1. How Can I Stop Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) from opening documents in the IE window instead of using the document's regular application?

A. If you're using IE and follow a link to a Microsoft Word document, for example, IE will open the document within the IE window. If you prefer to start a separate Word instance and load the document in that instance, you need to make an OS-level change. To do so, perform these steps:
1. Start Windows Explorer (Start, Run, Explorer).
2. From the Tools menu, select Folder Options.
3. Select the File Types tab.
4. Select the file type that you don't want to open in IE and click Advanced.
5. Clear the "Browse in same window" check box and click OK.
6. Close the Folder Options dialog box.
That file type will now open within the application instead of IE. 

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2. I am unable to see full amount of a new hard drive I bought and installed.
A. Here Are A Few Causes Before I Talk About Any Solutions.
Before explaining causes why a hard disk drive may not be detected fully it is important to know that once setup it will not reach its full capacity. For example, if a 6 gig hard disk drive is installed in the computer it may only see 5.9 GIG. If, however, a large portion of the hard drive is not being detected or seen, it is likely you may be experiencing any of the below possibilities.
1. Limitation
2. CMOS not setup properly
3. Software / setup issue
4. BIOS issue / limitation - hardware issue
Limitation
It is possible that the hard disk drive may not be seen because of a known limitation with the hardware or software.
Possible Fixes:
CMOS not setup properly
Verify that the hard disk drive is properly setup in CMOS.
1. If the computer has the option for 'Auto' or 'Auto Detect', the computer should be setting up the hard drive properly
2. If the computer does not have one of the above options you will need to manually set the CMOS settings for the hard disk drive.
Software / Setup issue
Ensure that you are not encountering a software related issue by deleting and recreating the partitions using fdisk. This will erase all information currently on the hard disk drive but will allow you to ensure that you are encountering other issues.
When recreating the partition ensure that no other partitions are present by choosing option 4 to display the partition information. If no partitions are present, ensure that when creating a primary partition that you use the full amount (100%) unless you wish to have more than one partition.
Once you have created the partition, view that partition and ensure it is being detected 100% and ensure that the Mbytes is correctly stated.
BIOS issue / limitation - hardware issue
If you have followed the above recommendations and are still encountering the same issue, unfortunately it is likely you may have a BIOS issue / limitation and/or that you are encountering a hardware issue.
 

If you have an older computer it is likely that your BIOS may not support the hard disk drive that you are attempting to install into the computer. To resolve this issue, either a BIOS update that updates the BIOS to support a larger hard disk drive will need to be installed, or many hard disk drives include a diskette which contains a Disk Drive Overlay (DDO) software that can be used to trick the computer into recognizing the full amount of the available space on the hard drive.

If your computer is a relatively new computer it is possible that the hard disk drive may have a physical defect at it is recommended that if all of the above solutions have been tried that you contact the manufacturer of the hard disk drive.

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3. My Old Computer Is Running Slowly?

A.  Here Are Some Possible Answers.

1. Make sure your computer has at least 500MB of free hard disk drive space. If your computer has less than 500MB free, it may cause the computer to operate more slowly. Additional information about regaining hard disk drive space can be found on document IF01021.
2. Run Microsoft Scandisk and Defrag on the computer. Additional information and help with these commands can be found on my scandisk page and my defrag page.
3. Close any programs that are running in the background and/or disable background programs from automatically loading each time your computer boots. Information about doing this can be found in document IF01013.
4. Click Start, Search, and click For Files or Folders. In the search window, search for files named *.tmp and make sure you are searching or looking in the local C: drive.  Once search has completed, delete any files found.
5. Ensure that no errors or conflicts exist in the device manager.
6. Make sure Windows XP is up to date by checking Microsoft Windows update page. Additional information about updating Microsoft Windows can be found on document IF01015.
7. Ensure your computer has the latest drivers for the hardware devices installed in your computer. See document IF01016 for additional information on what drivers should be updated on your computer. 

8. If your computer has a virus protection program installed, make sure it is up to date and that no viruses are being detected. If your computer does not have a virus protection program, you may wish to consider installing a program to make sure no viruses are causing your problems. Information about updating your anti-virus program can be found on document IF01017 and information about what anti-virus programs are available can be found on document IF01018.

9. If your computer has worked fine in the past but recently has been experiencing the issue you're encountering, run the System Restore option to restore the computer to an earlier date. Information about how to do this can be found on document IF01019.

