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The snmaster.idx is a file from AOL that is installed on your computer and contains your password and screen name. It is a particular problem with people who are running Vista and AOL. There are a few fixes for this common problem that have worked for other users.

Delete the Shortcut

If you have AOL as an icon on your desktop, delete the shortcut. Then, from Program Files, create a new shortcut for your desktop. This has solved the problems for many people.

Uninstall and Defrag

Some users have recommended that you uninstall the version of AOL that you are running, defrag the computer and then reinstall the latest version. To uninstall:

1. Go to Start, then Control Panel and then Add/Remove Programs.
2. Find the AOL programs and click on Change/Remove.
3. Select all of the AOL programs to remove.
4. You will see a confirmation window - click Next.
5. The computer will need to be restarted, but the AOL files should be removed.

Then you need to defrag your system. Over time, data gets scattered around your computer. Defragmenting the system puts the data back in order so that your computer can find the files easier.

1. Go to Start, then All Programs and then Accessories.
2. Click on System Tools, then Disk Defragmenter.
3. Click on the drive you want to defragment - the drive where you install AOL.
4. You will see a bunch of colored lines on the screen as the system defrags. This process can take awhile to complete.

Now you can go to the AOL Download and grab the latest version.

AOL’s Solution

The AOL solution is to copy AOL to a different location on your computer.

1. Go to Start, then click on My Computer. Access AOL.
   1. In Windows XP, click on Local Disk (C) then go to Windows\All Users\Application Data\AOL
   2. In Vista, go to Local Disk (C) then go to Windows\Program Data\AOL Folder

1. Right click on the C_AOL90 folder. Choose Copy. You may see multiple AOL folders - copy the one with the highest letter of the alphabet after it.
2. You then need to past the folder in the right location.
   1. In Windows XP - go to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\AOL.
   2. In Vista - go to C:\Programs Data\AOL.
3. Right click on the folder and choose Paste.
4. When you restart AOL, the problem should be fixed.

I have listed these fixes in order from easiest to most difficult, but all of these should be easy to do. Hopefully, your error message should disappear.

Dr. Watson Debugger

The Dr. Watson Debugger is a utility that is included with Microsoft Windows that creates files that contain diagnostic data for program errors. This data can be read by technical professionals in case of a problem. You can disable Dr. Watson fairly easily, but you should probably run a CHKDSK afterward to make sure there are no other problems.

Dell BIOS

For Dell laptops, the U7670 is the authorization code for Windows XP. I’m assuming that you are using a Dell Dimension laptop. To get into BIOS you need to hit F2 or DEL on startup. If you are running another Dell product, you can find the code to get into BIOS here at Michael Steven’s Tech website.

Disable Dr. Watson

Many techs offer the opinion that Dr. Watson isn’t very useful and it should be disabled to avoid problems. I’m not going that far, but it is easy to disable it to see if that solves your issues. To disable it follow these steps:

1. Click on Start then Run.
2. Type in regedit.exe in the Open box. Click Ok.
3. Find the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current Version\AeDebug.
4. Click on this key and delete it.

Run CHKDSK

After you have deleted Dr. Watson, you should run a CHKDSK to make sure there is nothing wrong with your program files. If you can get into Windows, double click on My Computer, right click on the drive, select Properties and then Tools. Choose the Check Now and Automatically fix file system errors.

If you need to run it in Safe Mode, click on Run, then type in cmd. Type in chkdsk/f and then choose Enter.

Hopefully, this has answered all of your questions. If you have any further issues, don’t hesitate to let us know and we can help you further.

If you are attempting to boot the computer up normally, try booting it up is safe mode instead. This will use fewer resources and hopefully the computer will start up. Alternatively, you can try to use the recovery console to get in. Once you have the computer on, you can follow the other tips here before attempting any of the hotfixes. If possible, charge the battery on the laptop for several hours prior to taking any of the following steps.

How to Boot up in Safe Mode

Follow these directions to boot up in safe mode:

1. Turn the power button on.
2. Immediately begin pressing the “F8″ key on the keyboard.
3. Select the last known good configuration and press enter.

Use the Recovery Disk

If you aren’t able to boot the laptop up through safe mode, use the recovery disk that came with the laptop to start it up. This can be a bit tricky, so Microsoft recommends that you learn terminology as well as what to expect before attempting this. The following article is designed for Windows XP users and it provides clear instructions on how to use the recovery console: Support Microsoft 307654. The article provides all of the terminology that you will come across during this process.

Additional Steps to Consider

1. Check your physical memory to see how much is being used.
2. Add more memory if needed.
3. Run the chkdsk.
4. Defrag the computer.
5. Delete unnecessary files, folders, and applications.

Hotfixes for lsass.exe Problems

Microsoft provides an article offering clear instructions for lsass.exe problems for Windows XP based computers. Support Microsoft 902058. Additional information for hotfixes for lsass.exe issues can be accessed here: Support Microsoft.

