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When I start my computer (Pentium-4 with Windows XP), pop up windows show these two messages: 1.HHCTRL.OCX was not found. 2. Windows cannot find SSCVIHOST.EXE.

In all likelihood, it sounds as though your computer is infected with malware. Typically, malware finds its way onto a computer when the computer user clicks on links that contain the malware, visits websites that install malware onto the computer without the user’s knowledge, clicks on attachments received through email communication, or clicks on links within an instant messaging system.

Why am I getting the SSCVIHOST Error?

It’s probable that you have a virus on your computer, so you do not want to start the application up. Instead, you want to get rid of it. This particular problem is caused by a devious worm. The error message resembles a legitimate error message (SVCHOST.EXE) that occurs following some Windows updates.

Getting Rid of the SSCVIHOST Error: Scan for Malware

If you currently have a reliable antivirus/anti-spyware application on your computer, update it before using it to remove the computer worm. In this case, I suggest rebooting and scanning for the problem a second time to make sure that it is corrected and that the complete removal of the malware has occurred. If you do not currently have a trustworthy antivirus/anti-spyware application installed, I can recommend the following program: AntiVirus PLUS.

Why am I getting the HHCTRL Error?

In all likelihood, the error message, “HHCTRL.OCX was not found” is being received because the file has been corrupted by the computer worm that has infected your computer. This particular file is an ActiveX file that is used by Internet Explorer. It is also vulnerable to virus infections since these applications can use the file to gain access to your computer.

Once you have removed the virus, you can restore the HHCTRL.OCX file and do away with this start up error. After you have used your antivirus program to remove the SSCVIHOST.EXE worm, you should use a reliable registry cleaner such as RegCure to restore the HHCTRL.OCX file.

One of the strategies that you can use to protect this file from becoming corrupted by viruses is to update your operating system and your version of Internet Explorer on a regular basis.

My laptop won’t start. I turn it on and it starts to start up and you can hear the fan and then it goes down and the power lights flashes off and on and the fan goes out. Can you help? I tried loading the recover disk and it acts like it is going to start running than just stops. Nothing comes up on screen.

Common Laptop Startup Issues

Unfortunately, a number of issues could be preventing your laptop from starting up ranging from power supply problems, bad connections, or failed hardware such as the motherboard, video card, or hard drive. The trick is to figure out what is causing the problem and then addressing that issue.

Power / Battery Problems

Let’s take a look at the power supply itself. Are all of the cords secure? Does the power light on the “brick” turn on? Have you tried using a different electrical outlet? You can also try powering on the computer with the battery fully removed. If the laptop powers on with the battery removed, then the battery may be bad or interfering with startup somehow.

You may want to do a “laptop reset” at this point as well. With the laptop off, its battery removed, and the power cord plugged in, press and hold the power button for a full 60 seconds. This “resets” the laptop by clearing any retained power within the computer that could be interfering with startup.

Bad Connections

Bad connections can also cause startup failures. For example, if the internal power connector is loose, then the laptop will have power problems. It could be a faulty switch or a connector that needs to be soldered to the motherboard. Similarly, connections to video cards or even the hard drive could be to blame. Inspecting the internal components of a laptop is trickier than opening up a desktop’s computer case. Inspection ports are usually located on the bottom of a laptop though these do little to address components hidden under the keyboard. This is best left to an experienced computer technician.

Failed Hardware

Another common cause of laptop startup errors is failed hardware including the motherboard, hard drive, or video card.

In short, if resetting the laptop doesn’t revive it, a trip to the computer repair shop is your best bet. Technicians can try a different AC adapter, check for loose connections, and test your hardware.

I have an older Gateway computer. When I turn it on, it goes to the Microsoft screen and you can see it loading, then it goes to the user screen. But lately it gets stuck on the Microsoft screen. You can see the line going across, and across, but it never changes. Eventually, if it finally loads, I end up leaving my computer on because I am afraid it’s not going to start next time. What kinds of things can cause this?

Windows Slow Startup

I don’t blame you for leaving your computer running. After all, who has the free time to wait for Windows to load? However, something is going wrong somewhere. Let’s take a look at some of the more common causes behind slow startup times.

Causes for Slow Startup Times

Many culprits can be to blame including a fragmented hard drive, a nearly full hard drive, excessive startup programs, a bloated Windows registry, spyware and viruses, and failing hardware. Your computer could have a combination of these errors.

