Recently I have noticed a thing called “Bootstrapper” noted in my Zone Alarm warnings. Is this anything to be concerned about?

What is Bootstrapper?

Bootstrapper is a legitimate computer mechanism that is typically used in conjunction with installation files. Bootstrapping involves an executable file that updates the installation package or installs additional files before the actual installation begins. Bootstrapper errors can occur if the installer is missing files or if the .NET Framework is damaged on your computer.

Repairing the .NET Framework

The .NET Framework is a software framework that is installed as part of the Microsoft operating system. Many computer programs are written specifically for this framework. When the .NET Framework is damaged, applications requiring it may generate errors. If you think that this may be the case, you can repair the .NET Framework on your computer easily enough.

Go to the Control Panel and select Add and Remove Programs (or Programs and Features in Windows Vista) and find the highest version of Microsoft .NET Framework. Click the Change/Remove button and choose the Repair option which will restore the .NET Framework to its original state.

Zone Alarm’s Bootstrapper Error

Since Zone Alarm is a computer security product, the fact that it is warning you about Bootstrapper does sound alarming. What is the exact error message? If it seems to be related to the installation of Zone Alarm or that Bootstrapper can’t find necessary files to complete an installation, then it’s likely a legitimate issue with Bootstrapper or the .NET Framework and not some rogue virus posing as a legitimate Windows file. For example, if a Zone Alarm update failed and generated the Bootstrapper error, this could indicate a problem with the update file. Downloading a new copy of the update file might solve the issue. Without knowing the exact error message, it’s tough to be certain.  

Bootstrapper Malware

On the other hand, it’s not out of the ordinary for malware makers to name their malicious programs after legitimate operating system files, services, or processes. After all, if a user believes the file is legitimate, he’ll leave it alone. Update Zone Alarm with the latest updates and then run a FULL system scan to see if anything unusual is detected. If Zone Alarm quarantines a suspicious file named Bootstrapper, chances are it was malware. As long as it’s quarantined, your computer will be fine.

Of course, this is all fairly speculative. Let us know the exact error message and we’ll be better able to help you solve this mysterious Bootstrapper error.

I have not been able to get my computer to come on. I have high speed Internet and when I operate the mouse nothing happens. I replaced the mouse thinking it was old but it still just waits until forever, then something will appear on the screen. I have tried rebooting and also logging off/on to no avail. Eventually something shows up on the screen but this is very irritating and I need to figure out what is going on. Help?

Windows Startup Issues

It sounds like your computer is having startup issues, which are linked to a few possible causes. The first possibility is often best dealt with off the bat - scan your system for viruses and malware. If your computer is infected with a virus, the destructive code can gradually erode your system files and eventually render your computer inoperable. In this case the problem would most likely get worse with time, and it will eventually make your computer unable to even start up.

Update and Run Full System Virus Scans

To deal with this possibility you need up to date antivirus and malware scans. Some are available for free download like Malwarebytes and Avast, which are really good programs, but many require you to get your updates manually. Paid programs are a little more user friendly since they almost always include automatic virus updates and online customer support. If you don’t already have scans installed on your computer, you should do this right away. Some good programs include AntiVirusPlus and XoftSpySE.

Remove Programs from Startup List

Another reason why your computer might be very slow to start up is if there are too many programs set to run automatically when you turn your computer on. Removing some programs from your Startup list will reduce the amount of work the computer has to do to power up and launch Windows. When you buy or download and install a program, there are often other bits of application or partner programs that are installed at the same time. You can review your list and remove unwanted programs to speed things up. Some programs are important for the startup process, so make sure that you leave programs that you aren’t sure about.

For Vista:

• Click Start, then type msconfig in the search bar then click MSCONFIG when it appears

For XP and older versions:

• Click Start, then Run, then type msconfig in the Search bar and press Enter

All versions follow these instructions:

1. Now, in System Configuration, choose the Startup tab for a list of programs set to launch at start up
2. Uncheck the ones that you want to remove, then click Apply, then OK

If you try both these methods and are still having problems, write again and provide more information and we can take it from there. Good luck!

On the desktop is a message, “Active Desktop Recovery” and no troubleshooting tips are working. What do I have to do?

What is Active Desktop Recovery?

The Active Desktop Recovery message appears on your monitor screen when the Windows boot up has been interrupted. Reasons why this might occur include a power outage, a faulty program, and/ or a virus or multiple forms of spyware. In some cases, having too many anti-spyware/anti-virus applications installed on the computer can even result in this message appearing each time you boot up. Typically all you need to do is to select the button that says “Restore my Active Desktop.” Let’s take a look at how to get past this message.

