Windows Accelerator

How to Clean Disk Data

Posted on 18. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

When selling or throwing away your old PC, be cautious of just what you’re disposing of. There are increasing incidences of identify theft occurring from the data retrieved from the victims hard disk. Sometimes not much effort is even required to obtain this personal information. It’s not too difficult for the buyer of a second hand computer to get hold of data from the machine. Whilst most of the information contained might not be of much use, there have been occasions when the data retrieved has included credit card numbers, medical records, bank account details and other private and personal details.

Before getting rid of your old computer it’s important to wipe clean the contents of your hard drive. There are various ways of doing this; five of them are listed below.

1. Delete Files and Folders

Deleting all files and folders and emptying the recycle bin is one of the most common ways of wiping all data from the hard drive. It’s certainly the easiest; however, this method of data deletion is not completely effective. The file pointer will be deleted preventing the Operating System from detecting it; however it will still exist on the hard disk. Using data recovery software these files will easily be recovered.

2. Reformat the Hard Drive

A reformat of the hard disk will delete all the files held on it. However, this procedure only destroys the structure of the data and it will still be possible to recover any information stored on it.

3. Degaussing

Degaussing involves using a powerful electronic magnet to erase any contents held on magnetic media by reversing the magnetic field.

4. Overwriting the Data

Overwriting the data on your hard drive is another method of removing information. This isn’t considered an effective way of data wiping as it may still be possible to gather information. Also, some files may remain on the disk which have not been overwritten.

5. Destroy the Hard Drive

Destroying the hard drive is one sure fire way of eliminating all the data held on it. However it is a rather drastic measure to take.

How to Wipe the Data

The five methods listed above for data wiping are not sufficient enough to completely remove files from your hard drive or any storage media. However, there is a solution to this which involves using dedicated data wiping software which guarantees the complete deletion of all data held in various types of storage media. Using this software is easy, although the actual processes the program performs are quite complicated.

The program carries out several erasing processes on the hard disk. The first task it performs is replacing all the information on the disk with random patterns of zeros and ones. Next, this pattern will be re-arranged and finally all the ones and zeros will be distributed randomly all throughout the disk. These processes will completely erase all files from the system including admin data, registry information and Windows logs. The original information on the disk will now be unrecoverable. Some software of this type also offer low level formatting and this will wipe the disk totally clean. Using a file shredder program will also have similar results. It uses the same removal methods offered by specialized data wiping programs.

If you don’t want to spend lots of money on data wiping software, then have a look around the Internet as there are many programs of this type available for free. Most of them will be just as efficient as their costly rivals. One of the most popular programs for data wiping is Erasure and it can be downloaded free from the Internet.

Data wiping can be a dull and monotonous process but it is well worthwhile to ensure the complete removal of your personal information from your hard drive. Failure to do so can leave you wide open to becoming a victim of identity theft.

Continue Reading

Scandisk – How To Do Your Own PC Maintenance

Posted on 18. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

Computers have come a long way in recent years and are much more stable and reliable than they used to be. This however, doesn’t mean that they no longer need to be well cared for and a regular maintenance schedule is still necessary to keep your system performing well. Maintenance should be carried out frequently, at least once a week. Below are four recommended tasks you should perform to keep your PC in tip top condition.

1. Defragment Your Hard Drive

The hard drive is the principle storage device on any computer. As data gets removed and replaced, the files end up scattered all over the hard disk. This results in a poorer performance by your computer as it must locate all the information from the various segments of the hard drive. Defragmenting your hard drive will speed up the retrieving of this data, thereby making your system perform faster. This involves rearranging the files on the hard drive so that they can be retrieved easily.

Your Windows Operating System comes with a built in defragment application. Before using this, it is a good idea to run a scandisk check first which will test the drive for any errors. To perform a scandisk follow the steps below.

For Windows 95, 98, ME Users: Go to Start – Programs – Accessories – System Tools – Scandisk.

For Windows NT, 2000, XP Users: Right click on My Computer – Select Properties – Tools – Error Checking – Check Now. Select both options and press start to begin the scan.

For Windows Vista Users:

Hit the "Start" button, and in the "Start Search" box, type "scan disk". This should give you the menu option for the ScanDisk.

Once you have run a scandisk check, you may now run a disk defragment. To start this, go to Start – Programs – Accessories – System Tools – Defragmenter. Choose which drive you wish to defrag and the scan will run automatically.

Always close down any other running applications before doing a disk defrag as this will interfere with its operation.

