Why Does Windows Take So Long to Boot?

Most of us have had a brand new computer at one time. It’s a great feeling. You boot up windows and within 30 seconds you are surfing the net, checking your email, or playing your favorite game. 10 months down the road things aren’t so nice anymore. You power up your computer and it seems to take forever to load.
Even when you are careful about what you install it seems that each day it takes longer for it to boot. It’s not your imagination – and there are a couple of good tips to keep your boot time short and sweet.
As always – backup your system before you start any of this. If you make a mistake you might need to restore from backup
Update (09/08/2006) – There has been some controversy about the prefetch folder. I think this issue needs to be looked into. I did have a reputable source for this information: It was the “Windows XP Annoyances” book by O’Reilly. Page 210. Titled “Keeping an eye on prefetch”

1. The prefetch cache
The first tip I want to talk about is the windows prefetch. Windows XP has this feature that loads commonly used programs – at boot time.
Here is how it works: Yesterday you used MS Word, and Duke Nukem 3D. Today you boot your system to check e-mail. It sees parts of these two programs in the prefetch folder and loads them into memory before windows completes the boot process. The benefit is faster application launch times. If you really wanted to use MS Word, it would pop up really quick when you double clicked on it.
The problem is most people have been running windows for years, and the prefetch gets clogged with stuff that you almost never use. Windows takes forever to boot because it is prefetching a 1.0 copy of Napster, and you just want to check your email before you have to go to work.
What can be done about it? Well there are a few things we can do to tweak the prefetch cache. One method is to disable it partially, and this can be done quite easily.
Simply browse to the windows folder (Ex: C:\Windows) and under there you should see the prefetch folder. Go into the prefetch folder and delete all the files (Careful! It should look like this c:\windows\prefetch) And here is a screenshot of one if you still have questions

The first thing to note is the next reboot will be slow. This is because windows needs to relearn the prefetch for system files. Subsequent boots will run much faster since the sludge of programs has been removed, and only new ones are in the cache.
The trouble is that it will only help you for a while – until the prefetch gets clogged up again. We need to edit a registry key to tweak it. Open regedit and browse to this key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\PrefetchParameters
Under this key you should see a value named: EnablePrefetcher
It has 4 possible values:
0 – Disabled : The prefetch system is turned off.
1 – Application : The prefetch only caches applications.
2 – Boot : The prefetch only caches boot system files.
3 – All : The prefetch caches boot, and application files.
We don’t want to disable it entirely. This would actually make boot times *longer*. This is because this feature is also used to speed up the loading of boot files. That is why we are going to pick the number 2 option. It allows us to keep the advantage of caching system files, without continually clogging the system up with applications.
Set the value to 2 and reboot.
The 2nd time you boot it should boot much faster. Remember that the side effect is that launching individual applications once windows has loaded will now be slightly slower.
2. Hard drive fragmentation
Over time your hard drive will become fragmented. An over simplified explanation of fragmentation is when your files and folders are not all stored in the same spot. For example lets say you had a large movie file. If it were fragmented the first 5 megabytes are at the beginning of the hard drive, and then next 5 are at the end. It takes longer for windows to read the file than it would if it were all in the same spot. The point is that if each file is stored in a linear fashion, and the drive does not have to move all over the place to read it – it will load faster. XP has a built-in defrag tool, and it is simple to run. Open “My Computer” right click on the boot drive, and go to properties. Now click on the tools tab.
Click “Defragment Now” and the following window should appear:

Before you click on the “Defragment” button you want to close all applications and be aware that it might take hours to complete. If you leave something running it might keep windows from completing the defragment operation.
Click on the defragment button and you can walk away. Or you can watch it defrag your hard drive:

3. Disconnected network drives
I am using networked drives all the time. If you have ever put your machine on a network and connected to a shared drive, this can slow you down too. If you have a drive that is still mapped, but cannot be reached it will slow down windows during boot time. This is because windows will wait…wait…and wait some more for the remote server to respond. To clean these out open “My Computer” and go to the tools menu. Click on “Disconnect Network Drives” It will open a window that looks like this:

Click on the drives you no longer need, and click OK.
4. Spyware & Adware
These can have a big impact on your start times. If your PC gets loaded with spyware, it spends a large portion of its boot time making sure those pesky programs are loaded and ready to throw popup adverts at you all day. To check and clean your system of spyware there are three free programs that I highly recommend:
1. Microsoft Windows Defender
2. Ad-Aware
3. SpyBot Search And destroy
5. File and Printer Sharing
One other item that can significantly impact is the “File and Printer Sharing” feature within windows. Obviously, if you are sharing your printer, or folders you don’t want to disable this – so this tip is not for you. If you never use it, then why waste your time waiting for it to load?
Here is how to turn it off:
Go into the control panel. Click on “Network Connections”

Now right click on “Local Area Connection” and click on properties
Uncheck the “File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks”

Click OK, and reboot.
That wraps up our windows startup optimization. And if you are tired of waiting for windows to shutdown, then check out our article on speeding that up too!
Stay tuned. We are about to release a new version of our Remote Reboot program. This version adds a feature suggested by David in our forum. It allows you to specify the shutdown reason that is written to the event log on Windows XP, and 2003. If you are not sure what I am talking about…this should remind you:

One final note, if you have any ideas for a free utility you would like to see, please post to our forum…or better yet check out the ones we already have

