Some users have reported an issue in which Windows 7 computers that are connected to Active Directory domains crash when users attempt to unlock them. A poster to the Microsoft TechNet discussion forums writes:
“The computer is connected to an Active Directory domain, and I lock it every time I leave my desk. Unfortunately when I come back and unlock it, 90% of the time, lsass.exe has crashed, and the PC reboots a minute later.”
The problem appears to only occur when the system is connected to an Active Directory domain.
If you are experiencing a similar issue, please let us know at info@windowsfixup.com.
Filed under Windows 7 by on Aug 20th, 2009. 1 Comment. 
Under various versions of Windows, Windows Explorer may repeatedly crash either when certain actions are taken (e.g. right-clicking an item), after several minutes of use, or immediately after the system starts up. In some cases, the following error messages are displayed:
- “Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close”
The first thing you need to do, if this problem occurs as soon as your system starts up or whenever you click on any file or try to perform any other action, is download a copy of Universal Explorer, an alternative file viewer. This will at least allow you access to the system so that you can make changes and begin troubleshooting.
Next, begin with the following potential fixes:
Turn off DEP In some cases, Data Execution Prevention may be causing the crashes to occur. Turning this option off for Windows Explorer may leave your system more vulnerable to viruses and other malware, but may allow your system to function properly until you can find another workaround. To turn off DEP for Windows Explorer, follow these steps:
- Click the Start button
- Open the Control Panel
- Open System
- Select the “Advanced” tab
- Under “Performance,” choose Settings.
- Select the “Data Execution Prevention” tab.
- Select the option “Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select.”
- Click “Add…”
- Find Windows Explorer, which is generally located in c:\windows\explorer.exe and select it.
- Restart your system and check for persistence of the issue
Note that if Windows Explorer keeps crashing during the above steps, you can open the command line and type bcdedit.exe /set {current} nx AlwaysOff and accomplish the same effect.
Disable Shell extensions The site HelpWithWindows suggests that errant shell extensions may be to blame for Windows Explorer crashes, especially in cases wherein the issue occurs upon right-clicking certain files.
Download and install the tool ShellExView. It will show the description, as well as version details, company information, location, file name and more of any installed shell extensions and allow you to disable them.
Start by disabling all third-party shell extensions, then restarting your computer. If Windows Explorer doesn’t continue crashing, you know that a shell extension is to blame. Start re-enabling them one-by-one or in groups until you identify the culprit, then leave it disabled.
Switch antivirus software As we have noted, the presence of two overlapping antivirus or antimalware/spyware/firewall tools can cause various conflicts. Users should install one (and only one) strong anti-virus package and make sure it’s up-to-date.
In addition, certain antivirus packages can conflict with installed system software while other antivirus packages are not.
If you have already tried the aforementioned workarounds, completely remove or disable all antivirus/spyware software (Norton 360, ZoneAlarm, AVG, etc.). In fact, you may need to uninstall the packages–simply disabling may not work.
Next, re-install one and only one solid antivirus/spyware tool. If the crashes still occur, uninstall that package and try a different one.
Filed under Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP by on Jun 23rd, 2009. 1 Comment.
After a long period of exclusive availability to TechNet and MSDN subscribers, Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 SP2 has finally been released to the general public. The new release includes:
- Windows Search 4.0: “improved indexing and search relevance; helps find and preview documents, e-mail (including signed e-mail messages), music files, photos, and other items on the computer.”
- support for the 64-bit central processing unit (CPU) from VIA Technologies
- support for Bluetooth v2.1 and Windows Connect Now (WCN) Wi-Fi Configuration
- ability to record data to Blu-Ray Disc media
The new release is available through Windows Update or via the following download (standalone) links:
- Windows Vista/Windows Server 2008 SP2 32-bit edition
- Windows Vista/Windows Server 2008 SP2 64-bit edition
Unfortunately, many users are likely to encounter a variety issues, such as startup problems, application crashes, performance hiccups and more, after the update. Here’s a run-down of the best methods for preventing these issues and making your update experience a smooth one:
Backup First and foremost, a full backup should be performed prior to any major system update. Your best bet is to use a tool that can create a complete, bootable backup of your primary volume. If major problems ensue post-update, you will have working copy of your current applications and documents that can be put into use immediately. Acronis True Image is one such tool. Alternatively, you can use Windows Vista’s built-in backup tools.
