Internet Explorer may suddenly quit then automatically restart when visiting certain websites. This problem can also manifest as a message indicating that Internet Explorer is not working when the user attempts to close the application.
Fixes
Reset Internet Explorer Settings
- Quit Internet Explorer if it is open
- Click Start. In Windows Vista, type inetcpl.cpl into the search field and press enter. In Windows XP, select “Run” then type inetcpl.cpl and press ente.
- Select the “Advanced” tab
- Select “Reset” under “Reset Internet Explorer settings” then press reset again
- Retry Internet Explorer and check for persistence of the problem
Disable add-ons Try running Internet Explorer without add-ons.
In Windows Vista: Click Start and type Internet Explorer in the search box then run “Internet Explorer (No Add-Ons)”
In Windows XP: Click Start then navigate to Internet Explorer. Right-click it and select “Browse Without Add-Ons”
If an add-on is causing your problem, you can try disabling it by launching Internet Explorer then going to the “Tools” menu and selecting “Manage Add-ons.” Try disabling all add-ons first then adding them back one-by-one or in groups to identify the culprit.
Test Internet Explorer to verify that it works correctly. If issues still occur, try Method 4.
Filed under Internet Explorer 8 by on Apr 14th, 2009. Comment. 
The Start button and Taskbar in various version of Windows may suddenly become unresponsive or frozen, failing to respond to clicks or other user input.
Fixes
Try the hotfix Microsoft has provided a hotfix for this issue as it occurs under Windows Vista. Unfortunately, a number of users report that the hotfix only temporarily cures the issue.
Remove problematic startup items/services Follow these steps:
- Startup in safe mode (tap the F8 key on your keyboard repeatedly as the computer is starting up)
- Select a method of safe booting from the menu (first try with networking; if the crash still occurs, try without networking)
- Once the system has booted, click the Start button and type MSCONFIG then press enter in Windows Vista (in Windows XP, click the Start button, then click “Run” and type MSCONFIG then press enter)
- Go to the startup tab
- Uncheck any third-party and nonessential startup items–on most systems, this would include all items on the list. Apply the changes and press OK, then restart the system if it does not happen automatically. Startup normally (i.e. not in safe mode)
- If the problem not occur, go back to MSCONFIG and start re-enabling items in groups. Enable a few items, then restart and check to see if the problem. If it does, boot into safe mode again and disable some of those items then re-attempt a normal startup. Keep enabling items until you find the culprit, then leave that service turned off permanently or uninstall it.
Filed under Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP by on Apr 15th, 2009. Comment.
Several users have reported an issue in which various Web browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome) cannot connect to websites despite the presence of an otherwise valid, working Internet connection.
Many users find that, when this problem occurs, they can ping the network, access email and perform other network functions, but browsers are dead in the water.
Fixes
Disable link scanning in antivirus/malware software The number one cause of this issue is problematic link scanning functions in various antivirus/malware software packages. Try disabling any link scanning components, then restart and check for Internet access.
For example, you can disable AVG’s link scanner by clicking on the AVG icon in the task bar (lower-right hand corner) then selecting “Link Scanner” and unchecking the “Enable AVG Search-Shield” box.
Look for a similar Web “link scanner” or “web shield” component in your antivirus/malware package and temporarily disable it, then restart your computer and check to see if the problem still exists.
Remove conflicting antivirus/malware software Conflicts created by the presence of two antivirus or malware packages that duplicate each other’s functionality can cause this problem. Install one, and only one strong anti-malware package. The presence of multiple packages can create conflicts that decrease system stability and can actually make your system more vulnerable.
First, uninstall all antivirus and malware programs from your system, then reinstall one, solid package and check for persistence of the issue.
Filed under Internet Explorer 8, Viruses/Malware, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP by on Apr 16th, 2009. 2 Comments.
Beta testers of Windows 7 report that recently released security updates pushed through the Windows Update mechanism cause blue screens of death (BSOD) at startup, with a failure on kl1.sys.
Fix
It appears that, in some cases, this problem may be caused by a conflict with the Kaspersky Antivirus package. Follow these steps to disable the software:
- Startup in safe mode (tap the F8 key on your keyboard repeatedly as the computer is starting up)
- Select a method of safe booting from the menu (first try with networking; if the crash still occurs, try without networking)
- Once the system has booted, click the Start button and type MSCONFIG then press enter in Windows Vista (in Windows XP, click the Start button, then click “Run” and type MSCONFIG then press enter)
- Go to the startup tab
- Disable Kaspersky and any related items (e.g. kl1.sys), then press OK, then restart the system if it does not happen automatically. Startup normally (i.e. not in safe mode)
Alternatively, you can launch the Kaspersky application and set it to not start at startup.
If you wish to continue using Kaspersky, you can try installing the technical preview for Windows 7, although it may exhibit similar issues.
Filed under News, Viruses/Malware, Windows 7 by on Apr 16th, 2009. 11 Comments.