Disk Cleanup and Defragmenter

Since your computer is currently running, let’s first do some basic maintenance by cleaning up the hard drive and defragging it. Your computer needs a certain amount of free disk space in order to function, so this is a good place to start. First, double-click on My Computer and look at the C:\ drive. Is it nearly full? If so, then that’s not helping matters. Right-click the C:\ drive and choose Properties. Click Disk Cleanup and clear up as much space as possible.

Once the drive has been cleaned up, use the Disk Defragmenter utility to defrag it. This article describes this tool:

System Tools: Defragmenter

Excessive Startup Programs

Another common contributor to startup issues is having too many programs loading up at boot up. It’s hard enough for Windows to load itself let alone all those extra computer programs. This article describes how to manage startup programs in detail:

Managing Startup Items

Bloated Windows Registry

The Windows registry is a huge index containing nearly all of the instructions that Windows needs in order to work with the computer’s installed components. It is constantly growing as new programs are installed, old ones removed, new hardware added, user settings changed, and so on. Unfortunately, when it gets too large, computer performance suffers. Plus, many of the instructions end up becoming obsolete or even damaged.

For example, what if you’ve since uninstalled a program, but the uninstallation didn’t complete successfully? Partial instructions could be left behind. When Windows starts up and receives those instructions, it tries its best to carry them out but since the program has been partially installed, it can’t find what it needs in order to carry out the mission. Windows may get stuck, generate an error, or work slowly as it goes through a series of unnecessary steps.

Because your computer is having major startup problems, I highly recommend a good registry cleaning. The article, Why Use a Registry Cleaning Tool, explains registry issues in greater detail.

Spyware and Viruses

Spyware and computer viruses are notorious for damaging system files and interfering with performance. If you have a reputable antivirus product on your computer, update it and run a full system scan. If you’re unsure about the reliability of your product, any of the following free tools would be a good place to start.

• Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool
• BitDefender Scan Online
• Trend Micro House Call
• McAfee Free Scan

Failing Hardware

Finally, failing hardware can lead to slow start times. A qualified computer technician can diagnose your hardware to see if any of the computer’s components is failing. If your computer continues having startup issues after freeing disk space, removing startup items, cleaning the registry, and removing malware, then it’s time to let a professional take a look.

Before Windows XP loads (after having reinstalled Windows XP), boot fails with a warning prompt: Buxmpfile.bmp or something of its variation is missing.

I’m going to explain a bit about the .bmp file format and offer a few suggestions here for you. Basically, you seem to be receiving a startup error message stating that you are missing a necessary file. You’ll need to try and repair/retrieve it in order to continue. Read on and see if this makes sense for you.

What is the BMP file format?

The BMP file format is also referred to as a bitmap file. It is a file format that holds an image usually referred to as a bitmap digital image. Most often, .bmp files are used with Windows operating systems and programs. With an installation of Windows XP, certain .bmp files are needed in order to incorporate certain images used in the operating system such as the Windows logo, systems tray icons, etc. Without the particular .bmp files that you need, Windows XP will fail to boot up with an error message.

Troubleshooting missing buxmpfile.bmp file: Boot up in Safe Mode

See if you can get into Safe Mode and from there, you are going to see if you can run the chkdsk utility using the directions listed below. Start with the computer turned off. To get into “Safe Mode,” turn the power on and immediately start to press the “F8″ key. If you are using your laptop and the “F8″ key doesn’t work, try using the “F2″ or “F12″ key. Make sure that you use “Safe Mode” as your choice. Hopefully this will allow you to boot up and you can use the directions listed below for the next troubleshooting option.

Troubleshooting missing buxmpfile.bmp file: run chkdsk

The first step here is to see if you can retrieve the missing .bmp file using the chkdsk utility tool. If the file is recoverable, this strategy should put it back where it belongs, allowing you to continue on. Follow these directions:

1)      Navigate to the “Start” tab in the lower left-hand corner.

2)      Click on “Run.”

3)      Type in “cmd.”

4)      Press “enter.”

5)      Type in the following without the quotes “chkdsk volume:/r” to try and retrieve the missing file/files.

Run the System File Checker

After you finish with the chkdsk utility, run the System File Checker or sfc /scannow tool using these directions:

1) Insert your original Windows Installation disk.

2) Click on “Start.”

3) Click on “Run.”

4) Type “cmd” in the box.

5) Click “OK.”

6) Type “sfc /scannow” in the box.