Check out our Windows Admin Tools

10 Steps To Cleaning and speeding up Windows

Microsoft for every generation of their OS has strived to provide a faster startup for the masses. Windows 2000 might be the exception to the rule but every other OS a faster startup has been listed as a feature. In this tutorial we will show you how to speed up your already faster startup in Windows XP.
Step 1: Clear The Start-up folder.
The startup folder is the folder that will launch any programs or shortcuts when the computer starts up. The fewer programs that you have starting up when you power on the computer the faster the computer will boot. Keep in mind that some programs need to run when windows starts up so it may be best to backup this folder before you start.
The folder can be found by going to: C:\Documents and Settings\username\Start Menu\Programs\Startup, where username is your Windows logon name. You can also clear out the start-up items by going to Start > Programs > Startup, then right-clicking items you want to remove.
Step 2: Clearing out the startup in the system configuration utility
The System Configuration Utility also known as MSConfig is a helpful tool that will help you troubleshoot your Windows system. This tool lets you modify a lot of your system preferences but it also allows you to disable programs that startup in the background of Windows. Note: Be careful with this tool as you can make Windows run improperly.
How to start msconfig
Click on the Start button.
Select Run from the menu.
In the run dialog box type “msconfig”.
Click OK.
Once in the msconfig utility select the startup tab. In the startup tab you will see several programs listed with a checkbox beside it. If there is a check mark beside the application listed, the application will startup when your computer starts up. To speed up your computer you want to remove as many check marks from this box without affecting the programs that you use. Once you have removed the checkmarks you wish to remove, click on OK and restart the computer when prompted. It is recommended to uncheck a couple at a time so you will know what is causing a problem if one occurs.
To get more information about a listing, expand the width of the Command column near the top of the Startup tab. Expand it enough and you’ll see the start-up command that the program issues, including its location, such as C:Program FilesAdobeAcrobat 5.0ReaderAcroRd32.exe. The directory location should be a hint to help you know the name of the program. In this case it is Adobe Acrobat.
Step 3: Speeding up your startup by sorting your drivers.
Once upon a time Microsoft used to offer a tool called bootvis to optimize the sequence that your computers drivers load when starting Windows. Although the file is not available through Microsoft, there is a link to the program found in the tools section of this book. There has been some controversy wether the tool actually does anything. Lots of magazines and users say yes. Microsoft says no. For this one you’ll have to be the judge.
How to use bootvis:
Download and install Bootvis. Do a search in Google for bootvis.exe, you will find it. Open Bootvis. (Location may vary depending where you installed it) You need to analyze your computer by going to File and clicking on New. In the New menu select Next Boot and Drivers Trace. Next a box will come up asking how many trace repetitions are needed. Just leave it at the default and click on OK. Another box will appear, select the Reboot Now button and wait for your computer to restart. Once your computer has restarted wait for a little bit and bootvis will start automatically. Go to the Trace menu and select Optimize System.(This may take a few minutes.) Once complete, you will be prompted to restart your system one more time. This reboot should be faster than the last.
Step 4: Stop as many services as possible.
The more that is running on your computer the more your computer has to open on startup. Keeping a slimmer running computer will not only make your computer run faster but it will make Windows startup faster. Here is how it’s done:
Go to the Start menu and then select Run. Type ‘services.msc’ in the Run Dialog Box and click on OK. In the services window double click on the service you wish to disable. In the properties box for the selected service choose disabled in the Startup Type dropdown box. Click on OK.
Its best to restart your computer after disabling a couple of services at a time so if something undesired happens to your computer you know what disabled service needs to be re-enabled.
Step 5: Remove unwanted fonts to increase boot speed
Windows checks and loads fonts during the startup process, therefore having a large amount of font files can cause performance to drag during startup. The simple solution for this (if you do not expect to use the certain fonts) is to move the unnecessary fonts to a new directory elsewhere on the hard disk, preserving them in case they are needed, but preventing them from loading upon startup.
This is how you do it:
In your C drive create a folder called Fonts Backup. You can do this by going to the C drive through My Computer. Go to the File menu and go to New. In the new menu select Folder. A new folder will pop-up and allow you to name it.
Once the folder is created go into it and leave it open. Go to the Start menu and select Run. In the Run command type Fonts. The Fonts folder will load and display the Font files. All you have to do is drag and drop the fonts you think you wont need to the Font Backup folder. Be sure to move the .bold and the.bold.italic files that correspond with the font you want to move.
Step 6: Disable auto detection for empty IDE slots
For a faster boot up is to disable the auto detection that Windows XP uses to determine if there are IDE devices present in any of the IDE slots on the motherboard. More specifically, disable this feature on any empty slots to prevent the operating system wasting time and resources checking them.
This is how you disable IDE Detection:
Right-click on My Computer and Select Properties. In the properties click on the Hardware tab and click on the Device Manager button. In the Device Manager expand the IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers. Double-click on one of the Secondary IDE Channels and click on the Advanced Settings tab. In the dropdown box beside Device Type select None and click on OK. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to all of the Secondary IDE channels under the IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers.
Step 7: Reduce wait time after XP boots
A common problem when Windows XP boots is you will see the desktop and all of your icons but nothing responds when you click on it. During this time Windows application and networking processes are loading in the background. To reduce this wait time you need to cut down the amount of processes loading. The best way to do this is through Windows networking. Most computers do not share files or printers to other users on a network yet Windows turns File and Printer sharing on by default. Warning: If you are sharing any files or printers this step is not for you.
Here is how you disable file and print sharing.
Go to the Start menu and select Run. In the Run command enter control netconnections. In your Network Connections right-click on a Local area connection and select properties. In the properties remove the checkmark beside File and print sharing. Click OK
Repeat steps 3 through 5 if you have more than one network connection.
Step 8: Disable parts of the Group Policy Manager. (XP Pro only)
This will dramatically speed up the login process – If you don’t need to utilize Group Policies on the local machine, you can disable parts of it.
Go to Start and select Run. Type in gpedit.msc and click on OK. Right click on the Local Computer Policy entry and select Properties from the menu that appears. Add checkmarks to the two options within the Disable section. Close out. Reboot.
Step 9: Enable boot defrag.
A great new feature in Microsoft Windows XP is the ability to do a boot Defragment. This places all boot files next to each other on the disk to allow for faster booting. By default this option is enabled but on some builds it is not so below is how to turn it on.(Y is good)
Go to Start then Run. Enter regedit and click on OK Click on the + sign beside HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE then software then Microsoft then dfrg then bootoptimizefunction Select Enable from the list on the right. Right on it and select Modify. Change the value to Y to enable and N to disable. Reboot your computer
Step 10: Delete the prefetch files from time to time.
The prefetch files are the files that make Windows XP load applications load faster. Deleting the files will speedup your boot time. The trade-off is that Windows will take longer to load applications. The time difference for loading applications may not be that affected. Its best to experiment with this one.
How to enable the deletion of prefetch files.
Go into My Computer and go into your hard drive. Right-click anywhere that a file is not and select the ‘New’ submenu and click ‘Text Document’ Name it “deleteprefetch” Double-click on the text file you just created. Type “del C:WindowsPrefetch*.* /Q” (without the quotes). Go to the File menu and click on Save As… and choose “All Files” from the “Save as Type” box and save it as “deleteprefetch.bat”
You just created a batch file that will automatically delete all the files in your Prefetch folder. Just double-click on the file to make it run. I do this once a month to clean up the files
http://www.HowdidYa.com is an always growing how to portal for Windows, Linux, Mac OS and Hardware. Our how to articles will show you fix any problem, or modify your electronic stuff to make it your own. Visit our website to submit your own how to’s or learn for others.

Windows 8 app store pitiful?

Windows 8 store has 450 Metro-style apps and counting

Windows Store also officially opens to businesses

Metro-style apps are making their mark

Though only released - and even then in a limited fashion - Wednesday, the Windows Store is burgeoning with Metro-style apps for Windows 8.
At last count, the number had reached 450, and while that's still far below the 500,000 found in Apple's store, it's not too shabby for an OS only 24 hours old.
Metro-style, for those who don't know, are apps developed from the ground up using Microsoft's WinRT programming interfaces.
So far, most of the apps appear to fall into consumer-focused and games categories.
Microsoft's been making efforts over the last few months to recruit a wide swath of developers and is hosting a conference in October where its expected to provide further guidance on creating apps for its newest OS.

The store's open

Microsoft also announced the Windows Store is now officially open to qualifying businesses looking to sell their apps. All a business needs to do is have its account registered and verified by Microsoft.
Because most developers won't be able to create Windows 8 apps until August 15, when the system will likely be available to most of them, Microsoft is encouraging developers to build apps in their Release Preview, which the company opened up in May.
Individuals looking to submit apps will have to wait for guidance on how they can do so as Microsoft has not yet come up with a plan for non-businesses.

Ditching "Metro"

It was also announced Thursday that Microsoft has started telling developers to refrain from attaching the word "Metro" to their apps and documentation if they refer to the Windows Phone or Windows 8.
Instead, developers are being urged to use "New User Interface" to describe Microsoft's unified design.
The change may be related to a dispute with a German company over Metro naming.
A rep from Microsoft said "Metro" has been a code name throughout the development process of it's products and the company plans to switch to a broader consumer name when products - like Windows 8 - publicly launch.
In September 2011, Microsoft said only Metro-style apps would be available at the Windows Store.

