The MS Fix It Center is supposed to help you solve the problems that you are having with your computer; however, it can sometimes have its own troublesome issues due to the existing problems with your computer. With the MS Fix It Center, you are supposed to be able to run the fix and solve the problem almost effortlessly. Unfortunately, it sounds as though this isn’t the case for you.

Standard Strategies to Restore Internet Explorer to Proper Working Order

If you haven’t already tried each of the following strategies, please do so. It is possible that one or more of them is causing your computer problems. Corrupted files, spyware, viruses, and incompatible add-ons can all create problematic issues.

•Clean the registry
•Defrag the computer
•Scan for spyware and viruses
•Make sure that you have the latest update for IE 8
•Clear the Internet Cache
•If you recently updated your IE 8, make sure that you re-enabled your Java add-on.
•Make sure that you don’t have too many tabs open on the browser
•Check to see that you have sufficient memory
•Remove Adobe Flash Player and see if your Internet Explorer works. Make sure you get the latest version when re-installing it.
•Run the Windows uninstaller

Trial and Error Troubleshooting of Add-ons

You may want to boot up in Safe Mode and use IE 8 without any add-ons at all or you can disable all add-ons using these directions:

•Click Start
•Select All Programs
•Select Accessories
•Select System Tools
•Select Internet Explorer (no add-ons)

Now, you can turn your add-ons back on one at a time to try and figure out which one is causing the problem. Most likely, the specific add-on that you added or updated right before the problem began is causing the problems that you are experiencing. Simply turn one disabled add-on back at a time and see what happens when you try to use IE 8 or the MS Fix It Center. If you aren’t currently using an add-on, consider leaving it disabled until you need it.

My computer is free of viruses. I just re-installed Windows XP and the motherboard, graphics card, and the wireless card. When I play a YouTube video, my computer freezes. A blue screen error says “dumping physical memory.” What's going on here? How can I fix it?

Blue Screen Errors and Physical Memory Dump

A blue screen error, often referred to as the "Blue Screen of Death," occurs when a computer encounters an error so severe that the system cannot continue. The message "dumping physical memory" is Windows' way of telling you that it is saving your current system settings to the hard drive. Though cryptic, blue screen errors are usually caused by hardware or software conflicts. Considering that the computer has been extensively upgraded with a new motherboard, graphics card, and wireless card, it's not unreasonable to suspect that a hardware conflict may be to blame.

Flash and Hardware Acceleration

Since the problem occurs with YouTube videos, it could be related to the video card's drivers. It could also be related to Flash. Before updating the card's device drivers, let's first explore Flash. First, go to Adobe's Flash Player Download Center and make sure you have the latest version of Flash installed along with the most current set of updates. After installing and updating Flash, reboot your system.

Next, go to YouTube and right-click the Flash banner across the top. Alternately, you could do this on any website featuring Flash content. Click on Settings. Under Display you'll see a checkbox labeled "Enable hardware acceleration." Remove the checkmark from this box and click Close.

Now try watching a YouTube video and seeing if it works.

Updating Device Drivers

If not, the next step is to update the device drivers, starting with the video card. Go to Start > Control Panel > Device Manager and find your video card adapter in the list. Right-click it and choose Update Driver Software and then follow the prompts. Afterward, reboot your computer and try viewing a YouTube video once again. Repeat the process for other device drivers.

You could also go directly to the hardware manufacturers' websites and download updated device drivers. Always make sure to select the exact driver for your exact website as different operating systems require unique device drivers.

You're not alone in experiencing blue screen errors with YouTube. Hopefully one of these suggestions will solve the problem for you.

My desktop PC freezes as does the mouse. There are no recovery disks and it will operate in only in safe mode with networking. It is running Windows XP Pro.

Troubleshooting Desktop PC Freezes

Computer viruses, corrupt system files, bad device drivers are among the many potential culprits. Any of these can cause a computer to freeze and become virtually unusable. Fortunately, your computer can function in Safe Mode with Networking which will allow you to troubleshoot and hopefully solve the problem. Since Safe Mode loads only the most basic of system files and device drivers, this is a good place to start. However, before we do anything, let's first see if System Restore is an option.

System Restore

System Restore is a neat utility that can rollback your system to a state in time when it previously worked. However, it won't do any good if "System Protection" wasn't turned on and no restore points created. Go to Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore. A screen will appear listing the available restore points (if any). Choose a restore point that represents a time when your PC was not freezing and then follow the prompts to rollback your system. Note that this does not affect your data but it will uninstall any recently added programs and updates that were installed after that particular date.  

