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 Sometimes, one of the most difficult events to avoid is the long-desired upgrade that turns into a disaster. How many times have I tried to improve upon my existing computer set up and run into minor dilemmas? More than I would like to say. However, the good news happens to be that almost every problem has a solution. I just need to persevere and follow each of the troubleshooting steps until I locate the correct one for the situation.

Installing new memory really isn’t that difficult. Unfortunately, even easy processes can turn into nightmares if they aren’t performed correctly. Although the installation of new memory should be a simple task, small children, pets, phone calls, and other situations can enter the picture and create a small catastrophe such as a computer that simply won’t start up after the memory has been installed.

Diagnosing and resolving a computer start up problem after adding memory is not too difficult. Whenever I have added RAM (Random Access Memory) and it doesn’t go well, the potential problem could be in the way in which I added the memory. Perhaps, even though I thought that I might have followed the instructions, I did not. Therefore, removing the memory and booting up the computer afterward is the first step. If the computer boots up, then the issue most likely lies with an improper installation of memory. This can equate to the wrong type of memory or an incorrect placement of the memory.

I need to check and make sure not only that I have the right type of memory, but also that I have not gotten more memory than my computer can handle. Before installing my memory for a second time, I am going to clean the modules with a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol. As I clean, I am going to be careful not to disturb the pins. Once I am finished with this step, I am going to install the memory again, following the instructions carefully.

The next step is to boot up the computer. Hopefully, everything works and the problem is solved. If not, a bit more troubleshooting is involved. At this point, I need to visit the manufacturer of the motherboard to check if any current updates exist for the BIOS or device drivers for the motherboard. Since the BIOS configures my computer system to run, the updates are essential. Checking the manual for my motherboard is also another option that could help solve the problem if it persists.

 Virtual memory is the management system used by a computer to maximize the use of Random Access Memory (RAM). Virtual memory assigns locations of RAM to multiple applications in a dynamic system to allow RAM to be used efficiently. Problems with virtual memory will cause programs to shut down, and errors to occur in processes.

There are a number of ways virtual memory can become vulnerable to problems. The first and most common are the habits of a user. Opening too many programs or constantly double-clicking on an application to open it will overtax the system. If you are wondering if you have too many applications running, click CTRL-ALT-DELETE to see the requests for virtual memory.

Another common gobbler of virtual memory are loops, or processes running over and over again. Loops are commonly found in spyware, viruses, and other malware applications covertly installed on a computer system. These programs and processes running in the background can steal processing power for the original owner of the malware, or collect and transmit personal data to a third-party source. The best protection against these types of applications is a robust anti-virus or malware application like Paretologic Anti-Spyware, or Paretologic XoftSpySE.

Finally, users may not realize legitimate programs and applications are still running even though the user is not using them. Media players, email clients, and instant messaging programs are notorious for continuing to run after the user “Xs out.” A right-click on these small icons in the Task Bar can force a complete quit. Or, these programs can be stopped from the CTRL-ALT-DELETE window under the Processes tab. Caution, the Processes tab includes many processes necessary for the operations of Windows, so users should only stop processes they are familiar with and know are not vital to the operating system.

 As the adage goes: “Good things come to those who wait.” One of these good things is a speedy computer. Before jumping to blame a virus, spyware, or poor hardware specifications for a bogged down computer, consider your computing habits. A little bit of patience goes a long way in keeping the clock speed of a processor high.

Stop multiple double-clicking to open a program.

When you double click on an application shortcut icon three, four, or five times, the computer registers each of these as commands to perform. As a result, the processor, RAM, and hard drive are trying to open the same program three, four, or five different times.

After performing this procedure, if you suddenly have the patience to wait out the lag before rebooting, you will notice the program opens multiple times at the bottom of the screen. This isn’t only a problem of giving the computer too many commands at once. For some applications and files, only one instance can safely run at time, especially documents, or banking software where multiple versions of the same file is a bad thing. Now, you may have to deal with a bunch of error messages as well.

Wait for a window switch to occur, before asking the computer to do another switch.

Window switching is the norm for super multi-tasking corporate environments. Unfortunately, users are so focused on speed, an incorrectly selected window or tab is compensated with an immediate click on the correct one. Similar to multiple double-clicking, this practice gives too many commands to the computer at once.

