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My computer was installing Windows updates and then it came up with a code 0xc0000098. I put the recovery disc in and nothing happens.

Error Code 0xC0000098

This error code occasionally happens during Windows Updates as well as under other circumstances. The recommendation to use the recovery disc is good in that Windows needs to fix itself and it will attempt to find missing files from the disc. It sounds like you may need to first reboot the computer and possibly even change the BIOS boot order before your computer will recognize the installation disc.

Reboot the Computer

First, let’s see if rebooting the computer with the disc inserted does anything. Technically, Windows should detect the Windows CD upon rebooting. If it does, a series of screens will appear including a “press any key” screen and the Windows installation screen. If you have Windows Vista, you will see a “language to install” prompt. Click OK. Next, you’ll see an installation screen. Hold up here and be careful as we don’t want to reinstall Windows; we want to repair it. Choose the option that says, “Repair your computer.” Next, choose the Startup Repair option and let Windows get to work at repairing your operating system.

If you have Windows XP, the process is similar but different. In this case, press any key when prompted and enter the Windows XP setup screen. Press Enter but DO NOT PRESS ‘R’ for Recovery Console. Later you will press another ‘R’ but not this one. You do NOT want to use the Recovery Console. Press F8 and agree to Microsoft’s fine print. Select your operating system and press ‘R’ to repair Windows.

Changing the Boot Order in the BIOS  

It’s also possible that your computer is not set to check the CD-ROM drive for a boot disc. If so, you’ll need to tell it that if it finds a bootable disc in the drive, it’s okay to boot from it. This is done in the BIOS. Reboot your computer and watch for the Power On Self Test. This is when the BIOS checks the hardware and displays its progress in white letters on a black screen. Look for a message that says, “Press (blank) to enter setup.” Press the appropriate key (usually DEL or F2) as soon as you see this message and the BIOS setup screen should soon appear.

Now, explore this basic computer program for an option labeled “boot order,” “boot sequence,” “boot up,” or similar wording. BIOS utilities vary from one computer to the next, so you’ll need to explore a bit to find it. Use the arrow and tab keys to navigate as well as pay attention to any onscreen hints. Move your CD-ROM drive up the list so that it is the first device that Windows checks for a bootable file. Save your changes and reboot. Now, when Windows starts, it should check the CD-ROM drive and find the installation program. From there, you can repair your operating system.

My computer is displaying an ialmrnt5 error message. I brought my computer to my sister’s house to see if I could use her Internet on it. I don’t know how to set that up. Help?

What is the “ialmrnt5″ Error?

The ialmrnt5 error indicates a problem with the graphics card’s device drivers. You will need to update your card’s drivers which should solve the problem. However, since you don’t have Internet access, this may be easier said than done.

Where to Get Updated Drivers

The easiest way to get the drivers that your card needs is through your computer manufacturer’s Web site (unless you have a custom built computer or have since upgraded graphics cards). Since your laptop doesn’t appear to have Internet access, your best bet is to borrow your sister’s computer and go to the Web site for your laptop. For example, if you have a Dell computer, go to Dell.com and find the drivers and download area. You’ll then enter your laptop’s model information and be shown a list of available downloads. Look for a graphics card driver and download the file to a CD or removable USB stick. Make sure to choose the appropriate driver for your exact operating system. You’ll use the CD or stick to install the driver on your laptop.

Updating the Graphics Card Driver from CD or USB Stick

Once you have the download on the CD or USB stick, insert the media into your laptop. Go to Start > Control Panel > System > Device Manager and click on Display Adapters. From there, double-click your graphics card and click on the Driver tab. Click Update Driver and choose the Browse My Computer option. Now, navigate to the CD or USB stick and select the file you just downloaded. Follow the prompts to update your graphics card driver. You will need to reboot the computer for the change to take place.

Note: You may need to unzip the download to your computer before updating the driver. If so, then make a note of the location where the files were unzipped and then browse to the appropriate file. Also, if the download is a self-executing file, you may not need Device Manager at all. In that case, simply click the icon and follow the prompts.

When using Internet Explorer if I click on any link the computer becomes “locked” and I can do nothing except reboot the machine! The machine was working perfectly until recently.

Links Cause Computer to Freeze

The fact that the computer was working fine up until now makes me wonder if you recently updated any applications or drivers, installed new software, hardware, or drivers, or downloaded any new add-ons. Any of these factors could be the problem causing your computer to freeze and crash.

