IT Resources

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Frequently Asked Questions About Microsoft Internet Explorer 6

Unable to save images in proper format

This problem occurs if the Temporary Internet Files are full.

1. Start Internet Explorer
2. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
3. Click the General tab.
4. Under Temporary Internet files, click Delete Files.
5. When you are prompted to delete all temporary Internet files, click OK.

Delete the Internet Explorer Temporary Internet Files:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm

Internet Explorer Does Not Save Graphics Files in the Proper Format
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=260650

Internet Explorer Saves Images As Bitmaps (.bmp Files)
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=810978

Why can't I save .jpg, .gif or .png images in their original format in Microsoft Internet Explorer? http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroupfaq.mspx

Why IE will only let you save as BMP:
http://blogs.msdn.com/jeffdav/archive/2003/12/08/53607.aspx

More on why ie will only let you save as bmp:
http://blogs.msdn.com/jeffdav/archive/2004/10/29/249742.aspx

If none of the above help, it may be a Content Type problem. For Windows XP, execute this command from Start/Run : Regsvr32 /i mshtml.dll

"Restrictions" error while opening Internet Options

Workaround:
Open the "Internet Options" applet from Control Panel, or from RUN box "CONTROL INETCPL.CPL"

If you want to eliminate this error while opening the dialog from Internet Explorer, read below:

This is due to the presence of "NoBrowserOptions" registry key present here:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Restrictions]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Restrictions]

Setting the value for NoBrowserOptions to "0" solves the problem.

Automated methods:

Method 1:

If you are using Spybot S&D, disable the option:

Lock IE control panel against opening from within IE

[Tip from Mike Burgess, MS-MVP]

Method 2:
"Remove IE Restrictions & Restore Missing tabs". Download the REG fix and double-click it:

This problem can also be caused by parasites. Download Ad-Aware from www.lavasoftusa.com, scan the system and eliminate the parasites. Re-apply the above fix if necessary. Don't forget to update the pattern file using WebUpdate in Ad-Aware. Here are the steps:

    1. Start Ad-Aware.
    2. Click "Check for Updates", "Connect" and download the latest pattern file if available. and click Finish
    3. Click "Start" "Next"
    4. After the scan is finished, click "Next"
    5. Select all the items (checkboxes)
        Right click on any object in the "Scan result" list and choose [Select all objects]
    6. Click Next and click OK to confirm removal.

Missing tabs in Internet Options Control Panel

First priority: Download CWShredder and run it.
http://www.merijn.org/files/CWShredder.exe [or from other URL below]
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/files/CWShredder.exe
[Removes all CoolWebSearch hijacker variants and it should restore all the missing tabs]

More Information: To restore missing tabs, open Registry Editor and goto these locations:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\ Control Panel]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\ Control Panel]

Disable the restrictions by typing the values to "0" for the relevant keys. By trying the manual procedure, you are just making the tabs visible and not removing the parasites. CWShredder is the way to go.

Or, "Remove IE Restrictions & Restore Missing tabs". Download the REG fix and double-click it:

Change Internet Explorer default Download Directory

Click [Start] [Run] [Regedit] and navigate to the following Key:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer]

In the right-pane, change the data for [Download Directory] to your existing download folder
[Enter full path, say E:\Internet\Downloads]

If the entry is not found, create a new String Value [called as REG_SZ] named Download Directory and set the data accordingly. Quit Registry Editor and Restart Windows

Images not displayed in Web pages

http://www.fjsmjs.com/IE/redx.htm

and

Download ToolbarCop and see if eliminating the download hooks and Protocol handlers helps.

Internet Explorer opens as a small window

1. Open a link.
2. Don't use the maximize button.
3. Stretch the corners so that the window fills the screen.
4. Close all other IE windows.
5. Close the stretched window last.

However, the above procedure is not equivalent to SHOWMAXIMIZED API call. Try "IE New Window maximizer" utility, download from: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=1746
(Uses Windows API calls and automatically maximizes every browser window you open)

To reset the Internet Explorer Windows position to defaults, run this REG file.

Set Internet Explorer as my default browser

Open Internet Explorer > Tools > Options > Programs and enable the option:
"Internet Explorer should check to see whether it is the default browser"
Close IE and open again. Click YES if you are prompted to set it as default browser.

NOTE: For Windows 2000/XP Login as Administrator and try the above steps.

(or)

For WinXP only: Download the .reg fix.
Sets Internet Explorer as default browser:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/reg/IE_Default_Browser.reg

Cannot open Internet Explorer [flashes and quits]

When you click the Internet Explorer icon, window may flash a second and quits. Or, it may show an Error-Reporting dialog. This may be due to a malware Browser Helper Object which causes Internet Explorer process to terminate. If you see the Error-Reporting dialog, click "to see what data this report contains" and identify the Module Name causing this error. In most cases, it may be the malware DLL; in which case, reinstalling Internet Explorer may not help. To test with: Disable third-party browser extensions in Internet Explorer using this REG or following these steps:

1.   Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2.   Double-click Internet Options.
3.   Click the Advanced tab.
4.   Under Browsing, clear the Enable third-party browser extensions (requires restart) check box.
5.   Restart Internet Explorer.

NOTE:
Try to open Internet Explorer again. If you are able to open Internet Explorer, then, the problem was caused by a malware BHO. Disabling third-party browser extensions is just a workaround and does not eliminate the root of the problem. Use Toolbarcop and spot the malware BHO causing the problem.

