Windows Xp 10 Tips

Delete files Without Getting a Prompt

Delete files faster by removing the "Are you sure you want to delete" Microsoft Windows confirmation box by right-clicking the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop, click Properties and uncheck "Display delete confirmation dialog".

Windows 2000 & XP Task Manager

Quickly access the Microsoft Windows Task Manager to view running applications, process information and performance information by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys all at the same time.

Run a Web Page

Get to a web page quickly in Windows when no browser window is open by typing the web address in the run option. For example, click Start, Run and in the Run Open box type: http://www.rahulmg.blogspot.com and press enter to quickly get to the Ultimate Links Pc Tips.

Display Hibernate option in XPs Shutdown Menu

When shutting down or turning off the computer you'll get three options: Standby, Turn Off, and Restart. For users who wish to hibernate their computer you can easily display this option by holding down the Shift key on the keyboard.

Quickly Open System Properties window

Quickly open the System Properties by pressing the Windows key and the Pause/Break key at the same time.

Quickly open the system properties window by holding down the ALT key and double-clicking My Computer.

Close multiple programs in one click

To close all open application in one click hold down the Ctrl key and individually click each of the open programs on the task bar once all buttons are selected click on one of the selected buttons with the right mouse button and click close Group or select which application to be closed or minimized.

Easy undo

Quickly undo mistakes in the majority of most PC Windows program by pressing CTRL + Z.

Quickly change the association of a file

Quickly change the association of a file by holding down the Shift key, right-clicking a file and choosing open with.

Create a Sendto shortcut

Send to is a feature that enables users to send programs to an alternate location or a location where you store all your files. An example of the send to feature is right-clicking a file and clicking send to and then the floppy disk drive. Users can create their own send to destinations by following the below steps.

Microsoft Windows 95 / 98 / ME users

Create a shortcut in the windows\sendto directory

Other Windows users

Create a shortcut in the documents and settings\\sendto directory.

Note: is the name of the user logging into the computer. In addition it is possible that the sendto directory is hidden.

Copy / Move / Delete multiple files

When selecting files you can highlight the first file then hold down your shift key and highlight the last file and this will highlight all files in between. To select individual files you can highlight a file hold down your Ctrl key and highlight other files you wish to select.

Deleting files not go to the recycle bin

When pressing or choosing delete to remove a program you can hold your shift key and it will not send it to the recycle bin.

Not A Valid Win32 Application Error

File is corrupt, bad, or missing.
File is not designed for your version of Windows.
File is a virus, worm, or other malware file.
Hardware incompatibility.

File is corrupt, bad, or missing

If the file or program you're attempting to run is corrupt or missing, Windows will be unable to execute the file properly and sometimes generate this error message.

Download files

If you downloaded this file and verified it is a file that will work with your version of Windows, delete the file and try downloading and running it again. It's possible during the download that the file became corrupted.

Finally, if the second download does not work, try downloading the file from a different webpage. It is possible that the person or company maintaining the website mistakenly uploaded a corrupt version of the file you're attempting download.

Installing a program from a CD or other disk

If you're attempting to install a program and are getting this error, verify that the CD is clean. If the CD is dirty or bad, you could get this error during the install and/or get this error after the program has been installed because it was not copied properly onto the computer.

Running a program from the computer

If you're running the program from a shortcut on the computer, verify that the program is still on the computer. In some cases if the program is no longer installed on the computer you may get this error.

If the hard disk drive is corrupted or bad it can also cause working programs to fail either because not all the data can be read from the hard disk drive or because the program has become corrupted while on the drive. Run scandisk and defrag on the hard disk drive to check for any potential errors.

Long file name error

Make sure the program or file you're attempting to run does not contain the same name as the long file name directory it is contained in. For example, executing a file named "program" in the "program files" directory can cause errors in some versions of Windows.

Bad file

Any file can be changed or renamed to be a .exe file. If you're downloading the file, make sure the file is supposed to be a .exe file and that it's not being changed. If you're attempting to create a .exe, file make sure you're compiling the file for Windows and never just rename a file to a .exe file. For example, renaming a .bat file to a .exe file will not make the file an executable file. For a file to become an executable file it needs to either be compiled or converted through a software program designed to convert the file.

File is not designed for your version of Windows

If you're trying to run a program that is not designed for your version of Windows you may get this error. Although many older programs designed to work in older versions of Windows will work with new versions of Windows, unfortunately, not all programs will work.

If the program is an older MS-DOS program or early Windows program you may get this error.

