Computer Problems? Before You Call Tech Support

This is truly the age of information at your fingertips and most users may not even be aware of the vast arrays of tools available on the web – from tutorials on paper and video to easy to use applications that can do everything, even make coffee. Most home users or even business users without dedicated IT support usually find themselves calling technical support or local providers of support services for computer problems they can easily fix themselves if they take a minute to get online and search for answers. In the past couple of weeks, I have had to rebuild a few Linux servers and I kept running into all kinds of errors that would have driven a tech support person insane if I had been calling every few hours.  Take the following errors for example on the Linux server: “User’s $HOME/.dmrc” file is being ignored error while loading shared libraries : libresolv.so.2 : cannot open shared object file “GConf error: Failed to contact configuration server Then on the Windows side, I had  to deal with a couple of these: “Aw, Snap” error when opening a web page Windows protection errors when shutting down a computer Fatal exception errors Computer not coming out of hibernate or sleep mode Blank monitor even though computer is on Then there are the usual suspects – a virus or spyware infection, computer running slow, web browser not loading, wireless connection not working etc.etc. The solution to any of these can easily be researched by the user online. Just hop on a search engine like Bing, Yahoo!, Google, Answers.com or even Wikipedia. If you have access to your operating system, great. Type in the error you are getting or even your frustration in your own words – like “my desktop has disappeared in Windows 7″ and try out a few of the fixes. Some solutions may be as simple as making sure your firewall is not blocking the web site. Others may require you to reboot your computer. For example, if you run across the disappearing desktop problem on Windows 7, the solution could be as simple as right-clicking on the “blank” desktop, selecting “View” and choosing “Show desktop icons”. That would have just saved you at least $75 of support charges. If you have a virus infection and cannot access your computer, there are Linux LiveCDs from major antivirus vendors like Kaspersky, Bifdefender, Avast that you can use to scan your system and they are free. There are also regular Linux CDs like Puppy Linux with a built-in virus scanner that will scan and remove any infection without altering the operating system. There are options you can try before spending the $150 to fix a computer problem. Obviously, if it turns out that you cannot fix it yourself, then the money spent will have more value. Happy computing.

How to Fix Windows 7 update error code 8007000D

Recently, I have been having all kinds of problems with Windows update, especially after the release of Windows 7 SP1. One of the frustrating things about Windows errors is the silly “Get help with this error” message that tells you absolutely nothing about how to fix the errors. Rants aside, here’s how to fix one of those cryptic errors, specifically error code 8007000D also represented by its hex variant 0x8007000D. Sometimes this error will read as ERROR_INVALID_DATA Suggestion: 8007000D. What it means is that there is some form of corruption in the SoftwareDistribution folder. The simplest fix is to rename the folder at this location “%windir%/Softwaredistribution – normally, that should be Computer | C Drive | Windows |Softwaredistribution. To be able to rename the folder, you should first stop the Window Update service like this: Make sure you are logged on as an Administrator Stop the Windows Update service For the long-winded folks do this: Press the Start button | Control Panel | System and Security | Administrative Tools Double click “Services” For the shortcut-minded, go to Start | Run  or press the Windows logo + R on your keyboard and type services.msc in the “Open” box to access the services console: Scroll to and select the Windows Update service, then click the “Stop” button on top (see image). This will stop the Windows Update services and allow you to rename the folder. After renaming the folder, restart the Windows Update service and try updating your system again. The update service should recreate the SoftwareDistribution folder and repopulate it with update data including missing updates and you should be able to install updates. It worked for me but as usual, your experience may be different. After installing the failed updates, check for updates again, and you will most like get a “No important updates available” message like the one above. You could also try the System Update Readiness Tool from Microsoft – this is normally installed by Windows update, but can be downloaded and installed manually. The System Update Readiness Tool tries to resolve inconsistencies  in system resources like file data, registry data, in-memory data etc. which can develop “during the lifetime of the operating system”. These inconsistencies might be caused by various hardware failures or might be caused by software issues. According to Microsoft, “In some cases, these inconsistencies can affect the Windows servicing store, and they can cause software updates not to work.” Bottom-line, such inconsistencies can mess up the Windows Update services and prevent your computer from installing updates. The System Update Readiness Tool verifies the integrity of the following resources: Files that are located under the following directories: %SYSTEMROOT%\Servicing\Packages %SYSTEMROOT%\WinSxS\Manifests Registry data that is located under the following registry subkeys: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Components HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Schema HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing When the System Update Readiness Tool detects incorrect manifests, files, or registry data, it might replace the incorrect data with a corrected version.

