Q. What are Windows blue screen errors?

A. The dreaded blue screen of death as it is called in programming circles can be incredibly frustrating. You’ll be tooling along on your computer and suddenly everything will stop and all you will see is a blue screen. While this doesn’t happen a lot, when it does, it can be extremely frustrating if not terrifying if you’re not used to this kind of error. There are several reasons that the blue screen error can occur.

Q. What commonly causes blue screen errors?

A. By far, the most common reason that you’ll see a blue screen is because something happened to the components inside your computer. Usually, it means that there was a voltage spike that occurred, and that something inside your computer has been destroyed. In some cases, a device may simply not be functioning properly and may have a temporary issue that causes the blue screen to appear.

Q. How do I fix a blue screen error?

A. First, power off your computer and let it sit for a few minutes. Now, turn it back on. If everything sounds ok and the computer is working as normal, then it was simply a passing error that is no longer an issue.

However, if your computer will not start or if there is a bigger problem at work, the blue screen will reappear. In bad cases, you may be able to start up but the blue screen will chronically interrupt you.

When this happens, it is a sign that your components are damaged. Turn off your computer and unplug it. Press the power button for a few seconds in order to discharge any remaining electricity. Now, open it up carefully and look inside.

If you see anything that has melted, smoking or appears to be very warped, that is most likely the issue. If you don’t see any damage, but the inside is very hot, then you managed to avoid the worst, but you will need to take special care to avoid this in the future.

Voltage spikes are quite common and if you are not using a power strip, they can destroy the inside of your computer. If it is a brief spike, you may get away with just some overheating and no real damage. However if it is prolonged, then you will have melting, smoking and massive destruction inside your computer. Any damaged parts will need to be replaced before you can use the computer again.

Q. How do I prevent this from happening again?

A. Always use a power strip to protect your computer from voltage spikes. They can occur even in new homes, so it is best to be cautious. If you have known problems with your electricity, it is best to avoid the outlets in your home that are known offenders for spikes. With the proper power strip, you can really minimize the amount of damage done to your computer. Most now have protection plans that will replace your equipment if a voltage spike causes damage when the strip was used properly.

Q. What is an uninstall error?

A. This is a very common error that can occur for a variety of reasons. In most cases, it means that a few files in the application could not be completely removed from your computer. This will commonly occur if you are attempting to uninstall the software on your own or if you are using the built in uninstaller that came with the software itself. Although it only seems natural to use this component to uninstall something, there is actually a better way that can reduce the amount of errors you get when you do need to get rid of a program.

Q. Why does this commonly occur?

A. This is common due to the fact that many software applications have bugs or flaws, particularly in the uninstall process. Software makers aren’t usually as concerned about this feature and they spend more time making sure that the software itself runs properly. The uninstall package is usually the last to get attention. It can also happen if you somehow interrupt the installation process or if you hit a wrong key while the uninstaller is working.

Q. How can I fix an uninstall error?

A. Whenever you need to uninstall a program from your computer, the best method is to use the built in feature in your Operating System. For Windows, you can find this by opening your control panel and selecting the Add/Remove Program icon. This is the built in uninstaller that can get rid of just about any software that you have on your computer. This is by far the safest way to remove any program from your system.

If you have tried this and you are still getting an error, it may mean that the application you are trying to remove is corrupted. Try running the uninstaller one more time and if you’re still getting the issue, you may need to try a different step.

If this happens, back up your registry file and then use a registry cleaner to remove the remaining files from your system. This is the easiest and safest way to clear out old programs that have left files behind.

You can also do a search on your own for these files on your hard drive, but typically, it’s best to just let the registry cleaner handle this for you.