Check for spyware Next, eliminate any spyware or malware that might interfere with the update process or create conflicts after your system is updated. Various free or inexpensive tools, including Ad-Aware and Spybot are available for this purpose.
Kill any unnecessary startup processes Eliminating any unnecessary startup processes, or removing all third-party startup processes, can reduce compatibility headaches that often follow major system updates. Launch the System Configuration utility by clicking “Windows” then entering “System Configuration” in the search bar and pressing return. Click on the “Startup” tab and remove any unnecessary items, then restart.
Disable antivirus/spyware software during installation Directly prior to installation of Windows Vista SP2, disable all antivirus/anti-spyware software, then re-enable it after the update is complete. These programs can interfere with proper installation of the update and cause other problems.
Update drivers Check manufacturers’ websites for the latest driver editions for any third-party devices that are connected to your system. Many manufacturers have already updated their drivers for basic compatibility with Vista SP2.
Disconnect any unnecessary devices Aside from your keyboard, mouse, monitor and network connectivity, virtually all external device should be disconnected from your system right before you install Vista SP2. Disconnecting these devices can preclude a variety of issues. Once the update is applied, you can reconnect the devices one by one and check for compatibility issues.
Uninstall any pre-release Vista updates If you installed the Vista SP2 release candidate or a prior beta, uninstall it right before running the final Vista SP2 update. Open Control Panel, click Programs, then click “View Installed Updates.” Look for the Microsoft Windows list, then right-click the beta or pre-release service pack and select uninstall.
Use the standalone updater Users have reported fewer problems when using full standalone Vista service pack updates instead of obtaining the updates through Windows Update.
Problems Installing If you have problems installing the update, see this article.
Feedback? info@windowsfixup.com.
Filed under News, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista by on May 26th, 2009. Comment.
We previously reported on some Windows 7 installation issues, including a problem in which the installer states “Setup was unable to create a new system partition or locate an existing system partition. See the Setup log files for more information” (see a fix for that issue here). However, users are now reported a host of other installation issues, including one in which the installer freezes during the “expanding files” phase and another in which the screen goes blank near the end of the installation process.
Fixes
For freezes that occur during the “expanding files” stage, bad memory may be to blame. See our article on checking for bad RAM and replace any problematic modules, then re-try installation.
For an issue in which the screen suddenly goes black, try turning your monitor off then back on again. It appears that the Windows 7 installer may lose communication with the graphics card or the monitor during installation, and powering your display off then back on can re-establish communication and allow you to continue with the on-screen prompts for installation.
Filed under Windows 7 by on May 19th, 2009. Comment.
We previously published a series of methods for preventing and eliminating Internet Explorer crashes. These include disabling add-ons and resetting the browser. We’ve now identified two additional procedures that can, in many cases, prevent crashes from reoccurring.
Kill IEUSER.EXE task Launch the task manager by pressing control-alt-delete, then launch Internet Explorer. Immediately after the browser launches, end the process “IEUSER.EXE” in Task Manager.
Turn off protected mode While this shouldn’t be your first course of action, as it could create serious vulnerabilties and open your system up to attack, several users have reported that turning off Internet Explorer’s protect mode resolves persistent crashes. To do so, click the Security tab, select a Web content zone, and then change the “Enable Protected Mode” check box to disabled for the desired items.
Filed under Internet Explorer 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP by on May 8th, 2009. Comment.
The Windows 7 RC1 roll-out, while smooth overall, hit a rough patch with some users. Problems run the gamut, from minor networking issues and gaming hiccups, to more serious boot failures and BSODs. Here’s a look at the top 7 annoyances plaguing early Windows 7 adopters, and the associated fixes.
1. Installation Fails
You won’t get much further on this list, or with Windows 7 in general, if the RC1 installation fails. Several users have experienced a problem in which the installer gives 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. In order to eliminate this issue, disconnect any disks that are formatted as “dynamic disks.”
Meanwhile, some 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.