Update Device Driver

If System Restore doesn't work or is not an option, the next step involves checking device drivers. Go to Start > Control Panel > Device Manager. Look in the list of devices to see if any have a yellow warning label indicating a problem. If so, right-click the device and choose Properties. You should see a message indicating what's wrong with the device along with possible solutions. Try following the instructions and see if that solves the problem. If not, click on the Driver tab and try updating the device driver. Since you can use Safe Mode with Networking, your computer should be able to download appropriate device drivers.  

System File Checker

Windows also comes with a built-in utility that can check for damaged or missing system files and replace them with good copies – the System File Checker. To run this tool, go to Start > Run and type in sfc /scannow (make sure that there's a space in between "sfc" and "/scannow"

Virus Scans

Because computer viruses are notorious for freezing computers, it's not a bad idea to run a complete virus scan on your computer using the most current virus definitions possible. Use a reputable antivirus program and allow it to perform a complete system scan.

These are a few initial steps that may resolve the problem. If not, you may need to take the PC in for additional troubleshooting.

Cannot Read Text on Computer

Garbled text is difficult to diagnose, especially since no one thing results in it. It does seem as though you are off to a good start though. System restore is a terrific utility that generally does reset the computer back to the way it was an earlier time. However, since this isn’t the case, you are going to need to do a bit of troubleshooting.

Boot Windows using Safe Mode

Try booting up in “Safe Mode” by pressing the F8 key as soon as the boot screen appears when you power up. If possible, log in as the administrator. Once you are in, run an anti-virus application to make sure that your computer isn’t infected with some insidious form of malware. If you can’t locate anything because of the garbled text, open up your browser (Internet Explorer or whatever) simply by looking for the small icon that is used to represent it on your desktop. Once you have it open, launch an online anti-virus application. Remove any malware that is found on your machine.

Unreadable Text Due to Bad Sectors on Hard Drive

It is possible that your hard drive has gone completely bad or it has several bad sectors on it. One of the facts that point to this is that you can use a different partition of the HDD with no problems whatsoever. If you can follow these directions, do so to check the status of your hard drive. You need to open “My Computer” and select the hard drive that is giving you trouble. Next, right click on it and select “Properties.” Now, select “Tools” from the top of the menu and begin the error checking status utility.

Additional Troubleshooting

You can take the primary hard drive out of the PC and put it into another one to see if it works on that machine. If it does, then you know the problem is not with the hard drive.

Update all of the existing software and drivers on your computer for your graphics and operating system.

Consider taking the computer for a complete overhaul.

Getting into the eRecovery area can be a bit tricky at times for Acer Aspire notebooks. It is possible that your notebook doesn’t have the right settings to enable this feature. So, let’s try a few things.

Accessing Acer Aspire eRecovery

It is possible that the D2D recovery system hasn’t been enabled in the Bios. If this is the case, you’ll need to power up and press the F2 key to enter the Bios. Once there, look for the option to enable D2D. Now you can boot up the Acer Aspire. Now try pressing the Alt + F10 keys at the same time once the Acer splash screen appears.

If you have them available, I suggest using your boot recovery disks.

Checking for Computer Viruses

Anytime a computer doesn’t work properly, it is possible that a virus has attacked it. Constant rebooting is one of the signs that your computer has been infected with a virus.

Your machine is more likely to be infected if you have done any of the following:
Opened unsolicited attachments
Visited suspicious or pornographic websites
Clicked on pop-up messages that appeared randomly near the lower right-hand corner of your screen
Downloaded software without scanning it first for viruses

If you suspect that your computer may have a virus, then the best strategy to take is for you to scan your machine using an up-to-date anti-spyware/anti-virus application. If you already have such an application, make sure that you update it first for the most recent changes. If you don’t have an anti-spyware/anti-virus application, I can recommend Anti-Virus from Filetonic.

Overheating Issues

It is possible that your computer’s fan is not doing its job properly and your machine is overheating. This scenario can also lead to a computer prematurely shutting down each time that it is turned back on. Unplug your computer from the electrical supply, and check to see that the area where your fan is located is free from dust buildup. Also, you should make sure that the fan is actually working when you turn the computer on. It is possible that you need a new computer fan.

iTunes audio, no sound. All other sound fine: CD, media player, Internet, etc.. Even if I copy music on CD or iPod from iTunes sound is good. I just don’t have iTunes and Quicktime audio controls (grayed out in properties dialogue box), have reinstalled and restored, checked drivers, no luck! Please help.

It sounds like you have gone through quite a few troubleshooting strategies to fix this problem. One important point to remember is that whenever iTunes is updated to a new version, you should also update your version of the application. When you reinstalled iTunes, did you upgrade to the latest version? You should also make sure that you have installed the latest version of QuickTime. If so, try each of the following suggestions, one at a time until you find one that fixes the problem for you.

