieframe.dll Error?

DLL is the short version for Dynamic-link library. DLL is used by the Windows operating system to handle application data that make your programs such as MS office and Internet Explorer work properly. DLL is much like the library inside of your computer screen. When we want to run a certain program such as Internet Explorer, Microsoft will refer to DLL to figure out how to do it. Much like checking out a book from the library to figure out how to plant a garden, Microsoft checks with DLL to figure out how to run the selected program.

DLL has a big job inside of the hard drive. It is relied upon by the operating system to figure out where to go and what to do when a user opens a program. A DLL error can occur when the data in the library is corrupt, incomplete or missing. DLL errors can happen for a variety of reasons from simple routine use an outdated security or fire wall setting, installing an update or getting a computer virus.

The ieframe.dll error is associated with the Internet Explorer web browser. Knowing that it is associated with your browser helps to narrow down the reasons why the error is occurring. A browser error is easy to repair and generally does not mean that there is anything seriously wrong with your computer system.

If you receive an ieframe.dll error you can repair this yourself in a few easy steps. First, shut down and restart your system. If the error goes away on its own, consider yourself lucky.

If the problem persists, take the following next steps:
  • Download and install the latest compatible version of Internet Explorer; this will depend on your operating system.
  • Restart your router or the network that you use to communicate with the internet.
  • Perform a virus scan on your system.
  • Check to ensure that your firewall and security software is up to date. You may want to consider disabling the protected mode and phishing filter as this may contribute to the dll error.
  • Delete your temporary internet files by going to Start, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Cleanup. Wait for the entire process to complete.
  • Shut down and restart your system and see if the ieframe.dll error persists.
If these steps do not resolve the error you can replace the DLL by downloading a clean version of the DLL. To do this you can do an internet search for downloading DLL and follow the instructions. If you are not comfortable installing a clean version of DLL it is advisable to call Microsoft support or take your system to a trained computer technician.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

The Meaning of the Red Screen for PS3 Users

Colors such as red, black and blue for computer users and PS3 users generally mean trouble. We have all heard of the red or blue screens of death when dealing with our PC’s. The same holds true for PS3 uses. The PS3 RSOD or PS3 Red Screen of Death is frustrating and confusing for many users. Just because you become a victim of the PS3 RSOD does not mean that you are not taking care of your electronics, sometimes it just happens without warning!

The best scenario when you encounter the PS3RSOD is that your unit is still under warranty and you can bring it right back to the place you purchased it and get either your money back or have it repaired. A less attractive and more costly solution is to bring it to a technician and pay for a repair that may take well over a week. Most of us are just not that lucky to have the red screen of death occur while the machine is still under warranty.

There are a few ways to cure the PS3RSOD by yourself. These methods have proven successful and won’t cost you anything but a little bit of time.

Reasons for the PS3 RSOD and a Few Easy Fixes
  • Overheating is the most common cause for the red screen. Many users either have the console flat on the wall or the floor preventing air from circulating. Shut your system down and move it to allow some air to flow. This may require a permanent readjustment of where you have your console located.
  • Dust accumulation is another common cause for the red screen. Just as overheating occurs because of the way the console is positioned, dust also accumulates and builds up. Dust the areas around your gaming device, this includes the fan area.
  • Unplug the PS3 console and let it stand for at least 30 minutes. This is a good time to let it cool and check for dust and dirt particles. Give the console some time to cool down while you are giving it a good dust down.
  • Plug your system back in after waiting at least 30 minutes. Check all of the cords and power supplies to ensure that they are secured and plugged in properly. It is quite possible that these simple steps will get rid of the red screen of death.
After trying these solutions, if you are still med with the PS3 RSOD it is possible that you may have a bad hard drive. You can borrow a hard drive and hook it to your console just see if the red screen still appears with a different hard drive. If the red screen is still present it is likely that there is significant damage done to either your motherboard or your hard drive. In this case you should consult with a technician to get the system repaired.