Windows 7: “No Internet Access” with Yellow Warning Icon

A number of users have reported an issue in which Windows 7 displays a message indicating that there is “no Internet Access,” accompanied by a yellow exclamation point warning sign, despite the fact that Internet access works properly in all applications.
Fixes
Disable link scanning in antivirus/malware software The number one cause of this issue is [...]

Windows 7 Internet Drops Out Randomly: Fix

Several users have reported an issue in which Windows 7 Internet (network) connections die or drop out randomly during routine use. This can cause Web browsers to suddenly stop loading pages; network drives to disappear; and other network-enabled applications to lose functionality. The problem may be especially prominent with the Atheros L1 Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000Base-T [...]

Windows XP PCs Can’t See Windows Vista SP2 PCs on the Network: Fix

Several users have experienced an issue in which Windows XP PCs cannot see Windows Vista PCs on the same network and/or vice versa. Fortunately, this issue is usually due only to configuration issues and can be easily fixed:
Fixes
Change network setting to home or work If you have your group set to “Public” in the Network [...]

Bi-Hourly Shutdowns of Windows 7 Beta to Begin

Neowin reports that Windows 7 beta users who are still on build 7000 will start to experience bi-hourly shutdowns on July 1, 2009. The shutdowns are Microsoft’s mechanism to remind users to upgrade to build 7100. On August 1st, all betas will expire, and begin to show the “Windows not Genuine” message.
You can avoid this [...]

Windows Vista/Server 2008 SP2 Released: Update Precautions, Troubleshooting

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 [...]

Netflix Streaming Doesn’t Work in Internet Explorer 8/Windows 7: Fix

Several users have reported an issue in which Netflix online streaming does not work properly in Internet Explorer 8 under various versions of Windows, or under Windows 7 in various browsers (including Internet Explorer 8). In some cases streaming works, but screensavers are not automatically disabled, the stream incorrectly uses low bandwidth, or other functionality [...]

More Fixes for Internet Explorer Crashes

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, [...]

The 7 Biggest Windows 7 RC1 Problems (and Fixes)

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 [...]

Windows Vista SP2 RTM Leaks

The RTM (release to manufacturing, or final) edition of Windows Vista SP2 has leaked to file-sharing networks, signaling that the update will soon be available for public consumption. Among the notable enhancements in SP2:

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 [...]

Using Internet Explorer 8’s Compatibility Button

Internet Explorer 8 is, by virtually all accounts, more standards compliant than its predecessor. However, if you’re browsing a site that displays improperly rendered tables, misaligned text or other formatting issues, you can easily switch back to Internet Explorer 7’s page rendering mechanism.
In the IE 8 toolbar, click on the small icon that looks [...]