How To Fix “No Printer Installed” Error in QuickBooks

Occasionally, one runs across some application problems that “just happens for no reason”. Such was the experience with the “No printer installed” error you may get in QuickBooks. This error comes up when you try to print a form in QuickBooks, or try to access the File | Printer Setup menu. In some cases, installed printers will not show up in the Printer Setup drop-down box even though there are printers installed on the computer. The culprit is usually a corrupt QBPrint file and the fix is very easy, in this case at least. According to Intuit: The Qbprint.qbp file contains a data line for each form in QuickBooks. It has a line for invoices and it has a line for journal entries. When you print a form, QuickBooks pulls the form information and uses it to print the form. If you change the selections on the Printer Setup window or the Print One Form window, QuickBooks writes the new information into the Qbprint.qbp file. The easiest way to fix the “No printer installed” error is to rename the QBPrint.qbp file which is usually a hidden file located within the ProgramData folder in Windows 7 and Vista, or in the All Users\Application Data\Intuit\QuickBooks folder in Windows XP To locate the QBPrint.qbp file: Windows 7: Right click the Start Menu and select “Open Windows Explorer”. Click on Computer on the left hand side. Choose Local Disk C:/. Click on Organize right below the back and forward arrows. Click on Folder and Search Options. Click on the View Tab. In the View Tab select the option “Show Hidden Files,Folders, or Drives.” Navigate to C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks – note that if you have multiple versions of QuickBooks installed, you need the one for the current version in use. Right-click the QBPrint.qbp file and choose Rename – note that if the application is open, you may need to close it before you can rename the file. Rename the file to QBPrint.old. Windows Vista: Click the Start button and choose Search. Click the Advanced Search down arrow. Click the Location drop-down arrow and select Local Disk (C:). Select Include non-indexed, hidden, and system files. (QBPrint.qbp is a hidden file.) In the Name window enter QBPrint.qbp and click Search. Or you can browse to the file C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks XXXX. Windows XP: Click the Start button and choose Search > For Files or Folders. Select All files and folders. In All or part of the file name enter QBPrint.qbp. Click the Look in drop-down arrow and select Local Hard Drives (C:). Click the More advanced options arrow and select Search hidden files and folders. (QBPrint.qbp is a hidden file.) Click Search. Or you can browse to the file C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Intuit\QuickBooks In the Search Results window, right-click the QBPrint.qbp file for your version of QuickBooks and choose Rename. Enter QBPrint.old and press Enter. After Renaming the QBPrint.qbp file: Open QuickBooks. Choose File > Printer Setup and make sure your printers are showing up in the drop-down Click any one of the transactions in the Form Name drop-down and click OK. This will create a new QBPrint.qbp file. (This usually needs to be done just once) Open and print the transaction that was having problems.