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
2. BSODs
Yup, they still exist in Windows 7. The most common cause of blue screens of death (BSOD) at startup, under Windows 7 RC1, is an antivirus software conflict. In some cases, this problem may be caused by a conflict with the Kaspersky Antivirus package. Follow these steps to disable the software.
Some users are also experiencing crashes or blue screens of death (BSODs) under Windows 7 RC1 when attempting to wake systems from sleep (hibernation). The first response to this issue is generally to disable sleep mode, but there is another fix.
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 check your HDD or storage settings. Turn off SATA and reboot normally.
Read more on The 7 Biggest Windows 7 RC1 Problems (and Fixes)…
Filed under Windows 7 by on May 7th, 2009. 8 Comments.
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 booting from the menu (first try with networking; if the crash still occurs, try without networking).
Next, try removing any external devices from your computer and restarting normally (not in safe mode). If the system boots normally, either remove the offending device(s) or try installing updated drivers (usually available from manufacturers’ web sites) before re-attaching them. If the system does not boot properly, startup in safe mode again.
Next try applying any updated drivers for your system while booted in safe mode. Check the website of your computer’s manufacturer for any new releases. Try booting normally (not in safe mode). In particular, some HP systems need a specific driver — available here — to work properly with Windows XP SP3.
If that fails, startup in safe mode again.
As a last resort, remove Windows XP SP3 per the instructions in this Microsoft document.
Filed under Windows XP by on Apr 23rd, 2009. Comment.
Perhaps one of the most frustrating times to experience a full system crash, accompanied by the blue screen of death (BSOD), is at startup. This issue typically occurs after a major system update or the introduction of some new third-party software or hardware to the system, and may display the error message “0x0000008E.” Fortunately, there’s a relatively straightforward process you can use to solve this problem in the majority of cases.
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 blue screen does 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 blue screen occurs. 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.
Feedback? info@windowsfixup.com.
Filed under Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP by on Apr 13th, 2009. Comment.
Determining whether or not malware is to blame for any given troubleshooting issue can be tricky. Some malware-caused issues manifest as simple application instability, slowness or seemingly random freezes. However, there are a few instances in which malware is a more-than-likely culprit. In this series of articles (“Signs That You Have Malware”), we’ll explore some of the tell-tale signs and reiterate the best methods for ridding your system of the infection.
Today’s sign: One or more flashing windows that suddenly pop up then disappear. Generally these windows are blank and cannot be closed, re-opened or otherwise manipulated.
Why it might be malware A constantly reappearing but non-functional window can be the result of an unwanted executable attempting to run.
How to get rid of it Start with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, a shareware malware and spyware removal tool that can eliminate many types of unwanted executables.
Next, move on to Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal tool. Microsoft releases an updated version of this tool on the second Tuesday of each month, and “as needed to respond to security incidents.” You can keep it up to date with Microsoft Update, Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center
Finally, run a scan with a good anti-virus package. AVG is free, and comes highly recommended by users and experts alike. Just remember, stick to one good anti-virus package. Installing multiple anti-virus programs can actually weaken your protection and introduce performance and stability issues. The following anti-virus apps are also recommended:
Filed under Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP by on Mar 31st, 2009. Comment.
Several users have reported an issue wherein, after opening several tabs and or windows in Internet Explorer, newly spawned tabs or windows come up blank and non-functional, or do not appear at all. In other words, when some number of tabs or windows is reached, the program (for all intents and purposes) stops functioning. Other system problems can manifest when this issue occurs, including an inability to right-click items in Windows Explorers and more.
This issue, and other problems–such as sluggishness, rendering problems, and others–that occur when many windows have been opened in Internet Explorer (and generally after extended periods of use) can sometimes be resolved by resetting the browser. This can be accomplished by clicking on the “Tools” menu, then navigating to Options > Advanced > Reset. Close Internet Explorer, then launch it again.
Resetting an also resolve persistent crashes in Internet Explorer, at least until the problematic settings and other data resurface, at which point you’ll need to reset the browser again.
Note that resetting Internet Explorer will delete any custom settings, history, form entires, as well as other personal data.
Filed under Internet Explorer 8 by on Mar 29th, 2009. Comment.