Sample Error Reporting dialogs: 1 and 2

Download Ad-Aware from www.lavasoftusa.com and follow this:
    1. Start Ad-Aware.
    2. Click "Check for Updates", "Connect" and download the latest pattern file if available. and click Finish
    3. Click "Start", "Next"
    4. After the scan is finished, click "Next"
    5. Select all the items (checkboxes)
        Right click on any object in the "Scan result" list and choose [Select all objects]
    6. Click Next and click OK to confirm removal.

Still does not help..?   Download Hijackthis and post the LOG to Lavasoft, Spywareinfo or AumHa forums. They offer excellent support on the HijackThis log.

If you do not get an error-reporting dialog, but just a flash screen, the problem may also be due to missing registry entries related to Internet Explorer. Run IEFix: http://windowsxp.mvps.org/IEFIX.htm

Download the complete installation package of IE

Downloading Internet Explorer for a Different Operating System
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=174680

Download-Only Setup of Internet Explorer on Windows 2000 and XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=257249

Visual aid for saving IE setup locally
http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=176

You may also order the IE 6.0 SP1 CD from Microsoft:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/critical/ie6sp1/default.asp

evolt.org - Browser Archive full download:
http://browsers.evolt.org/?ie/32bit

Reinstall or Repair IE / OE in Windows XP

Try IEFix: http://windowsxp.mvps.org/IEFIX.htm
Or, try the manual procedure below:

First, try reinstalling from the INF files.
Click Start/Run/Type the following command:

rundll32.exe setupapi,InstallHinfSection DefaultInstall 132 %windir%\inf\ie.inf

This fixes most problems. If not, see below:

Reinstall or Repair Internet Explorer and Outlook Express in Windows XP

Unable to Install Internet Explorer 6 on Windows XP

Restart Windows and start Internet Explorer setup again.

Reset IE Search engine to defaults

Sudden change in the Search engine settings in Internet Explorer indicates your browser is hijacked. Before attempting to repair the Search to defaults, first scan the system for parasites and remove them. Then, reset the search settings using the fix available here: RestoreSearch2.REG

Home Page Setting Changes Unexpectedly

Scan and remove the parasites from your system.

How to guard against CoolWebSearch:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/Defend_CWS.htm

Dealing with Unwanted Spyware, Parasites, Toolbars and Search Engines:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm

Home Page Setting Changes Unexpectedly, or You Cannot Change your Home Page Setting:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=320159

Toolbar / Menu bar / Address bars missing or misplaced

Try resetting the Toolbar position in the registry. Use this tool from Doug Knox, MS-MVP:
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_toolbarfix.htm

Or, use this REG:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/reg/IEToolbar.reg
[Close all browser windows and apply the REG script]

New Window is blank & Script Errors

When you click a hyperlink in a webpage or email link, nothing happens. Or, a blank browser Window opens.

First, disable all pop-up killers if you have installed any. If this does not help, see:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=281679
Abstract of that article follows:
For Windows 2000/XP: Login as Administrator or an account with Admin Privileges

1. Click [Start] [Run] type: (Press Enter after each command)

regsvr32 /i urlmon
regsvr32 /i shdocvw
regsvr32 /i mshtml
regsvr32 /i Shell32 [For Windows XP]
regsvr32 oleaut32
regsvr32 actxprxy
regsvr32 jscript
regsvr32 vbscript

2. Restart Windows
3. Open Internet Explorer, Tools, Internet Options, Programs. Choose Reset Web Settings

NOTE: Many users have reported that extracting a new copy of Oleaut32.dll file [98/ME] solves this problem. If this does not solve the problem, try IEFix

How to run a scan using Ad-Aware?

In many cases I've seen, people don't give importance to updating the pattern files for Ad-aware or any other Anti-Virus software. This is a bad idea. The pattern files tells the scan engine which are known malware. Lavasoft Ad-Aware releases reference file updates frequently and one *must* update it before running a scan. Otherwise, detection will be poor. Running a scan without updating the reference file, is of no use.

Download Ad-Aware from www.lavasoftusa.com and follow this:

Start Ad-Aware
Click "Check for Updates", "Connect" and download the latest pattern file if available. and click Finish
Click "Start" "Next"
After the scan is finished, click "Next"
Select all the items (checkboxes)

Right click on any object in the "Scan result" list and choose [Select all objects]

Click Next and click OK to confirm removal.

Not prompted to specify the download directory

To get the download dialog box, enable the "confirm open after download" option for that file type:

1. Open Windows Explorer
2. Then click [Tools] [Folder Options] [File Types]
3. Scroll down to locate the file type.
4. Highlight the file type (example :"PPT Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation")
5. Click the "Advanced" button.
6. Enable the option "confirm open after download"

How to eliminate Browser Helper Objects selectively

How to remove a BHO, third-party Toolbars and Toolbar icons?
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm

ToolbarCop can be used to remove third-party Toolbars, Toolbar buttons, unwanted menu-extensions and Browser Helper Objects [BHO] from Internet Explorer. You can eliminate or delete BHOs selectively.

Error "not passed Windows Logo testing" while reinstalling Internet Explorer - Windows XP

To work around this problem, remove the 823559 security patch, restart your computer, install Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1, and then reinstall the 823559 security patch. More Information available at:

"The Software You Are Installing Has Not Passed Windows Logo Testing" Error while installing IE 6 SP1
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=828031

If this does not help, rename the Catroot2 folder. See:
You Cannot Install Some Updates or Programs
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=822798

"View Source" command not working - Notepad is set as the View Source editor

First, clear the Temporary Internet cache:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=260897

If this does not help,
* Delete any shortcuts to notepad in the desktop [Important step, this helped most users]
* Check for the file notepad.exe in the following paths and delete them:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop\
C:\Documents and Settings\\Desktop\
* Make sure if notepad.exe exists in the system

Source Code Is Not Displayed When You Click Source on the View Menu in Internet Explorer
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=306907

Save Target As and Print Target Commands Are Unavailable

This behavior can occur if Content Advisor is enabled. Please see the following Microsoft Knowledgebase article:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=176316

If you want to reset the Content Advisor to default settings, download this program (CA-Reset.exe - 89.5K)

http://ftp.donaldsonconsulting.net/Microsoft-Support/Content Advisor reset/

NOTE: Using CA-Reset will completely delete your Approved List and clears the Content Advisor password.

