If you cannot access Add / Remove Window Components in Control Panel

Then a possible Solution to this problem is listed as follows:

1. Insert the Windows XP CD in your CD/DVD ROM.

2. Go to Start menu and select Run. If your Windows is installed in the C drive then type: Expand C:\i386\NETOC.IN_ -rC:\Windows\Inf and press Enter.

If you have installed Windows XP in some other drive then replace “C:\ “ with the drive name accordingly.

Virtual memory Minimum is too Low

A common error message often encountered is: “Virtual memory minimum is too low. Windows is increasing the size of the virtual memory paging file.”

What exactly is a virtual memory? This the space used by computer when it runs short of Random Access Memory (RAM). And Windows handles the setting of this virtual memory in the paging file. If you encounter the above mentioned error/message then we recommend that instead of changing these settings manually, you should let the Windows manage and efficiently manage your virtual memory size.

Moreover, you may also add more RAM to your system. This will not only eliminate the need of virtual memory but will also most definitely enhance the overall performance and response of your computer.

Continual PC rebooting:

Most often Windows XP users complain that their system restarts after shutdown. This is due to the internally added feature provided by Microsoft that allows Windows XP to fix errors automatically. This is possible via the autoboot feature which allows the system to reboot itself in order to fix various errors. Some other factors that might trigger this autoboot feature include corrupt exit sound file; incorrectly configured, corrupt or incompatible hardware; conflicting or incompatible programs or device drives. If your system continually reboots itself then you might be dealing with any of the flowing problems:

• Overheating caused by dust accumulation
• Motherboard gone bad due to leaking capacitors.
• Bad Power Supply
• Incompatible Software or Drivers

Overheating:

In order to protect your pc from the damages caused due to overheating and insulations, it is highly advised that you clean your computer cases every six months in order to arid the internal components of any dust and debris layers. As dust tends to act as an insulator, it may cause serious problems by keeping the components overtly hot.

In addition when your computer boots it is necessary to insure that all of the case fans are operating. If any of the fans are not operating then overheating will result which may in turn lead to bigger problems and issues.

Bad Motherboard:

Once in a while it is advised to check your computer’s motherboard in search of some pungent odors which might be indications of a component burning or even leaking capacitors. If your motherboard’s capacitor tends to malfunction then it can prove to be a harbinger of a multitude of issues and problems. The only solution to this problem is to replace your motherboard.

Incompatible Software or Drivers:

If you have installed any new programs, software or applications or installed or updated a driver recently, then perhaps this might be the very cause of the system booting itself repeatedly. It is recommended that you try to uninstall these newly installed programs and application or try to roll back the currently updated drivers to allow the system to return to its last good configuration.

If you have installed any new programs or software or hardware, then try uninstalling these components and rebooting. Further information on this problem may be easily found on the internet

]]> http://www.techuserguide.com/windows-troubleshooting-tips-2.html/feed http://www.techuserguide.com/windows-troubleshooting-tips.html http://www.techuserguide.com/windows-troubleshooting-tips.html#comments Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:07:58 +0000 http://www.techuserguide.com/?p=147 This simple but effective guide is dedicated to the troubleshooting of windows XP and the common errors and problems associated. Some of the most common error messages that are typically encountered by a majority of Windows XP users have been described below to help you deal with the unpredictable errors and crashes.

Unmountable boot volume Error:

Most often users encounter the error message of Unmountable boot volume while booting their computers. This might be occurring due to unavailability of the boot.ini file. The file may be corrupted or messed up and a possible remedy of this error is listed below:

1. Insert the Windows XP CD in your CD/DVD drive and boot your system.

2. Allow the setup to start and as soon as you see the “Welcome to setup” message, press the letter ‘R’ on your keyboard to enter the Recovery Console.

3. Select the Windows installation to be repaired

4. When you enter the DOS prompt type: chkdsk /p [Enter]

5. Next, enter the following commands: type: fixboot [Enter], Type: Y [Enter], then type: exit [Enter]

6. This will reboot your PC into windows.

NTLDR is not found during boot up error:

For those who have FAT32 partitions in their system, a simple tip is to boot the pc with a Win98 floppy and copy the required NTLDR or NTDETECT.COM files from the i386 directory to the root of the C:\ drive.

For those individuals who have NTFS partitions the procedure is somewhat lengthy. The following are the steps you need to take in order resolve the error:

1. The first step two steps involved are the same as mentioned for the FAT32 partitions case.

2. After pressing the R key on your keyboard, you will be asked to press the number that corresponds to the exact location where you wish to install/repair the windows.