7) Select the “Enter” key.

These steps should replace the missing file for you and get your computer working in proper order.

I’m running XP PRO and I cannot boot at all. I just get “application failed because file oleaut32.dll missing.” I have tried Safe Mode and Last Known Good Configuration but nothing works at all. What can I do when I can’t even boot Windows?

Booting Past a Startup Error

If you aren’t having any luck booting into Safe Mode, then booting from your Windows operating system disk is likely your only option. You will, however, need to have a Windows boot disk for almost anything at this point. Before we go on, some users with this problem report being able to boot into Safe Mode with a command prompt after several tries, so if a boot disk isn’t readily available, you could try booting a few times to see if you can get on that way.

Use Recovery Console from Boot Disk

In any case, you need to get some control over your system and, if normal and safe boot procedures aren’t working, there are boot disk options. First, you can use the Recovery Console to run some hard disk repair scans, which will hopefully take care of the problem.

1. Put the Windows CD in the drive and turn your computer off
2. Give it a minute, then boot back up - the computer should boot from the disk
3. At the Welcome to Set Up screen, press R for Recovery Console
4. Use the arrow keys to choose you installation, then Enter
5. If you are asked for an Administrator password, leave the field blank and press Enter
6. Now, at the command prompt, type in chkdsk /r - there is a space between the k and the /r.
7. The chkdsk application will launch and check your hard disk. It takes some time so be patient and let it run - it can take more than an hour and a half and go through periods where it appears stalled. Don’t interfere, let it run .
8. When the scan is complete you will be returned to the command prompt - type exit then press Enter
9. If your computer doesn’t restart automatically, shut it down and restart manually
10. I hope this boots normally to Windows

Repair your Windows Installation

If not, you can try to repair your operating system installation in a similar procedure.

1. Put the CD in the drive and reboot the computer - it will start from disk
2. At Welcome Screen press Enter to Set Up Windows
3. Accept the license
4. Choose the operating system using the arrow keys on your keyboard, then press R to launch the repair. This will keep all your files and folders in place and only reinstall the Windows programs that might be corrupted
5. Let it run, don’t press any key to boot from CD even if you are offered
6. Once its finished, reboot and I hope you are back up and running
7. Now, it is VERY important that you reapply all your Windows and security patches, updates and applications

I hope this does it! If not, write us again and tell us the operating system you are using and as many details as you can about the problem and what you’ve tried. Good luck!

I am getting an error message when I boot to Windows and I can’t get past it. Help?

Boot to Safe Mode

If you can’t get your computer to boot, starting it in Safe Mode will launch only the vital processes, reducing the chance of error. Once in Safe Mode you can troubleshoot the error, then when you reboot it will automatically reset in Normal Mode.

1. Turn your computer off - wait a minute
2. Turn it back on, as soon as it starts to power up, start pressing F8
3. This will open the Advanced Options menu
4. Use the keyboard arrows to choose Safe Mode

Remove a Problem Installation

Sometimes startup errors are related to recently installed software. If you downloaded a flawed program or if there was a problem during the install process, it might be interrupting startup. You can use Windows Add/Remove to delete the program and then try to reinstall.

1. Click Start then Control Panel, then Add or Remove Programs
2. Find the recent installation that you think could be responsible, then click Remove
3. Click Yes to confirm

Repair your Operating System Installation

The easiest thing to do in your situation is repair your operating system installation. You need to have your Windows installation CD to do this, but it will fix any problems in the program that might be preventing it from booting properly.

1. Put the Windows disk in the drive and turn the computer off
2. Wait for a minute, then turn it back in and the computer should boot from the disk and open the Setup Screen - press Enter
3. Press F8 to accept the license
4. Now, highlight your operating system using your keyboard arrows and press R to repair the installation
5. After the process is finished, you need to use Windows Updates to re-install your operating system updates as well as those for your security software

Repair Hard Drive Errors

There is an included Windows utility that scans and fixes error on the hard disk. If there is a flawed volume on the hard drive, this scan can resolve it.

1. Click twice to open My Computer, then choose the C: drive
2. Choose Properties, then Tools
3. Under Error Checking, choose Check Now
4. From the Check Disk Options menu, choose Scan For and Attempt Recovery of Bad Sectors
5. When you get a message to schedule the scan, choose Yes, then reboot your computer

I hope these tips get your computer up and running. If not, write us again with more information about your operating system and the specific error message that you are getting. Good luck!