Thanks to Jim Byrd, MS-MVP for the above URL.

Remove the unwanted [right-click] context menu entries in Internet Explorer

You can remove the unwanted context-menu entries using Toolbarcop. This is the easiest method I can think of. If you want to remove the entries manually, open Registry Editor [Regedit.exe] and go to this key:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MenuExt]

Each subkey of this key represents one menu item. Many will include an ampersand (&) to define the underlined key associated with the command. Highlight the key you want to delete.
(Say, HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MenuExt\Zoom &In). Choose Export from the Registry menu and export that keys to a REG file. Now delete the key.

In addition, run Ad-Aware scan. See "How to scan using Ad-Aware" section

Ad-Aware scan deletes the "Show Related Links" extension (categorizes it as Data-miner). To prevent that, select the "{C95FE080-8F5D-11D2-A20B-00AA003C157A}" entry from the scan results and add it to ignore list in Ad-aware. If the extension has already been deleted, you can restore it using one of the methods below.

Method 1: For pre XP SP2 systems, type REGSVR32 /i SHDOCVW.DLL in the RUN box. Related.HTM is not created though.

Method 2: [Thanks to Alan Edwards, MS MVP W95/98 Systems]

Download related_ALL.reg and save to Desktop. Right-click the file and choose Merge. Additionally, download the file Related.htm and place it in the C:\Windows\Web folder.

Note that the "Show Related Links" extension is removed in Windows XP Service Pack 2.

"Invalid syntax error" if username & password are part of a URL

This is a result of an important security update (832894). This update removes support for handling user names and passwords in HTTP and HTTP with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or HTTPS URLs in Microsoft Internet Explorer. The following URL syntax is no longer supported in Internet Explorer or in Windows Explorer after you install the MS04-004 Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (832894): http(s)://username:password@server/resource.ext

A security update is available that modifies the default behavior of Internet Explorer for handling user information in HTTP and in HTTPS URLs

See "Workarounds for user" section.

Or, if you want to disable this new behavior, see section "How to disable the new default behavior for handling user information in HTTP or HTTPS URLs" in the above article. (You can add iexplore.exe and set it's DWORD to 0 if you want to disable this behavior for Internet Explorer)

CAUTION: Use this registry edit method only as a last resort, as this defeats the whole purpose of this update.

Steps that you can take to help identify and to help protect yourself from deceptive (spoofed) Web sites and malicious hyperlinks

Sorting the Favorites automatically "on-the-fly" - Windows XP

Thanks to Keith Miller for this tip [in the Windows XP Newsgroup]

If you want the Favorites to automatically alpha-sort even as new entries are added, you need a registry edit. Navigate to:

[HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Menu Order\Favorites]

Delete the value named 'Order'. Also delete this value for any subfolders. Then, with the favorite key highlighted, click on Edit > 'Permissions...' -> 'Advanced' -> 'Add' -> type your username in the 'Select User or Group Box' and then deny 'Set Value' permissions to yourself. This will prevent IE from recreating the 'order' value and it will default to alpha sort. This will prevent the key from being automatically recreated.

The same technique works for Windows XP Start Menu Programs as well. But the registry key is different in that case.

For XP Start menu:
[HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOrder\Start Menu2\Programs]

For Classic Start Menu:
[HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOrder\Start Menu\Programs]

Internet Explorer Favorites are missing/empty

When you click the Favorites menu in Internet Explorer, all of your favorite URLs may be missing. This might happen if the Favorites Shell Folder is set incorrectly.

[Use the Fix-It Tool] Microsoft has a Fix-It solution that fixes most of the shell folder paths (both per-user and per-machine shell folders) automatically. You can download the fix from KB886549 (Thanks to MVP Robear Dyer for the URL.)

To fix the shell folder path manually, open Registry Editor and navigate to:

For Windows 9x Systems

[HKEY CURRENT USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders]

In the right-pane, set the Favorites path to C:\Windows\Favorites

For Windows XP

[HKEY CURRENT USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders]

Set the Favorites path to %USERPROFILE%\Favorites

The above should be a REG_EXPAND_SZ value, not REG_SZ

The Favorites Shell Folders path reverts back ?

Sometimes, the Shell Folders path for Favorites may revert to the previous setting. To prevent that, read below:

Checkpoints:

If you've only altered the "Shell Folders" value, it usually reverts back (in accordance to the User Shell Folders value). You need to alter the Favorites path in User Shell Folders key.

If you're using an environmental variable such as "%Userprofile%", you need to create a REG_EXPAND_SZ value type, rather than REG_SZ. Also, note that REG_EXPAND_SZ type can accept either formats.

Disable any browser / favorites management software provided by your ISP and reset the Shell Folders as above. If it does not help, see if the *.URL files exists in the hard drive by doing a file search. They may be present in a different folder. Example.. Earthlink's software...Courtesy of MS-MVP Alan Edwards.