Q. How do I keep this from happening again?

A. Always rely on the built in application in your operating system to remove your programs. This is by far the safest and easiest way to get rid of software that you are no longer using. While it takes a few extra steps, you’ll be happy knowing that you’re not leaving a trail of dead end files on your computer that can slow down its performance or possibly affect how other programs work. Always remember that if you are asked whether you want to remove a shared file during the uninstall process to select no. In this case, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

Q. What is my Windows Registry?

You can think of your Windows registry file as a big list of all of the different applications, programs and other data that is stored on your computer. The registry keeps track of all of these in one location. When a file or program is accessed, the computer uses the registry as kind of a map to find what it is looking for. For those who are not used to getting under the hood of their computers, the registry file can be very intimidating. It is best to leave this file alone if you do not have experience in modifying it.

Q. Why is it important to clean my registry?

When you start to notice that your computer is taking a long time to process simple information, or if it seems to take forever to turn on, this is a sign that your registry file has been corrupted or is simply so full of data that it takes your computer too long to go through everything. If you uninstall a program incorrectly, or if spyware has managed to find its way on to your computer, some of the registry may become corrupted. By cleaning your registry on a regular basis you can significantly improve your computer’s processing times.

Q. How can I clean my registry?

If you are experienced and have handled a registry file in the past, you can open the file and begin searching for either known entries that spyware makes, or you can search it for programs that are no longer installed on your computer. It’s actually much easier to download a registry cleaner and have it do all of this for you. In fact, if you are a novice, or you are simply too scared to mess with the registry file, this software is your best solution.

Anytime that you notice a slow down in processing times or if your computer is just not acting right, you may want to open your registry cleaner and see what it finds. This can be done periodically as a maintenance effort or you can simply run it if you notice any issues cropping up. If you need help finding a good registry cleaner, Download.com has many that they have reviewed. As a bonus, they also check all the files they offer for spyware.

Q. How do I avoid having this same problem happen again?

Whenever you need to uninstall something from your computer, it’s important to make sure that you are doing this properly. Take the time to open the Add/Remove Programs section in your computer’s control panel and select the appropriate software that you want to remove. By taking this step, you can ensure that all of the program will be removed from your registry and you are reducing the chances of having any corrupted lines in there that will slow down your computer’s performance.

You should also keep an anti-spyware program running on your computer as well as anti-virus software to minimize your risks of infection.

Q. What kind of problems commonly occur when trying to install a program?

A. Sometimes, when you are trying to install a program, you may get an error message and the installation process may stop. Some of the most common are wrong permissions, insufficient resources or just a vague error.

Q. How do I stop this from occurring?

A. First, let’s deal with vague errors. These may not make much sense, but they can be pretty frustrating. First, close out the installer and then try it again. If the issue happens again, you can try downloading the software. In some cases, there may have just been an issue with the file. If this still doesn’t help, the file itself may be corrupt. Let the manufacturer know and see if you can get a new copy.

Next, let’s move onto insufficient resources. This is also pretty common, and there really isn’t much you can do other than upgrade your computer. Always make sure that you read the system requirements for software before you download it. If you don’t have enough disk space or RAM, you simply may not be able to use the software until you do.

If you are getting a message that you do not have permission to install the software, there is an easy fix. You will need to close out the installer and then click on the start menu. Click on Log Off and you’ll be given the option to log in as the administrator. Select this option and then try to install the software again. This should work perfectly for you. If you are on a network however, you may need to ask the proper administrator to install the software for you or give you the permissions necessary to do it on your own.

Q. How do I stop this from happening again?

A. Whenever you download software, it’s always a good idea to make sure that it is compatible with your system. Read through the system requirements and if you’re not sure if your system matches up, err on the side of caution. You can always take your computer into the shop and get it upgraded with more memory or a bigger hard drive if the issue is particularly pressing.

In the event that you cannot log in as an administrator you may need to reconfigure your system. In this case, you may need to uninstall your operating system and reinstall it. Back up all of your files before you do this since it will wipe your hard drive clean. When you reinstall Windows make sure that you are the administrator so that you can avoid having this problem happen in the future.

You can’t control all problems that occur with installations, particularly if the software itself is corrupt, but by taking these steps you can ensure that you will be able to use most software that you download without any problems. It’s always a good idea to try to upgrade an older computer however if you keep having issues.