If the program is designed for a 64-bit version of Windows and you're running it in a 32-bit version of Windows, it will not work and generate this error.

If you're attempting to run an older computer game in a new version of Windows, Read this about getting older games to work in Windows.

File is a virus, worm, or other malware file

This error can be generated by a file that is a virus, worm, trojan, or other type of malware file. Often, this will be caused because the virus scanner installed in the computer will not allow the file to be installed or run. Try scanning the file to verify it is not a virus and/or infected.

If the file has been checked and is clean, it is still possible that the virus protection program and/or another program installed on the computer is causing issues during the install or execution of the program. Boot the computer into Safe Mode and try running the program; booting the computer into Safe Mode will make sure nothing is running in the background that could be causing this error.

Hardware incompatibility

If you're getting this error during the installation of a program it's also possible that the CD-ROM drive or the drive you're installing the program from is not compatible with Windows or has drivers that are not compatible with Windows.

Download the latest drivers for your CD drive through the Device drivers page.

Problems in Windows after installing new Software

After installing any type of utility, driver or other software program on a computer you can encounter an almost endless list of error that can be caused by any reasons.
1. Confliction with other software installed on the computer.
2. Bug error with the program.
3. Improper installation or problems with installation

Reinstall or uninstall the program

If you're encountering problems with your computer or other programs after installing new software on your computer attempt to uninstall the program and see if the issues persist.

After the program has been uninstalled try installing the program again.

Note: If after installing a program you're unable to boot into Windows, try booting into Safe Mode.

Check for software program updates or new versions

If you continue to experience issues verify that the program, game, or utility you're installing doesn't have any updates by visiting the developer of the program website.

If you're installing a software program or drivers for a hardware device such as a printer. Attempt to get the latest software and/or drivers from the manufacturer instead of using the included software or Check the Manufacturers Website for more details.

Basic Games Troubleshooting

This problem you may be experiencing with computer games.
Here are some reasons :
Unknown problem with a computer game.
Get Error with the performance or stability of a game.
Unable to install the game
Error during install
Game does not load or has an error when it attempts to load
Game crashes while being played
Problems with video
Problems with sound
Problems connecting to an online game server
In-game help, hints, walkthroughs, and/or advice
Other game issues
Unable to install the game

Verify the diskettes or CD are readable by reading the files from the drive. If the CD attempts to AutoPlay, you may need to right-click the drive and click Explore to browse the drive.

If the CD reads fine with no errors, verify your computer meets the minimum requirements of the game. If your computer does not have enough disk drive space or does not meet the requirements, the game may not install.

Make sure the game you are installing is compatible with the version of operating system you have on your computer. Many older games developed for MS-DOS or Windows 95 may not work or are incompatible with the later versions of Windows.

If you are using the AutoPlay menu to install the game, try executing the setup.exe or install.exe directly from the CD/DVD instead of the AutoPlay setup menu.

If you are getting stopped at the CD-KEY or Serial Number verification, verify you are entering your correct number. If you lost your number or key or it does not work, you will need to contact the developer of the game.

Other programs running in the background can cause issues with the program install. Make sure all programs and TSRs are closed. If you still continue to run into issues try installing the program from Safe Mode.

Error during install

Verify your computer meets the requirements of the game. if your computer runs out of disk space during the installation, this would cause an error during the installation.

Verify the CD is clean and contains no significant scratches.
How to Clean CD/DVD ?

Game does not load or has an error when it attempts to load

If the game is a CD game, make sure the correct CD is in the computer when attempting to play the game. In some cases it may be necessary to have the first or last CD in the computer when attempting to play the game.

Verify the game documentation makes no mention of the error you are experiencing. Many times the error and explanation to how to resolve the error are already documented.

Verify no patches or updates are available from the developer of the game. Many times the game developer will list the available drivers. If you are not sure who the developer of a game is, use a popular search engine and search for drivers for your game. In most cases a game will start out as version 1.0.

If the game utilizes Microsoft DirectX it is possible you may have an issue with DirectX that was caused during the installation of another game or program. Make sure you have the latest version of DirectX installed on the computer.

Some games may require other programs such as OpenGL or QuickTime to be installed in order to play them. If you did not install all the programs during the installation, try running the install again.

Make sure all other programs are closed when you attempt to run the game.

Make sure the computer has been rebooted at least once after the game has been installed. In some cases the game may install files that are not initialized until the computer has been rebooted.

If computer is overclocked try reducing the speed back to the computer's correct settings to ensure that the overclocked settings are not causing the issue.

If the above recommendations do not resolve your issues, attempt to install the game again.

