What Computer Viruses Are and What They Can Be Up To

Computer Viruses are small software programs designed to ruin computer’s functionality without any prior knowledge or permission of the user. An infected computer can affect another computer if its host is taken to the uninfected computer. There are several modes of computer virus transmission. It can easily be sent over the Internet or by carrying it on a removable medium such as a floppy disk, CD, or USB drive. It can stop to infect your computer by using anti-virus support software program.

Viruses damage computers by deleting files, infecting programs, or reformatting the hard disk. Some of them can just replicate and strengthen their presence by presenting text, video, audio messages. Such viruses often cause erratic behavior and lead to system crashes. Examples include opening a document infected with a macro virus, using an infected disk, network drive, and other media. As long as the virus remains active on the computer, it has the ability to copy itself to other files or accessible disks.

The more a virus replicates unnoticed, the more it gets successful in its aim. Computer viruses generally follow two methods to avoid recognition:

•    By encrypting their code to escape detection.
•    By disabling the options to view macros.

There are some old viruses which ensure the last modified date of a host file to be the same as when the file was infected. However, such an approach cannot deceive anti-virus software created to catch and remove these craps.

Some viruses have ability to damage files without increasing their sizes or damaging the files by overwriting unused spaces of executable files. They are better recognized as cavity viruses. Computer viruses such as the CIH virus, or Chernobyl Virus, infect Portable Executable Virus.

Some viruses prevent detection by ending the tasks associated with antivirus software before it can detect them. Anti-virus and PC security products are required to be updated or replaced to stay in step with increasing advancement in computers and operating systems.

Source:  http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Computer-Viruses-Are-and-What-They-Can-Be-Up-To&id=2271809

How to Remove Windows Registry Reflection

This post provides computer technical support to remove windows registry reflection. The registry reflection process copies registry keys and values between two registry views to keep them in synch. In previous 64-bit installations of Windows, the process reflected a subset of the redirected registry keys between the 32-bit and 64-bit views. However, the implementation of this caused some inconsistencies in the state of the registry. This provides step by step instruction to fix computer registry reflection error. (For details on Registry Reflection, please refer to the corresponding MSDN article in the Links to Other Resources section below.)

Starting with Windows 7, we have removed registry reflection completely and merged the keys that used to be reflected:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\COM3
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\EventSystem
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Ole
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Rpc
• HKEY_USERS\*\Software\Classes
• HKEY_USERS\*_Classes

Effectively, this provides the same reflection behavior, since changes to these keys immediately are available for both 32-bit and 64-bit applications.

The keys that were reflected conditionally remain split:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\CLSID
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Interface
• HKEY_USERS\*\Software\Classes\CLSID
• HKEY_USERS\*\Software\Classes\Interface
• HKEY_USERS\*_Classes\CLSID
• HKEY_USERS\*_Classes\Interface

They are used to keep the data that should not be shared between 32-bit and 64-bit applications.
Manifestation
CLSID and Interface keys from the list above are not reflected anymore while they are still redirected. While this is the desired behavior in most of cases, it is possible that applications could take a dependency on their reflected behavior in Vista.

The functions allowing applications to control reflection (RegDisableReflectionKey and RegEnableReflectionKey) are no-ops in Windows 7.

Mitigation of Impact

COM is the major consumer of registry reflection. COM and other consumers were updated to accommodate this change. This change does not affect applications that use standard COM APIs..
Solution

Apply one of the following options if you are relying on registry reflection to synchronize 32bit and 64bit views:

• Create keys in both views explicitly during installation
• Move the keys out of the scope of reflected keys
• Check both views of the registry when querying for a reflected key

Note: KEY_WOW64_32KEY and KEY_WOW64_64KEY flags cannot be combined

Apply one of the following options if you are relying on RegDisableReflectionKey functions to disable registry reflection:

• Create keys in both views explicitly during installation
• Move the keys out of the scope of reflected keys
• Use platform-specific subkeys (like x86, amd64 and ia64) to separate bitness-specific data

Note: To more about registry vist on another post  fix your Refistry File Failure

Windows XP Service Pack 2 Support Tools

This post describes updates to the Windows Support Tools that are included in Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2). If you are a support person or a network administrator, you can use the Windows Support Tools to manage networks and to troubleshoot problems.

Windows XP SP2 includes updates for the following Support Tools:

• Ipseccmd.exe
• Httpcfg.exe
• Replmon.exe
• Iadstools.dll
• Extract.exe
• Bitsadmin.exe
• Netdom.exe

The Support Tools are not automatically installed when you install Windows XP SP2. To install the Support Tools on a computer that is running Windows XP, run the Setup.exe file from the \Support\Tools folder on the Windows XP CD.

