Carey Holzman has spent years troubleshooting Windows systems. Here he shares a few of his collected tips and tricks that might help you with your Windows-based computer.
Problem: When I use Windows Explorer it hangs when trying to delete a file or folder.
Possible Solution: Have you have installed the Vividence player? The MS site has a popup that asks if you want to take part in a usability survey. If you said “yes,” you will have had to install this plug-in.’ Try uninstalling the Vividence player.
Problem: I’ve been using AdAware to clean out any “spyware” on my system; however, I keep getting a cookie called “doubleclick”. Do you know what it is and how to permanently remove it?
Possible Solution: Go to Internet Explorer: Tools > Internet Options… > Privacy > Web Sites. To override cookie handling for individual Web sites, click the Edit button. Enter “doubleclick.net” in the edit box, and click “Block.”
Problem: I have an Emachine and I recently installed a CD-RW drive, but it does not show up in Windows. Why?
Possible Solution: You will need to download the VIA “IDE Miniport Driver” (http://www.viaarena.com). This is not part of Via 4 in 1 service pack, which you should also have installed. The Miniport Driver will install a “Bus Master PCI Utility”, which you will see in your system tray after installation. Double-click on it and you should see your CD-RW drive in the list. Click once on the CD-RW drive and change it’s current mode to PIO MODE 4, then click File and click Save, click File and Click Commit Change. After a re-boot the CD-RW should work as expected.
Problem: When trying to download critical updates from Microsoft for Win ME, I get an error message that reads: WScript Error-Windows Scripting Host (on the top of the window) then in the window it says: Loading script “C:Nologo” Failed.
Possible Solution: Download & install the Microsoft scripting engine(s) to see if that corrects the problem. You can get it here:
http://download.microsoft.com/download/winscript56/Install/5.6/W9XNT4Me/EN-US/scr56en.exe
Problem: How can I turn off that annoying error reporting with Internet Explorer 6 in WinME?
Possible Solution: In Registry Editor (Regedit.exe), create a DWORD value called IEWatsonEnabled and set it to 0 in the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMain
For more info, see this MSKB article: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q276550
Problem: When I attempt to install Easy CD Creator, the Windows installer fails for me in both WinME and Win 2k pro. I don’t even get files copied to the HD before it aborts.
Possible Solution: If you receive an error or the installer just quits when trying to install Roxio Easy CD Creator 5, then go to the folder: “C:Program FilesCommon Files” and rename the folder: “InstallShield” to “xInstallShieldx”.
Then install Roxio Easy CD Creator 5. If in the future when trying to uninstall a program you receive an error, you can rename “InstallShield” to something else and rename “xInstallShieldx” back to “InstallShield”. However, this might never be necessary.
Problem: Do you know if Windows ME has the little utility program called “Backup” that is located in the system tools of Windows 95 and 98?
Possible Solution: The MS Backup program is in the add-onsmsbackup folder on Microsoft Me CDs but unfortunately it appears that not all OEMs have included this folder on the CDs they provide with new PCs. Similarly many of those OEMs who simply provide restore CDs appear also to have omitted this program. See also MS KB Q264541 – “Microsoft Backup Tool Is Not Installed by Windows
Millennium Edition” (http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q264/5/41.ASP).
Carey Holzman owns and operates Discount Computer Repair (602-527-9723) in Phoenix, Arizona, where he offers repairs, upgrades, custom built PCs and network wiring at highly competitive pricing. His networking tips have appeared in David Strom’s book, The Home Networking Survival Guide (McGraw/Hill), and his own book on PC maintenance is currently available at local book stores, amazon.com or directly through him. His free informative web site can be found at http://www.careyholzman.com. Donate $30 to help maintain his site and you’ll get a free autographed copy of his book. Carey can be reached directly at carey@careyholzman.com.
Ask Carey a Question! Free Windows help is just a click away.