Game crashes while being played

Other programs running in the background while playing a game can cause issues.

Make sure you have the latest updates for your video and sound card. Verify you have the latest sound drivers for your sound card.

Problems with video
Verify you have the latest video drivers for your video card.

Make sure you have the latest version of DirectX installed on the computer.

Problems with sound
Verify you have the latest sound drivers for your sound card.

Problems connecting to an online game server
Some games require additional software to be installed before they can connect to online servers. Many games require GameSpy. If your game requires these programs, verify they are installed on your computer.
Wait an hour or so and try connecting to the server again. Many times a server may crash because of a problem and/or go down for an update. Of course, when this occurs it is more than likely you will not be able to connect or view servers.

In-game help, hints, walkthroughs, and/or advice

Try searching web pages for additional help, hints, walkthroughs, and/or advice on a game.

Windows Restarts or Shutdown without Warning

This Error could be caused by any of the following possibilities.
1. Software error
2. Hardware error
3. Heat Problem
4. Computer virus
5. Operating system Error

Software Error

Errors generated by software programs can cause a computer to reboot unexpectedly or without warning. If you are running Windows XP see the below section "For Windows XP users" before continuing.

If you are not running Windows XP or following the below steps still cause your computer to reboot without warning. Boot your computer into Safe Mode, and let the computer run in Safe Mode.

If the computer is still rebooting in Safe Mode the error is likely not software related but something else, skip to the next section. If the computer is not rebooting in Safe Mode it is likely you have software related error.

Note: Automatic Restart in Windows Xp, is a process to protect from hardware failure if it is caused by a Software/Driver Error.

For Windows XP users

Windows XP is designed to automatically reboot each time an error occurs such as a Blue Screen of Death or BSoD. Although this may be nice for errors that do not occur often, users who have a re-occurring error may wish to identify the error to troubleshoot it. Below are the steps on how this feature can be disabled and enabled in Windows XP.
From the desktop right-click on My Computer.
Click the Properties option.
In the System Properties window click the Advanced tab.
In Advanced click the Settings button under Startup and Recovery.
In the Startup and Recovery window uncheck the Automatically restart check box.
Click Ok.

Now if the computer generates and error it should not automatically restart and enable you to display any errors your computer may be experiencing.

Hardware Error

Any failing hardware component in your computer could cause your computer to unexpectedly generate an error and/or reboot without warning. If you have recently attempted to add a new hardware device, remove that device to make sure it is not causing your errors.Make sure you are not encountering any hardware conflicts by viewing Device Manager for errors.

New drivers can also cause this error, if you have recently performed any hardware driver updates you may wish to try an earlier version of the drivers.

If you have updated drivers and removed any hardware that could be causing this error and continue to experience random reboots, it's possible that the memory is bad in the computer.

Computer virus

Computer viruses such as the blaster virus are written to reboot your computer without warning. Usually these viruses will make the computer reboot ever 5, 10, 15 or 30 minutes after the computer has booted.

If you believe your computer may be infected with a virus or are uncertain if your computer is infected with a virus make sure your virus scanner definitions are up to date.

Heat Problem

Many computer today are designed to turn off or automatically reboot if the computer, processor, or other device in your computer gets to hot. If you have heard any abnormal noises coming from your computer recently such as a high squealing this could indicate a fan may be failing in your computer.

You can first start by verifying the fan on the power supply is working by examining the back of the computer and seeing if the fan is moving and moving smoothly. For all other fans in the computer you will need to either open the computer and make sure the fan are working (processor fan and case fan) and/or if your BIOS monitors the RPM of the fans enter BIOS and make sure the BIOS does not report any errors.

Users may also be able to determine how hot their computer is by onboard thermal sensors, if your computer comes equipped with these sensors make sure your CPU is not running to hot.

Problem with Operating system

If after following each of the above recommendations your computer still continues to reboot it is likely that you are experiencing a Microsoft Windows operating system problem that cannot be explained. To help make sure this is the case please try the below steps.

Reboot the computer and enter CMOS setup as the computer is booting.
After you have loaded the computer in CMOS setup let the computer sit.

If the computer does not reboot while letting the computer sit in CMOS it is likely that you are in fact experiencing an error with Microsoft Windows and it is recommend that if you have followed all of the above recommendations that you reinstall your version of Microsoft Windows.

Note: Operatng System is Mainly Damaged from Virus attacks and also from lack of Security, or if you are using an Microsoft Windows Make sure you have Windows Xp Service Pack 2.Service Packs can lightly rescue your system from light errors.