[Related Information]

How to redirect Special Folders in Windows XP

User Shell Folders default locations in Windows XP

Using FolderRedirector to redirect special folders in Windows XP

Export Trusted Zone & Restricted Zone domains list to separate REG files

The Domains key contains domains and protocols that have been added to change their behavior from the default behavior. When a domain is added, a key is added to the Domains key. Subdomains appear as keys under the domain where they belong. Each key that lists a domain contains a DWORD with a value name of the affected protocol. The value of the DWORD is the same as the numeric value of the security zone where the domain is added. The registry keys are:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains

-and-

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains

Exporting the key means you're exporting both and all other Zones together. To selectively export "Restricted", "Trusted Zones", you may use ExportZone utility. [works on per-user basis] Tested in Windows XP, but may work in Windows 9x systems.

Cannot open Internet Explorer from a limited user account (Windows XP)

This problem occurs due to malware browser helper objects (BHO) installed in the computer. The BHO tries to modify certain system files and Windows Registry entries that require administrative credentials to access. From a limited user account, the BHO may not be able to access these files and registry entries, Internet Explorer stops abruptly. The troubleshooting steps mentioned in Tip 4 (Cannot open Internet Explorer) still applies to this scenario.

Related Information: See Microsoft Knowledge article Q831432

Adding a custom toolbar icon to IE standard toolbar

You can add your own button to Internet Explorer standard toolbar. The button can be mapped to an application or a COM Object or a script. To automate this procedure, you can use the CustomizeIE tool from Nirsofer.

Automate:CustomizeIE v1.00 - add/edit toolbar buttons in Internet Explorer

To manually add a toolbar button to IE toolbar, follow these steps:

This procedure involves editing the registry. Though not a straight forward task, but implementation is pretty simple once you generate your GUID.

First, generate a GUID for your custom toolbar button. Use GUIDGen utility from Microsoft, for this purpose. (The GUID Generator component lets you generate globally unique identifiers, or GUIDs, that you can use to identify your ActiveX classes, objects, and interfaces)

Download GUID Generator from here:

Next, you may need to implement the button in the following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Extensions
-or-
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Extensions

See here for more information:
Adding Toolbar Buttons (Internet Explorer - Browser Extensions)

Sample REG key (ToolbarCop button in Internet Explorer)

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Extensions\{A349A035-E26F-454b-ABB4-5208E50E1BE7}]
"ButtonText"="ToolbarCop"
"CLSID"="{1FBA04EE-3024-11D2-8F1F-0000F87ABD16}"
"Default Visible"="Yes"
"Exec"="C:\\ToolbarCop.exe"
"HotIcon"="C:\\ToolbarCop.exe,1"
"Icon"="C:\\ToolbarCop.exe,1"
"MenuText"="ToolbarCop"

Setting Internet Explorer as the default browser - Windows 9x/2000/XP

Open Internet Explorer. Click Tools menu, click Internet Options, and then click the Programs tab. Make sure that the Internet Explorer should check to see if it is the default check box is selected, click Apply, and then click OK. Close Internet Explorer, start Internet Explorer, and then click Yes when you receive the following prompt:

Internet Explorer is not currently your default browser. Do you wish to make it the default?

-or-

For all builds of Windows XP, run this fix: http://windowsxp.mvps.org/reg/IE_Default_Browser.reg
(assumes Windows is installed in C:\ ).

-or-

For Windows XP SP1 and later: Type the command shmgrate.exe OCInstallReinstallIE in the RUN box.

This command beautifully sets Internet Explorer as the default browser, equivalent to 'Set Program access and defaults' method, which is available in XP SP1 and later systems.

Related MS-KB article - Q177054 - Internet shortcuts in Outlook Express do not start Web browser

Disabling the hovering Image toolbar in Internet Explorer

When the user visits a web site and mouses over an image that meets particular requirements, the My Pictures hovering toolbar will appear after one half second, and will disappear immediately after the user moves the cursor off the image. The hovering toolbar has three to four buttons depending upon the browser client and user operating system. They are Save this image, Print this image, Send this image in an e-mail, and Open My Pictures folder. To disable the toolbar, follow these steps:

From the user side:

Open Internet Explorer, click Tools, Internet Options and switch to Advanced tab. Uncheck the "Enable Image Toolbar" check box and click the OK button.

For the web developer/webmaster:

A web developer is able to turn this feature off on a page-by-page basis, using the HTTP-EQUIV and CONTENT attributes of the meta element.

[More Information from the MSDN Library]
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/workshop/misc/mypictures/mypictures_ovw.asp

Remove the Address bar completely from Internet Explorer

Question: I'm using the Google taskbar, so don't need the IE Address Bar. How do I remove it?

Method 1:

To disable the Address Bar from being shown, set the NoAddressBar value to 1

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbars\Restrictions

To prevent the user from enabling the Address bar, set NoBandCustomize value to 1

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

Method 2:

NOTE: The following method is unsupported and it's your duty to backup the appropriate registry key in case you want to undo the setting back.

Open Registry Editor and navigate to:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{01E04581-4EEE-11d0-BFE9-00AA005B4383}\InProcServer32

(Backup the registry key by exporting it to a REG file)

In the right-pane, double-click (default) and delete the value given there (%SystemRoot%\System32\browseui.dll)

Open in New Window - Command does nothing

When you right-click an URL and choose "Open in New Window", nothing happens. (The title bar may flash once or nothing happens). Same result when you press SHIFT and click on a hyperlink. This happens if the Oleaut32.dll file is damaged or it's not registered correctly.

First, re-register this DLL using the command REGSVR32 OLEAUT32 (from RUN box). If you receive a module not found error, you will need to extract a new copy of this file (the steps varies depending upon the Operating System). After extracting a new copy of this file, re-register it using the above command.