3. Enter in the administrator password if asked.

4. Next, enter in the following commands:

• COPY X:\i386\NTLDR C\:

• COPY X:\i386\NTDETECT.COM C:\

5. Type exit after taking out the CD

NTOSKRNL Missing or Corrupt Error:

If you encounter the error of NTOSKRNL not found then the solution to this problem is quite simple. Follow the first three steps as mentioned in the above case and then jump to the following procedures:

1. Change to the drive that has the CD ROM.

2. CD i386

3. expand ntkrnlmp.ex_ C:\Windows\System32\ntoskrnl.exe

4. If you have installed your in a different location, then simple change to C:\Windows

5. Take out the CD ROM and type exit

HAL.DLL Missing or Corrupt Error:

This error is usually caused by problems in the configuration of the BOOT.INI file on the root of the C: drive.

1. Type bootcfg /list to show the current entries in the BOOT.INI file

2. Type bootcfg /rebuild to repair it

3. Take out the CD ROM and type exit

A failure in connecting or properly linking any of the network devices may result in an explosion of connectivity problems that result in ineffective end-to-end communications. The following are a few network troubleshooting tips related to common connectivity problems:

Connectivity Loss – This problem arises when the users are not able to access the network as a whole or they have problems connecting to some part of the network. In order to regenerate the connectivity, it is advisable that you immediately check for any broken links or connectivity breaks in the networks and correct them accordingly. For instance, you might be able to detect some physical problems such as hardware failures and loose cable connections. The following course of actions is recommended:

1. Check Your Ethernet Cable

Insert cables into the connector until you feel a slight click. If there are any loose connections then adjust them and restart your computer.

2. Check PCMCIA Card

If you use a PCMCIA Ethernet card, make sure it is firmly plugged into the PC Card slot on your computer.

3. Check Transceiver

The Ethernet transceiver should also be firmly plugged in the USB or other port on your computer.

Intermittent connectivity – This happens when users have network access for some period of time but the service is not continuous and reliable and the user suffers sufficient moments of downtime. This may prove to be a red flag for the network administrator as it may indicate that the network is on the verge of a major breakdown. Hence thorough investigation is needed. There are also various software utilities available that can troubleshoot a network and which include:

ipconfig – used in order to display the current IP configuration information for a host

ping – This command tests the connections to other IP hosts

tracert – used to displays route taken to destination

netstat – used to displays network connections

Troubleshooting a network Using Ipconfig:

The details of IP address, subnet masks and default gateway can be viewed via this utility. In order to display further information such as the MAC address, IP addresses of the default gateway and the DNS servers Ipconfig /all is used.

Troubleshooting a Network Using Ping:

Ping checks if the destination host is reachable or not.

Troubleshooting a Network Using Tracert:

Tracert is used to provide details concerning connectivity and relevant information about the path taken by the packet in order to reach its destination and also the detail of every hop involved.

Troubleshooting a Network Using Netstat:

Netstat is used to verify connections as it typically lists the protocol in use, the state of the connection, the local address and port number and the foreign address and port number.

Theoretically, switching is defined as a process of actually moving bits in any point on the network where communication lines interface i.e. from an input port to an output port.

In telecommunication, this point of interface is in general termed as the network node and may be a Private Branch Exchange (PBX), a modem, a host computer, a multiplexer or any other similar device.

Normally a switching process relies on the information that is gathered through a routing process and the infrastructure constitutes of specialized computers used to link multiple transmission lines. These specialized computers may be termed as the switching elements that make use of a number of tables formed on the general record of the number dialed and help determine the most gainful and inexpensive trunk over which the call is forwarded. As compared to the complex path determination strategies used by IP routers in the Internet, this process of switching is quite simple and uncomplicated.

Even though both routing and switching are used to transfer information source to destination, the main difference lies in the fact that routing works across an internetwork which means that typically at least one intermediate node is involved in its path. Practically the number of these intermediate nodes may be numerous depending on the network and the path followed. A router is a device that serves to perform two major functions i.e. determining the best possible path in terms of distance and cost effectiveness and the efficient transfer of data or information through this path across an internetwork.

Routers generally make use of multiple routing algorithms which are needed to initialize and uphold the routing tables. These routing algorithms operate on information related to a number of metric variables which may be destination, reliability, load, path length, next-hop associations, delay, bandwidth, and communication cost. A router may use one or more of these variables in order to determine the most effective path for packet transfer.

