Windows 7 RC (Build 7100) Bugs: Blue Screens and More

Users are noting a variety of issues after updating to the Windows 7 Release Candidate, build 7100:
Bugs

Blue screens (BSODs) Some users have reported an increased incidence of BSODs after the update to Windows 7 build 7100. Some of these cases may be related to a conflict between the Kasperskey antivirus software and new security updates [...]

Windows 7 RC Leaked: What’s New, What’s Fixed, What’s Broken

[Updated Sun., April 26th; 1:30 PM PST]
The unofficial release candidate edition of Windows 7, available to authorized beta testers, has leaked. The new release, build 7100, includes a number of significant enhancements and resolves some bugs extant in previous releases. It also provides some significant feature enhancements.
What’s new

Better performance Several users have reported increased speed [...]

Games, Other Apps Quit After Launch: Fix

If various games and other applications quit immediately after launch, a simple system setting may be to blame. Toggling the setting, which may be automatically done by some driver updates, resolves the issue in many instances.
Fix
Open the control panel. Next, go to Hardware and Sound>Sound. In the recording tab, enable Stereo Mix.

Windows XP SP3 Fails to Boot: Fixes

Several users have encountered a problem in which, after updating to Windows XP SP3, the system will not boot.
Fixes
The first step in fixing this problem is to boot in safe mode. To do this, tap the F8 key on your keyboard repeatedly as the computer is starting up). Select a method of safe [...]

Wireless Suddenly Stops Working in Windows Vista: Fixes

Several users have reported an issue in which wireless connectivity (WiFi) suddenly stops working in Windows Vista. There are a variety of causes for this problem, but two primary fixes.
Fixes
Make sure wireless service is started First, make sure the wireless service is started.

Click the Start button then type services.msc in the search box and [...]

Constant Freezes? Disable Non-Essential Services

Many freezes under various versions of Windows are the result of problematic third-party system services. Forget registry cleaners and other paid tools for “cleaning out” your system; a simple procedure can get you back to the basics and, likely, freeze-free. From that point, you can add back the services you desire and check for continued [...]

Using GPMC in Windows Vista SP1 (and SP2)

Windows Vista SP1 (and presumably the forthcoming SP2) disable GPMC (Group Policy Management Console) after installation.
Fix
Fortunately, this issue can be easily resolved by installing RSAT (Remote Server Administration Tools) for Windows Vista. The package is available the following editions:

32-bit edition

64-bit edition

After downloading and installing RSAT, navigate to “Programs and Features” then toggle “Turn Windows Features [...]

Windows XP Fails to Boot with External Disks Attached: Fix

Several users have experienced an issue in which Windows XP fails to properly boot when external disks (either USB or FireWire) are attached. Generally, when this problem occurs, the system will hang at the Windows splash screen, forcing a restart. Disconnecting the drive(s) resolves the issue.
Fixes
Disable the 1394 Network Adapter If you are experiencing this [...]

7 Tips for Getting Devices to Work with Windows 7

Perhaps the biggest challenge facing Windows 7 upgraders involves hardware incompatibility. Many devices will be rendered temporarily unusable by the new OS or exhibit compatibility problems that will make them not worth using.
Fortunately, there are a few tips you can use to increase your chances of getting that mouse, graphics card, monitor, hard drive [...]

Windows 7 Installation Fails: Constant Rebooting

Several users have encountered an issue in which Windows 7 installation fails at the very end of the process, with the system rebooting automatically as soon as the Windows 7 splash screen appears. The system then displays a message indicating that it was not shut down properly.
Fix
This issue is, in most cases, due to [...]