May be caused by a malware BHO

Few users in the Newsgroups and a user at experts-exchange.com have reported that the malware file REQ.DAT caused this problem. This malware hooks into the system as a BHO, and adds itself to the Winlogon registry key, so that it loads every time you login. Here are some references, and manual removal instructions:

soft-trek.com.au/pcLogger/screenReqDat.html | CastleCops req.dat, ConMain.dat

Malware removal refererences - useful 3rd party links:

Trend Micro Sysclean package & Trojan / Adware Infestation Removal Procedure

AVG Anti-Virus: (freeware)

The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol

If none of the above steps work, follow the advice mentioned in Tip 21 titled New Window Blank

Sort order is not preserved when you transfer favorites to another PC

If you use the Import/Export Wizard or manually copy the URL favorites to another system, the sort order will not be copied to the target system. This is because Windows stores the sort order in the registry. Neither the Import/Export Wizard or manual copy operation will reference the sort order registry key.

In order to have the sort order applied to the other PC, export the following registry from the source PC:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOrder\Favorites

For more information, see Preserve the order of Internet Explorer Favorites when transferring to another PC

File menu - Send - Page by E-Mail / Link by E-Mail are grayed out

This problem can be resolved by setting the default mail client from Internet Options, Programs tab. IE basically looks for the (default) here: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Clients\Mail]

Internet Explorer Title bar information is "corrupt" or the text is truncated ?

Internet Explorer Title bar text may show junk characters, or sometimes the Title bar text may be truncated. This may also be seen in the Taskbar button (minimized Internet Explorer window). We determined that Google Desktop Search causes this in some systems, and uninstallation / reinstallation routine fixes the problem.

More Information

One of the user quotes "It actually turned out to be Google Desktop Search. Toolbarcop did ultimately lead to this discovery. Thanks! "

Here is how we determined the culprit

Windows XP: Internet Explorer (6.0) Title Bar Information Apparently Corrupt as it Appears in Taskbar

Windows XP: Internet explorer taskbar title

Suddenly all the web pages display text in Italics?

Thanks to MVP Vincenzo Di Russo [Internet Explorer] for this tip:

This happens if a particular font (used by the web page) is missing from the system. There are four Verdana in Windows\Fonts folder (Verdana Bold, Verdana Bold Italic, Verdana and Verdana Italic). If those font files are missing in your system, try copying the four Verdana fonts from another computer with XP and installing them on your PC. Then start IE.

Note that this problem can also happen if one or more of your other mainstream fonts (Arial, Tahoma and others) are missing. Here is the list of default fonts that are shipped with Windows XP. Missing fonts can be restored from the Windows CD.

Repair/Reset Winsock settings (Links)

Most of the Internet connectivity problems arise out of corrupt Winsock settings. Windows sockets settings may get corrupted due to the installation of a networking software, or perhaps due to Malware infestation. You will be able connect to the Internet, but the packets won't transfer back and forth. And errors such as Page cannot be displayed may occur when using Internet Explorer. This article lists the methods (with links to third-party websites) to reset/repair the Winsock configuration to defaults.

Tools

WinSock XP Fix - Tool which fixes XP internet connectivity
Tutorials for Winsock XP Fix [Tutorial 1] [Tutorial 2]

Microsoft Knowledgebase articles

Windows XP Service Pack 2 - New Winsock NETSH commands

Two new Netsh commands are available in Windows XP Service Pack 2.

netsh winsock reset catalog

This command resets the Winsock catalog to the default configuration. This can be useful if a malformed LSP is installed that results in loss of network connectivity. While use of this command can restore network connectivity, it should be used with care because any previously-installed LSPs will need to be re-installed.

netsh winsock show catalog

This command displays the list of Winsock LSPs that are installed on the computer.

To output the results to a file type this in Command Prompt (CMD.EXE)

netsh winsock show catalog >C:\lsp.txt

Click to view the sample file now - lsp.txt

See: Changes to Functionality in Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2: Network Protection Technologies

Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE LSP Explorer Add-on can generate more information than NETSH, and provides options to Backup, Restore the LSPs, export the details to a HTML / Plain text file. Using the report you can easily determine the third-party LSPs, the Product, Company name and the corresponding LSP provider file name.

Download / Install Ad-aware SE from Lavasoft
Visit their Plugins page and install the LSP Explorer Plugin for Ad-aware (pllspexplorer)
Launch Ad-aware and click the Add-ons button
Double-click LSP Explorer add-on and run it

Download a sample LSP HTML report (6kb Zip).

Note that resetting the Winsock using netsh winsock reset catalog command in SP2 removes all the third-party LSPs and restores Winsock to factory default setting. Existing programs that uses their own LSPs, need to be reinstalled again. Example.. Google Desktop Search.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Error “the Audio Service Is Not Running” When Opening the Volume Mixer in Vista

Q: The speaker icon in the Notification area has a red cross on it. When I hover my mouse over it, it says The audio service is not running. When I right click on the it I get 3 options (Playback devices, Recording devices, Sounds) There is also an open volume mixer option but it’s greyed out.

Solution

1. Click Start, type Services.msc in the Start Search box.

2. Scroll down the list of services, right-click Windows Audio and select Start.

3. Select Properties for Windows Audio and set its Startup Type to Automatic.

If the Windows Audio service does not start and you get the error Error 1068: The dependency service or group failed to start, then make sure that the following services are started and their Startup Type is set to Automatic.

Plug and Play
Multimedia Class Scheduler
Windows Audio Endpoint Builder

Error Message: "Task Manager has been disabled by your administrator"

This error is caused if the DisableTaskMgr restriction is enabled. To enable Task Manager, try one of these methods:

IMPORTANT: If this restriction was enabled in your system without you doing anything or without your knowledge, then it's highly likely that a Virus has blocked the usage of Task Manager in your system by enabling the DisableTaskMgr policy via the registry. I strongly suggest that you perform a thorough checkup of your system immediately. Steps listed in the Resolution section of this article helps you unblock the Task Manager, but that does not remove the Virus (if any) from your system.