Additional Technical Help

If none of the above strategies are helpful, additional technical help can be found at Filetonic Support.

Troubleshooting this type of error might take a bit of persistence. The exact cause seems a bit unclear as do some of the strategies that have already been implemented. I am not sure what you mean when you say that with the reboot and registry cleaning programs nothing happens. If this means that you have not been able to run them, then this needs to be resolved before continuing. Try each of the following troubleshooting tips to get your computer back to optimal performance.

Boot up in Safe Mode

Turn the computer on and immediately begin to press the “F8″ key. Select “last known good configuration” and press the enter key. This allows your computer to start up with the fewest applications and therefore, the fewest potential problems. Your exact path might be a bit different depending on your operating system.

Increase Disk Space before Running System Restore

At this point, you need to make sure that you have enough disk space for a system restore.

• Navigate to Start.
• Select Control Panel.
• Select Performance and Maintenance.
• Select System.
• Select System Properties.
• Increase disk space and click ok.

Run System Restore

At this point, you can try to run system restore to solve some of the issues.

• Navigate to Start.
• Select All Programs.
• Select Accessories.
• Select System Tools.
• Select System Restore.
• Select restore my computer to an earlier time and follow any prompts or directions.

Registry Cleaner

If you have gotten this far, you can try to run your registry cleaner now.

Scan for Spyware and Viruses

If you have gotten this far, run your antispyware/antivirus application. If you don’t have one, you can try ParetoLogic Anti-Virus PLUS at Anti-VirusPLUS.

Error 1810

Error 1810 is associated with several different applications including Symantec’s Drive Image and Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware application among others. We may need to do more detective work to get to the bottom of this. For more detailed help, let us know the exact error message and perhaps we can find a solution.

The qttask.exe file is associated with the Apple Quicktime program. The file name stands for Quick Time Tray Icon and, while it is part of the legitimate program, it is not required. According to users, this file is susceptible to infection, and can run various functions on the background of your computer. Quicktime uses this file to find updates from its website.

Rather than deleting the file from your computer, you can also remove it from the System Tray, so that it won’t start up automatically, but it can still perform its functions. To remove it from the System Tray:

1. First, open Quicktime, and click on Edit, then Preferences, and then Quicktime Preferences
2. In the Quicktime Settings box that opens, choose Update Check
3. Look to the bottom of your screen and find a box checked for Check for Updates Automatically. To prevent the qttask.exe file from opening automatically, remove the check from this box
4. Close Quicktime

Since the qttask.exe file is not required, you can also remove it from your computer altogether. Until you make the changes detailed above, the qttask.exe file will restart automatically every time you boot up your system, so you should make those changes first, and then you can remove it from your Programs list. Then, you will have to remove the value from the registry to delete it completely.

1. Click on the Start key, and then select Run
2. In the dialog box that opens, type regedit and then select OK
3. You will have to look through the list and find the key named HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Apple Computer, Inc.\QuickTime\ActiveX
4. Then find the value under it called QTTaskRunFlags
5. Right click on the value to open its settings and find the value number and change it to 0
6. Next, find the key called HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
7. Find the value under it called qttask.exe and delete it.

You should be very careful when editing your computer’s registry. Before you begin, it is a good idea to set a Restore Point so that you can save your current settings in case something goes wrong. Be sure not to adjust any other keys or values, as you could remove vital information and need to reformat your system.

Common Download Errors - ActiveX

When downloading software from the Internet, it’s not unusual to run into an installation error or two. One of the most common installation errors involves ActiveX controls. If nothing appears to happen when clicking a “download” button, it could be related to ActiveX controls restrictions. Look for a pale yellow bar near the top of your screen. If you see one, it should give you a brief warning about the dangers of activating ActiveX as well as an option to allow the ActiveX control to run. If you trust the Web site, then go ahead and allow the ActiveX control to run. This will then take you to the normal installation steps.

Common Download Errors - Missing Installer File

Many download errors are related to a missing Windows Installer file. This issue is discussed in detail here. If your download scan is due to a missing Windows Installer file, then you may need to do a few troubleshooting steps before you can download the program that you want.

Other Download Issues

Oftentimes, when downloading a program, it will come in a zipped format. You will need to save the zip file to your desktop and then unzip the zip file in order to find the executable installation file. Depending on your operating system, the file may be automatically unzipped. If not, you may receive an error that you need a decompression utility in order to continue the installation. Try the trial version of WinZip if you do not currently have such a tool on your computer.

Other Possibilities

Computer viruses and malware are getting sneakier and smarter. Many block access to well known security websites and prevent downloads in an attempt at self preservation. If you find that one security Web site isn’t working at scanning your computer, you might try another. We’ve compiled a list of about 20 reliable and reputable antivirus products that you can try. Since removing the virus is of utmost importance, you might try some of these choices.

Likewise, a download link on a Web site could have corruption within it. Many Web sites have multiple links to their products. You might try a different link and then report the damaged linked to the Web site’s webmaster.