10 MOST COMMON WINDOWS 7 FIXES

Despite the fact that Windows 7 would improve all of the bugs that Windows Vista presented there still are some bugs and of course a couple of packs to fix them. Windows 7 is a more stable Microsoft Windows Operating System. Probably not as much as Windows XP but defenitely better than Windows Vista. So let's review some of the most common Windows 7 bugs that we can find at first sight. They have to do with speed mostly.

 

• Security System
• Anti virus software
• Internet Marketing
• Microsoft

I've been working a lot these days with my brand new computer which has the Windows 7 OS installed. It looks almost the same as Windows Vista with the difference that many of the bugs on this last version have been solved, or at least that's what Microsoft guys say. But, there are still problems around. I mean, last night, I was in the middle of writing something when some Error message pop up. I was surprised about it and I began to search what the most common Windows 7 bugs and fixes were.

One thing that called my attention is that some say that Windows 7 is based on Windows XP as it was the last estable version of Microsoft Windows OS and with just the visual environment of Windows Vista. I'm not pretty sure if that's true but it make sort of sense. I mean, we all love Windows XP, you can install anything you want. In fact, I keep Windows XP in most of my computers. But it's also true that it's been 10 years since Microsoft launched Windows XP and computers these days are way more powerful and so we need better operating systems.

Windows 7 had thousand of beta testers that were familiarized with Windows Vista. Thanks to that Microsoft was able to solve thousands of bugs and made the launchment of Windows 7 a reality.

Most Common Windows 7 Bugs and Fixes

However, we still can find some bugs when working with Windows 7.

At fist sight, the most common bugs of Windows 7 have to do with speed. We can experience slow thumbnail loading time, slow right click menu and slow shutdown.

Lucky for us, there is a nice and cool solution for fixing the 21 most common bugs we find in Windows 7.

Some of these fixes are:

1. Enable Task Manager


2. Enable Command Prompt


3. Enable Registry Editor


4. Enable Folder Options


5. Reboot After Update


6. Update Shut Down


7. Slow Shutdown


8. Slow Thumbnail


9. Restore Aero Function


10. Disable IPv6


11. Enable IPv6


12. No DVD Drive


13. Installer Crash


14. Slow Menu


15. Themes Changes


16. System Try


17. Taskbar Properties


18. Taskbar Context


19. Win-X Shortcuts


20. Display Properties


21. Control Panel

The application's name is 7 Quick Fix 1.0 and you can review it and download it here. The good thing about this application is that you select and unselect the fixes that you want to take effect when you are updating Windows 7.

Microsoft give us the popular Service Pack 1 and 2 after some semesters after the launchment of a new Operating System. However, there are some good fix packs on the Internet.

We also can experience some problems when installing some softwares or games that were built thinking about Windows XP and probably are not compatible with Windows 7. We can find fixes for these things too.

Windows 8 RTM released?

Today, I am excited to announce that Windows 8 has been released to manufacturing (RTM)! This means we’ve completed the product development and testing of the product and have started handing off the final code to our OEM partners. They can now begin preparing new Windows 8 PCs and devices they’ll introduce starting with General Availability. For more on RTM,

So when will folks be able to get their hands on the new Windows 8 RTM code?
People will be able get Windows 8 starting on October 26^th either by upgrading for $39.99 or on a new PC or device. And if you buy an eligible Windows 7 PC today, you will be able to purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $14.99 (U.S.) through the Windows Upgrade Offer.
However, we have a number of programs that provides various audiences early access to the Windows 8 RTM code to help prepare for Windows 8 as it enters the marketplace this fall:

• August 15th: Developers will be able to download the final version of Windows 8 via your MSDN subscriptions.
• August 15th: IT professionals testing Windows 8 in organizations will be able to access the final version of Windows 8 through your TechNet subscriptions.
• August 16th: Customers with existing Microsoft Software Assurance for Windows will be able to download Windows 8 Enterprise edition through the Volume License Service Center (VLSC), allowing you to test, pilot and begin adopting Windows 8 Enterprise within your organization.
• August 16th: Microsoft Partner Network members will have access to Windows 8.
• August 20th: Microsoft Action Pack Providers (MAPS) receive access to Windows 8.
• September 1st: Volume License customers without Software Assurance will be able to purchase Windows 8 through Microsoft Volume License Resellers.

Please note: if a program you are in is not mentioned, please be patient as dates for Windows 8 RTM code availability for other programs will be communicated when the information becomes available.
For more information on what the RTM of Windows 8 means for businesses including Volume License customers, see this blog post from Erwin Visser on the Windows for your Business Blog. This post, also from Erwin, on how Windows 8 will work in your business is also a good post to read.
On August 15^th, developers will be able to visit the Windows Dev Center to get access to all the tools and resources they need including the final build of Visual Studio 2012 to design, build, and sell apps in the Windows Store. Keep your eyes on the Windows Store for developers blog and Windows 8 app developer blog for more information. I am super excited to see the kinds of apps developers build for Windows 8! If you have the Windows 8 Release Preview installed, you can already check out some apps developers have created for Windows 8 today.
In the meantime, if you’d like to give a pre-release version of Windows 8 a test-run, feel free to download the Windows 8 Release Preview! You can also read about my personal experience with the Windows 8 Release Preview here (hint: I put it on all my PCs!).
Tags: Upgrade, Developer, Developers, Partners, OEM, MSDN, RTM, TechNet, Volume License, Windows 8, Windows Dev Center, Windows Store, Windows 8 Release Preview, Release to Manufacturing, GA, General Availability, Windows Upgrade Offer, Software Assurance, Microsoft Action Pack, Product Development, Microsoft Partner Networ

Five Best File Syncing Tools

Click to view If you work and play on multiple computers in the course of a week, keeping your important files in sync can be difficult. The day may come when you've got access to all of your files and data straight from the cloud, but until that day, a solid file syncing application is just what the doctor ordered. On Tuesday you shared your favorite file syncing tools, and now we're back with the five most popular answers. Read on for a closer look at the five best file syncing tools, then cast your vote for the app you like best.

Dropbox (Windows/Mac)

Dropbox is a free, cross-platform syncing app that boasts quick, instantaneous syncs and file versioning through your desktop and their web-based interface. Currently Dropbox is in a private beta (we handed out invites a few weeks ago), during which the application is free and offers 2GB of storage space. Once Dropbox leaves beta, premium accounts will be available if you need more space than the free 2GB default. Currently Dropbox's biggest drawback is that you can't define sync folders, so you have to move everything you want to sync to the main Dropbox folder.

Syncplicity (Windows)

Syncplicity is a free and premium, Windows-only tool for seamless, instantaneous file syncs. Like Dropbox, Syncplicity offers 2GB of free space and helpful icons to help keep track of the sync status of your files. Unlike Dropbox, Syncplicity can add any folder to your Syncplicity syncs, it has more advanced sharing features, and it already has pricing in place for premium accounts if you need more than 2GB (40GB for $10 per month or $100 per year). It's also available now, so if you've been waiting on a Dropbox invite, you might want to skip it and head over to Syncplicity. The biggest drawback to Syncplicity right now is its lack of a Mac client, but one is in the works and slated for September.

Windows Live FolderShare (Windows/Mac)

Windows Live FolderShare offers 2GB of (UPDATE: FolderShare only limits you to 10 libraries and 10,000 files, so it can sync much more than 2GB) free file sync between the FolderShare web site and Mac and Windows computers. Unfortunately the Mac version is ancient and reportedly has bugs with case-sensitive volumes, but either way it's a strong utility for both Windows and Mac syncing.