When it comes to switching in telecommunication it becomes crucially important to mention the circuit switching mode which is the center of voice networks infrastructure worldwide. A circuit switched connection is a temporarily reserved network resource that is dedicated to two subscribers for the complete duration of a conversation. This is why a conversation is continuous and exclusive.  However, as soon as the conversation ends, the connection is removed.

In circuit switching, the exclusive connection requires that a preset share of network resources are held in reserve for the call, and during that duration, no other call is permitted to utilize those resources.

The call request is sent to the destination and only when it is acknowledged by the destination, the data transmission begins.

A huge number of lines are used in circuit switching so as to make the switching and routing computation more cost-effective. Once the connection is established, there is no further need of routing calculations based on complicated algorithms as the line itself becomes dedicated.

Switched Network Connection: This type of network is typically based on switched connections which are also referred to as dialup connections. The network utilizes switches arranged somewhat in a series, in order to establish a connection between the various elements.

Leased-line Network Connection: The second most common type of network connection used in telecommunication is the leased line network commonly referred to as a private line. As the name indicates, this type of network allocates the same particular locations and devices to be connected always. Moreover, the same path is used for data is transmission between the fixed locations and/or devices.

Dedicated Network Connection: The dynamics of this dedicated network connections are very similar to that of leased line. True to its name, a dedicated connection implies that always the same path will be used for data transmission between fixed always connected locations. The difference between the two is however that the end user may own the transmission facility instead of leasing it. This means that dedicated network connection may not be divided among a multitude of locations/users but be exclusive to that user only.

The field of telecommunication utilizes the electromagnetic spectrum, particularly the middle of this spectrum i.e. the radio waves, the micro waves, infrared, and visible light, in order to achieve various forms of communications.

In order to generate information carrying electromagnetic waves these mentioned portions of the spectrum are extensively used.

Even though the end of the electromagnetic spectrum boasts a huge bandwidth,  i.e. of about 1022Hz , the waveforms tend to get highly distorted by a variety of interference sources such as environmental factors like dust, humidity etc.

In addition, sufficient exposure to very high frequency waves such as gamma rays, x-rays, and cosmic rays may prove to be detrimental for human health and hence are not preferred in communication technologies.

In order to best understand PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Networks), which is the most important part of telecommunication, let us compare it to the internet which is also based on the same physical infrastructure.

As the name indicates a PSTN includes devices such as telephones, fax machines, and circuit switches that help to establish temporary but uninterrupted connections. During the entire duration of the call, the circuit established between the two subscribers is kept open. Hence this provides a guaranteed and fail-safe quality of service. While PSTN has been specifically designed to provide optimum efficiency for voice calls, it utilizes the bandwidth rather inefficiently and hence the service tends to cost a tad more than the internet service.

The internet on the other hand serves by connecting networks rather than subscribers. As in PSTN the messages are routed to specific end devices, the same is true for internet, though the messages may be of any type and form ranging from e-mail to instant messaging to audio and video types.

As on the PSTN, messages on the Internet are routed to specific end devices. These messages take various forms, such as e-mail, instant messaging, and real-time audio/video communications. Unlike the PSTN, the internet works on packet data transfer and individual packets may vary their routes accordingly. The end user however, receives the packets in the same fashion as sent as the packets are rearranged at the destination.

Even though this means efficient utilization of the bandwidth, the quality of service is not the same as that of PSTN. Progress is being made on how to improve the quality of service of the internet.

If your organization is equipped with wireless facilities, which in actual is now fast becoming an essential constituent of any business or firm, then there are quite a few rules concerning the various network components that one should be aware of. These essential components that form a part of wireless network infrastructure setup have been described below in detail:

Station Types: Typically, wireless networks have some predefined characteristics concerning the various network terminals. These help in classifying a station type and may be any one or more of the following:

• Station types may be identified on the type of the terminal whether it is a source or a sink or merely a relay station or a complex combination of the two.

• The type of data being transmitted or received by the terminal, its functionality all help in determining the station type.

Channel Media: The next step involved in setting up a wireless network infrastructure is determining the channel medium which in turn helps define the bandwidth and geographical span of the LAN in use.

As wireless LANs are usually designed in the ISM bands, which implies that they are synchronized for the amount of radiation per device, these bands are exceedingly susceptible to interference and security breaches.

Physical Link: Establishment of a physical link for a WLAN is possible in more than one way. This is possible due to the fact that a wireless channel is a shared medium.