How To Fix Windows Update Error 0×80070424

When you run the Windows Update service, you may sometimes discover that you are not able to install any windows updates or even use the windows update website. Instead, you get a message like: The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the page you are trying to view. The options provided below might help you solve the problem Then there is an error code 0×80070424. It could also show up as error 80070424. This could be a symptom of one or more of the following problems: The Automatic Updates feature is turned off in Security Center and you cannot turn this feature on. The Automatic Updates service is missing from the Services snap-in. The registry is missing one or both of the following registry subkeys: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wuauserv HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY_WUAUSERV What this simply means is that Windows thinks the update service does not exist on your computer either because it was accidentally de-registered or was not installed properly. So you get error 0×80070424. The fastest way to fix Windows Update Error 0×80070424 is to re-register the Windows Update and Automatic Update services by running the following commands either using command prompt or the “Run” option. Option 1: Go to Start>Run Type regsvr32 wuaueng.dll Click on OK wait a few seconds, then click on OK in the RegSvr32 dialog box. Click on Start>Run key in regedit then click on OK Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wuauserv Look for a DeleteFlag value and, if it exists, right-click on it and select Delete. Option 2: Open the command prompt, or the “Run” box and type, or cut and paste the following: %systemroot%\system32\regsvr32.exe %systemroot%\system32\wuaneng.dll This will register the Windows Update service and a dialog box should display to say the commands were executed successfully. You can then retry the Windows Update service again. It may also help to make sure that required Windows Update services like the Background Intelligent Transfer Service, Windows Update and Workstation services are running. If they are not, start those services. To check and start required Windows Update services: Click on Start, select “Run” and type in “Services.msc“. You may be prompted for an administrator password or confirmation. In the Services dialog box, click Background Intelligent Transfer Service Note the status of the selection. If it shows Stopped, right-click the service and click “Start”. Do the same for Windows Update and the Workstation services. In some weird instances, when you look in the “Services” section under Administrative tools, the Windows Update service may not appear at all. If that is the case, see this article about installing the Windows Update agent. Additionally, Microsoft has also made version 7.4.7600.226 of the Windows Update Agent available and you can get the files here. You must know which kind of processor platform (x86-based, x64-based, or Itanium-based) that you have. Most users have x86-based processors [http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949104] To learn which version of Windows that you are running, or to learn whether it is a 32-bit version or 64-bit version, open System Information (Msinfo32.exe). Then, review the value that is listed for System Type. To do this, follow these steps: Step 1: Click Start, and then click Run, or click Start Search. Type msinfo32.exe, and then press ENTER. In System Information, review the value for System Type. For 32-bit editions of Windows, the System Type value is x86-based PC. For 64-bit editions of Windows, the System Type value is x64-based PC. Step 2: Download Windows Update Agent for Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 To automatically obtain the latest Windows Update Agent,  we recommend that you visit the Windows Update Web site. When you visit this Web site, the latest version of the Windows Update Agent will automatically be installed. For Windows 7 and Vista, Windows Update is integrated with the Operating System and can be accessed through the Control Panel.

How To Fix QuickBooks Error 3371 statuscode-11118

If you recently ran into a strange Quick Books error, specifically Error Code 3371 “Quickbooks could not load license data. This may be caused by a missing or damaged file.”,  with a status code of 11118, you are not alone. And it looks like this headache has been plaguing the users of the accounting software for several years. The symptoms are usually that you are unable to open your company file in Quick Books and resolution attempts like repairing the installation fail, and you get prompts for a mysterious html file. From most indications, this usually happens if you do a system restore, or move your operating system files to a new hard drive or new computer. It leads one to believe that there is some kind of hash or signature on the specific file causing the frustration and that file is the aptly named “Entitlement” file which manages the phone-home registration process of Quick Books. The file in question is the “Entitlement DataStore.ecml” file. To fix error 3371, rename the offending file and you should be able to start living again. Obviously, you will have to re-register with Intuit. If you are still using Windows XP, you need to do this: For those who like to type: Click Start and choose Run. Type the following command into the Open field: C:Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v2 (Note: you may have multiple “v” folders, so look for the current or latest one) Click OK Delete (or preferably, rename) the “Entitlement DataStore.ecml” file. For the clickers, you can just “Explore” your way to the “C:Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Intuit\Entitlement Client\ v*” folder and rename or delete the stupid file. For the Windows 7 users, go here: C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v* (where ‘*’ is a number). Rename the errant file. Quick Books will create a new one when you start the application. [Note that the "ProgramData" folder may be hidden in which case you can unhide it like this: Open "Computer", Click on "Organize | Folder and search options | View,  and select "Show hidden files, folders..."] Start Quick Books and you should be good to go. Remember, you most likely, will get a reminder to register Quick Books within 30 days. Disclaimer: Backup your stuff before you start messing with files. If you hose your application, do not come crying to me. If you are not sure, consult a professional. ‘Nuff said.

The best out-of-office email ever written - Manage Your Life on Shine

The best out-of-office email ever written - Manage Your Life on Shine:

'via Blog this'

How to Repair a Faulty Windows Installation Without Reformatting

Corrupted system files don't have to ruin your day

Nothing will put a crimp in your computing style quite like a Windows error. Although Microsoft's OS has gotten exponentially more stable over the years, it's still very possible for Windows system files to become corrupt, which can cause your system to slow down, freeze, or (in the worst case) refuse to load your operating system at all.

When you encounter a Windows error, your first instinct may be to back up your data, grab the ol' installation disk, and weep silently as you press the Reformat button. We're here to tell you there's another way. Still back up your data, of course, but by following this guide, you might well be able to repair your Windows install without dropping the nuke.