SyncToy 2.0 (Windows)

SyncToy 2.0 is the go-to application for many a Windows user looking to keep files in sync locally—either over your home network or with a USB thumb drive. The new SyncToy boasts several impressive features, most notably a smart drive letter detection that recognizes your thumb drive even if it's assigned a different letter each time. What's more, SyncToy is the tool I use to sync my iTunes library between PCs. SyncToy is freeware, Windows only.

SyncBack (Windows)

The only cross-over from our Hive Five Windows Backup Tools, both the freeware and shareware versions of SyncBack offer options for synchronizing files between computers on a local network. Like many of the others, this backup favorite is Windows only, but it's more than up for the task if you need to copy and synchronize files between computers.

Common Windows Error Codes and How to Fix them!

While working with an operating system, it is not uncommon to encounter errors. Some errors that occur frequently on a Windows system are compiled in a common Windows error codes list. It may not be difficult to fix the common Windows errors but for certain errors, some level of expertise or an in-depth knowledge of the Windows OS may be required. A consolidated list of common windows problems and solutions is useful for a user when they encounter an error. A common Windows error codes list provides a quick and a easy reference and also a possible solution to fix a common Windows error.

Common Windows Error Codes and How to Fix them!

Below is a list of the most common error codes that you may face while using Windows and its basic components. Some solutions have been provided for you to try to solve them. You should also note that some require the assistance of a computer technician and you should not try to fix them yourself as they could seriously damage your computer system.

• Error #0

Error Message: Connection Successful!
Solution: Does not require any action.

• Error #2

Error Message: System cannot find specified file
Solution: You should reinstall NCP & DUN

• Error #5

Error Message: Access Denied
Solution:
1. Ensure that you have entered the right username and password in the field labeled "domain" for NT/2k
2. Check that the option "accept any authentication including clear text" is activated

• Error #5

Error Message: Invalid Procedure Call
Solution: Dialup and Network components must be installed again

• Error #6

Error Message: Stack Overflow
Solution:
1. Try cold booting your computer
2. If this does not work, the problem might come from your RAM or the Swap file

• Error #20

Error Message: The system cannot find the specified device
Solution:
1. Ensure that the right modem has been selected
2. If it does not respond, try to reinstall it
3. You can also try to reinstall NCP/DUN/RAS

• Error #71

Error Message: No more connections are allowed
Solution:
1. Someone else might have connected under your account
2. If you have been ghosted on the server, your Internet Service Provider can bump the ghost program off

• Error #380

Error Message: Invalid Proper Value
Solution:
1. Autodial should be pointed to the correct dialler
2. Else, set up the dialler again

• Error #600

Error Message: An operation is pending
Solution:
1. You should first try rebooting your computer
2. Ensure that no other program is using your modem
3. Else, press Ctrl-Alt-Delete and if RNAAPP loads, contact a technician to fix this problem
4. Make sure that your computer is Spyware free

• Error #601

Error Message: The port handle is invalid
Solution:
1. Select the modem's COM port and under the Diagnosis section, open "More Info". You should reboot your computer if you are able to get ATI responses, remove the erroneous init string or enter ATZ as the init
2. You can also reinstall your modem
3. Else press Ctrl-Alt-Delete and if RNAAPP loads, contact a technician to fix this problem
4. Your Dialup Networking should be reinstalled together with its components
5. Your modem might not be working properly. You should then consult your computer manufacturer

• Error #602

Error Message: The port is already open
Solution:
1. Try to reboot your computer
2. Ensure that no other program is using the modem
3. Else press Ctrl-Alt-Delete and if RNAAPP loads, contact a technician to fix this problem
4. Try uninstalling the AOL Adapters in the Network Control panel and reboot your computer. Install your Dialup Adapter again
5. Remove the erroneous init string or enter ATZ as the init
6. If you have Quicken 2000, deactivate the Quicken Download Manager
7. Try installing your modem again
8. Make sure that your computer is Spyware free

• Error #603

Error Message: Caller's buffer is too small
Solution:
1. Ensure that your port is not configured to a low speed
2. In your "Port Settings", ensure that FIFO is not set to low
3. Try reinstalling your Dialup Networking together with its components
4. If you are still having problems, contact your computer manufacturer

• Error #604

Error Message: Wrong information specified.
Solution:
1. Ensure that the are no outages in your area
2. Try to enter the username and password again
3. Set up the dialler again
4. Your Dialup Networking should be installed again together with its components
5. You can also try to reinstall your modem

• Error #605

Error Message: Cannot set port information.
Solution:
1. Ensure that the are no outages in your area
2. Try to enter the username and password again
3. Set up the dialler again
4. Your Dialup Networking should be installed again together with its components
5. You can also try to reinstall your modem

• Error #606

Error Message: The port is not connected.
Solution:
1. Select the modem's COM port and under the Diagnosis section, open "More Info". You should reboot your computer if you are able to get ATI responses, remove the erroneous init string or enter ATZ as the init
2. You can also reinstall your modem
3. Else, press Ctrl-Alt-Delete and if RNAAPP loads, contact a technician to fix this problem
4. Your modem might not be working properly. You should then consult your computer manufacturer if the problem persists.

• Error #607

Error Message: The event is invalid.
Solution:
1. If this problem arises while dialling up to the internet, verify that the settings of the event log have been correctly set
2. Try rebooting your system and ensure that the dialler/network settings have been correctly configured
3. Else, install RAS/DUN again

• Error #608

Error Message: The device does not exist.
Solution:
1. Check that the right modem is set in the dialler
2. Ensure that you are using the right modem drivers by checking the modem diagnostics. If it's not the case, set up the correct drivers.
3. Reinstall the dialler
4. Your modem might not be working properly. Try reinstalling it
5. You should consult your computer manufacturer if the problem persists

• Error #609

Error Message: The device type does not exist.
Solution:
1. Check that the right modem is selected in the dialler
2. Ensure that you are using the right modem drivers by checking the modem diagnostics. If it's not the case, set up the correct drivers
3. Your modem might not be working properly. Try reinstalling it
4. You should consult your computer manufacturer if the problem persists

• Error #610

Error Message: The buffer is invalid.
Solution:
1. Ensure that your port speed is set to low in the modem properties
2. In your "Port Settings", check that FIFO is not set to low
3. Reinstall the dialer again
4. Else, reinstall RAS/DUN
5. You should consult your computer manufacturer if the problem persists

• Error #611

Error Message: The route is not available.
Solution:
1. Try to reboot your computer
2. Ensure that you set the right configurations for the dialer and network settings
3. Else, install the network components again
4. If you are using a LAN connection, consult your system administrator

• Error #612

Error Message: The route is not allocated.
Solution:
1. Reboot your computer
2. Ensure that you set the right configurations for the dialler and network settings

• Error #613

Error Message: Invalid compression specified.
Solution:
1. Try to reboot your computer
2. Else, add &K3 to the extra settings.
3. If this still does not solve the problem, add &K3
4. You can also try to reinstall the modem

• Error #614

Error Message: Out of buffers.
Solution:
1. Ensure that our port speed is not too low
2. Try to install your modem again

• Error #615

Error Message: The port was not found.
Solution: Try to install your modem drivers

• Error #616

Error Message: An asynchronous request is pending.
Solution:
1. Reboot your computer
2. Try to install your modem drivers again