The Windows XP Support Tools Help file is located in the Support.cab file. This Help file includes a description of each file and its associated syntax, sample output, and notes. See this Help for specific usage information for these tools. For additional help, type tool name/help at a command prompt, and then press ENTER.

Ipseccmd.exe
Use the Ipseccmd.exe tool to manage and monitor IPSec policies on computers that are running Windows XP. This tool has been updated to provide the following features:

• Support for policy import or export operations.
• Improved online help that you can access by using the /? option.
• The removal of the Active Directory directory service storage option.
• A persistent storage option.
• A Show option to generate Group Policy object information.
• The ability to dynamically turn on or turn off Oakley logging.

HTTPCfg.exe
The HTTP Configuration Utility (Httpcfg.exe) is included in the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Support Tools. This tool is now included with the Windows XP Support Tools. Use this tool to set, delete, and query configuration information such as Namespace Reservation information, SSL Server Certificate information, and IP Listen List information for the HTTP driver (HTTP.SYS).

Replmon.exe
With the Active Directory Replication Monitor tool (Replmon.exe), you can view Active Directory replication, synchronization, and topology. This file is updated to resolve a problem where Replmon.exe cannot display more than 200 replication partners.

Iadstools.dll
The Iadstools.dll file is a helper DLL for the Active Directory Service Interfaces (ADSI). This file is updated to resolve a problem where the GetDirectPartnersEx function does not support more than 200 ConnectionObjects.

Extract.exe
With the Extract.exe tool, you can extract files from a CAB file. This file is updated to include bounds-checking to the option that you pass to the Extract command.

Bitsadmin.exe
The BITS Administration Utility is a command-line tool that controls the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) in Windows. This tool has been updated to provide the following functionality:

• The /TRANSFER option transfers a single file by using a single command.
• The /ADDFILESET option adds multiple files to a job by using a single command.
• The /ADDFILEWITHRANGES option adds a file where only certain sections of that file must be downloaded.
• The /REPLACEREMOTEPREFIX option changes the download location of a group of files.
• The /SETACLFALGS option and the /GETACLFLAGS option enable the copying of file Access Control List (ACL) entries.
• The /UTIL /SETIEPROXY option and the /UTIL /GETIEPROXY option set and retrieve the Internet Explorer proxy settings for the current user.
• The /UTIL /VERSION option retrieves version information for the currently installed version of BITS.
• The /UTIL /REPAIRSERVICE option repairs a corrupted BITS installation.

Netdom.exe
You can use the Netdom.exe command-line tool to join a computer to a domain or to manage a computer account.

• The /JOINDOMAIN option joins a computer to a domain.
• The /JOINWORKGROUP option joins a computer to a workgroup.
• The /RENAME option renames the computer on the domain.

How to Create a Multiple-Boot System with Windows XP

This post provide technical support to Create a Multiple-Boot System with Windows XP and MS-DOS, Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows Me. It provide step by step instruction to create multiple boot system.

Note You can only install a single instance of Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows Me in a multiple-boot configuration. You cannot configure a computer to multiple-boot Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows Me because each of these platforms use the same boot file. For example, you can use Windows 95, Windows 2000, and Windows XP, but you cannot use Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows XP.

You have to install Windows XP only after installing MS-DOS, Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows Me to prevent these operating systems from overwriting the Windows XP boot sector and the Windows XP startup files.

To create a multiple-boot system with Windows XP and MS-DOS, Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows Me:
1. Ensure that your hard disk is formatted with the correct file system.
2. Install the multiple operating systems into separate volumes, in the following order: MS-DOS; Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows Me; and then Windows XP.
3. Do one of the following:

• If you want a multiple-boot system with MS-DOS, Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows Me along with Windows XP, install MS-DOS, Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows Me, and then install Windows XP.

• If you want a dual-boot system with Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows Me, along with Windows XP, you should install either Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows Me, and then install Windows XP.

Install each operating system according to the standard installation procedure.

How to troubleshoot audio issue in streaming videos

This post describes how to troubleshoot audio issues in streaming videos.Some time you installed audio and video driver, but it not work properally, This post provide computer troubleshooting tips for fix this problems.

Follow the Steps
Click ‘Start’.
Select ‘Run’.
Type: sndvol32
Click OK’.
Make sure the following are not muted and the volume is up for ‘Volume Control’ and ‘Wave’.

Make sure you have your sound card selected as the Default device:
Click ‘Start’.
Select ‘Control Panel’.
Open the ‘Sound and Audio Devices’ icon.
Click the ‘Audio’ Tab.
Under ‘Sound playback’ set the Default device to your sound card not your webcam/modem.
Click ‘OK’
If you’re still having trouble, check to see if your system meets these requirements for running the video player:

How to fax a document from a Windows program in Windows XP

This post describes how to fax a document from a Windows program by using the Fax service in Windows XP. It provide Step by step Windows XP Support to fax a document in windows XP

How to fax a document from a Windows program
The following sections describe how to fax a document from a Windows program.In this section contain steps to create and print a document, create and fax the document and view the status of the document.