Note: Though these guides are written for Windows 7, a very similar process will work for Vista or XP.

Method 1: Repair Windows Even If You Can't Get To Your Desktop

The first method will allow you to repair corrupt system files, even if the problem is so severe that you can't boot all the way to your desktop. For this method, you'll need a Windows installation DVD, so track down yours or borrow one from a friend—it doesn't matter if the DVD's version matches your license, as long as it's the correct bit count.

Step 1: Insert the Install Disc and Reboot

If your system won't boot into Windows, you'll need to boot from somewhere else—in this case, the installation DVD. Your computer should be set up to boot from your optical drive before your hard drive, but if it's not, you can always change the boot priority in the BIOS. When the system starts up, make sure you press a key when prompted to boot from the Windows installation disc. When you do, you'll see the familiar Windows installation language-selection screen (image below).

Step 2: Get to the Command Prompt

The recovery tool we're going to use is run from the command prompt, which can (thankfully) be accessed through the Windows installation disc. To get there, don't click Install Now in the middle of the screen, but instead click Repair Your Computer in the lower left. Click Next on the first menu that pops up.

The next menu will have two radio buttons. Make sure the first one is selected, and note that in the text box, your System drive might not have the drive letter C. If that's the case, make a note of the drive letter used. Click Next, and on the following screen (image above), select the bottom option, marked Command Prompt.

Step 3: Scan Your System

Finally you're ready to scan your system files for errors. To do that simply run the following command:

sfc /scannow /offbootdir=[DRIVELETTER]:\ /offwindir=[DRIVELETTER]:\windows

Substitute the drive letter you noted earlier for [DRIVELETTER]. There should be no square brackets in the command (image below).

Windows will now attempt to find and repair any errors in your system files. If the scan finds errors, you may need to repeat the steps in this guide until it finds no more errors. To restart your computer, enter the exit command, then click the Restart button. When you're ready to try booting into Windows again, remove the install disc and restart one final time.

Method 2: Reinstall Windows Without Losing Any Data

If you are still able to get to your desktop, you've got additional options. You can still use the command prompt to scan as in the previous method, but there's another way that may be more thorough: reinstall Windows.

Wait, didn't we say you wouldn't have to reformat? We did, and you don't. It's possible to do an in-place, nondestructive reinstall of Windows, which will restore all your system files to pristine condition without damaging any of your personal data or installed programs. All you'll need is a Windows install DVD and your Windows CD key. Hopefully you still have your key written down somewhere, but if you don't, you're not out of luck. You can use a program like ProduKey, available for free, to quickly recover your Windows product key from the registry.

Important: Before continuing this process, note that it can cause problems with your installed programs, so don't do it just for fun, and make sure to back up your important data and create a restore point before continuing.

Step 1: Do Some Prep Work

Before you can get started, there's one important consideration: You can't repair a Windows 7 SP1 install with a pre-SP1 install disc. The ideal solution is to borrow a newer install disc with SP1 included (or download it, if you have access to a TechNet account), but it's also possible to uninstall SP1. To do this, open the Control Panel, select Uninstall a Program, and then choose the option to view updates (image below). You can right-click the Service Pack update to uninstall it.

Step 2: Insert the Install Disc

We're once again using the Windows install disc, but this time we're not going to boot from it. Simply insert the disc, and when the autorun menu pops up, choose to run setup.exe. Once again, you'll find yourself staring at the Windows 7 install screen. This time, do click the Install now button (image below).

Step 3: Reinstall Windows

Finally, it's time to get down to business. After the installer gets past the Copying Temporary Files… screen, you'll be asked about getting updates for installation files. Go ahead and do this, as long as your computer's network connection is still working.

When the installer asks what sort of installation you'd like to perform (image below), ignore your natural instinct to choose Custom, and instead click Upgrade. Sure, you're not technically upgrading from one version of Windows to another, but we do want to do the kind of nondestructive install that the update option performs. Think of it as upgrading from a broken version to a non-broken version, if you must.

After that, all that's left is to sit through the usual Windows 7 installation process, with its multiple reboots and endless progress bars. When it's done, you'll have to reactivate Windows by entering the product key that you found or wrote down earlier.

All that's left to do is to let Windows install any security updates or service packs that it's missing, and reboot. All your system files should now be fully restored!