• Error #617

Error Message: The port or device is already disconnecting
Solution:
1. Wait until your modem disconnects properly
2. If this operation is taking too long, reboot your computer

• Error #618

Error Message: The port is not open.
Solution:
1. Reboot your computer
2. Ensure that no other program is making use of the modem

• Error #619

Error Message: The port is disconnected.
Solution:
1. Reboot your computer
2. Ensure that no other program is making use of the modem

• Error #621

Error Message: Cannot open the phone book file.
Solution: Install Blue Frog connection software again

• Error #622

Error Message: Cannot load the phone book file.
Solution: Install Blue Frog connection software again

• Error #623

Error Message: Cannot find the book entry.
Solution: Install Blue Frog connection software again

• Error #626

Error Message: Cannot load a string
Solution:
1. Try to reboot your system
2. Install Blue Frog connection software again

• Error #627

Error Message: Cannot find key
Solution: Install Blue Frog connection software again

• Error #628

Error Message: The port was disconnected
Solution:
1. Install Blue Frog connection software again
2. Try to install your modem drivers again

• Error #629

Error Message: The port was disconnected by the remote machine.
Solution:
1. Install Blue Frog connection software again
2. Try to enter an alternate Access Number
3. Try to install your modem drivers again

• Error #630

Error Message: The port was disconnected due to hardware failure.
Solution:
1. Install Blue Frog connection software again
2. Try to reinstall your modem drivers
3. Try to use an alternate modem
4. Else, replace your current modem with a new one

• Error #631

Error Message: The port was disconnected by the user.
Solution:
1. Ensure that the right Access Number is being dialled
2. Try to reboot your computer

• Error #632

Error Message: The structure size is incorrect.
Solution:
1. Try to reboot your computer
2. Install Blue Frog connection software again

• Error #633

Error Message: The port is already in use or is not configured for Remote Access dialout.
Solution:
1. Try to reboot your computer
2. Else, try to reinstall your modem drivers

• Error #634

Error Message: Cannot register your computer on the remote network.
Solution:
1. Try to check your network settings and modify your computer name
2. Install the network control panel again

• Error #635

Error Message: Unknown Error
Solution:
1. Try to reboot your computer
2. Install Blue Frog connection software again
3. Else try to reinstall your modem drivers

• Error #636

Error Message: The wrong device is attached to the port
Solution: Check in your settings if you have chosen the right modem

• Error #637

Error Message: The string could not be converted
Solution:
1. Try to reboot your computer
2. Install Blue Frog connection software again

• Error #638

Error Message: The request has timed out.
Solution:
1. Try to reboot your computer
2. Install Blue Frog connection software again

• Error #645

Error Message: Internal authentication error.
Solution:
1. Try to reboot your computer
2. Install Blue Frog connection software again
3. Else, try to reinstall your modem drivers

• Error #650

Error Message: The Remote Access server is not responding.
Solution:
1. Check that your connection and network settings have correctly been configured
2. Ensure that the modem has been correctly set up and look for updated drivers
3. Set FIFO buffers to a lower speed and ensure that you have unchecked the option "Only connect at this speed"

• Error #676

Error Message: The line is busy
Solution: Ensure that your Access Number is still active and is correctly dialled

• Error #678

Error Message: There is no answer.
Solution:
1. First of all check that your phone lines are correctly plugged in
2. Ensure that the Access Number is correct
3. Else, try another Access number
4. If you are trying to make use of your connection in a bad weather, this might be the source of the problem. Wait until it calms down and try again
5. Else, install your modem drivers again
6. If the problem persists, you might need to contact your ISP

• Error #680

Error Message: There is no dial tone.
Solution:
1. First of all check that your phone lines are correctly plugged in
2. The cables might be damaged. Replace them and try again
3. Else, install your modem drivers again
4. If the problem persists, you might need to contact your ISP or a technician

• Error #691

Error Message: Access denied because username and/or password is invalid on the domain.
Solution:
1. Ensure that you have entered the right username and password
2. Make sure that your account is active and turned on
3. You might also try to enter another Access Number
4. If the problem persists, you might need to contact your ISP

• Error #692

Error Message: Hardware failure in port or attached device.
Solution:
1. Browse for and remove any Blue Frog init strings
2. Install Blue Frog connection software again
3. Else, install your modem drivers again

• Error #718

Error Message: PPP Timeout
Solution:
1. Try to reboot your computer
2. Ensure that you have entered the right username and password
3. You might try another Access Number
4. Install Blue Frog connection software again
5. Else, install your modem drivers again

• Error #721

Error Message: Remote PPP peer is not responding.
Solution: For Windows 2000/XP/Vista operating systems, ensure that the security setting for the dialler reads "Allow unsecured Password"

• Error #734

Error Message: The PPP link control protocol terminated.
Solution: For Windows 2000/XP/Vista operating systems, ensure that the security setting for the dialer reads "Allow unsecured Password"

• Error #777

Error Message: The connection attempt failed because the modem on the remote computer is out of order.
Solution:
1. Install Blue Frog connection software again
2. Install your modem drivers again
3. Else, install a new modem

• Error #778

Error Message: It was not possible to verify the identity of the server.
Solution:
1. Ensure that you are dialling the correct phone number
2. Verify the connection and Network settings
3. Ensure that you do not have an outage on the phone line
4. Ensure that you have correctly installed your modem and check for updated drivers
5. Set FIFO buffers to a lower speed and ensure that you have unchecked the option "Only connect at this speed"

• Error #779

Error Message: To dial out using this connection, you must use a smart card.
Solution:
1. Ensure that all authorisation is allowed in your connection settings in the Security section
2. Verify that you have correctly set the other dialler settings
3. Else, create the dialler again
4. You might need to use the Smart Card Reader as initially setup by the Network Administrator

• Error #780

Error Message: An attempted function is not valid for this connection.
Solution: Ensure that the dialler, not the one set up for LAN use though, has been properly installed and has the right settings

• Error #781

Error Message: The encryption attempt failed because no valid certificate was found.
Solution: You have to get a valid certificate by registering to the website http://windows.microsoft.com/...

Note: The solution for the following problems is already provided in the error messages. If you are still facing problems with them, either contact your ISP or a technician to fix the problem.

• Error #782

Error Message: Network Address Translation (NAT) is currently installed as a routing protocol, and must be removed before enabling Internet Connection Sharing

• Error #783

Error Message: Internet Connection Sharing cannot be enabled. The LAN connection selected as the private network is either not present, or is disconnected from the network. Please ensure that the LAN adapter is connected before enabling Internet Connection Sharing.

• Error #784

Error Message: You cannot dial using this connection at logon time, because it is configured to use a user name different than the one on the smart card. If you want to use it at logon time, you must configure it to use the user name on the smart card.

• Error #785

Error Message: You cannot dial using this connection at logon time, because it is not configured to use a smart card. If you want to use it at logon time, you must edit the properties of this connection so that it uses a smart card.

• Error #786

Error Message: The L2TP connection attempt failed because there is no valid machine certificate on your computer for security authentication.

• Error #787

Error Message: The L2TP connection attempt failed because the security layer could not authenticate the remote computer.

• Error #788

Error Message: The L2TP connection attempt failed because the security layer could not negotiate compatible parameters with the remote computer.

• Error #789

Error Message: The L2TP connection attempt failed because the security layer encountered a processing error during initial negotiations with the remote computer.