Method 1

Click Start, Run and type this command exactly as given below: (better - Copy and paste)

Method 2

Download and run this REG fix and double-click it.

Method 3

Click Start, Run and type Regedit.exe
Navigate to the following branch:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies\ System

In the right-pane, delete the value named DisableTaskMgr
Close Regedit.exe

Method 4: Using Group Policy Editor - for Windows XP Professional

Click Start, Run, type gpedit.msc and click OK.
Navigate to this branch:

User Configuration / Administrative Templates / System / Ctrl+Alt+Delete Options / Remove Task Manager

Double-click the Remove Task Manager option.
Set the policy to Not Configured.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

How to block websites?

Answere - 1

Use the host file...I'll assume u have XP

C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc\hosts

Once you have found the hosts file, right click it and select Properties. Uncheck the "Read-Only" attribute (if checked). Click OK.

Double click the 'Hosts' file and select "Notepad" from the list of programs to open it with.

Once you have the hosts file open in Notepad, you will see an entry such as:

Code:

# Copyright (c) 1993-1999 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should
# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
# space.
#
# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.
#
# For example:
#
#      102.54.94.97     rhino.acme.com          # source server
#       38.25.63.10     x.acme.com              # x client host

127.0.0.1       localhost

To block a certain web page from loading, add the following:

127.0.0.1 www.webpage.com

Your Hosts file will now look like this:

127.0.0.1 localhost
127.0.0.1 www.webpage.com

Add as many web addresses as you like in the same fashion.

Once you are finished, go up to 'File' and click 'Save'.

The web pages listed in your 'Hosts' file should be blocked from access. It may be necessary for you to reboot your computer for these changes to take effect.

On a side note regarding the host file....there are numerous sites out there that maintain up to date lists of "Bad / Dodgy" websites for download...its a good way to not get infected with spyware...

Answere - 2

Before you can circumvent, you need to know what you're up against

While there are hundreds of software packages out there to help administrators block websites deemed "inappropriate", it usually boils down to only 3 generic techniques used behind the scenes.

* Security Zones - Back in the day, there was only 1 "real" browser for windows - Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE). Microsoft's idea for parental security and casual use was implementing security zones that could be defined with different permissions. Sites could be trusted (full access), in the internet zone (limited access), or restricted (no access). The restricted zone could be password protected allowing administrators to block specific sites, and as so long as the people using the computer weren't logged in as administrators this technique worked fine (especially when used against beginner - novice users). In today's world though, there are a multitude of alternative browsers out there, as well as tools available to disable or reset security zone settings making this the least hardened security measure. You can always tell when this is being used, as a message will appear saying this site has been restricted, or it will prompt you for a password.

* Windows HOSTS file - This is a windows system file that's been around ever since TCP/IP became accessible on Microsoft's platform. It all stems from the fact that people like to use words to remember websites like http://www.myspace.com/ instead of numbers like 131.204.87.90 while computers prefer numbers over words. To turn our friendly words into numbers, everytime you try to connect to an internet resource by name, your computer must first ask another computer what number the name translates into - the DNS server. This question asking from computer to computer (while pretty fast) takes both time, and bandwidth to perform. In efforts to be as efficient as possible, windows created the HOSTS file that allows you to predefine specific name->number assignments. When you attempt to browse to a site, the computer ALWAYS consults this file first as it could potentially eliminate an expensive question it would have to ask someone else. If you search your OS for the HOSTS file, you can view/edit it in a text editor and will see entries like: 127.0.0.1 Localhost. This is a default entry that specifies any attempt to browse to a server "localhost" should be directed towards IP 127.0.0.1 (which happens to be your computers default IP - the loopback adapter). If you add an entry: 127.0.0.1 www.myspace.com - then any attempt to gotowww.myspace.com will be directed back to your own IP address with a result of server not found (unless of course your computer is the myspace web server). You can usually tell when HOSTS file redirection is being used when attempts to browse a website *consistently* take you to a different site (or your company's/schools intranet portal). I say *consistently* because there is plenty of spyware out there now that redirects to advertising pages but they usually are not consistent in the redirection - they will cycle thru different sites.

* IPSEC/Firewall blocking - This is the most pervasive blocking usually performed by far. IPSEC filtering can be deployed via group policy to individual computers or can be deployed to the network's internet gateway for blocking at the networks perimeter. IPSEC rules are extremely customizable, and essentially allow any protocol (http, ftp, etc...), on any port (sender or receiver), on any IP address to be filtered. To block a specific site from being viewed, a generic policy only requires knowledge of the sites IP address - and a broad rule can be set: Block/Deny all traffic with destination addression XX.XX.XX.XX, or a specific rule can be set: Block/Deny HTTPtraffic with a destination port of 80 to a destination IP XX.XX.XX.XX. With rules like this set, any traffic matching those patterns will be completely blocked. While IPSEC operates at the operating system level, most routers have internal firewalls (or large organizations have standalone firewalls) allowing similar rules to be established at the network level. The easiest way to determine if this is being used is to simply "ping" the destination's IP address. If you cannot ping them, then the IP's are being filtered (or the server is down); if you can ping, but cannot browse to the site then it is a good indication that a narrow rule has been set restricting the protocol/port. IPSEC/Firewall filtering is very commonly used to block things like peer-2-peer protocols, filesharing, etc.. as it is the easiest way to block applications like Kazaa or eMule across the entire network.