2. Back Up Your Data

It’s likely that most computer users will experience a system crash at some time or another. Unless you have a back up made of any important files, valuable data could be lost forever. Always back up your files.

3. Keep Security Software Updated

Any antivirus or spyware applications installed on your PC need to be kept up to date with the latest definitions. New threats are released to the Internet daily so it is vital to download the latest updates to prevent breaches of security. Set up your security software to update automatically and you will always keep abreast of the most recent threats.

4. Delete Any Unnecessary Files

Clear out your temporary folders regularly to free up space on your hard drive and keep your computer clean and tidy. On your Internet Explorer browser open the Tools tab – Internet Options – General. Choose which files you want to delete.

Perform these four general maintenance tasks regularly to keep your hard drive free from unnecessary information and free up space. This will result in your PC performing in a fast and efficient manner.

Continue Reading

Runtime Error – Why It Happens and How to Fix It

Posted on 17. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

Runtime is the period of time in which a computer program begins and ends. A runtime error is an error which occurs during this time i.e. whilst the application is operating.

There can be many reasons as to why a runtime error occurs and it’s usually possible to recover from them unlike when a system crash happens. However whatever has caused the runtime error may eventually go on to cause a system crash so it’s important to find out why it has occurred and take steps to rectify the problem.

Causes of Runtime Errors

• Your PC has insufficient RAM (memory) to allow the program to run.
• A virus may be present on your system.
• There may be spyware or adware running in the background of the program.
• There may be an error in the Windows Registry values.
• There is a problem within the program such as a faulty driver, a bug or a corrupted file.

Some of the time when a runtime error has occurred, your computer will tell you why it has happened. However with other runtime errors especially those which have been caused by Trojans, worms or viruses it will be necessary to explore the problem further.

How Can I Repair a Runtime Error?

There are more than 60 common runtime errors for which you will receive an on screen message. You can search various online message boards or forums which may be able to help you but bear in mind most of them will require a little technical knowledge.

On signing up with a forum or newsgroup you will have to make a post requesting advice for the problem. This will involve copy and pasting source code and giving detailed information on the error message and stack traces. The discussion and information you will have to supply may be quite in-depth or else your problem may not be properly identified or solved.

Even if an answer to your issue is found you may experience difficulty in implementing it if you have little or no technical skill. For example it may involve applet errors relating to Java defects or any other subject which may need at least some specialized knowledge. Although you will be guided through the fix in steps it can prove tricky to follow if your skill is limited.

Unless you know what you’re doing, working with source code can end up creating even more problems. If you make a mistake or follow the wrong advice, the program may crash or damage could be caused to your PC.

Many runtime errors are caused by errors in the Windows registry. Therefore it is possible to resolve runtime errors safely and effectively by using a reputable registry cleaner such as RegCure.

Three Common Runtime Errors Associated with Windows Registry

1. Unable to load – Debug Error

This is caused by a DLL error and the associated files with a .dll extension. DLL means Dynamic Link Library and the file holds information and functions relating to the program.

System and program DLLs are all stored together in the Windows registry along with all the other data held on the settings and configuration of all hardware and software on your system.

This becomes a problem because many different programs may share the same DLL name even though they are stored in separate directories. Whichever program is started up first will have all the DLL files installed and any program running afterwards will be left to use these same DLL files.

2. Wrong Version

To resolve this error message it will be necessary to edit Java entries in the registry as older versions of Java are probably the reason the error has occurred. You may need to edit other code as well and reinstall applications.

3. NoClassDefFound Error Message

This message can be received when a program is using an older version of Java installed in Internet Explorer which is not compatible with the task. Old registry values are causing the error. It will be necessary to clean the Windows registry so your program uses the newer version of Java.

A Simple, Fast Way To Fix Runtime Error

As seen from the errors and fixes listed above it can be a difficult and complex task resolving runtime error and the skill involved is much more than the average computer user would be expected to have. Using a registry cleaner such as RegCure will resolve all these problems quickly and safely.

Continue Reading

How to Fix DLL Errors

Posted on 17. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

DLL is a file extension meaning Dynamic Link Library. The DLL files on your computer store data and settings that your installed software needs to function correctly.

There are a vast amount of DLL files stored on your computer system. Each piece of software you have installed will have its own DLL files as will any applications you use on the websites you visit. Every function you use on each of these programs such as opening a window or saving a file will multiply the volume of each DLL library.

A DLL file can be used not only by the application that it was installed by but can also be shared by other programs on your PC. This is the case with DLL files which came installed with your Windows Operating System.