One may choose from either ad hoc or infrastructure LAN mechanisms. The former mechanism allows a wireless link to be established between the wireless terminals directly. The latter type makes use of a central access point in order to establish the connection.

Signal Conditioning. In order to maximize the bandwidth utilization and enable fast and easy recognition of the receiving signal by the receiver device it is necessary to employ signal conditioning in the network infrastructure. There are a number of signal conditioning techniques that are available, for example: base-band modulation schemes, such as NRZ-I, Manchester, and differential Manchester. However, if you plan to setup an infrastructure for a wireless network then it is important to mention that the use of base-band modulation techniques is not recommended as wireless channels do not allow frequencies close to zero Hz to travel efficiently through them.

For companies of all sizes or even small businesses, proper attention and assistance in the above mentioned areas will prove to be of great value.

A recent survey showed that nearly 30% of all businesses and organizations indicated that their companies have faced considerable inconvenience and difficulty in complying with the regulatory requirements owing mostly to their ineffective PC asset management.

Hence, protecting your business from security breaches and unwanted data loss is crucially important.

While setting up an infrastructure for businesses it is critical to ensure that there are minimal technical problems such as hard-drive failures so to prevent data loss.

The need for e-mail security and archive-management solutions cannot be ignored as it protects the business from being subpoenaed to provide employee e-mails

Small businesses need to be as cautious of there IT infrastructure setup and its management as larger ones. This involves a variety of approaches and one may choose from either a number of manual processes or licensed software solutions, third-party service providers, and various combinations of these.

The business may also seek the help of various solution providers across the major categories of IT Infrastructure Management.

It is a common practice to use a number of IT infrastructure management solutions in businesses and organizations. Anti-malware and virus protection solutions are in extensive use within small businesses and companies.

However there are also a number of other things one must consider while setting up an infrastructure for small businesses.

If you deal with huge loads of critical data then online backup and data recovery are most essential for your business. Other than that, there are also a few additional points that should be kept in mind while planning an infrastructure for your business:

IT asset management: This involves both the hardware and software elements that are commonly found in any business environment and the common practices and decisions involved in supporting these elements.

E-mail archive management: This will allow you to sustain an archive of all corporate email correspondence while also supervising and plummeting the business’s dependency on PST files.

Laptop data encryption: This will enable you to efficiently secure your business while centrally managing and supervising data encryption and data access to distributed PCs. Safeguarding sensitive and confidential data is extremely important in businesses and hence making use of laptop data encryption services might prove to be immensely beneficial.

Patch management: This involves installing, observing and tracking the common operating system hot-fixes and updates and its management.

Sun’s Certified Programmer for the Java 2 Platform 1.4 is designed for “programmers interested in demonstrating skills and proficiencies in the fundamentals of the Java programming language using the Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition (J2SE technology).” This can be a foundation for more superior designations like the Sun Certified Developer for the Java 2 Platform and the Sun Certified Web Component Developer for the Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition. This is compatible and well matched especially for IT professionals who have titles like web developer, web programmer, software developer, and application programmer.

Solaris 8 SCNA

This is especially designed for those individuals as well as candidates with three or more years of experience working in an IT industry. In order to get this highly advanced certification, he/she will have to achieve the Sun’s Certified System Administrator for the Solaris Operating Environment (SCSA) certification. This is compatible and well matched especially for IT professionals who are advanced systems or network administrators in a UNIX environment plus to those candidates who want to build up a solid foundation for UNIX network security.

Solaris 8 SCSA

This is designed for system administrators tasked with carrying out indispensable system administration procedures on the Solaris Operating Environment (Solaris OE) and technical application support staff accountable for managing a networked server running on the Solaris Operating Environment.

This certification is compatible to IT professionals who are systems or network administrators in a UNIX environment in addition to to those candidates who want to build up a solid foundation for UNIX network security.

Solaris 9 SCNA

This is designed for those candidates with three or more years of experience doing jobs in an IT industry. In order to get this highly advanced certification, he or she must have achieved the Sun’s Certified System Administrator for the Solaris Operating Environment (SCSA) certification. This certification is compatible to IT professionals who are advanced systems or network administrators in a UNIX environment in addition to to those who want to build up a solid foundation for UNIX network security.

Solaris 9 SCSA

It is especially designed for system administrators tasked with carrying out mandatory system administration procedures on the Solaris Operating Environment (Solaris OE) and technical application support staff accountable for administering a networked server running on the Solaris OE. This certification is compatible and beneficial for IT professionals who are systems or network administrators in a UNIX environment plus to those candidates who want to establish a solid foundation for UNIX network security.