Several users have reported an issue in which Windows Mobile Devices (HTC, HP, etc.) are not recognized by computers running Windows 7. In many cases, a driver installation error will occur.
Fix
This issue can generally be solved via the following process:
- Disconnect the device if it is connected
- Uninstall the Windows Mobile device driver (if it exists) by opening the Control Panel then selecting the Device Manager. Find the proper driver, then right-click it and select “Uninstall.”
- On the Windows Mobile device itself, go to Start>Settings>Connections>USB to PC and deselect “Enable advanced network functionality.”
- Reconnect the Windows Mobile device and allow Windows 7 to automatically setup the device
You may also need to download and install the Windows Mobile Device Center after performing the above process.
Filed under Windows 7, Windows Mobile by on Apr 20th, 2009. 3 Comments.
Windows 7 may fail to install, giving the error message “Setup was unable to create a new system partition or locate an existing system partition. See the Setup log files for more information.” Generally this error occurs in situations in which multiple disks are connected to the system.
Fix
In order to eliminate this issue, disconnect any disks that are formatted as “dynamic disks.” Dynamic disk volumes cannot be changed back to partitions, causing the Windows 7 installation process to fail. Simply disconnect any external or internal hard disks that are formatted as dynamic disks then re-attempt installation.
Alternatively, you can convert the dynamic disk back to a basic disk using this process.
Filed under Windows 7 by on Apr 20th, 2009. 58 Comments.
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 a graphics card driver issue. One potential remedy is as follows:
- Turn your system off
- Disconnect your monitor from the DVI port and instead connect it to the VGA port on your system (this will require a different cable)
- Turn your system back on and reinstall Windows 7–the process should complete properly
- Disable Windows Update automatic update (in control panel>System>Automatic updates)
- Go to your motherboard or graphics card manufacturer’s website and download the latest Windows Vista driver(s); install the driver(s).
- Turn your system off and connect your monitor via the DVI port again
Filed under Windows 7 by on Apr 20th, 2009. 1 Comment.
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 or printer to play nicely with Windows 7. And here… we… go:
Temporarily turn off antivirus software The presence of antivirus software scanning can block proper installation of drivers that are necessary for device function. Try turning off any antivirus or anti-malware/spyware software temporarily while you install or update device drivers, then turn it back on. Remember to use one and only one solid antivirus package. The presence of multiple, overlapping packages can create system conflicts and actually leave your system more vulnerable.
Run Windows Update Click the Start button then type Windows Update and press enter. Run the automatic update mechanism and check updated drivers for any connected devices.
Check manufacturers’ websites Check the websites of manufacturers of devices connected to your system. Final or pre-release Windows 7 drivers may be available.
Try Vista drivers Many Windows Vista-compatible drivers offered on device manufacturer websites work well with Windows 7. Check for any Vista drivers and install them on your Windows 7 system. This procedure is especially useful for users who were running Windows XP or another version of Windows other than Vista before installing Windows 7.
Install drivers in compatibility mode Try installing your device drivers in compatibility mode. To do this, right-click the driver installation .exe file (e.g. setup.exe) and click on Properties, then click on the Compatibility tab. Next, enable Compatibility Mode and select “Windows Vista RTM” from the drop-down then click OK. Double-click the .exe file and proceed with installation.
Install drivers in admin mode Try installing your device drivers in admin mode. To do this, right-click the driver installation .exe file (e.g. setup.exe) then select “Run as Admin.” Proceed with installation.
Check the Microsoft hardware support page If you are using a Microsoft-made hardware device, check the company’s Windows 7 hardware support page for drivers, workarounds and other helpful information for getting the devices up and running.
Filed under Windows 7 by on Apr 20th, 2009. 2 Comments.
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 issue with a drive that is connected via FireWire, try disabling the 1394 Network Adapter. This can be accomplished by going to the control panel, then selecting network connections. Right-click on the 1394 connection and select “Disable.”
Lower offending drive’s boot priority Enter your system’s BIOS mode. This is accomplished by pressing a specific key repeatedly as soon as your computer is turned on (or right after it is restarted). For many computers, the key is F8, but it may be F1, F2, F10, the Delete (del) key or the Escape (ESC) key. Consult your computer or motherboard’s manual or try different keys until you find the right one.
Next, find the boot priority (or boot sequence) screen–generally located in “storage” or a similar section–and lower the priority of the external drive that is causing the problem.
Switch connections If your computer has both USB and FireWire ports, and your drive support both USB and FireWire, try switching from one connection method to the other.
Apply Microsoft’s hotfix Microsoft supplies a hotfix for this issue as it affects FireWire drives, though not all users have experienced success.
Filed under Windows XP by on Apr 21st, 2009. Comment.
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:
After downloading and installing RSAT, navigate to “Programs and Features” then toggle “Turn Windows Features On/Off”.
Filed under Windows Vista by on Apr 21st, 2009. 2 Comments.