Category: Windows XP

After reading this short article, you will be able to properly configure your Solid State Drive ( SSD ) for better performance in Windows Operating system. If you have a new SSD in your hands and you are thinking about Installing Windows on it, make sure that your drive is aligned properly & within your BIOS the controller or SATA type is set to AHCI. While booting from Windows Disk and just before you select the Disk Press Shift + F10 and follow this guide . Below are some tips that you can use to gain some performance boost when using SSD in Windows.

• Make Sure you are using your computer in AHCI mode.
• Turn off Defragment service. ( Start menu –> type Service.msc)
• Turn off indexing service ( SSD drives are fast enough and using indexing service is a waste of time )
• Some online blogs /sites suggest turning off Superfetch. I would suggest not to turn it off. I found performance degradation while the superfetch service was tunred off. ( Though It’s your wish )
• DO Not turn off write caching ( even if it’s not needed )
• Make Sure Trim is working on your Windows system

• To Check TRIM

• Go to Start Menu
• Type CMD
• Right Click CMD
• Run as Administrator
• 
• Now, on the Command Prompt
• Type fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify

• 
• If the result you get says DisableDeleteNotify=0
• Trim is Enabled
• In the end, make sure you drivers & Windows is up to date. Run Windows update to check.

After reading this you will be able to align the your Solid State Drive (SSD) or a conventional Hard Disk Drive ( HDD ). Disk partitioning is rather a easy task these days where Windows automatically determines the best settings and partitions your Drive into volumes of your choice. Though the thing to check is that whether your drive is aligned or not. Alignment applies both to SSD & HDD, though SSD performance is somewhat more increased with a aligned drive partition. Check out this guide to first check whether your drive is properly aligned or not. If not, follow the simple steps to align your drive.

Steps to Check Drive alignment

• Automated way

• Download this tool ( Click Here )
• Run the tool to check if your disk is properly aligned or not
• Manual Way

• Go to Start Menu
• Type CMD
• Right Click Command ( CMD ) displayed at the start menu search box
• Click Run as Administrator

• 
• Type diskpart
• Type List Disk
• Type Select Disk x  ( X being the number assigned to your drive ) example 0, 1 , 2.
• Check out the offset of the first partition & make sure it is divisible by 4 or 4096 ( KB )
• Follow the screenshot below

• 
• Guide to Align the Partition

• Reinstalling with proper Aligned Disk ( NOTE: This Operation will delete all your data, so take a backup first )

• Boot with the Windows Disk
• At the Drive Selection Menu Press Shift + F10 to bring up Command prompt
• Type Diskpart
• Type List Disk
• Type Select Disk x ( x being the number of your disk) ( Refer screenshot above)
• Type Clean ( Only use this command if you want to clean all partitions ) ( if you have multiple partitions and want to just delete one partition use the process below )
• Type List partition
• Select Partition x ( X being your primary partition )
• Delete partition
• Repeat the step if you have that 100 MB partition Windows makes.
• Now,
• Select Disk X ( X being the disk number )
• Create partition primary align=4096
• Active
• Select Disk x
• Select partition 0
• Format /fs:NTFS Quick

Note: You should perform a Secure Erase before following this guide to align & repartition if you are using a SSD. ( DO NOT FULL FORMAT THE SSD, EVER)

After reading this you will be able to solve the error messages saying “Access Denied” on your Windows Computer System, even with elevated / administrator privilege. There are quite a few reasons due to which you can receive these type of error messages. Some of the related error circumstances are :

• You Re-installed or upgraded Windows to a new version & now you cannot open or modify a folder.
• You have two Administrator accounts on the same PC & you cannot access single / few / multiple files or folders
• You have a multi-boot operating system environment and you cannot access files from a specific drive or folder.

Some of the best ways to rectify this problem are:

• Take ownership of the folder:

• Right-click the folder that you want to take ownership of, and then click Properties.

• 
• Click the Security tab, click Advanced, and then click the Owner tab.

• 
• Click Edit.  If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
• Click the name of the person you want to give ownership to.
• Click OK.