At best, this will just require the user to wait out the program or operating system to go through the multiple window switches. At worst, this common practice could cause programs to encounter errors and shut down. When this occurs, any unsaved information may be lost, or corrupted. Corruption occurs with bits of data are replaced or stored in the wrong order or lost completely. This is an affliction most likely to happen when the computer is overtaxed with commands or processing needs.

Wait at least a minute between hard reboots.

A hard reboot is when a user pushes in the power button to shut down a computer. This solution most often occurs when the computer is “stuck,” and the user assumes the shut down function is unavailable. Before resorting to a hard reboot, users should always try the button combination CTRL-ALT-DELETE to start the shutdown process. Alternatively, patiently wait a few moments to see if the system recovers.

If a hard boot is required, users should wait a few moments before restarting in order to give the hard drive disk and other internal components a chance to completely stop. Restarting the computer as the hard drive is stopping can cause a scratch or physical damage to the fragile components. This physical damage may result in a “computer crash” and make it extremely difficult to retrieve the information stored on the hard drive.

Hard reboots should be avoided if possible because software corruption can occur. Although larger storage space of hard drives and computers capable of running more and more processes require longer shut down times, the wait is worth it. Damaged software takes valuable time to remove and reinstall, not to mention the potential loss of priceless data.

Patience is a valuable virtue in the computing world. Constant double-clicking, speedy window switching, and quick hard reboots are all ways users can significantly damage software and hardware in the computer. While we all may be in a rush to complete work or play games, these practices turn into catastrophes when hard drives must be recovered, or software is corrupted. Users lose the time they may save with impatience to the solution for any problems that arise from the damage.

Im trying to download Adobe Flash Player 9. When I try, I get this comment: “Your security settings do not allow websites to use ActiveX controls installed on your computer. I have XP Pro. Can you help?

Today’s computers are designed to utilize quite a number of security features due to the prevalence of malware and viruses. Unfortunately, sometimes these security features can prevent the installation of certain software, the downloading of various websites, or the utilization of certain types of software.
In particular, high security settings will prevent the greatest number of events from occurring. Think of it this way. The presence of high security is like having the strictest parent or adult in charge of you. You cannot get away with anything that hasn’t already been agreed to beforehand. The presence of low security is like having an extremely laid back adult in charge of you. This means that you can get away with almost anything.

Security settings do not allow websites to use ActiveX controls

High security settings on a computer prevent access to certain websites as well as certain downloads or installations. High security settings typically prevent the use of Active X controls during the downloading of any number of programs including Flash Player 9. While the primary intention is to prevent bad things from happening, the presence of high security settings also prevents the use of Active X controls.

In general, computer users can adapt their security settings to allow the specific type of activity that they want. Therefore, if the message received states that “Your security settings do not allow websites to use ActiveX controls installed on your computer,” you can modify the settings easily enough.

In some instances, Active X controls are blocked due to problems with their certificates. In this case, Internet Explorer is actively blocking the Active X controls because of a security issue. The certificate’s date or the name and domain might not match, leading to the recognition of the certificate as an invalid one. Hence, the Active X control will be blocked.

Some malevolent forms of software including viruses and spyware make use of Active X controls. In an attempt to thwart this type of software from becoming entrenched on computers, security settings are often placed on a high level. Unfortunately, this practice often prevents the use of Active X controls.

Fortunately, the fix for this problem is relatively simple.

Most likely, you are using Internet Explorer as your browser. You need to go into Tools in order to modify your security settings so that they allow Active X controls. Follow this path: Tools→ Internet Options→ Security→ Custom Level. Next, look for each of the following phrases entered beneath the category: Active X controls and plug ins.” Enable these by clicking in the small box that is located in front of them:

• Automatic Prompting of Active X Controls
• Download signed Active X Controls (can also select prompt instead of enable)
• Run Active X Controls and Plug Ins
• Script Active X Controls marked safe for scripting

It is important that you click on “okay” prior to exiting the box to ensure that your changes have been saved. In order to protect the security of your computer, you might want to keep unsigned Active X Controls clicked as disabled along with unsigned Active X Controls.