Several different causes can result in a computer that freezes and locks up when trying to use Internet Explorer. Sometimes it’s simply a glitch that can be resolved easily and other times, it takes a lot of troubleshooting to resolve the issue. Follow each of the suggested tips to help find a solution to your problem.

Troubleshooting Links Cause Computer to Freeze: Spyware

Back in the day before I took spyware and viruses super seriously, I noticed that one or the other of them was always responsible for every Internet Explorer error I had that caused my computer to crash. Therefore, the first step I am going to tell you to take is to scan your computer for both spyware and viruses before doing anything else. If you don’t have a reliable anti-spyware/anti-virus application, then I recommend that you try Anti-VirusPLUS. If you do have one, then make sure that you update it before running it so that it has the latest protection on it.

Troubleshooting Links Cause Computer to Freeze: Updates

What version of Internet Explorer do you have? The latest one is currently IE8. If your version is out-of-date, it could be causing your computer to crash when you click on links. Update to the latest version of IE now and see if it resolves the problem. Similarly, if you recently upgraded to IE8, you may have a faulty installation. If so, let us know and we can troubleshoot the faulty installation.

Troubleshooting Links Cause Computer to Freeze: Repair IE

Today it is possible for you to try to repair your Internet Explorer using these directions:

1)      Select “Tools.”

2)      Select “Internet Options.”

3)      Select “Advanced.”

4)      Select “Reset.”

Troubleshooting Links Cause Computer to Freeze: Check Java

Check all of the following issues related to Java:

1)      Make sure that Java is enabled for Internet Explorer.

2)      Check to see if Java is installed properly.

Troubleshooting Links Cause Computer to Freeze: Add-ons

If you have recently added any add-ons to your IE, this could be creating the problem where clicking links causes your computer to freeze. Uninstall whatever add-on you recently included and see if your IE works properly. If this doesn’t do the trick, then try using Internet Explorer without any add-ons at all. You can launch Internet Explorer with No Add-ons by going to Start> Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Internet Explorer (No Add-ons). If Internet Explorer works properly without add-ons, then enable each add-on one at a time until you find the one that causes the problem. To manage add-ons in Internet Explorer, go to Tools > Manage Add-ons.

Troubleshooting Links Cause Computer to Freeze: Clear Temporary Internet Files

Although this strategy probably isn’t going to resolve the problem of your computer crashing on its own, it won’t hurt for you to clear your temporary Internet files. Follow these directions:

1)      Open Internet Explorer.

2)      Click on “Tools” in the top menu.

3)      Select the tab for “Delete Browsing History.”

4)      Click on the section that has the label, “Temporary Internet Files.”

5)      Click the boxes for each of the following pieces of data: history, cookies, and temporary Internet files. Click on “Delete.”

My Windows32 is corrupted. How do I fix it?

What is Windows 32?

Windows System 32 is an important part of the computer. Without it, your computer doesn’t know what to do. Once you experience corrupt Windows, your computer isn’t going to function properly until you repair the error. Generally, there are a few strategies that you can take to repair a corrupt Windows 32 error. Follow the tips suggested below.

Troubleshooting Windows Corruption: Use the Installation Disk to Repair

If you have it available, you can use your Windows Installation Disk to repair the problem. Simply insert the disk and turn on the computer. Select the right option to boot your computer from a CD. Typically, you can hit the “ESC” and “F1″ keys to do so. Then, you can follow the prompts to select the repair option (the “R”). Although it might look like the right choice, do not select the option to “repair the recovery console” as this is not the option that you need.

Troubleshooting Windows Corruption: Boot up in “Safe Mode”

In some cases, it is easy enough to fix a problem with Windows corruption simply by booting up in “Safe Mode.” This strategy uses the fewest number of applications and drivers, so it is more likely that it will work than booting up in normal mode. To boot up in “Safe Mode,” you should start with the computer turned off. Turn on the power and immediately and continually press the “F8″ key on the keyboard. Once the boot menu appears, you can make your selection of Safe Mode or opt for the “Last Known Good Configuration” which loads Windows as it was the last time it successfully loaded.

Troubleshooting Windows Corruption: Scan the Registry with a Registry Cleaner

Registry cleaners are designed to make the necessary repairs to replace or fix broken or missing files in the registry. If you have such an application, use it now to clean your registry and see if you can repair the problem. If you do not have a registry cleaner, I can recommend RegCure for you. This application offers a free trial scan. The scan will show you if any problems do exist with your registry. This is a great way to determine whether or not you should buy the application.