• If you have upgraded from Windows XP to Vista or 7

• The location of Documents & Settings can now be found under Users folder .
• Another Solution can be to simply copy the files to a new location before trying to open them
• If your files are set as Read-only or Protected System Files

• Follow this Guide : Click here
• You are trying to read Encrypted Files

• Try going to Command Prompt

• Start menu –> type CMD –> Right Click –> Run as Administrator
• Navigate to the folder that you wish to read
• Type Cipher.exe /r

• Check your Drive for errors

• Sometimes a particular folder might not give you access if there is a file system error on the disk

• Right Click the Drive in Computer
• Go to Tools
• Check Now
• Check the Checkbox saying Automatically Fix File system errors
• Alternatively you can

• Run CHKDSK utility from the command prompt ( Run as Administrator )

After reading this you will be able to solve a STOP error or better known as Blue Screen Error in Windows 7, Vista & Windows XP. The stop error reads “ STOP 0x0000007B INACCESSABLE_BOOT_DEVICE “ . The error code might vary in a few cases, but the solutions remain the same.

Cause

• You updated your BIOS
• Changed the SATA Mode Option in BIOS to from IDE (SATA ) to AHCI.
• Hard Disk drive cable connection is loose ( desktop systems )
• Hard Disk Drive loose from the socket /Port ( Laptop  / portable computers )
• Bad Hard Disk Drive Connection cable
• Improper shutdown causes error in hard disk drive
• Virus or Malicious software has corrupted some files necessary for boot

Resolution

Windows XP

• Check the cable / Socket connection / Replace if necessary
• Boot from the Windows XP CD/DVD
• Select R when prompted ( Press R to repair )
• select partition
• Enter password
• On the command prompt type chkdsk /f
• After the disk check is complete
• type fixboot c:
• then type fixmbr c:
• type exit

Note: Make sure your SATA Mode option in BIOS is set to IDE or SATA only & not AHCI

Windows 7 & Vista

• Run Microsoft Fixit tool
• 
• Also, do check your hard disk drive connections / cable
• If you are familiar with computer hardware & think you can take out your hard disk drive, then take it out, plug it in another computer and scan hard disk for errors.

After reading this you will be able to fix some of the issues that might be affecting your laptop /notebook /netbook battery life. Battery life depends on a number of factors that includes selection of proper power plan, screen brightness, background programs, external devices, processor minimal power state & a few more.

This guide includes a few steps to optimize your portable computer to provide you with better battery life.

The First thing for Windows 7 and earlier version operating system users should do is that they should run the Microsoft Fix It tool: Click the image below:

After Running Microsoft Fix It try the steps below:

• Make sure all the USB powered devices that you don’t need are unplugged or set the devices to be turned off to save power, to do this follow :

• Go to Device Manager ( Control Panel )
• 
• Click on Universal Serial Bus Controllers
• 
• Right Click USB Root Hub & go to Properties
• 
• Make Sure the first option is checked
• Repeat for all USB Root Hubs in Device Manager
• Power Saving When Using Conventional Hard Disk Drives

• If you are using the conventional Mechanical Hard Disk Drives you should disable “ Turn Off Hard disk “ Option in Power Options
• To open power options
• Go to Control Panel –> Power Options
• Maintenance operation schedule

• Windows XP users should Defrag their hard disk drives at regular intervals.
• Windows 8, 7 & Vista users should check Maintenance options ( Action Center in Control Panel ) & make sure everything is running on schedule.
• Sounds

• For better Battery life you can disable sound scheme for Windows
• Control panel –> Sound
• Drivers

• Make sure your computer has all the latest device drivers installed.
• To update either run Windows Update or Visit your computer manufacturer’s website to get the updated Device drivers
• Make sure Power Management driver is installed
• Always use Balanced Power Plan
• Opt for Power Saver power plan when you are running out of battery and want that extra kick

After reading this article you will be able to solve the Windows explorer error that says “Windows Explorer has stopped working, Windows is restarting “. There might be a number of causes for this error, some of the main reasons include:

• Corruption in system files
• Malware / Spyware or any related malicious software
• Outdated / corrupted video ( display ) drivers
• Problem with a specific application

To solve this error follow the steps given below (one by one):

• Check your system Files
  • To check your system files, go to run ( start menu -> type run)
  • Type SFC /SCANNOW in the run box.
  • Make sure you are running the above said command as administrator.

   

• Use System Restore
  • To use system restore Follow this guide (Click Here)
• Updating your Video ( Display Drivers )
  • Run Windows Update by typing Windows Update in the start menu search box & pressing Enter.
  • Select the hardware (graphics) driver from the optional updates section.
  • OR
  • You can visit the support site of your Graphic /Display Manufacturer & download the drivers from there.

     

• Scan your computer with a good antivirus / antimalware program
  • Get a good Antivirus / Antispyware / Antimalware program (Microsoft Security Essentials is recommended)

• Check faulty programs
  • If the problem began after installing a specific program, make sure the installed program is compatible with the Windows version that you are installing it with.
  • Check for such program’s startup record.
    • Go to run (Winkey + R) & type msconfig
    • Go to startup tab, check for unnecessary programs, but do not uncheck any boxes unless you are absolutely sure about an entry therein.