While this list is by no means exhaustive, these are by far the most commonly used techniques to restrict internet access to specific destinations. They are the most common because all 3 techniques are "FREE" to network administrators and don't require any additional hardware or software - just knowledge of Active Directory, Windows OS, and Group Policy. Remember, the first step to successfully circumventing any security measure is knowing what you are up against. I hope someone finds this useful, and be on the lookout for additional blogs contains steps to actually circumvent these techniques, as well as guides to implementing these techniques over networks.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Windows cannot start the Windows Firewall/ICS service

Answer - 1

goto 'administrative tools' in the control panel. click 'services', then scroll down to 'Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)'. what does it say to the right of it?
now double-click it. a window should pop up with different tabs. if you are not sure what the settings are, then don't change any and ask first. it should say it's startup type= automatic and service type=started. also, look under the dependencies tab for the dependent services and make sure they're started as well. also, under the recovery tab, change the failure options to 'restart the service'

Answer - 2

1) Reset the Winsock.
--a) Go to the command prompt.
--b) Type the command "Netsh winsock reset" (without the quotes), and press .
--c) This won’t take effect until after you re-boot in step 4.
2) Install and run a spyware removal program.
--a) Two free ones are:
----i) Spybot Search and Destroy.
----ii) Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware.
--b) I prefer Spybot S&D myself.

(not a plug)
--c) Some spyware programs won’t let you activate your firewall, for obvious reasons.
3) Make sure the ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) service is set to start automatically.
--a) Go to the Control Panel.
--b) Double-click “Administrative Tools”.
--c) Double-click “Services”.
--d) Scroll to the bottom of the list; double-click “Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)”
--e) Make sure the Startup type is set to Automatic.
--f) Click Apply, if needed.
--g) Click OK.
4) Restart your system.
5) Your firewall should now be up. Check it by going to the Control Panel.
--a) Double-click the Security Center Icon (new with XP SP2).
--b) The firewall section will be green and say “ON”.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Multiple users with Outlook 2007

Answer - 1 ::: >>
The only way of doing that is with an Exchange Server, not much help but try googling sharing a single PST file... there are programs out there that do this although 2007 is so new I'm not sure how well it work.

EDIT: you might be able to setup say your account first in Outlook 2007, this will create the PST File. You then move the PST file to a central folder (close outlook first...or you get an error message) then go into wife's Outlook setup the account then close outlook, go into Control panel > Mail and add the central PST file then select it as the default email location then remove the useless PST file leaving yours. Might work although i ahve a feeling it will crash or complain or you'll get a lot of duplicate emails as each one of you checks the same email account.

My advice, just share one user account with your wife and store everything in there or get seperate email addresses, you'll have less headaches with this. Also another huge problem with mutiple user accounts on one PC... spyware infests each one individually making it really hard to remove...

Answer - 2 ::: >>

I use outlook 2007 so under account setting -> data files you will see your profile and .pst file that holds all your data. So copy that PST on somewhere else.

Create folder on your c drive and share it and right click on it and give permission and make sure you give full permission (so at this point you both can read from that folder). Now put that copied .pst file on this folder.

Go back and logon as you and open outlook and account setting and data file location and add this shared folder .pst and disconnect under your profile.

Repeat same step for your wife and test email. It will work as long as either one of you is using that PC at a time!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

How To Uninstall Internet Explorer 9 Beta

Update: Follow the below mentioned steps to uninstall Internet Explorer 9 Beta from your PC and revert to Internet Explorer 8 browser.

Just a while ago, Microsoft released Internet Explorer 9 Beta for Windows 7 and Vista. Although this Beta build is very stable and comes with lots of features, most of end users want to uninstall it as it’s still a beta build.

If you are tired of Internet Explorer 9 and now want to uninstall it, here is how to do it:

1. Open Programs and features window. To open it, type appwiz.cpl in Start menu search area and then hit enter.

2. In the left pane, click View installed updates option to see list of installed updates. Here locate the entry named Windows Internet Explorer 9.

3. Right-click on the entry and select uninstall to remove Internet Explorer 9 from your PC and revert to Internet Explorer 8.

How to Uninstall Internet Explorer 8 in Windows 7 (almost)

Windows 7 now has the ability to “uninstall” Internet Explorer 8. This decision was most likely made due to the antitrust issues Microsoft has been facing with the European Union, who has been pressuring Microsoft to either provide alternative browsers or not offer IE at all. Interestingly, European copies of Windows do not come with any built-in Media Players.

Anyway, “uninstall” means you can now remove the Internet Explorer executable completely from Windows 7. The IE files themselves will not be removed (for now) because IE has been integrated into a couple Windows components. If you really want to get rid of the IE executable, this is how.

1) Open the Start Menu and type in Windows Features

2) Uncheck the Internet Explorer box

How to Uninstall Internet Explorer 8 in Windows 7 (almost)

Once you click OK, you will be prompted to restart. After the restart, Windows will make a few configurations and reboot again. After that, you’re all set.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Website Names

http://forums.mydigitallife.info/forums/16-Windows-7/page7?order=desc

http://www.addictivetips.com/category/internet-tips/

Install Windows 7 From USB Drive [Requires 2 Simple Steps]

I have found a much easier way to install Windows 7 from a USB Flash drive. Unlike other methods where you have to write complicated commands, this method can be completed even by those who have very little computer background.

The whole process takes only two steps, run UNetbootin, load the Windows 7 ISO file, and finally restart your computer. See how we installed Ubuntu from USB using UNetbootin here.

Before you begin, you will require the following:

USB Flash Drive (4GB minimum)
Windows 7 ISO Image file
UNetbootin

Note: If UNetbootin doesn’t work, try out the Microsoft’s official tool called Windows 7 USB/DVD Tool.