How to create and print the document
1. Start the program that you want, for example, Microsoft Word 2002, and then create the document that you want to send by fax.
2. On the File menu, click Print.
3. In the Print dialog box, click Fax in the Name box.
4. If you want to view the fax properties, click Properties. The Fax Preferences dialog box is displayed. Click the properties that you want, and then click OK.
5. In the Print dialog box, click OK.

How to create and send the fax
1. In the Welcome to the Send Fax Wizard dialog box, click Next.
2. In the Recipient Information dialog box, type the recipient name in the To box, type the recipient fax number in the Fax number box, and then click Next.

NOTE: If you want to send the fax to more than one recipient, type the recipient information in the appropriate boxes, and then click Add. The recipient appears in the list and the boxes are cleared so that you can type additional recipient information.

When you finish adding recipients, click Next.
3. In the Preparing the Cover Page dialog box, click the template that you want in the Cover page template box. If you want to edit the information that appears on the cover page, click Sender Information.
4. Type the subject that you want to appear on the cover page of the fax in the Subject line box, type a cover page note in the Note box, and then click Next.
5. In the Schedule dialog box, click the time that you want to send the fax, for example, click Now.
6. In the What is the fax priority box, click the priority that you want (if you choose a high priority, the fax item is sent before another similarly scheduled fax with a lower priority), and then click Next.
7. In the Completing the Send Fax Wizard dialog box, confirm the selections, and then click Finish.

How to view the status of the fax
You can view the status of the fax in the Fax console. Follow the Steps:
1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to Communications, point to Fax, and then click Fax Console.
2. In the left pane, click to expand Fax (if it is not already expanded).

• The Incoming folder contains faxes that are currently being received.
• The Inbox folder contains faxes that have been received.
• The Outbox folder contains faxes that are scheduled to be sent.
• The Sent Items folder contains faxes that have been successfully sent.

3. In the left pane, click the folder that you want.
4. In the right pane, right-click the fax that you want, and then click Properties.
5. On the General tab, view the Status line. When you are finished, click Close.

Fix Memory Parity Errors

This post discusses the extensive study in determining the causes of some NMI memory parity errors in Windows with the aid of a high tech SIMM tester. The results are not conclusive, and the research into this is ongoing.

Both IBM OS/2 2.x and Windows seem to experience problems that appear to be associated with system memory in some circumstances. It can be frustrating to have a system that is able to run DOS, Windows 3.1, or OS/2 1.x and suddenly find it cannot run Windows due to this problem. The first issue to clear up is that not all NMI errors are due to memory. Other boards in the system can cause this problem, and components directly on the system motherboard can be at fault.

The memory is not functioning at the specified access rate as required by the system board. If the system specification calls for 80 ns access rate, Windows most likely fails if memory is accessing at a slower rate such as 90 ns. Even though the chips may be marked as 80 ns, in testing, some fail to meet this access rate. Quite often memory chips run at a slower speed when they reach operating temperature. This produces an effect called “speed drift.” The symptoms are a system which runs Windows when first turned on; however, after 15 minutes or so, the system starts having memory errors. A high quality SIMM tester can cycle the chips through various voltage and heat cycles, so this is fairly easy to see.

The memory is not functioning at the specified access rate as required by the system board. If the system specification calls for 80 ns access rate, Windows most likely fails if memory is accessing at a slower rate such as 90 ns. Even though the chips may be marked as 80 ns, in testing, some fail to meet this access rate. Quite often memory chips run at a slower speed when they reach operating temperature. This produces an effect called “speed drift.” The symptoms are a system which runs Windows when first turned on; however, after 15 minutes or so, the system starts having memory errors. A high quality SIMM tester can cycle the chips through various voltage and heat cycles, so this is fairly easy to see.

To fix this memory Parity Errors Simply follow this Computer Support Services

Related Search

Fix XP Memory Dump File Error
Install standard VGA compatible driver
How to Troubleshoot Display Problem in Windows XP
How to Troubleshooting Windows Defender

How to Troubleshoot Display Problem in Windows XP

This post is proposed to help you use the Video Display Troubleshooter that is included in Windows XP Help and Support Center. This post also provides a list of online computer support services that may help you solve your problem.

How to start the Video Display Troubleshooter

If you are already familiar with Windows XP Help and Support Center, you can start the Video Display Troubleshooter automatically. To do so, click here .