Remove Plug-ins for iTunes
It is possible that the presence of one or more plug-ins from third party apps is causing the problem. You’ll need to remove them. Use these directions to locate the correct file.

Remove Plug-ins for iTunes in Windows 7 or Windows Vista

You’ll find the AppData folder through this path:

• Navigate to Organize.
• Select Folder and Search Options.
• Select the View tab.
• Change the option for “Hidden files and folders” so that it reads “Show hidden files and folders.”

Remove Plug-ins for iTunes in Windows 2000 and XP

Plug-ins for iTunes are found in the application data folder which you can get to using these directions:

• Navigate to Tools.
• Select Folder Options.
• Select the View tab.
• Change the option for “Hidden files and folders” to “Show hidden files and folders.”

Remove Plug-ins for iTunes in Mac OS X

Look in the folder for iTunes library for the files you need to remove.
Troubleshooting Audio Issues with iTunes in Windows XP

If you have Windows XP for your operating system, then you might need to enable maximum audio hardware acceleration. To do so, follow this path:

• Navigate to Start and open the Control Panel.
• Open the tab for sounds and audio devices.
• Select the tab for volume, and select the advanced tab from the section on speaker settings.
• Select the tab for performance.
• Change the setting for hardware acceleration so that it is set to full.
• Select ok until all windows close.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips for Audio Issues with iTunes

• The application, Total Recorder, can create audio problems. Simply remove it.
• Update your version of DirectX to the latest one.
• Remove secondary audio programs.

A number of issues could be at fault for this particular error. Use your best judgment when looking through the suggested troubleshooting options to fix the problem. It’s difficult to know exactly what the problem is without a bit more information. You’ll have a better idea which strategy to try first if you read through all of them before trying any of these suggestions.

Troubleshooting Internet Explorer Error: Upgrade

If you haven’t upgraded your version of Internet Explorer lately, it is a good idea to do so now. With all of the technological changes that get incorporated not only into this particular application, but into operating systems, drivers, and more, it is essential that you periodically download the latest version of each of the programs that you use frequently.

Troubleshooting Internet Explorer Error: Clean the Registry

A lot of computer errors are solved easily, simply by cleaning the registry. Scanning for broken files and repairing them is an affordable solution.

Troubleshooting Internet Explorer Error: Scan for Viruses

Update and run your anti-virus/anti-spyware application on the computer to get rid of malware that may be causing the error to occur. If you don’t have an application, try Anti-Virus PLUS.

Troubleshooting Internet Explorer Error: Install New RAM

If your computer’s RAM is damaged, replacing it will help solve a lot of problems. Bad RAM could be responsible for this type of error.

Troubleshooting Internet Explorer Error: Uninstall Third-Party Plug-Ins

As popular as they might be, third-party plug-ins cause some of the most annoying problems on computers. If you have recently installed an plug-ins, try uninstalling it to see if the problem resolves itself.

Troubleshooting Internet Explorer Error: Uninstall Recently Installed Applications

If you have recently installed a new program, it might not be compatible with your operating system. Try uninstalling it now, and then see what happens.

Although most of us would like to think that a computer loaded with all of the features that you have mentioned is going to run smoothly and perform all of the tasks that we would like, it just isn't so. The first place to begin is to read all of the troubleshooting tips in your manuals and to look at the specifications for each feature.

Troubleshooting Dell Inspiron: DVD Burner

I am not sure what you mean by "full use" of the DVD burner, but you should start troubleshooting by looking at the specs for your DVD burner. It may not be capable of doing what you are trying to do. You might need to install specific software for certain things-burning certain types of DVDs or recording videos.

Troubleshooting Dell Inspiron: Webcam

The truth of the matter with webcams is that they are not created equal in capability. Check out the specs on your and see what its capabilities are. It is possible that it isn't a high-end webcam and has limited functionality. You might need to install specific software for certain functions using the webcam.

Troubleshooting Dell Inspiron: Streaming

As far as streaming and sharing, it might be the Internet connection. Sometimes wireless Internet access has more lag involved than wired connections. If you have dial-up Internet, you might as well switch to something better if you intend to stream and share files. You can try connecting your laptop to different types of Internet access to see if you can stream or share any easier/quicker.

Troubleshooting Dell Inspiron: Sound

The speakers on a laptop are typically not as great as those found on a desktop. If the speakers are on the bottom of the laptop, the sound will be softer when the laptop is sitting on your lap or on a soft surface. The sound will be best when the laptop is on a hard and flat surface, like a table or desk.