Q. What are unknown file type errors?

A. This is a pretty common problem that can occur when you download a file or try to open a type of file that your computer is not used to. It will most commonly occur if you happen to download a file that you don’t have the right software installed to open it. Examples for this would include downloading a PDF file and not having the required free Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer to open the file.

Q. Why does this commonly occur?

A. As we mentioned above, this is a problem that occurs when your computer doesn’t know which program to use to open the file. Each type of file has a different extension that clues your computer in on the application that it needs to use to read the file. For example, html files will typically be associated with web design programs, mp3 files with sound programs and doc files with Word. If you don’t have the right software installed on your computer, the association with the extension doesn’t make sense to your computer and it produces this error.

Q. How do I solve this problem?

A. First, determine whether or not you need to have special software installed on your computer for that file. For example, if you have a pdf file you’ll need Acrobat Reader. However, the waters get a little bit murkier if you are dealing with files with extensions such as php, mp4, or even png. The first type is a file that is commonly used for websites, the second is a sound or video file and the last is a graphic file.

In this case, you can train your computer to associate this extension with a particular application that is already installed. Let’s use MP4 as an example. If you have downloaded a file and you know that it is either an audio or video file, right click the icon and select Open With. Choose the software you have for audio or video, such as Real Players, Windows Media Player or Quicktime. This should open the file for you.

For php or other web files, you can usually open these with notepad if you need to edit them. Otherwise, you really don’t need to mess with them unless you are a developer. Use the same process mentioned above and then select notepad as the program you want to use.

Q. How do I keep this from happening again?

A. If you need to open a certain kind of file and you don’t have the right software, your best bet is to see what the extension is and then download the appropriate software. For graphics software, you may need an image viewer that is capable of viewing more than just gifs and jpegs. Using our png example below, some common graphics programs simply do not support this file type. However, you can download a free image viewing program that will to solve the issue.

Q. Why do I need to speed up my version of Windows?

A. At times, you may notice that your operating system is running a bit slow. This usually occurs a few months after you get your computer, and most of us just accept it and deal with the increased processing times. However, this slowness is a sign that your computer could benefit from a registry cleaning and clearing off old programs that you are no longer using. Any time you notice a slowdown, it’s important to take care of it right away to avoid having any bigger problems occur.

Q. How do I speed up Windows XP?

A. Before you start cleaning your registry, there are a few steps you can take. First, open up your control panel and then select Add/Remove Programs. Go through the list and see which programs you are no longer using. Uninstall them and restart your computer. Next, you can “defrag” your hard drive, which is essentially a cleaning-up process for your computer. You can find this by clicking the start button, and then selecting Properties/Tools and then Defragment now. It may take a little while to go through the entire process, but it is well worth the wait.

If you are still noticing that your computer is a bit slow, you can then install a registry cleaner and have it go through your registry for any errors. It’s a good idea to make a back-up of your registry first, just in case a problem occurs during the clean up. Most software programs have this feature installed.

Q. How do I speed up Windows Vista?

A. This process is very similar to speeding up XP. First, you’ll need to clear out any old programs, but then, you can also try getting rid of some of the processes that you don’t need before you clean the registry. Click on Start, Run and then type in services.msc; go through the list and see which programs you don’t need to have running in the background. This should speed up the operating system quite a bit.

Once you have done all this, then you can move onto a registry cleaner and go through the process mentioned above. In addition, if you are finding that your computer hangs a bit during start-up, you can cut down on the amount of programs that automatically launch when you turn on your computer. This will work for either XP or Vista.

Go to: C:\Documents and Settings\username\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

This folder will contain a bunch of shortcut icons. These are the programs that are automatically running when you start up your computer. Delete anything that you don’t use on a regular basis and then restart your computer. You should notice a big difference in the amount of time it takes to start your computer.

