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I am using a Sony VAIO VGN-FW12M model laptop from past two years. I lost the recovery disc and now I want to my device back to the factory settings. I tried pressing F10 while booting the system to get recovery and while starting the recovery process it says “copying file / folder failed.” Need help from you experts. Thanks.

A number of issues could be related to your problem when trying to access the recovery partition of your laptop. I’ll offer a few suggestions for resolving this problem accessing Sony VAIO recovery options along with a few additional options.

Recovering Sony VAIO to Factory Settings: Resolving Errors with the Recovery Process Including Malware and Registry Errors

Most Sony VAIO laptops include a recovery partition that allows you to restore the factory settings on it. Pressing the “F10″ key allows you to access it. The fact that your laptop isn’t allowing the recovery process to continue could indicate problems with the registry or the presence of malware.

To rule out problems with malware, run your anti-spyware/anti-virus application on your laptop to remove potential problems that might be causing the error that you are experiencing. To rule out registry-related problems, use a reliable registry cleaner to restore the laptop back to good working order. Once you have completed both of these tasks, try to access the recovery process again using the “F10″ key.

Recovering Sony VAIO to Factory Settings: Access Recovery Partition Through “Start”

While you should be able to access the recovery partition through completion, use this suggestion to open it. Chances are that it won’t change anything and you will still have the error, but you can always try it. Simply click on “Start.” In the “VAIO Central” window, click on the “support” option and select “recovery.” Follow the prompts and hopefully this strategy allows you to restore the laptop to factory settings.

Recovering Sony VAIO to Factory Settings: Resolving Errors with the Recovery Process and “Last Known Good Configuration”

 If you are still experiencing problems accessing the recovery process and getting it to run through completion, try resetting your laptop to the “last known good configuration.” Once you have completed that task, try accessing the sony VAIO recovery options again.

Recovering Sony VAIO to Factory Settings: Order New Recovery Disks

If all else fails, you also have the option to order a new set of Sony VAIO recovery disks (Recovery Media Kit) from Sony. Visit service and sales at Sony to access the Sony Direct Accessories and Parts Center website. You need to have your laptop’s model number in order to receive the correct set of Sony VAIO recovery discs. Once you are at the website, visit “List Parts and Accessories.” You will receive a series of prompts that take you through the ordering process. Just follow the directions. You can also call Sony’s customer service department and order the Sony VAIO recovery discs over the phone.

I have a new computer and I can’t open some email attachments. These same attachments open fine on my laptop, but when I try to open them on my desktop computer, I get unreadable results. I have downloaded Adobe Reader. What am I doing wrong?

First, let me say that it isn’t necessarily that you are doing anything wrong. Different operating systems function differently depending on which version you are using along with the type of resources you have available as well as what you are attempting to do. I have seen the problem that you are describing on one of my older computers, so I am going to suggest trying the fist solution before attempting any of the others, as it is most likely going to be the one that works for you.

Typically, when you receive an attachment along with your email, you do need to exercise caution to make sure that you trust the source. Scanning it with a reliable anti-virus protection application helps to protect you. You should always complete this step before opening any attachment.

Opening PDF Attachments: Save the PDF File

Although this might appear to be quite a simple solution, it isn’t one that most people would think of trying first. The natural conclusion when an attachment fails to open is simple that you must be doing something wrong. Sometimes, the failure to open is just a little quirk that can be fixed with this suggestion.

Instead of attempting to open the PDF file attachment directly through your email, first save the PDF file to the hard drive. When you double click or right click on the PDF attachment, you should see an option to save the file to disk along with the option to open the PDF. Simply choose “save it to disk.” Make sure you look to see which location your PDF file will be saved at so you know where to find it.

Before you open the PDF file for viewing, scan the file with your anti-virus protection to ensure that it is clean. It should open easily for you now.

Opening PDF Attachments: File Association

Typically, you can see the file association for any attached files that you receive in your email. It is important to check for a PDF file association before attempting to open the file with Adobe Reader. Once you are sure that you are dealing with a PDF, the next step is to check that the application you are trying to use to open it is the correct one. When you attempt to open your file, you should receive an opportunity to select the application that you want to use. Take this opportunity to make sure that the proper application has been selected to do so.

Opening PDF Attachments: Updates and Installation

On the off chance that your Adobe Reader is in need of an update or it has not been properly installed, you can uninstall it and reinstall the application on your desktop computer.

Opening PDF Attachments: Alternative Applications

Adobe Reader does have a tendency to be a resource hog. Therefore, you might also want to consider using an alternative application to open PDF attachments. Both Foxit Reader and Sumatra can be used to open files with PDF file associations.

I have a Medion 8 GB USB Flash Drive. I am using a Dell Windows 7 (64-bit) PC. Everything was okay until today. I downloaded a movie and checked the flash drive with Norton Antivirus. As usual, I had no viruses. However, the flash drive stopped responding. It flashes, but I cannot open it. My computer doesn’t even show it. It usually shows up as the I drive. I hear clicking sounds, like computer is trying to open it, but nothing is happening. Do you think it is broken? Do you think that plugging the flash drive into the USB port, and then rebooting the computer while the flash drive was in might cure the problem? Could there be a virus that caused Norton Antivirus to block the flash drive from being read by the PC? My other flash drives work fine.