Troubleshooting Windows Corruption: Scan for Viruses and Spyware

I always scan my computers for spyware or viruses whenever I experience a problem such as this. Sometimes it isn’t necessary, but it never hurts to do so.

I am having trouble booting my PC. I recently cleared my hard drive and put Windows XP on it but now my PC won’t get past the “Windows Did Not Start Successfully” page. I have tried clearing the CMOS by removing the battery but it is still not booting up. Can you help me in any way, please?

Corrupt Windows Installation

It is most likely that your recent Windows operating system installation is responsible for the error - has it booted successfully since you formatted the hard drive and installed the new operating system? If not, or if you haven’t installed much else since then, you might want to go ahead and reinstall the operating system. If it has been working or if you have a bunch of other stuff on your computer that you don’t want to back up, you can repair your current installation.

Reinstall Windows XP

To reinstall Windows make sure that you have created backups of all the files you don’t want to lose. You will also need your original XP CD or installation boot disks and your product key. For a clean installation follow these directions:

1. Start your computer, put the CD in the drive and turn your computer off
2. Wait a minute, then boot back up
3. When you see a page offering you to Press Any Key to Boot from CD, press a key to continue
4. Press Enter on the Welcome to Setup screen
5. Press F8 to accept the license
6. Use the on-screen directions to clear and choose a partition to install on and press ESC
7. Complete the on-screen instructions

Upgrade Windows XP

If you have a previous installation of Windows on your computer, then you can follow these instructions to upgrade Windows 98 or ME.

1. Start the computer and put the CD in the drive
2. If the computer recognizes the disk, choose Install Windows
3. If not, click Start, then Run, and then type in C:\setup.exe
4. Choose Upgrade, then click Next
5. Follow the on-screen instructions

Repair Windows XP

If your installation has been working but has now failed, you can repair the installation. If this is the case, it is also a good idea to disconnect any external devices like printers, cameras and iPods you might have connected. This will simplify the boot options for the computer.

1. Start your computer, put the CD in the drive and turn your computer off, then boot back up
2. When you see Press Any Key to Boot from CD, press a key to continue
3. Press Enter on the Welcome to Setup screen
4. Press F8 to accept the license
5. Use the on-screen directions to choose your installation and then press R
6. Complete the on-screen instructions to repair your installation

Reload Software and Updates

Now that your installation should be repaired and working properly, make sure that you reload all of your Windows Updates and reinstall your software and drivers. Be especially careful to reload and update your security software. I hope this does it, if you need any further help let us know! Good luck.

When I go to open an attachment it says, command failed to execute.

When attachments don’t open, several reasons can be responsible. In some cases, the file can be so large that you don’t have enough free memory to complete the task. If this is the case, you can free up some temporary memory by deleting your Internet cache, deleting old files and pictures, and removing unwanted programs.

You can also add new memory to your computer. It is also possible that a virus has snuck onto your computer or the attachment that you are trying to open contains a virus and your computer is trying to prevent you from opening it. You’ll need to do a bit of troubleshooting to determine the problem.

Command Failed to Execute Error: Unsafe File List

If you have your computer set to the option that does not open suspicious attachments, this can result in the “command failed to execute” message. If you know that the attachment is a safe one that does not contain a virus, then you can switch this setting. However, you need to understand that doing so could lead to a problem in the future with suspicious email attachments opening and executing a virus.

Troubleshooting Opening Attachments that Won’t Open: Changing Unsafe File List

Follow these directions or some variation of them to change the option for the Unsafe File List.  

• Open up your Outlook Express application.
• Open the option for “Tools.”
• Select the selection for “Options.”
• Select or click on the “Security” tab.
• Clear the option that is labeled “Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus.”
• Click on the “OK” button.

Troubleshooting Opening Attachments that Won’t Open: Workarounds

Although the following options are just workarounds, they can be useful for those who are willing to try them. They are safe and easy to complete.

IE8 Users: The installation of IE8 seems to be problematic for some users leading to the “command failed to execute” and problems opening attachments. The fix here is to uninstall IE8 and go back to using IE7. Not much of a fix, I agree but when you are desperate and this is all you have, go for it.

All Users: In most cases, you can save the attachment and then try to open it to get around problems such as this.