Printers are popular pains-in-the-neck when it comes to networking. Anytime you have multiple computers and devices attempting to “talk” to one another, chances are great the setup with have issues. This is one area of Windows Vista where Microsoft acknowledges potential compatibility issues. There are a few ways to diagnose connection problems with network printers. Most users should start with normal troubleshooting procedures before attempting more advanced options like altering the Internet Protocol version. As a last resort, try contacting Microsoft support for a Hot Fix.

Troubleshooting printers and networked devices should always begin with the obvious. Double check your cables, connectors, and address settings of the devices and computers. Being off by a single digit in an IP address, a loose cable, or improper settings are the most likely culprits to networking issues. If you spot a problem here, it’s an easy fix, and will save you wasted hours of effort spent in frustration. 

A common problem with slow printing issues involves the print spooler service. Go to the Start button, click Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, and then click Administrative Tools. Now, double-click on Services.  Right-click the Print Spooler service before clicking on Properties. Find the General tab and look next to Startup type. Double check to be sure that Automatic is selected. If not, select it now. Finally, if the service is not already running, go to the Service status area and click Start. Click OK and try printing.

The next troubleshooting step should be an attempt to update your device drivers. Device drivers are the software that allows the operating system to talk to the printer, scanner, or other peripheral. With the release of Windows Vista, some manufacturers were late in developing device drivers for the new 64-bit compliant Windows. Visit the manufacturer’s website for official driver updates to improve compatibility with Windows Vista.

Another possible contribution to the long connect time are known issues with Windows Vista and Internet Protocol version 6.0(IPv6) and networks that run Internet Protocol version 4.0(IPv4). Some network administrators have experienced better connectivity results when IPv6 was removed from computer systems running Windows Vista.

There are a number of other possible issues with software compatibility, device drivers, and printer spoolers as well. For some solutions, the issues are resolved by modifying a specific file in the Windows Registry or device driver.  This type of a problem is more likely due to individual manufacturer nuances working with Windows Vista or Windows Server.

If after attempting the normal methods of printer and network troubleshooting, a call to Microsoft Support may work as a last resort. For known issues, users can download what is called a Hot Fix, and be walked through the tougher and more specific solutions. However, there may be charges associated with the call.

When you start up your computer, several things happen: first the BIOS loads and begins testing each hardware device before loading device drivers and the operating system. Once the operating system has been loaded, certain applications begin to load such as you anti-virus program and other programs that you may or may not actually need.

If your computer is running slower than you’d like or you are receiving startup errors such as “(42) Startup Error,” one of the first places to begin troubleshooting involves your Startup Items. For example, the 42 Startup Error typically indicates a problem with an application loading. Because your computer is set to load multiple applications at startup, at first glance, you don’t necessarily know which application is generating the error. If you were to receive this error after trying to launch a program manually, you’d know which program is having problems starting.

Let’s start by taking a look at the programs that are automatically set to start whenever you turn on your computer. Do this by going to Start >Run and typing in msconfig. In Windows Vista, you can type msconfig directly into the Search Bar after clicking the Start button. This will list the system configuration utility as a program.

Once the system configuration utility is open, click on the Startup tab. Here you’ll see a list of all items that automatically start each time you turn on your computer.

Now, open the Windows Task Manager by right-clicking the Taskbar and choosing Task Manager or hitting Control + Alt + Delete and choosing Task Manager. Here you’ll see a list of all running applications and processes. Compare the list of startup programs in the System Configuration Startup list with the programs running in Task Manager. The program that is not running in Task Manager is most likely the one generating the 42 Startup Error message.

Once you have narrowed it down to a likely program, try launching the program manually using the normal method such as a desktop shortcut or by accessing it in the Programs list. Does it give you the 42 Startup Error? If so, you may need to uninstall and reinstall the application or download a patch from the software developer. It’s possible that the application isn’t Vista compatible or that a program file is corrupt.

While you’re at it, you might want to clear out the Startup items in the System Configuration utility as many of the programs aren’t needed on a daily basis. Having too many programs running at once wastes system resources. Only disable those that are unnecessary. For example, you don’t want to disable your virus protection but you might want to disable Adobe Reader, Google Desktop, and Microsoft Office. You can always launch these programs as needed.

When disabling Startup items, refer to the Bleeping Computer Startup Database if you are unsure what an application is and if it is safe for removal.