Now insert the USB drive, run UNetbootin, and select Disk Image as ISO. Browse your local drive for Windows 7 ISO that you downloaded and click Open. Now Select Type as USB and choose the drive. Once done, it will look like a bit similar to the screenshot shown below.

Click OK and it will begin extracting all installation files to the USB drive. The whole process will take some time(10-15 minutes), so have patience.

Once the installation is complete, reboot your computer. Now while your system is starting up press the appropriate button(usually F1, F2, F12, ESC, Backspace, or Escape) to bring up Bios Boot Menu. Change the startup order to boot USB by default, usually you will have to press F6 to move the selected USB device on top. Once done, save changes and restart the system.

How To: Install Windows 7/Vista From USB Drive [Detailed 100% Working Guide]

This guide works 100% for Vista & Windows 7 unlike most of the guides out there. I have seen many sites/blogs that have “Install Vista from USB guide” but either with incomplete steps or not working guide. I have also seen some guides that don’t’ use proper commands in this guide. After spending many hours I have come up with this 100% working guide.

I just did this method on one of my friends machine and installed the new Windows 7 BETA. The main advantage is that by using USB drive you will be able to install Windows 7/Vista in just 15 minutes. You can also use this bootable USB drive on friend’s computer who doesn’t have a DVD optical drive.

The method is very simple and you can use without any hassles. Needless to say that your motherboard should support USB Boot feature to make use of the bootable USB drive.

Requirements:

*USB Flash Drive (Minimum 4GB)

*Windows 7 or Vista installation files.

Follow the below steps to create bootable Windows 7/Vista USB drive using which you can install Windows 7/Vista easily.

1. Plug-in your USB flash drive to USB port and move all the contents from USB drive to a safe location on your system.

2. Open Command Prompt with admin rights. Use any of the below methods to open Command Prompt with admin rights.

*Type cmd in Start menu search box and hit Ctrl+ Shift+ Enter.

*Go to Start menu > All programs > Accessories, right click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

3. You need to know about the USB drive a little bit. Type in the following commands in the command prompt:

First type DISKPART and hit enter to see the below message.

Next type LIST DISK command and note down the Disk number (ex: Disk 1) of your USB flash drive. In the below screenshot my Flash Drive Disk no is Disk 1.

4. Next type all the below commands one by one. Here I assume that your disk drive no is “Disk 1”.If you have Disk 2 as your USB flash drive then use Disk 2.Refer the above step to confirm it.

So below are the commands you need to type and execute one by one:

SELECT DISK 1

CLEAN

CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY

SELECT PARTITION 1

ACTIVE

FORMAT FS=NTFS

(Format process may take few seconds)

ASSIGN

EXIT

Don’t close the command prompt as we need to execute one more command at the next step. Just minimize it.

5. Next insert your Windows7/Vista DVD into the optical drive and check the drive letter of the DVD drive. In this guide I will assume that your DVD drive letter is “D” and USB drive letter is “H” (open my computer to know about it).

6. Maximize the minimized Command Prompt in the 4th step.Type the following command now:

D: CD BOOT and hit enter.Where “D” is your DVD drive letter.

CD BOOT and hit enter to see the below message.

7. Type another command given below to update the USB drive with BOOTMGR compatible code.

BOOTSECT.EXE /NT60 H:

Where “H” is your USB drive letter. Once you enter the above command you will see the below message.

8. Copy your Windows 7/Vista DVD contents to the USB flash drive.

9. Your USB drive is ready to boot and install Windows 7/Vista. Only thing you need to change the boot priority at the BIOS to USB from the HDD or CD ROM drive. I won’t explain it as it’s just the matter the changing the boot priority or enabling the USB boot option in the BIOS.

Note: If you are not able to boot after following this guide means you haven’t set the BIOS priority to USB. If you got any problem in following this guide feel free to ask questions by leaving comment.

Internet Explorer not responding in Windows 7

Question :

More often then not whenever i come here ie quits responding. sometimes i get the error message " a script on this page is causing ie from responding would you like to abort this script? yes or no" if i select yes i'm able to view the page most of the time i have to close the program all together. any ideas?

Answers

Try this.

Common script errors messages can be eliminated by Clicking:
1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
3. In the Internet Options dialog box, click Advanced.
4. Click to select the Disable script debugging check box.
5. Click to clear the Display a notification about every script error check box.
6. Click OK.

If that doesn't work:

1.Go to Start/Run/type :regedit

Open this key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\InternetExplo rer\Styles

(If the Styles key is not present, create a new key that is called Styles.)

2.Right click anywhere in the right pane and create a new DWORD value called "MaxScriptStatements"
(copy and paste that in to the name box) and set the value to the desired number of script statements.

Try 8,000,000 to start with.

Be careful editing the registry.Back up the key first.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Could Not Install MSN Messenger......???

Download this pakaage..and install ..

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?familyid=889482fc-5f56-4a38-b838-de776fd4138c&displaylang=en

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Windows Firwall not opening

Question :

Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) is not displayed in the Services list in Control Panel.
Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) is displayed in the Services list, but you cannot start this service.

Answer :

Method 1: Call the "Setup API InstallHinfSection" function to install Windows Firewall

To install Windows Firewall, follow these steps:

Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then click OK.
At the command prompt, type the following command line, and then press ENTER:

Rundll32 setupapi,InstallHinfSection Ndi-Steelhead 132 %windir%\inf\netrass.inf
Restart Windows,
Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then click OK.
At the command prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER:

Netsh firewall reset
Click Start, click Run, type firewall.cpl, and then press ENTER. In the Windows Firewall dialog box, click On (recommended), and then click OK