Always remember to make a back-up or set a restore point on your computer before attempting any reconfigurations. That way, if you make a mistake, it’s easy to rectify.

Q. What is a runtime error?

A. A runtime error is actually quite common and may be caused for a variety of different reasons. The most common runtime errors are associated with Java, a programming language, but the error can also be associated with other issues on your computer. Basically, it is a little glitch that you can usually fix simply by shutting down the application that you were using when you got the error and restarting it. In some cases, you may need to actually shut down the entire computer and then restart it in order for the application to work again.

Q. What are the common causes of runtime errors?

A. There are a variety of different reasons that these errors can occur, as we mentioned above. Usually, you’ll get this error when you are visiting a website. It may include some extraneous information that really doesn’t make sense unless you are familiar with Java. In this case, it’s simply the fault of the creator of that website and they have a glitch in their program.

In some cases however, this type of error may occur when you have a virus that has infected your computer, or if you have a glitch in one of your own programs.

Q. How do I fix a runtime error?

A. If the problem occurs when you are running an application on your computer, it may be caused by one of two things: A temporary glitch or an error within the program itself. If you have used the program before without issue, then the file may be corrupted. First, try closing the program and then reopen it. If you are still getting the error, than you can uninstall the software and download a new copy. Reinstall it and the issue should be fixed.

If you get the message while you are browsing a website, it simply means that the site owner has an issue with their code. It has nothing to do with your computer. You can let them know that the issue is occurring, but you may not be able to actually see their whole page until they get it fixed.

If the error continually occurs while you are not online or using your browser, then the problem is most likely a virus. Make a backup of your necessary files and then run a virus scan. Have it either delete the problem files or just quarantine them. You can then restart your computer and the issue should be solved.

Q. How do I keep this from happening again?

A. In most cases, if it is just a fleeting error, there is really nothing that you can do to stop it from happening. Other than keeping your computer protected with an antivirus software, there really isn’t much more you can do. These glitches do happen from time to time and they really aren’t all that serious, unless they are caused by a virus or software that has been corrupted.

Q. What is Active X?

A. Active X is commonly associated with Microsoft programs. It was developed by Microsoft to help provide a way to deliver rich content. However, it is usually taken advantage of as a means to deliver spyware to people over the Internet. Active X does not need to be downloaded in order to work on your computer. It automatically runs in your browser. This makes it great for delivering video and rich media components when used properly, but it can also be abused and used to harm other computers.

Q. What are common problems that are associated with Active X Controls?

A. First, let’s deal with basic Active X error messages. You’ll usually get a pop up in your browser telling you that a site wants to run an Active X control and cannot. This is pretty common, especially if you have your security level set to high or if you are using Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. If you don’t allow the control to run, you usually won’t be able to see the site.

By far though, the most common Active X issues are associated with spyware. Since they run automatically, it can be difficult if not impossible to stop them from installing software on your computer. You may think you are on a site that you trust, but unless you are positively sure that you want to run an Active X Control, you never should allow it.

Q. How do I fix these problems?

A. If you trust the site and you want to view their Active X content, you can go to your browser’s security controls. In Internet Explorer click on Tools/Internet Options and then select Security. Click on the option for Custom Levels. You’ll see a big list appear with different settings. Scroll down until you find Active X Controls and click it to allow these controls to display.

Since Active X Controls can be dangerous, it is best to set your browser so that it asks you each and every time an Active X control wants to run, giving you the option of either denying it access or accepting it. This is the safest way to still enjoy the benefits of using Active X while avoiding spyware.

Once you have changed your settings to the appropriate level of control, click ok and go back to the site. You may need to hit the refresh button to view the page properly.

Q. How do I keep this from happening in the future?

A. Actually, Active X Control errors can be a good thing since they are letting you know that an application is trying to run. It’s far better to deal with these error messages than to find out too late that you have spyware infecting your computer. If you are really not that concerned, you can set your browser to allow all Active X controls, but this is really not recommended in any event.