If you are not yet familiar with Windows XP Help and Support Center, follow these steps to start the Video Display Troubleshooter. These steps will help you become familiar with this feature:

1. Click Start, and then click Help and Support.
2. Under Pick a Help Topic, click Fixing a problem.
3. In the left pane, click Games, sound, and video problems.
4. In the right pane, click Display Troubleshooter.

How to use the Video Display Troubleshooter
1. Click the option that describes the problem that is occurring, and then click Next.
2. Repeat step 1 until your problem is resolved or you have reached the end of the troubleshooting path. You can click Back to repeat the last step. To start the Display Troubleshooter again, click Start Over.

How to Increase Laptop Performence and Save Power

This post provide technical support tips to increase your Laptop Computer Performence and save electricity. (This tip has not been guaranteed to work – but it makes sense.)

Want to make your laptop computer more powerful and have it use less electrical energy? Impossible, you say? Perhaps not.

Remember that when you use a up to date operating system and run out of memory for your software, the operating system swaps out part of the memory to the hard disk to free up the memory for more tasks. If you run several programs at once or have little RAM, this swapping can occurconstantly, slowing the computer down.

Now, note that the laptop’s hard drive is a power drain on your battery. The more you must use the hard drive, the more the laptop uses the battery.

Naturally, it would seem that if you increase the RAM on your laptop, you would reduce the amount of memory swapping. This will increase your computer’s performance, and since your hard drive will be accessed less, could improve your battery life.

To More About It USe Laptop Repair Services

Increase Laptop Performence and Save Power

How to Troubleshooting Windows Defender

Some time your windows Defender currupted and you need to update. This post provide Technical support to troubleshoot your windows defender

Windows Defender is a new security program that helps to protect your PC from spyware and other unwanted software. This program works on Windows XP & Vista. You may encounter various issues with the Microsoft Windows Defender application. This post explains you the various issues with the Computer troubleshooting procedures.

Unable to Start Windows Defender program in Windows XP:

At the startup of Windows XP, you may see an error that says “Unable to Start Windows Defender service”. This issue occurs, if some of the registry entries are corrupted. Restarting the service from the service console may also prompt the same error.

To resolve this issue, you may need to uninstall and reinstall the Windows Defender. Follow the below mentioned steps:

1. Click Start, Control Panel.
2. Click Add or Remove Programs.
3. Click Windows Defender, and click Remove.

This will uninstall Windows Defender. You can download and reinstall the updated version from the following link:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software

Unable to Uninstall Windows Defender in XP:

This issue happens due to corrupted DLL library. To resolve this error, download and run the Microsoft Installer Cleanup Utility. Download it from the following link:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301/

You can also try uninstalling the Windows Defender program by running the uninstall command option from Run.

Click Start, Type Run, and type the following:

msiexec /uninstall windowsdefender.msi /quiet /log uninstall.log

NOTE: This method only works in Windows XP and is not applicable for Windows Vista.

Troubleshooting Code Errors with Windows Defender program:

While updating the definitions of Windows Defender automatically, you may experience different code errors. This is due to some setting in Windows update. Follow the steps mentioned below to resolve the same:

1. Click Start, All Programs, Windows Update.
If the update engine is taking you to Microsoft Update, you should change it to Windows Update.
2. Click Change Settings option in the left pane
3. Uncheck “Use Microsoft Update”.

This should resolve the issue. If the problem persists, perform the steps mentioned in the following KB articles:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/934562/en-us
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/918355

Also, you can manually download and install the Windows Defender definitions. Visit the following link and download 32-bit or 64-bit based on the version of your Windows Operating system:

http://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/ADL.aspx

Incase of any problems with downloading the definition, or running the program due to severe virus/malware attach, perform a PC safety scan. Visit:

http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm

This will remove any Virus, Malware, or spyware from the system and allows you to continue with your task.

Windows Defender says “Service has stopped” when the application is launched:

If you are using a third party spyware/malware program, it may disable the Windows Defender service. To start the Windows Defender service again, perform the following:

1. Click Start, Type Run. (You can also use Win Key + R)
2. Type services.msc
3. Right-click Windows Defender service and Click Start.

To Stop the Windows Defender application, you can follow the same steps, and Stop it.

However, if you don’t want to use the program at all, change the Startup type to “Manual” from the Services Properties. Right-click Windows Defender, and click Properties to see the option.

Windows Defender is taking long time to perform a full scan:

This issue happens due to temporary Internet files, cookies, and other applog files. To resolve this issue, it is recommended to remove all these files before you schedule a full scan.

Also, update the definition pack before you perform a full scan to remove the latest spyware.
Reporting Spyware information to Microsoft:
You can report the identity of any spyware to Microsoft. Check the following link for more information:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/support/reportspyware.mspx