• Error #790

Error Message: The L2TP connection attempt failed because certificate validation on the remote computer failed.

• Error #791

Error Message: The L2TP connection attempt failed because security policy for the connection was not found.

• Error #792

Error Message: The L2TP connection attempt failed because security negotiation timed out.

• Error #793

Error Message: The L2TP connection attempt failed because an error occurred while negotiating security.

• Error #794

Error Message: The Framed Protocol RADIUS attribute for this user is not PPP.

• Error #795

Error Message: The Tunnel Type RADIUS attribute for this user is not correct.

• Error #796

Error Message: The Service Type RADIUS attribute for this user is neither Framed nor Callback Framed.

• Error #797

Error Message: A connection to the remote computer could not be established because the modem was not found or was busy.

• Error #798

Error Message: A certificate could not be found that can be used with this Extensible Authentication Protocol.

• Error #799

Error Message: Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) cannot be enabled due to an IP address conflict on the network. ICS requires the host be configured to use 192.168.0.1. Please ensure that no other client on the network is configured to use 192.168.0.1

• Error #800

Error Message: Unable to establish the VPN connection. The VPN server may be un-reachable, or security parameters may not be configured properly for this connection.
Solution:
1. Check your ADSL line as it is probably not synchronised
2. Verify that your Security Options are correctly set in your connection options
3. Either your Network Card or your modem might not work properly. Contact a technician if the problem persists

• Error #995

Error Message: Operation aborted.

• Error #1382

Error Message: Maximum length exceeded.

• Error #1793

Error Message: Account expired.

• Error #2250

Error Message: Network connection does not exist.

How to use system restore in windows

The System Restore tool in Windows 7 is a very valuable utility when you're trying to solve a major problem.
Most serious issues in Windows 7 are caused by problems with the Windows Registry, device drivers, or DLL files. When a restore point is created, a current copy of these and other important files in Windows 7 are saved and can be restored using System Restore.
Considering the scope of protection that System Restore provides, using the tool early in your troubleshooting could save a lot of time.
Follow these steps for reverting important Windows 7 system files back to a previous state using System Restore:

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: Using System Restore to reverse system changes in Windows 7 usually takes several minutes

Here's How:

1. Navigate to the Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools program group.
   
2. Click on the System Restore program icon.
   
3. Click Next > on the Restore system files and settings window.
   
4. Choose the restore point that you want to use.
   Note: Check the Show more restore points checkbox to see more than the most recent restore points.
   Note: Any restore points that you created, scheduled restore points that Windows 7 created, and those created automatically during the installation of certain programs will be listed here. You can not use System Restore to undo Windows 7 changes to a date that a restore point does not exist.
   
5. Click Next >.
   
6. Click Finish on the Confirm your restore point window to begin the System Restore.
   Note: Windows 7 will shut down to complete the System Restore so be sure to save any work you might have open in other programs before continuing.
   Important: System Restore will not revert any of your non-system files like documents, email, music, etc. to a previous state. These types files are completely unaffected by System Restore. If your intention with this tool was to recover a deleted non-system file, try using a file recovery program instead of System Restore.
   
7. Click Yes to the Once started, System Restore cannot be interrupted. Do you want to continue? dialog box.
8. System Restore will now restore Windows 7 to the state that was recorded in the restore point you chose in Step 4.
   Note: The System Restore process could take several minutes as you see the "Please wait while your Windows files and settings are being restored" message. Your computer will then reboot as normal when complete.
   
9. Immediately after logging in to Windows 7 after the reboot, you should see a message that System Restore completed successfully.
10. Click Close.
11. Check to see if whatever Windows 7 problem you were troubleshooting has been corrected by this System Restore.
    If the problem still persists, you can repeat the steps above and choose another restore point if one is available.
    If this restoration caused a problem, you can always undo this particular System Restore.
    

How to troubleshoot home networking in Windows XP

To continue receiving security updates for Windows, make sure you're running Windows XP with Service Pack 3 (SP3).

This article describes how to troubleshoot a Windows XP-based home network. Additionally, this article describes how to determine a network structure (topology), how to use the Home and Small Office Networking Troubleshooter, and how to troubleshoot basic connectivity, and how to resolve file and printer sharing issues. This article is intended for intermediate to advanced users. You may find it easier to follow the steps if you print this article first.

If you have problems with your home network, follow the steps in this article to help isolate and troubleshoot the configuration of your home network’s basic connectivity, and file and printer sharing. First, try to isolate and resolve the issue by using the steps in the "How to troubleshoot a home network issue" section.

How to troubleshoot a home network issue

Note You may have to know the kind of network structure that you are using to complete these steps. If you are not sure, go to the "Home-network structures and their configurations" section.

To troubleshoot a home network issue, use the Windows XP Home and Small Office Networking Troubleshooter in Help and Support Center to try to isolate and resolve the issue. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, and then click Help and Support.
2. Under Pick a Help Topic, click Networking and the Web.
3. Under Networking and the Web, click Fixing networking or Web problems, and then click Home and Small Office Networking Troubleshooter.
4. Answer the questions in the troubleshooter to try to find a solution.

If the troubleshooter resolves the issue, you are finished.

If the troubleshooter does not resolve the issue, determine your home-network structure in the "Home-network structures and their configurations" section, and then follow the steps in the "Advanced Troubleshooting" section.

Home-network structures and their configurations

Before you troubleshoot home networking issues, first determine the network structure you are using. The network structure is the arrangement or mapping of network elements such as links and nodes, and the physical connections between them. There are several common home-network structures:

Computers that are connected to a NAT device

The computers are connected to a NAT device that provides a single, shared Internet connection. A hardware network address translation (NAT) device is a broadband or satellite modem that enables the computers to obtain and share a single connection to the Internet. In this configuration, the computers generally receive an IP address from the NAT device. Typically, the NAT device uses the address 192.168.0.1 and assigns addresses to other computers in the range 192.168.0.x, where x is a number between 2 and 254.

Computers that are connected to a network hub

A network hub receives data through one port, and then makes it available to all ports. This enables data sharing or Internet connection between all computers that are connected to the hub. Computers that are connected to a network hub can have many configurations:

• The computers have no Internet connection.
  
  In this configuration, the computers are generally assigned IP addresses in the range of 169.254.x.y, where x and y are numbers between 1 and 254.
• The computers are connected to a hub, where only one computer has Internet connection shared by using Internet Connection Sharing.
  
  This connection can be a dial-up connection or a broadband connection (typically xDSL or a cable modem). In this configuration, the computer that shares the connection generally assigns IP addresses to other computers on the home network. The computer that is sharing the connection will have IP address 192.168.0.1 configured for the adapter that is connected to the home network. Other computers on the network will have addresses in the range 192.168.0.x, where x is a number between 2 and 254.
• The computers are connected to the Internet through a broadband connection.
  
  This configuration is also known as an edgeless network.
  In this configuration, the computers on the home network each have an IP address that is provided by the Internet service provider (ISP). The addresses that are used vary, depending on the ISP.
• The computers each have a separate dial-up connection or broadband connection to the Internet.
  
  In this configuration, the computers generally use automatically assigned IP addresses for their home network adapters. Typically, the network adapters assign IP addresses in the range of 169.254.x.y, where x and y are numbers between 1 and 254. The computers use ISP-provided addresses for their Internet connections.