       

• Using Clean boot
  • Follow this guide for using Clean Boot

• Testing Memory (RAM for problems) (Windows Memory Diagnostics)
  
  • Windows Memory diagnostics is a tool built into Windows 7 & Vista to check your Memory Modules for problems.
    
  • To use Windows Memory Diagnostics -> Go to Control Panel -> Classic View ( small icons )
    
  • Windows Memory Diagnostics
    
  • This will check your RAM for errors and report them the next time you start Windows.
    
• Using Safe Mode
  
  • One of the best ways to troubleshoot Windows is using safe mode. While starting Windows in safe mode you exclude / restrict all the unnecessary programs and services from starting & Windows is loaded with only default and necessary set of drivers and services.
    
  • If the problem is with a program that you might have installed, Windows should boot normally into safe mode without any errors.

After reading this guide you will be able to increase the performance of your Windows based computer system. This post will help you do some basic tasks that will help you get rid of the performance degradation that you might be facing. Overtime & because of a numbers of reasons your computer might get slow, some of the reasons include:

• Wrong Power Plan choice
• Improper driver software
• Multiple Antivirus software
• No Antivirus Software ( Computer is infected )
• Memory issues ( Not enough RAM )
• Multiple programs starting when Windows Start
• Heavy visual effects like transparency etc..

First of all, there is a Microsoft Fix It Solution available to solve a few software based problems that might be degrading your computer’s performance. Click on the image below to follow link:

Now Comes the manual Fixing Solutions:

• Using Proper Drivers

• Go to start menu
• In the start menu search box type Windows Update
• Click on the Windows update link
• click of Check for updates
• Select the hardware device driver updates from within the Optional Updates section
• OR
• Go to your Computer /Motherboard /Graphic Card manufacturer’s website
• Download and Install all the latest drivers
• Two of the most important drivers are Chipset & Display drivers
• Power Plan

• Go to Start Menu
• In the start menu search box type Power Options
• Make sure you are using balanced power plan for proper battery & performance.
• Go get High Performance, select High Performance power plan ( Not recommended, if you want better battery life)
• Start up Items

• Go to Run ( Windows key + R )
• Type MSCONFIG
• Go to Start up tab on top
• uncheck the checkboxes of programs that you do not want when windows start

• Make Sure you do not uncheck something that is important and you want your computer starting that program at start up ( Example : Graphics Driver software )
• Read the programs description & path to make sure you deselect only unwanted programs
• Not Enough RAM / Faulty RAM

• In Windows 7 there is a built-in tool to check your Memory modules ( RAM ) for errors.

• Go to start menu & type Windows Memory Diagnostics
• To Run the program then click on run now ( System will restart )
• OR
• you can schedule it to run at a later time
• Windows XP  does not have such a tool. SO Replacing a Memory Module for testing is the only option. ( I do not recommend third party memory diagnostic program, though you can use them too )
• If you think your computer has less RAM to work with, you can always think of Upgrades.

After Reading this post you will be able to fix a number of small issues that you might be facing with your installation of Windows. This post includes solution for Windows 7, Vista & XP. Microsoft Fix It Solution link inside.

Some of the issues that this guide helps you to fix are :

• You cannot empty the Recycle Bin or delete a file or a folder inside the Recycle Bin.
• When you try to rename or move a file, you receive the following error message: “The file or folder does not exist.”
• When you copy, move, rename, or delete a file on a network share, you receive the following error message: “There is a network or file permission error. The network connection may be lost” or “The folder does not exist. The file may have been moved or deleted. Do you want to create it?”
• Your View settings or customizations for one or more folders may be lost or incorrect.
• You cannot use keyboard shortcuts to select more than one item in Windows Explorer, or you cannot select multiple items in a Windows Explorer window by holding the SHIFT key or the CTRL key while you click the items.
• Some icons in My Computer, in Windows Explorer, on the desktop, or on the Quick Launch Bar change randomly.

Windows XP

• Insert The Windows XP Disc into the CD/DVD drive
• Go to Run ( Start menu ) or ( Winkey + R )
• type SFC /SCANNOW
• This process will check your system files for problems and will fix them automatically.