Diagnosing a Failed Flash Drive

To take your question in a few different parts - in the first place I think yes, your flash drive could be broken. Like everything, flash drives have life spans, and if you have been using it to download, save and replace movies for a while, it might have just reached the end of its days. A quick way to test this theory would be to plug the flash drive into another computer and see if there is any response - if the drive is dead then the computer won’t be able to open it. Not fool-proof, but worth a try. Because other flash drives are working, it’s possible but unlikely, that you need to update your USB drivers.

Resolve the Issue with Windows Disk Management

Another possibility is that your Windows operating system has produced a glitch that is preventing the drive from being recognized - and, thus, opened. Sometimes Windows Disk Management assigns removable devices drive letters that are already being used by another device. In such a case, the computer won’t be able to access the drive. Since your computer was able to open your other flash drives it is unlikely that this is the issue, but worth a try to rule it out.

The utility you need to use to check this is Disk Management, as a precaution - it is always good to backup your files before tampering with disk and partition settings. In Windows 7, you can launch Disk Management through the Start Menu by typing diskmgmt.msc into the search box, then click the file that appears to open the tool. The specific drive assignments for port can vary between computers, so you might have to look around a bit, but you can make sure that the drive letter used for your USB port isn’t being used by any other device or drive. USB ports are commonly designated H or I.

Reboot the System, and the Flash Drive

To answer your specific question about rebooting with the flash drive attached - the online community jury is out. It is not inconceivable that a reboot could resolve the issue - but before booting with the flash drive plugged in, I would suggest a simple computer reboot and power cycle. To do this, turn the computer off, then unplug it from the power source completely. Let it relax for a few minutes, then reconnect and reboot.

I hope this helps!

When I start the Outlook program under Windows Vista, I immediately get the following error in a box. “Add-in Express Extensions Error” ADXextensions error (DoAddininitialize): The add-in has fired an exception (DoAddininitialize): Outlook has not defined. SetOutlook Version. Do you want to look at the log? When clicking Yes, it lists a bunch of information about this error.

What is Add-in Express?

Add-in Express is a private company that offers a variety of tools and solutions that have been developed based upon the Microsoft Office Suite. Developers might obtain this program to assist them with their work. The ADX extensions allow users to customize their folders for Outlook. It also allows them to use VCL and .NET controls, forms, grids, and components when using Outlook Explorer windows.

The Add-in Express Extensions Error

This seems to be quite a specialized type of OE error, so I am not surprised that you need help with it. The “Add-in Express Extensions Error” indicates that you are experiencing a problem with a secondary program, Add-in Express, that you have installed on your computer. It would appear that the problem could possibly be on their end rather than on your end since the message indicates an error with the Add-in express extension.

I suggest contacting the company from which you downloaded Add-in Express and request assistance with the problem. Information on their website indicates that the software is still under development as they are attempting to perfect it.

The Add-in Express Extensions Error: Installation Problems

If you have only recently installed Add-in Express on your computer, it is possible that your installation of Add-in Express did not go as planned. The download site asks that anyone downloading the software cleans their computer first in order to remove potential problems. Did you defrag your computer? Did you run a scan for spyware and viruses? If not, perhaps now would be a good time to do so. You can also try uninstalling and re-installing Add-in Express on your computer.

The Add-in Express Extensions Error with Outlook Express

You can also attempt to open Outlook Express while you are in “Safe Mode.” You’ll need to press and hold the “ctrl” button and click on the Outlook icon. If the problem still occurs, then you should uninstall and re-install Add-in Express.

In ‘My Pictures’ I used to be able to open a folder and then be given (via a dropr down menu) the option to view photos a slide show on my computer screen.

My Pictures Task Bar

When you open the My Pictures folder in Windows Explorer, a task pane usually appears in the left side of the window. Within this task pane is a section labeled Picture Tasks where you’ll find the View as a Slideshow option. As you’ve discovered, this task pane doesn’t always appear.

Common Tasks

Before detailing the steps for restoring Picture Tasks, let’s first touch on Common Tasks. Picture Tasks is but one of a category of Common Tasks. Depending on the folder type opened, different options will be presented. For example, if you were to open the My Music folder, you’ll see a difference collection of tasks related to your music files. When the settings covering Common Tasks are changed, tasks can become mixed up or not appear at all.

Showing the Common Tasks Pane

In order to get your Picture Tasks section back, you will need to go to your computer’s desktop and then right-click the My Computer icon. Choose Properties. Next, click the Advanced tab and look for the Settings button in the Performance section. Click Settings and you’ll be taken to the Visual Effects tab of Performance Options. Select Custom and scroll through the list of options until you find “Use common tasks in folders.” Place a check mark next to that option and click OK to confirm your decision.

That’s it. Now you should see the task pane and Picture Tasks when you open your My Pictures folder.