Q. What is a JavaScript error?

A. This is a very common error that you will typically get either while running an application on your computer that uses Java as a programming language, or when you are browsing a website. It simply means that there is an error in the code of the program or site and that it cannot function properly.

Q. What are the most common JavaScript errors that can occur?

A. While there are several, we’ll look at the top two that can happen. First, you may get a Java Runtime error message. This means that the program has stopped working due to an issue with the code. The program basically tries to start but when it reaches a line of code that is wrong, it can’t go any further. Second, this type of error can occur when you go to a website and get a pop up box that is filled with code. Unless you are a Java programmer, this won’t make much sense. However, it’s really nothing to worry about as a user, since the problem is not on your computer, but rather on the site you are visiting.

Q. How do I fix these errors?

A. If the problem is occurring on an application that you are personally running, it’s a good idea to close the program and restart it. If it still happens, a line of code may have become corrupted. In this case, you’ll need to uninstall the program and then reinstall it. If you continually have this error and it’s the first time you used the application, then it may just mean that the program itself is corrupt and therefore unusable. Contact the manufacturer to let them know.

If the problem happens when you are visiting a website, there really isn’t anything that you can do. In some cases, you can try closing your browser, reopening it and visiting the site again. However, the most common problem is that the site owner has an error in their code. It’s always nice to let the site owner know this is happening, since they may not be aware of it.

Until they get it fixed however, you will most likely not be able to view their page.

Q. How do I keep this from happening again?

A. While you cannot control the programming on another site, you can make sure that you are using the most recent JavaScript engine. This refers to software on your computer that makes it possible to view Java applets and programs. Go to Sun Microsystem’s site and download the latest update. This should fix the problem for you. If it is still occurring, you may also need to update your browser. It’s always a good idea to take time every month or so to make sure that you are running the latest version of your browser and Java. Most come with an automatic updater that will let you know when you need to download a new patch.

Q. What are DLL errors?

A. DLL files are used by most applications and hardware to function properly. When these files become corrupt or if they have a small error, you will commonly get a pop up window informing you that you have a DLL error. In most cases, it won’t be severe, but there are times when you will need to take action to fix this error.

Q. Why do DLL errors commonly occur?

A. It is quite common to have a DLL error on your computer. In some cases, it may only be a temporary glitch, while in other cases, there may be a more serious problem at work. Spyware is notorious for corrupting DLL files and many spyware programs actually have this extension. Since there are so many DLL files on your computer, by using this extension, makers of spyware are assured that it can hide on your system undetected.

Q. How do I fix DLL errors?

A. First, determine which program or hardware device is causing the issue. You’ll be able to easily tell if it occurs when you are trying to open software or print something. Make a note of which program has the issue. Now, you can try to find a new copy of that DLL file and use it to replace the corrupt one. If it is just a fleeting error, try closing the application and then opening it again. If it doesn’t happen again, you don’t have an issue.

If you have been besieged with DLL errors, it is safe to assume that you have been infected with spyware. Download a spyware removal program immediately and run a scan. Fix any problems and restart your computer. This should solve the problem. However, in the event that the infection was severe, you may have so many DLL files that are corrupted that your only alternative is to reformat your hard drive.

Please keep in mind that if you do decide to reformat your hard drive, you will loose all of your data. Before starting this process, go to your System Restore utility and try rolling your computer back to before the issue started. It is a good idea to save any documents that you created recently to avoid having them lost. If the DLL errors stop at this point, you’ll be able to avoid reformatting.

If not, you’ll need to backup any file that you can, taking care to avoid those that may be infected with spyware. Insert your operating system disc and select reformat/reinstall. Follow the directions completely. It will take a few hours to complete the entire process. Once you’re back up and running, immediately install an antivirus and antispyware solution so that the problem does not occur again.

Q. How do I stop this from happening again?

A. In some cases, there really isn’t much you can do if a file becomes corrupted. Always make sure that you are using up to date antivirus and anti spyware software to protect your computer.