ADVANCED TROUBLESHOOTING

This section explains how to troubleshoot the configuration of your home network’s basic connectivity, and how to troubleshoot file sharing and printer sharing. First, follow the steps to troubleshoot basic connectivity issues.

Troubleshoot basic connectivity issues

To troubleshoot basic connectivity issues and verify name resolution between computers, follow these steps in the order in which they are provided until you isolate and resolve the issue. First try step 1.

Step 1: Verify the physical connection between computers

The back of each network adapter in a desktop computer has visible lights. These lights indicate a good connection. If you are using a network hub, or a switch to connect the computers, make sure that the network hub or the switch is turned on and that the lights are illuminated for each client connection. This indicates a good link.

Step 2: Make sure that all computers have TCP/IP installed

This step is especially important with Microsoft Windows 95-based computers. By default, Windows 95-based computers do not have TCP/IP installed. If you are using computers that run Windows 95, Microsoft Windows 98, or Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition on the network, you can look for TCP/IP by using the Network item in Control Panel. If TCP/IP is not installed, you must install it to communicate with Windows XP-based computers on the network. TCP/IP is always installed in Windows XP.

Step 3: Make sure that the network configuration includes the IP addresses

Collect network configuration information from at least two computers on the network by using the adapter status. Then, make sure that the assigned IP addresses match the home-network configurations described in the "Home-network structures and their configurations" section. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type ncpa.cpl, and then click OK.
2. Locate and right-click the icon that represents this computer's connection to the home network, and then click Status.
3. Click the Support tab, and then under Connection status, locate the IP addresses.
   
   If the assigned IP addresses do not match the topology that this article described in the "Home-network structures and their configurations" section, the computer that is assigning the addresses may not be available. This is likely to be true if 169.254.x.y addresses are in a configuration where you expect a different address range.
   
   To change the configuration so that the addresses on the home network adapter for each computer are in the same range, determine which address is correct based on the network topology. To do this, check whether one computer receives an address in the range 192.168.0.x, and another receives an address in the range 169.254.x.y. When you isolate which computer has the incorrect address, troubleshoot the computer that has the incorrect address.
   
   Note For Windows 95-based computers in a network that uses 169.254.x.y addressing, you must configure IP addresses manually. For information about how to do this, see the online Help for Windows 95.

Step 4: Make sure that firewall features are not enabled on the home network adapters

Verify that the Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) or Windows Firewall (WF) feature is not enabled on the adapters that you use to connect the computers to the home network. If these features are enabled on these adapters, you cannot connect to shared resources on other computers in the network.

Note Edgeless networks are the exception. You can use ICF with edgeless networks if you take additional measures to enable connectivity in the home network.

Step 5: Test connectivity between computers by using the "ping" command

To use the ping command to test connectivity between two computers on the network, follow these steps:

1. On one of the computers, click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then click OK.
2. At the command prompt, type ping x.x.x.x (where x.x.x.x is the IP address of the other computer), and then press ENTER.
   
   If the ping command is successful, and the computers can connect correctly, you receive several replies from the other computer. For example, you may receive a reply with the following format:

   Reply from x.x.x.x: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128

   If you receive these replies, skip step c and go to step d.
   
   If you do not receive these replies, or if you receive a "Request timed out" message, there may be an issue on the local computer. Go to step c.
3. Test the local computer. To do this, type ping x.x.x.x (where x.x.x.x is the IP address of the local computer), and then press ENTER.
   
   If you receive replies, the network adapter is installed correctly, and the TCP/IP protocol stack is likely to be working correctly.
   
   If you do not receive replies, the network adapter may be installed incorrectly, or the TCP/IP protocol stack may be damaged. Troubleshoot the network adapter and the TCP/IP protocol stack.
   • You can check whether the network adapter is installed correctly, or otherwise further troubleshoot third-party devices, in Device Manager. For additional information about how to troubleshoot devices in Device Manager, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
     283658 How to manage devices in Windows XP
   • You can check whether the TCP/IP protocol stack is damaged, or reset the TCP/IP protocol stack. For additional information about how to reset the TCP/IP protocol stack, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
     299357 How to reset Internet protocol (TCP/IP) in Windows XP
     When you can ping the local computer, go to step d.
     
     If you cannot ping the computer, go to the "Next Steps" section for information about how to contact Support.
4. When you can successfully ping the local computer, ping the other computer by using its IP address. To ping a computer by name, type ping computername (where computername is the name of the remote computer), and then press ENTER. To determine a computer's name, right-click My Computer on the desktop, click Properties, and then click the Computer Name tab.
   
   If you receive replies, you have connectivity and name resolution between the computers.
   
   If you do not receive replies, go to the "Next Steps" section for information about how to contact Support.

After you have verified connectivity and name resolution between computers, you can troubleshoot the connectivity for file and printer sharing. To do this, go to the "Troubleshoot file sharing and printer sharing" section.

MORE INFORMATION

Troubleshoot file sharing and printer sharing

After the computers are connected, you can share files and printers between computers through the home network. To troubleshoot file sharing and printer sharing, follow these steps in the order in which they are provided until you isolate and resolve the issue. First try step 1.

Step 1: Run the Network Setup Wizard to configure each computer in the network

To configure file and printer sharing, run the Network Setup Wizard on each computer in the network. For additional information about the Network Setup Wizard, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

308522 Description of the Network Setup Wizard in Windows

When you are finished configuring file sharing and printer sharing on each computer in the network, go to step 2.

If you were unable to configure file sharing and printer sharing, go to the "Next Steps" section for information about how to contact Support.

Step 2: Make sure that file sharing is configured correctly on each computer.

For additional information about troubleshooting file sharing and making sure that the configuration on the computer is correct, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

304040 How to configure file sharing in Windows XP

In article 304040, go to the "Troubleshooting file sharing in Windows XP" section.

When you are finished configuring file sharing on each computer, go to step 3. If you were unable to configure file sharing, go to the "Next Steps" section for information about how to contact Support.

Step 3: Make sure that the Guest account is set up for network access

All network access to either a Windows XP Home Edition-based computer in a workgroup or to a Windows XP Professional-based computer in a workgroup uses the Guest account. Before you continue to troubleshoot, make sure that the Guest account is set up for network access. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then click OK.
2. Type the net user guest, and then press ENTER.
3. If the account is active, a line appears in the output of the command that has the following format:

   Account active               Yes

4. If the account is not active, type net user guest /active:yes, and then press ENTER to give the Guest account network access. The following text returns after the command:

   The command completed successfully.

   If you receive any other response, make sure that you are logged on as an administrator, and then confirm that you typed the command correctly before you try again.

When you are finished setting up the Guest account for network access, go to step 4. If you were unable to set up the Guest account, go to the "Next Steps" section for information about how to contact Support.

Step 4: Make sure that folder for the computer name is shared

After you have verified the file-sharing configuration and set up the Guest account for network access, make sure that the folder for each computer is shared. To do this, follow these steps:

1. To locate the computer name for each computer, click Start, click Run, type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
2. On the Computer Name tab, under Full computer name, locate the computer name.
3. To determine whether a folder is shared, click Start, click Run, type fsmgmt.msc, and then click OK.
4. In the left navigation pane, click Shares. A list of shared folders is displayed in the right navigation pane.
5. Locate the share folder for each computer.
6. 
   If all computer names are listed, go to step 5.
   
   If all computer names are not listed, go to the "Next Steps" section for information about how to contact Support.

When you are finished sharing the folders for each computer name, go to step 5.