Active Desktop Recovery: Properties

Try the first set of directions first. If that does not work to get rid of the desktop recovery message, try the second set of directions.

Set 1:

• When the Active Desktop Recovery message appears, right-click on a blank area of the screen and select Properties.
• Select the option for “Desktop.”
• Now, select the option that you want from the list of choices for your desktop.

Set 2:

• As soon as the Active Desktop Recovery message appears, right-click on the screen and select Properties.
• Select the option for “Desktop.”
• Now, select the operating system from the list of choices for your desktop e.g. Windows XP Pro.
• You should be able to switch the display of your desktop to any of the other options now.

Active Desktop Recovery: Scan for Spyware and Viruses

Quite often, problems with the way our computers boot up happen because of a virus or too many spyware applications. Update your anti-virus/anti-spyware application and run a thorough scan of your system. If you don’t have one of these programs, I recommend that you try: Anti-Virus PLUS.

Active Desktop Recovery: Remove Spare Anti-Spyware and Anti-Virus Programs

On the off-chance that you have too many anti-virus/anti-spyware applications installed on the computer, remove or disable any that you are not currently using (unless of course they are ones that you paid to have.)

 Active Desktop Recovery: Remove New Software or Hardware

If you recently added some new hardware or software, then you can try removing it and see if the problem goes away. If that strategy works, check the system requirements and compatibility of the software or hardware with your computer system.

Active Desktop Recovery: Regedit

Make sure that you back up your registry first in case something does not go well with this strategy. You’ll be changing the value of a key and you can always change it back if it does not work.

• Click “Start” and then “Run.”
• Type in “regedit” and press “Enter.”
• Search for the following:
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\ Internet Explorer\Desktop\SafeMode\Components
• Click the value written as “DeskHtmlVersion.”
• Select or click on the “decimal” button.
• Change the value to read “0″ instead of “272.”
• Wait until the screen changes or reboot if nothing happens.

My Acer Aspire 5050-3785 went down last week. The battery was fully charged. I formatted USB with FAT. Downloaded latest BIOS and followed the instructions. It did not work. The screen is still blank and the AC LED power button was not blinking.

Acer Aspire Blank Screen Errors and Dead Machines

If you are covered by warranty, it would be best to send your unit in and have an Acer tech look at it, or take it in to a computer shop in your area. Sadly, many Acer Aspires users have complained of unreliability and short life spans. It could easily be a hardware component giving you trouble. The most frequent issue with Acer Aspires is a faulty motherboard - and the computers seem to die with some regularity. You might consider getting in touch with an Acer technician for the most specific advice as well as information about sending your computer in for repair. Some users report a 7- to 10-day turnaround for service, but others say it takes closer to a month. Depending on your location - the contact information for Acer varies. Here is a link to their contact page.

Remove and Test the Hard Drive and Motherboard

Depending on your level of expertise and your comfort level, you can remove the hard drive from your computer and try it in another one to rule out the motherboard. Be sure to use your Acer user manual to find the right components and take steps to ground yourself to avoid static charges to the computer before you touch anything. You can also test the BIOS by turning the computer off and then rebooting it - assuming that the power button is responsive. When the computer reboots try pressing F1 or F2 to open the BIOS menu - if it opens, then the issue isn’t with the BIOS.

Contact a Remote Technician

If you are only getting a blank screen and the BIOS update was unsuccessful, I think that contacting a remote service technician might be your best bet. It is difficult to troubleshoot a dead machine without cracking it open and swapping out the parts and I think that a remote tech, who can help you in real time is the safest way to go forward from here. At Filetonic, we recommend the remote services offered here. I hope that this is helpful!

When I try to open some of my programs and applications I get a blank window with (C:WINDOWSSystem32rundll32.exe) in the header. Another small window opens inside the other window with. (16 bit MS-DOS Subsystem) in the header with the error message. The NTVDM CPU has encountered an illegal instruction. cs: 0dad IP:0195 OP:63 d7 3b 6c ee choose “close” to terminate the application. The first set of #’s and letters, “0dad” change, 0db6 is one of the other series of #’s and letters that has appeared. I have tried buying RegCure to help fix it and I already had Bit Defender 2009 installed. I have also lost my whole E: drive is now missing and I am in severe need of memory, system restore is inoperable now but I tried it when it was working and it did not fix the problem. I’m not sure when I started having problems, but I think it was around when I installed the update 3.0,3.1, service pack, but I can’t get into Add and Remove Programs. When I open system info, I get a blank screen. Please help. I’m worried about my hard drive and its data.NTVDM CPU Error, rundll error, illegal operation

I know that Kate addressed this question in her answer to the post on July 13^th. Did you try Windows System Configuration or to repair Windows and those didn’t work for you? If you haven’t tried them, my first suggestion would be to go back and follow the step-by-step instructions to see if that solves your problem.