Windows Vista / 7

• Go to Run ( Winkey + R )
• Type SFC /SCANNOW
• Wait for the process to complete
• Restart your computer

Microsoft FIX IT

Click above to go to the Microsoft FIX it site and run the tool

After reading this post you will be able to solve / fix “ USB Device not recognized “ error message that is displayed on your Windows Computer system. Windows 7 & VISTA Hotfix link inside. Microsoft FIXIT for Windows XP ( Link Inside )

There are quite a few causes for this problem to occur. Following are some of the resolutions that we have come across while troubleshooting Windows over time. These solutions are applicable on Windows 7, XP & Vista.

Uninstall & Reinstall USB Root Hub

• Go to device manager ( Control Panel ), Windows 7 users can type device manager in the start menu search box & open the proper program from the results displayed.

• Expand Universal Serial Bus controller options
• Right click on USB root hub ( one at a time ) & click uninstall.
• Remember if you are using a USB keyboard/mouse or any devices that use USB interface might stop working.
• Restart your computer.

If the problem persists

• Turn off Power Management in Windows

• Click Start, click Run, type Devmgmt.msc, and then click OK. The Device Manager window opens.
• Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
• Right-click a USB Root Hub in the list, and then click Properties. The USB Root Hub Properties dialog box is displayed.
• Click the Power Management tab.
• Click to clear the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power check box, and then click OK.
• Repeat steps with all USB Root hubs available.

If the problem persists

• Go to, your computer/motherboard manufacturer’s support website & from there download and install latest chipset drivers from there.
• Install these drivers & restart your computer

If the problem persists

• Go to, Windows Update ( Control Panel )
• Update your Windows with all recommended updates & check if there are any hardware device drivers within optional updates, Install them as well.

Windows 7 & Vista Users HOTFIX

• http://support.microsoft.com/kb/976972

FIXIT for Windows XP users

• http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9740816

The Last Step for Laptops ( All Portable Devices with removable battery/ Desktops

Portables:

• Turn off your Computer
• Take the battery out carefully, refer the documentation that came with your computer.
• Press & hold the power button for a few seconds.
• Put the battery back into the compartment
• Start the computer and check

Desktops:

• Turn off your computer
• Pull out the power cord from the mains or backup unit ( UPS )
• Maintain no power policy for 2 minutes
• Restore power to the computer unit
• Start your computer to check.

After reading this article you will be able to solve the problem where corruption occurs on your screen or you see lines across your computer display. This problem might occur due to a Display driver problem, a display hardware error, Display connection cable problem or even a faulty display. If it’s a laptop & lines occur when you move your screen ( hinges move ), it could very well be the display cable problem connecting your motherboard/display adapter to your screen.

Follow these steps to resolve the issue:

• Go to, control panel & locate programs & features or simply type Uninstall a program.
• From the list therein, locate the display driver with the help of the example screen shot given below:

OR

• Apart from the above examples, you can have a nVidia Display adapter as well. Select the appropriate program from the list following the screenshots above and click on uninstall.
• Restart your computer
• Now, Go to the Support website of either your computer manufacturer/Motherboard manufacturer or if you have a add-on Display adapter ( Graphics Card ), go to the Gfx Card Manufacturers support website.
  Example: http://support.intel.com or http://support.asus.com etc.
• OR , to get latest drivers you can use WINDOWS UPDATE
• To run Windows Update, Go to start menu & in the start menu search box, type Windows Update & press Enter.

• Refer the above screenshot, you can either press Check for updates on the Top left hand corner or directly click on optional updates to check if new hardware drivers are available for your computer system.

If This does not solve your issue,

For Desktop Computer Systems

• If you have a Add-on Graphics Adapter Installed, try pulling it out and checking the display on your on-board display option. If you do not have a motherboard with a on-board display, get another card to check if that works or try reseating your present graphics adapter properly into the slot.
• Check the Display Cable ( Any type ) for damage. Also check both ends of the cable to make sure they are properly plugged in.
• Check your Display Monitor with another computer of laptop device to make sure you don’t have a problem with your Display.
• You can alternatively try to plug another monitor into your computer to check if that works properly.

For Laptop ( All portable Computers )

• Take out your laptop battery, press & hold your power button for a few seconds.
• Reinsert the battery into the compartment & check if the problem persists.
• If your laptop shows lines across the screen when you move the display panel ( move the hinges to adjust the display ) then your cable connecting your display to motherboard/display adapter might be wearing out, in this case the only recommended solution is to take the computer to a authorized dealership or support outlet.

POWER PROBLEMS

• Your Computer monitor might display some lines across the screen if there is a power surge or when the power input is lower or higher than the recommended range your monitor supports (Most of the time LOWER ), Check the documentation that came with your monitor to confirm the recommended power input.