If you were unable to share the folders, go to the "Next Steps" section for information about how to contact Support.

Step 5: Test the connection between computers

To test the connection from one computer to another, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type \\computername (where computername is the name of another computer on the network), and then press ENTER. A window opens that contains an icon for each shared folder on the other computer.
2. Try to open one of the shared folders to confirm that the connection is working.
   
   If you can open a shared folder, the computers are connected. Go to step 6.
   
   If you cannot open a shared folder, go to step c.
3. Test the connection from the opposite direction. To do this, go to the other computer on the network and repeat steps 1 and 2 to try to open a shared folder between the computers, or between other computers to make sure that the problem is not with a particular computer on the network.
   
   If you can open a shared folder from each computer, the computers are connected. Go to step 6.
   
   If you can open a shared folder from one computer but not the other, the problem may be that the other computer cannot access the folder. Go to step d to troubleshoot the connection for the other computer.
   
   If you cannot open a shared folder from either computer, there may be a problem with the connection. Go to the "Troubleshoot basic connectivity" section and see step 5.
4. If you still cannot open a shared folder, try again to test the connection with the computername as the name of the local computer. This tests the connection locally. A window is displayed with an icon for each shared folder on the computer. Try to open one of the shared folders to make sure that you have access.
   
   If you can open a shared folder, the computers are connected. Go to step 6.
   
   If you still cannot open a shared folder, or if the window that contains the shared folders on the computer is not displayed, or if you receive an error message, search the Microsoft Knowledge Base for more information about the specific error message that you received. To search the Microsoft Knowledge Base, visit the following Microsoft Web site, and then click Support:
   http://www.microsoft.com

When you are finished testing the connection between computers, go to step 6.

If you were unable to establish a connection between computers, go to the "Next Steps" section for information about how to contact Support.

Step 6: Check the Network Setup Wizard log file for errors

If you do not receive error messages, or you do not find related information in the Microsoft Knowledge Base, check the Network Setup Wizard log file for errors in any events that are not followed by successful operations. To open the log and check for errors, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type %SystemRoot%\nsw.log, and then press ENTER.
2. If you find errors in the log, search the Microsoft Knowledge Base for more information about how to manually configure the computer to have the correct settings.
   
   If you do not find errors in the Network Setup Wizard log, and the Nsw.log file does not give you any information about the problem, check the System log for errors, and investigate those errors.
   
   You can use Event Viewer to check for System log errors. For additional information about how to use Event Viewer to look for system log entries, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
   308427 How to view and manage event logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP

When you are finished checking the Network Setup Wizard log file for errors, you should now have connectivity for file and printer sharing. If you still have problems with your home network, go to the "Next Steps" section for information about how to contact Support.

NEXT STEPS

If the troubleshooting steps in this article did not help you, you can also use the Microsoft Customer Support Services Web site to find other solutions. Some services that the Microsoft Customer Support Services Web site provides If you continue to have questions after you use these Microsoft Web sites or if you cannot find a solution on the Microsoft Support Services Web site, click the following link to contact Support:http://support.microsoft.com/contactus

Fix the Most Common Windows 7 issues

Fix the Most Common Windows 7 Upgrade Problems

Experienced PC users know that not every operating-system upgrade goes smoothly--but that bit of understanding does little to offset the annoyance we feel when we're faced with seemingly unresolvable installation problems. Windows 7 has presented some users with a few serious upgrade bugs of its own. Don't worry: We'll explain how to exterminate them.

Before beginning your Windows 7 upgrade, attach your PC directly to your router via a wired ethernet connection. This will ensure that Windows 7 has a chance to download the latest installation updates directly from Microsoft at the outset of the upgrade process. By the time you read this article, it's possible that Microsoft will have created a fix for some of the following upgrade bugs, so your first step in any upgrade scenario should be to make sure that you have a wired Internet hookup to your PC from the start.

Installation Hangs at 62 Percent

The first installation problem you're likely to encounter in your upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 may not be obvious at first. But after your progress bar sits at 62 percent for more than 10 minutes or so, you'll know something is wrong. The culprit is a service called Iphlpsvc, which may stop responding to the system during the installation. Fortunately, the solution is relatively easy. If you don't feel like messing around with your system settings, download Microsoft's automated fix, MicrosoftFixit50319, and install it. Follow the wizard, and it should resolve the problem in about a minute.
If you'd rather just correct the problem yourself, start by rebooting your PC. After logging back in, click Start, right-click Computer, and click Properties. Click Advanced, Environment variables, then System variables, New. In the 'Variable name' field, type MIG_UPGRADE_IGNORE_PLUGINS. In the 'Variable value' field, type IphlpsvcMigPlugin.dll. Click OK to close the windows, and then start your installation again.

Endless Reboots

A more annoying (and more common) Windows 7 upgrade headache is the reboot loop. This irritating bug causes the system to reboot and to present a message stating that Windows 7 could not be installed, and that the previous version (Vista) has been restored. The next time you reboot the PC, Windows begins the upgrade process again, leading to the same error after the next reboot. And so on.

To escape this endless reboot cycle, select Vista from the boot menu at startup, and then insert your old Vista installation disc into your PC's optical drive. When the Vista setup menu appears, exit setup. Click Start, All Programs, Accessories. Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as Administrator from the contextual menu. At the command prompt, type D:\boot\Bootsect.exe /NT60 All, replacing D with the letter of the drive that contains your Vista installation disc. This will reset the boot parameters for the system.
Now reboot your machine and begin the installation process again.

Bad Product Key

You paid good money for your Windows 7 upgrade, but when you try to activate your new installation using the product key that came with the disc, you get an error stating that your product key is not valid. Unfortunately, the fix for this problem is easy but time-consuming. Here's how to cope with it.
This problem isn't so much a bug as it is a bit of unfriendly engineering. The invalid-product-key warning arises when you attempt to install an upgrade edition of Windows 7 on a drive that has been formatted. You must install the upgrade edition on a PC that already has either Windows XP or Vista installed on it. If the setup routine fails to locate a previous installation of XP or Vista, Windows 7 thinks it's being installed on a new PC rather than as an upgrade. Therefore, your upgrade product key won't work.
To resolve this issue, you need to have either XP or Vista installed on your hard drive at boot time. That may very well mean digging out your old XP or Vista discs and performing a fresh installation of that version before trying again with Windows 7.
It's important to note that Windows 7 requires you to have Service Pack 1 installed on Vista, and Service Pack 3 installed on Windows XP. So be sure to run your automatic updates on the old OS before moving on to the Windows 7 upgrade. If you have a backup of your XP or Vista system handy, the fastest fix may be to restore that backup to your hard drive and then try the Windows 7 upgrade again.
Once you've put XP or Vista back on your hard drive, boot from that drive and then insert your Windows 7 upgrade DVD. You'll still have the option to perform a clean installation of Windows 7 on your system, if that's what you want to do. Just make sure that your primary hard drive has a qualifying previous version of Windows installed on it, and then boot from the Windows 7 DVD and select Custom (Advanced) as your installation type. You can then format the drive using Windows 7, without encountering the invalid-product-key error at activation time.
In the event that the same activation error pops up after you've followed these instructions, your best bet is to activate Windows 7 by phone. To do so, click Start, Computer, Properties, and choose Click here to activate Windows now. Look for the option to activate by phone, dial the number the system provides, and follow the voice-guided instructions. In the worst-case scenario, a Microsoft support person will help you activate your license