Did I Cause the DLL Error?

It’s hardly surprising with so many DLL files stored on your computer that errors relating to these files will occur.

Computer users frequently ask if they themselves are at fault for causing these DLL errors. They want to know if there’s something they did wrong to trigger them. The answer isn’t straightforward.

They could be caused by frequent installation and removal of programs and applications or because of free program downloads from the Internet. Even some websites download software automatically to enable you to use their features.

However, the user can’t really be blamed for wanting to install software applications on his PC. After all this is what a computer is for!

Common Causes of DLL Errors

Most computer experts agree that the main cause of DLL errors is bad programming. This arises from the fact that there is no standardization for storing or naming DLL files.

If a DLL file is used by more than one application, it’s possible that one of the programs will update this file, rendering it unusable to other applications which share it. The other programs will no longer work properly and this is when DLL errors are generated.

This updating and overwriting of DLL files is the most common reason for experiencing DLL errors. It was such an issue that technical exerts at Microsoft even had a name for it – DLL Stomping. Microsoft tried to rectify the problem in the 2000 version of Windows by introducing the Windows File Protection feature.

This still hasn’t ended the problems caused by DLL files and even if they aren’t Stomping issues, they can be triggered for many other reasons. If your PC has many DLL files installed, especially if they are old files no longer needed, this can cause your system to become sluggish when looking for the correct file to use. This can result in conflict between applications and may even cause your computer to crash.

How To Repair DLL Errors

To repair DLL errors it is necessary to know what has caused the problem in the first place. If it is the result of a missing DLL file, the file can be reinstalled. For most other DLL errors it’s unlikely the typical computer user will have the skill or knowledge necessary to deal with the problem. This is why using a registry cleaner such as RegCure is recommended for dealing with any DLL errors.

A registry cleaner will do all the work for you in rectifying the problem. Even those with little technical knowledge will easily be able to use the application, which will run automatically and repair any DLL problems you are experiencing.

Continue Reading

How To Fix Runtime Errors

Posted on 17. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

What is “Runtime”?

Runtime is a term used in computer jargon which can be explained as the processes an application will execute or run from the time the program is opened until it is closed down. A runtime error is a problem which occurs during this time and is caused by a flaw in the programming of the software.

This however is not necessarily the fault of the programmer, especially when you consider the fact there are many and various situations under which a software application will be run. Take for example a program that works perfectly on a computer running a Windows 98 Operating System. This same program may not perform so efficiently on a Windows XP machine. This is the problem faced by programmers – it’s a very complex task to simulate each and every variation in environment the application may be used in. When a program is asked to operate in an unfamiliar framework it is likely to generate a Runtime Error.

It’s Not The Programmer’s Fault!

Don’t assume from this however that every time a runtime error occurs, it is the programmers fault and he has written the software badly. This isn’t the case at all and the computer user can contribute to the problem as well.

The programmer will have created the application under near perfect conditions. He will have used a high performance PC with top quality components. Once this software is installed in the user’s home computer, it immediately enters a complete new environment.

This new environment may not be the best of conditions. Most of us will probably have lots of different programs loaded on our PCs, particularly if you like to download free applications from the Internet to try out. Lots of these programs will probably never be used and may even have been forgotten about.

Unnecessary Applications Cause Problems

All these unnecessary applications installed on your computer are not creating an optimal environment. The Windows registry will become clogged with lots of non-essential information and cause your PC to perform poorly. This is when the Runtime errors will start to occur.

Fast and Easy Fix for Runtime Errors

The best and most cost efficient way to stop these Runtime errors from happening is to be careful about the maintenance and health of your PC.

Keep your Windows registry clean to ensure your computer performs at its best.

Continue Reading

How to Fix JavaScript Errors

Posted on 17. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

JavaScript is a scripting language developed by Netscape to allow web designers to integrate interactive functions and features into their websites. It should not be confused with Java which is a programming language. Scripting languages are much easier to code than the more complex programming languages. When a JavaScript error occurs it is usually a fault in the coding.

When JavaScript is integrated into the HTML code of a website it results in certain elements of that particular website becoming dynamic. Some of the most common features and effects JavaScript creates include:

• Images which alter when your mouse is moved over them.
• Pop up windows, text or graphics.
• The detection of a user or client browser.

The way a JavaScript error will appear on screen will depend on which browser and browser version you are running. Usually a dialog box will appear and ask if you wish to ‘debug’.