Solaris 9 Security

This type of certification is especially designed for candidates with six to twelve months of experience administering security in a Solaris Operating Environment. In order to get this unique type of certification, one will have to deem holding the Sun Certified System Administrator for the Solaris Operating Environment (SCSA) certification as well as the Sun Certified Network Administrator (SCNA) certification. It is helpful for IT professionals who are advanced systems or network administrators in a UNIX environment and who regularly take in hand security issues.

OCA 11g OCA

Oracle DBAs deal with the industry’s highly sophisticated information systems and rule some of the top salaries. This official document is your foremost step toward accomplishment as an Oracle professional, and displays your firm foundation in the essential administration of Oracle Database 11g. To get hold of an Oracle Certified Associate diploma, candidates have to pass two computer-based examinations: 1Z0-051 and 1Z0-052.

Oracle 10g OCA

Oracle DBAs administer the industry’s most sophisticated information systems and rule some of the top salaries. This credential is your foremost step toward accomplishment as an Oracle professional, and expresses your firm establishment in the central administration of Oracle Database 10g. To get hold an Oracle Certified Associate credential, candidates have to pass a computer-based examination based on content related to the skill set and job role of an entry-level database administrator operating Oracle Database 10g.

Oracle 10g OCP

The Oracle Database 10g OCP credential reveals your know-how with Oracle Database 10g, the industry’s most advanced relational database designed for network computing. This highly developed certification passes on the information that you recognize how to configure an Oracle database for multilingual applications, bring into play a range of methods of getting better and tweaking the database, and make use of database technologies for example Resource Manager, Scheduler, and Automatic Storage Management (ASM).

Oracle8i DBA OCP

This is for IT professionals who have “demonstrated skills managing a comprehensive database and building up robust applications that are deployed enterprise-wide.” It is compatible and well matched to IT professionals with titles for instance database administrator, database analyst, and database developer, who want to carry on with these roles or initiate roles for instance data warehouse architect, and data-mining expert. It is achieved by passing five exams.

Oracle9i DBA OCA

It is for “novice skill level” IT personnel who have a base of knowledge as well as information that will help them to function as a subordinate team member working with database administrators or application developers. This type of certification is well-matched to IT employees with titles for example database administrator, database analyst, and database developer. It is achieved by passing two exams.

Oracle9i DBA OCP

This is a mid-level certification for IT professionals and experts who administer universal databases or develop applications that are used worldwide. This certification is compatible for IT persons, with titles like database administrator, database analyst, and database developer, who want to persist on with these roles or move into roles like data warehouse architect, and data-mining expert.

MCTS

It just enables IT professionals to aim at specific technologies and decide about themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge, skills and competencies.

MCITP

A Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certification facilitates IT professionals to reveal all-inclusive skills in planning, deploying, supporting, maintaining, and optimizing IT infrastructures.

MCDST

It helps IT professionals to put across technical and customer service skills in troubleshooting hardware and software operation issues and concerns in Microsoft Windows environments.

MCSA

This type of certification would enable IT professionals to express their ability to manage network and systems environments that are based on the Windows operating systems. Specializations take account of the MCSA: Messaging and the MCSA: Security.

MCDBA

It enables IT professionals to expose their talent to design, implement, and administer Microsoft SQL Server databases.

MCSE

This would enable IT professionals to demonstrate their knack to design and implement an infrastructure solution that is entirely based upon the Windows operating system and Windows Server software.

MCPD

A Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) certification would uniquely enable IT professionals to show comprehensive skills in designing, developing, and deploying applications for a commendable job function. These certifications give you an idea about that you have the skills mandatory to do the job effectively.

MCAD

A Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) certification would just enable IT professionals to demonstrate their talent and knack to make use of Microsoft technologies to build up and continue department-level applications, components, Web or desktop clients, or back-end data services.

MCSD

This kind of certifications would enable IT professionals to spell out their knack to design and develop innovative business solutions with Microsoft development tools, technologies, platforms, and the Windows operating system.

Microsoft Certified Master

Such advanced type of Microsoft certifications would enable knowledgeable IT professionals to interpret and authenticate their knack to effectively design and implement solutions that meet modern contemporary business needs and desires effectively.

Microsoft Certified Architect

It mainly recognizes and makes available advanced certification to put into practice architects in an enterprise and venture environment.

MOS

It is globally oriented for demonstrating advanced skills and competencies in making use of Microsoft desktop software.