You might also want to consider installing a different set of audio drivers. Windows 7 is noted for including a generic set of audio drivers that might not work as well as ones designed specifically for your audio. Look into the specs on the audio that you have.

Troubleshooting Dell Inspiron: Diagnostics

Visit this page, Dell Support, and use one of their diagnostic tools (PC Checkup, Basic Diagnostics, or Extended Diagnostics) so you can troubleshoot the issues that you are having.

You are working away on your computer-researching cell phones online, writing the Great American Novel, figuring out your taxes-when kablooey!  your monitor turns a terrifying shade of blue and cryptic messages appear. Remain calm. This is just the Windows Stop message, more commonly known as the "Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)." Every Windows user experiences the BSOD at some point in his computing career, and it is usually just a one-time random event or the signal that a fixable error has occurred. On occasion, the BSOD is letting you know there are serious problems and outside assistance may be indicated.

Steps to Removing the Blue Screen of Death

1. Reboot

 Sometimes simply turning off your computer and then turning it back on again will remove the Blue Screen of Death with no further problems. A simple restart usually does not work since computers tend to hang onto bad information in memory.  If a hard boot (turning off the computer and then turning it back on) does not work, try unplugging your computer from the wall power outlet and letting it sit overnight.  In the morning, cross your fingers and turn the computer on.

2. Read your BSOD's messages

If a reboot or power cycle does not help, read the messages on the Blue Screen. Each message has clues to what is wrong and advice on how to fix it. This information is given in a Stop Code made up of hexadecimals, e.g., "STOP: 0x000000A0 (0x00000009, 0xc0000001, 0x00000001, 0x00000000) INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR (a0)." This particular message is for Vista users and usually occurs when putting the computer into hibernation.

3. Log onto Microsoft.com

You'll have to use another computer to do this since yours will be in the throes of the Blue Screen of Death, so if you don't have one handy, you might have to call a friend. Navigate to the Windows Support Center, and enter the Blue Screen of Death error message verbatim into the search bar. Hit return. This will bring up a detailed page defining the code, why it is displaying, and what you should do to resolve the problem.

4. Follow the Microsoft Support Center advice

Each error code requires a unique remedy. In the case of the error message "STOP: 0x000000A0 (0x00000009, 0xc0000001, 0x00000001, 0x00000000) INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR (a0)", Microsoft recommends installing the newest service pack for Vista and provides a link to the update. Other codes may require actions, such as uninstalling and reinstalling new hardware or flashing the BIOS.

5. If all else fails, seek professional help

 If your computer continues to display the Blue Screen of Death after you have tried everything, there may be serious problems developing. Hand over your ticking time-bomb to a trusted support technician for evaluation. Be sure to have a recent back-up of all your valuable files on a separate hard drive or online storage site (like Mozy or SugarSync) in case a complete reinstallation of your operating system is required.

Always remember, when dealing with a computer, that screaming at it or slamming down the mouse will not fix the problem. Calm logical troubleshooting is your best avenue to success, but if, after taking that approach, you find yourself itching for a sledgehammer, pick up the phone and call your favorite geek to come rescue you.

Error 0x80040303 is associated with a variety of software applications. It's indicative that something has gone wrong with a particular software/driver installation. In many cases, the problem is related to the drivers being incompatible with the operating system that is installed on the computer/laptop. Try the following tips to resolve whatever is creating Error 0x80040303 on your laptop. Make sure you read through these once so that you follow the strategy exactly for better success.

Solving Error 0x80040303: Faulty Software Installations

In many cases, this type of error occurs when your software installation is faulty. This failed installation might not be something that is readily apparent to you until an error occurs. If this is the case in your situation, it's an easy problem to fix. Uninstall the audio drivers that you downloaded. Use the next set of directions for the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility before continuing.

Solving Error 0x80040303: Windows Installer Cleanup Utility

It's important to make sure that all files associated with the failed installation have been cleared out before trying to reinstall. Download and install the "Windows Installer Cleanup Utility" from Microsoft's website. Once you have it installed, start it up to remove remnants from the failed installation that still exist. It's important to remove any traces of the partially installed drivers so that the reinstallation goes well.

Solving Error 0x80040303: Reinstall the Audio Drivers

Now it is time to reinstall the audio driver. Hopefully, the download goes well and you will be able to finalize the setup. Once you have it installed, see if you have the sound back on the laptop.

Solving Error 0x80040303: Additional Tips

Each of the following tips can be used to ensure your driver installation goes well:

• Verify that you are installing the correct audio driver for the operating system that you have installed on the laptop.
• Run a reliable anti-spyware/anti-virus application to remove any malware that may exist on the laptop.
• Close all other applications while downloading and installing the audio drivers.