These dialog boxes may show a line number and a message such as ‘Object (or character) Expected. Depending on which browser you are using the character may be shown. Netscape Navigator and Microsoft’s Internet Explorer will deal with JavaScript errors differently and will show different messages on screen. Some browsers will handle JavaScript errors more efficiently than others.

What Causes JavaScript Errors?

Listed below are some of the most common reasons for JavaScript errors occurring.

• Corrupted data
• Typing errors in the JavaScript coding
• Bad client input

JavaScript errors can also be related to security issues. It is not uncommon for people to have their personal and confidential information stolen by hackers using JavaScript. Phishing and Pharming are both scamming methods which use JavaScript to harvest and fish personal details from innocent users.

These types of attacks are particularly difficult to spot as the JavaScript integrates so seamlessly with the currently running program that you will not be aware of it. Your browser may be running fast and efficiently, yet malicious JavaScript coding can be running silently behind the scenes, stealing confidential information.

Unless you’re a computer programmer, you probably won’t be aware that your browser is running a fully operational JavaScript interpreter that is very powerful and can be very dangerous.

How Do I Fix JavaScript Errors?

Most computer users will know how to safely delete files and folders from the Recycle Bin, Temporary Folders and Cache Folders. However manually removing data from other areas of your system such as the Windows registry can be risky and dangerous and may do serious harm to your PC.

Even running anti virus software or a spyware application can still leave file fragments behind, particularly if they were generated by malicious coding or JavaScript in the first place, possibly after being downloaded embedded in other free programs which you installed on your PC.

“One-Click-Fix” for JavaScript Errors

Possibly the easiest way to deal with the risks presented by JavaScript is by running a good registry cleaner such as RegCure. This simple and easy to use program will do the job of a qualified programmer for you, cleaning up your system and removing harmful code.

Continue Reading

How to Fix Windows Internet Explorer

Posted on 17. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

Sometimes Windows Internet Explorer can encounter problems. The following article is a guide to resolving these issues either by reinstalling or repairing Internet Explorer. Please note this article is intended for use by Windows XP users running Internet Explorer version 6.0.

A Guide to Repairing and Reinstalling Windows Internet Explorer

The following guide will show you how to repair or reinstall your Internet Explorer or Outlook Express application on PCs running Microsoft Windows XP. Make sure first of all that you are logged on as an administrator.

Repair Instructions

Use the tool ‘System File Checker’ and allow it to scan all the protected files stored on your PC:

1. Click on Start and then on Run.
   
2. In the message box which opens up type in sfc /scannow
   
3. Click OK
   

You may be asked to insert your copy of Windows XP or Windows XP Service Pack 1 installation disk.

Reboot your PC and check if the issue has been resolved. If not then try a repair for Internet Explorer using the guide below.

If That Method Failed…

This should be tried if the steps outline above have been tried and failed.

1. Open up Windows Explorer and click on the Search icon.
   
2. Select ‘All Files and Folders’ option and place a check in the box entitled Hidden Files under the advanced options.
   
3. Type in ‘IE.inf’ and search for it on the C Drive.
   
4. Once the search has located ‘IE.inf’, you should right click the file and then select install.
   
5. Reboot and check to see if Internet Explorer has been repaired.

Fastest Fix: Third Party Repair Tool

If the steps listed above have not managed to resolve the problems you’re having with Internet Explorer, you might need to use a third party repair tool. You can download these tools for free on the internet and they will detect and repair any errors that might be present in the registry and will repair applications such as Internet Explorer and Outlook Express.

Continue Reading

How To Restore .DBX Files in Outlook Express

Posted on 17. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

Outlook Express is the name of the email application / news client that comes with the Windows operating system. It was first introduced with Windows 98 and is still included in the latest version – Vista – though it has been renamed as Windows Mail in this newest edition of the Microsoft package. Outlook Express is useful for both the business and home user as it offers a simple and straightforward email package whereby correspondence can be sent, received and stored.

Users of Outlook Express will most likely experience problems with the application at one time or another. Perhaps messages cannot be read or old messages deleted. The cause of these issues can often be traced back to .dbx files which have become corrupt. The .dbx file extension is used by Outlook Express for the data files it holds. Everything that is held in the Outlook Express folders is stored on the hard drive of the PC and will be listed under the same file name but will have the .dbx extension added, for instance – inbox.dbx.

Symptoms of Damaged / Corrupted DBX Files

• Outlook Express will experience slow performance whilst starting up and whilst switching folders.