DLL Errors

DLL files are small files that are part of the operating system of a Windows computer. They provide a function for a specific operation for several programs. There are ways to get rid of DLL errors manually, but because this can seriously damage your computer if done incorrectly, I never give directions for removing them yourself. I’m surprised that RegCure didn’t work for you - if you didn’t have success with the program then I doubt that a tech will be able to do it manually.

NTVDM.EXE Error

The ntvdm.exe is another matter. This happens when you are trying to run a 16-bit program in a 32-bit environment. Have you installed anything new lately that you can easily remove? It can also be caused by malware, which can be a problem if you can’t access your antivirus programs.

We don’t offer direct support here, but we do recommend an online support company which you might want to try before you resort to reinstalling your operating system.

Hard Drive Data 

If all else fails, you should still be able to get the data off of your hard drive - even though you are experiencing several different problems, hard drive problems don’t appear to be one of them. If you don’t have your data backed up, you can still pull the hard drive and copy it over either as a slave in another PC or by using an enclosure. Once you have your data copied, you can load your Windows CD and choose to install a fresh version of your operating system. Be aware that if you suspect that the cause is malware, anything you back up may be infected, so it might be wise to back up the bare minimum that you need and make sure you run a good antimalware program right after you install the new operating system.

Try some of the suggestions and see if you can get your system up and running. If that doesn’t work, you may want to get some technical help to back up your hard drive and reinstall Windows.

We have an HP Compaq dc7600 minitower computer. Recently, I have been having intermittent “blue screen errors” that cause me to press and hold the power button to turn the computer off, and then back on again. I have looked for the cause but have had no luck.

Blue Screen Errors

One of the problems that most computer users experience at some point or another is the blue screen error. It typically reflects a problem with corrupted files or the hard drive. The blue screen appears because the system never finishes rebooting at that point. Fortunately, you can try the following strategies to get this problem to go away.

Blue Screen Errors: Boot Up in Safe Mode

Booting up in Safe Mode skips a lot of the applications, files, drivers, etc that you don’t necessarily need to start the computer. This improves your chances of getting the computer to boot up properly and it also offers a chance to fix the problem so that it stops happening. Follow the directions here to see if this strategy works for you:

• Press the power button on.
• Start to press the “F8″ key on the keyboard immediately and continue doing so until you see the computer is starting to boot up.
• Select “Last Known Good Configuration” from among the options that appear. This will place your computer back to a time prior to the blue screen error.
• Follow the prompts that appear.

If you can’t get the computer to boot up using this plan on the first try, complete it again. It sometimes takes a bit of trial-and-error to get this to work.

Blue Screen Errors: Scanning for Spyware and Viruses

Needless to say, anyone who uses the Internet today, places their computer at risk of getting spyware or viruses. Too many of these on your computer and you will have performance issues such as blue screen errors. Even one complex virus could be all that it takes to decommission your computer. If you have a reliable anti-virus/anti-spyware application, run it to see what comes up. Delete any problematic applications. In fact, once you have completed the initial scan, check for any current updates for your anti-virus/anti-spyware program and run it a second time. After this, remember to run your program on a regular basis, which should vary according to your Internet use. If you don’t already own a reliable anti-virus/anti-spyware program, I can recommend this one: Anti-Virus PLUS.

Blue Screen Errors: Insufficient Resources

On occasion, someone will have difficulty booting up their machine if they have run out of resources. Have you recently installed a lot of games or software applications? Perhaps, you’ve uploaded a few thousand photographs. Seriously though, if you have eaten up your computer’s memory or hard drive space, you could create problems with the computer’s functioning. Check to see available memory you have as well as how much free space you have on the hard drive and add more if you need to do so.

Blue Screen Errors: Missing or Incorrect Files

Blue screen errors are sometimes caused by problems in the registry such as missing files or incorrect paths between files or instructions. Cleaning up the registry can assist with getting rid of blue screen errors. Consider getting Paretologic’s RegCure to clean up your registry.