Windows 7 may freeze or hang when the user attempts to copy files across the network. “hetmankp,” a poster to the Microsoft TechNet discussion boards, writes:
“When I attempt to copy large files onto a shared network directory the entire user interface freezes. No response to the mouse or keyboard. Waiting several minutes (i.e. long enough for the copy to finish) does not restore functionality. The only option being a hard reset. The remote network share is running on a Linux box using a Samba server. There is presently no anti-virus installed locally.”
Fixes
Install a new driver The problem may be especially prominent with the Atheros L1 Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000Base-T Controller used on Asus p5k motherboards. This driver (FTP Link), intended for Windows Vista, has been reported to solve this issue under Windows 7 in a variety of cases.
If you aren’t using an Atheros card, check the website of your network card’s manufacturer for updated drivers–even those for Windows Vista, which may work properly under Windows 7.
Use alternate drivers Try seeking out alternative drivers from manufacturers’ Web sites — both the manufacturer of your computer, and the manufacturers of specific devices.
Also, note that 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.
You may also want to 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.
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.
Use a new network card Unfortunately, if the aforementioned fix does not work, you may need to use a different network card (NIC). The Dynex DX-PCIGB, available for roughly $30 from Best Buy, has been reported to work well under Windows 7.
Disable non-essential system services Follow these steps:
- Click the Start button and type MSCONFIG then press enter
- Go to the startup tab
- Uncheck any third-party and nonessential startup items. Click to select the Hide All Microsoft Services check box, then click Disable All, and then click OK. Apply the changes and press OK, then restart the system if it does not happen automatically.
- 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 disable some of those items then restart again. Keep enabling items until you find the culprit, then leave that service turned off permanently or uninstall it.
Filed under Windows 7 by on Aug 24th, 2009. 12 Comments. 
Some users who had problems installing Windows Vista SP2 are not sure if the update completed successfully due to error encountered during the installation process. These include error “800706BE” and others.
To check whether or not the update was successfully applied, follow these steps.
- Click the Start button
- Type Winver in the search field and press enter
- Inspect the build number
Build number 6000 is the original release of Vista. Build number 6001 indicates that SP1 is installed, and build number 6002 indicates that Vista SP2 has been installed.
Filed under Windows Vista by on May 27th, 2009. Comment.
(See all of our Windows Vista SP2 coverage)
Several users have reported that they can’t install Windows Vista SP2. This problem is more likely to occur if a pre-release edition of Windows Vista service pack 2 was installed prior to the final edition, but it is also happening to systems that only had SP1 (make sure you have SP1 installed before you attempt SP2 installation).
Fixes
There are three potential fixes for this issue:
Run CheckSUR First, download and run the System Update Readiness Tool (aka CheckSUR) for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. Running this tool, which takes 15 minutes or more on most systems, can resolve issues that prevent SP2 from installing. After running the tool, re-attempt installation of Windows Vista SP2.
CheckSUR is available through Windows Update (Click Start, then click Control Panel, and then click Security. Under Windows Update, click Check for updates) or this standalone download page.
Delete vLite key If you receive the message “Service Pack Installation Cannot Continue: One or more of components that the service pack requires are missing,” try deleting the file vLite key from the registry. To do this:
- Click Start
- In the search box (or in “Run”), type regedit then press enter.
- Navigate to HKLM\Software\
- Select vLite
- Choose Edit and then Delete from the Registry Editor menu.
- Restart your computer and try the Windows Vista SP2 update again
Try selective startup As a last resort, try running the Windows Vista SP2 update while booted in a selective startup mode. To do this:
- Click Start then go to the Control Panel and select “System and Maintenance”
- Go to Administrative Tools and select System Configuration
- Click Continue (enter admin password if required)
- Select the General tab then choose Selective startup
- Uncheck “Load startup items”
- Click the Services tab then check “Hide all Microsoft services” and select “Disable all”
- Click Apply, then OK
- Restart
- Retry the Windows Vista SP2 update
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.
In particular, some versions of ESET Smart Security and the ESET NOD32 Antivirus software have caused issues with the update. Disable or uninstall this program before installing Windows Vista SP2.
Can’t see license agreement; fix Some users are unable to properly view the Windows Vista SP2 license agreement, and therefore cannot proceed with installation. In most cases, this problem can be resolved with Chris Pirillo’s Vista Font Fix.
Filed under News, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista by on May 26th, 2009. 64 Comments.
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 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
Before installing the update, see our previous coverage with tips for preparing your system for Windows Vista SP2.
Filed under News, Windows Vista by on Apr 28th, 2009. Comment.
Several users have reported receiving the error number 80244019 when attempting to use Windows Vista’s automatic update tool. This error can be the result of malware modification of DNS entries. It can be resolved by obtaining DNS entries automatically.
Follow these steps:
- Open the control panel
- Open the “Network and Sharing Center”
- Click “Manage Network Connection”
- Right-click on your current network connection’s icon and select “Properties”
- Click “Internet Protocol Versions 4 and 6 (TCP/IPv6 and 4)”
- Select “Obtain an IP address automatically and obtain DNS server addresses automatically” (Alternatively, you can click on the DNS section [under Advanced] and delete any DNS entries, which may be non-functional).
- Apply the changes
After completing these steps, restart and check for proper functionality of the Windows Update function.
Source: Microsoft
You should also take this time to 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.
Filed under Viruses/Malware, Windows Vista by on Apr 13th, 2009. Comment.
A number of users have reported inordinately slow file copying between folders, across networks, or across local drives. There are a few very simple, very effective fixes for this issue, as follows:
Update your system board drivers The drivers included with some boards may be prone to slow and or corrupt data transfers. Updating your motherboard’s and or various chipsets’ drivers/firmware can sometimes result in a massive speed boost.
If you don’t know what type of motherboard your computer has, try running either EVEREST or Belarc. Then navigate to the manufacturer’s website and look for any driver updates.
Some chipsets from VIA have been known to cause slow data transfer; you can find updated drivers for them here.
If you are using an Intel-based chipset, download and run the Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility.
Turn off thumbnail previews In some cases, turning off thumbnail previews can speed copy times considerably. To do this, open a window in Windows Explorer and click the Organize button, then choose “Folder and Search Options.” Click the View tab, then select “Always show icons, never thumbnails,” then click OK.
Turn off Remote Differential Compression Click the Start button then open the Control Panel and select “Programs and Features.” Next, select “Turn windows features on or off” on the left side, and uncheck “Remote Differential Compression,” then click OK.
This feature is designed to allow data to be synchronized with a remote source using compression, but may cause inadvertent slowdowns in some cases.
Filed under Windows Vista by on Mar 30th, 2009. 2 Comments.