• It may take an extended length of time to perform simple tasks such as marking a message as read.

• Incoming mail may not be displayed.

• Particular folders may not be working correctly.

Fixing .DBX Errors

One of the most common reasons for an under-performing Outlook Express is the accumulation of .dbx files stored on your hard drive. To mend this and return your email service back to normal you will need to perform a clean up on both your Outlook Express and your registry. Click on the link below to start a free scan of your computer and repair your Outlook Express and your registry.

Continue Reading

How to Fix Microsoft Word Errors

Posted on 17. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

Microsoft Word is one of the applications contained in the Microsoft Office software and is the most popular and widely used word processing program. It is an extremely powerful publishing tool and most people will probably have used it at one time or another, or at least be familiar with it. Most users will only ever use the basics of the tool although there are hundreds of features available. As with any other software, there are inevitably times when you will encounter a bug or a glitch within the package.

With a little know-how, many if not all of the Word errors you may come up against can easily be rectified or avoided. Here in this article we will look at some of the most common errors and provide a simple fix.

Common Microsoft Word Errors

• Crashes
• Freezes
• Problems with opening documents
• Macro error messages whilst trying to open a document
• Word running out of memory
• Hidden module error messages
• Strange formatting when documents opened

How to Fix Errors in Word

Make a note of the error code

If an error occurs whilst using Word, it’s important to make a note of the error code or message. There are many different error codes depending on which Microsoft Word version you happen to be using. If you’re not certain which version you have you can find out by going to the Help menu and choosing the About Microsoft Word option. From here select MS Word About. If the error is not listed there you can find out more at http://support.microsoft.com.

Use the repair tool.

If you are experiencing frequent errors whilst using Word, it is a good idea to use the detect and repair feature which is new to recent versions of the software. This should resolve most issues you may encounter. To use this tool select the Help folder at the top of the screen and choose Detect and Repair. Then click on Word and Detect and Repair. An alternative option is to use the Microsoft Office repair tool which can be located by going to the Control Panel and choosing Add or Remove Programs. Highlight Microsoft Office from the list generated and select the Change icon followed by repair option for Microsoft Office.

Use a reputable registry repair tool.

Often an error can be generated in Microsoft Word when there is a conflict with another application. Most conflicts are with third party software such as Adobe Acrobat and the PDF converter. Sometimes even when the offending program is removed the issue is still not resolved as there are file fragments left over in the registry. To get rid of these it will be necessary to run a registry repair tool. This is simple and easy to use and will locate and repair errors in Microsoft Word and many other programs. There are lots of registry cleaners available, however we recommend RegCure as a reputable registry repair tool.

Continue Reading

How to Repair Outlook Express

Posted on 17. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

Microsoft’s Outlook Express program has been found to have many bugs but fortunately most of these are simple and easy to fix. If you’re having trouble with your version of Outlook Express, follow the tips listed below.

1. Fix Problems with a Third Party Repair Tool

This is usually the simplest way to fix problems with Outlook Express. Some third party repair tools are extremely powerful and fast. We have put RegCure to the test and found it did an excellent job of repairing bugs in Outlook Express and various other PC errors. If you would like to try a free scan now then click here.

2. Reboot your PC

This is normally the first thing to try for most Microsoft problems. Rebooting your PC is sometimes all that is required to get Outlook Express running smoothly again. In fact, in over 60% of cases a reboot is all that is needed. If rebooting doesn’t solve your problems then read on for more solutions.

3. Compact Mail Folders and Repair .DBX Files

The .DBX file is the index file for folders and messages and in some instances this may become corrupt. It can easily be repaired and all it requires is to compact the folders. This can be done in Outlook Express by clicking on file menu – select folder – compact all folders. If your mailbox is a considerable size this may take up to several minutes to complete. Wait for it to finish compacting and once this is done, close down Outlook Express and reopen to check if the problems have been repaired.

4. Open a New Outlook Express Account

If the remedies listed above don’t resolve your problems, create a new Outlook Express account and import all your data from the old account to this new one.

5. Re-Register Your Outlook Express Account

A corrupt or missing registry entry can often result in the program failing. Repair the registry entry by clicking on Start – Run and then type in “msimn /reg”. Click on OK. It will look as if nothing is happening during this process.

6. Do a Complete Reinstall of Outlook Express

If none of the tips listed above resolve your problems with Outlook Express then it will be necessary to completely reinstall the program or use a third party repair tool. For a step by step guide to reinstalling Outlook Express go to the Microsoft support website.

Continue Reading