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4.   My Web Browser Has Been Hijacked.

A.  I get asked this question quite often and there are so many causes I just created a document on the subject.

Spyware, adware, malware, and other Trojans are becoming an ever-growing threat to users who browse the Internet and/or install free programs. However, many computer users do not realize when these programs are secretly installed on a computer or realize when their system or browsers settings are changed. Below is a listing of potential symptoms a user may encounter when their browser or computer has been hijacked.

• Default home page changes to a different page; commonly an adult oriented web page.
• Computer slows down.
• New tools in the browser such as a new search toolbar is installed or added to the browser.
• Default search engine or other settings changed. 

Unfortunately, many of the software programs designed to hijack a computer's browser are intentionally designed to be difficult to remove and/or detect. Below are recommendations on how these types of programs can be prevented and/or removed.

Free programs

When installing free programs such as KaZa, read the disclaimers and watch for additional programs that are being installed. Many times these programs are supported by automatically installing spyware programs.

If you no longer use these programs on a regular basis, uninstalling these programs will (but not always) also uninstall any associated software that is included with them.

Add/Remove programs

If you are running Microsoft Windows and you have noticed a program that you do not wish to use or want uninstalled, see if the program can be removed through Add/Remove programs in the Control panel.

All of the legitimate companies that install toolbars onto your computer should be able to be removed through the Add/Remove programs icon in the control panel. Some examples include the Alexa Toolbar, Google Toolbar, Yahoo Toolbar, and Windows Live Toolbar.

If the spyware program you're attempting to uninstall cannot be uninstalled or gets reinstalled when you reboot the computer. Boot the computer into safe mode and then uninstall the program while in safe mode. Additional information about getting into safe mode can be found on document IF00147.

Restore browser settings

Some web pages and programs are designed to automatically change your browser's settings. For example, a web page or program may automatically change your default home page to an alternate home page. These types of issues can be corrected by following the below steps.

1.     Close all browser windows so that only one window is open.

2.     Visit an alternate safe site such as Computer Hope or Google.

3.     Correct the settings changed, such as changing your home page back to your original home page.

4.     Once the settings have been changed and applied, close out of the browser window.

5.     The next time the browser is opened it should have the correct settings. However, if the site that changed your browser settings is visited again, it is likely that the settings will be changed again. This issue can be prevented with many of the spyware / adware programs that are available today.

Spyware / Adware / Malware detection and removal programs

Because of the ever-growing threat of these types of programs, many companies and individuals have developed programs that help prevent, detect, and remove these types of programs. Below is a listing of a few of the programs you may wish to consider.

·         Microsoft's Windows Defender

·         Ad-aware from Lavasoft

·         Spy Sweeper from Webroot Software

·         SpyBot Search and Destroy

·         SpywareBlaster from Javacool Software

·         HijackThis by Merijn.

A computer can have any number of spyware programs installed at the same time and it's recommended that you have more than one to ensure your computer is not infected. When running these programs if the spyware returns after rebooting the computer boot the computer into safe mode and run the spyware programs while in safe mode. Additional information about getting into safe mode can be found on document IF00147.

Microsoft Windows XP users

If you are running Microsoft Windows XP, updating to the latest Service Pack will help protect your computer against spyware.

Try alternative browser

Because Microsoft Internet Explorer is the most widely used browser today and because of its vulnerabilities, switching to an alternative browser such as Mozilla Firefox can significantly reduce the amount of spyware you get on your computer. 

System Restore

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5.  How Do I Enable / Disable Or Delete Internet Cookies?

A.  Why Do This:

Users who may not want web pages or companies on the Internet to track their web viewing habits or who may be concerned about personal information stored in a cookie file may wish to disable cookies from being saved on their computer. 

Note: It is important to realize that when you disable cookies, some web pages either will not properly work, or will not allow you access.

Users who have disabled their Internet browser's cookies may wish to re-enable them after finding web pages that they are no longer able to access.

Here’s How:

Microsoft Internet Explorer users

Deleting cookies

Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.x and 6.x users can delete cookies by clicking the "View" menu, "Internet Options" and clicking the button "Delete Cookies".

Viewing cookies on your hard drive

Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.x and 6.x users running Microsoft Windows XP or Windows 2000 can delete and/or view cookies on the hard disk drive by opening the "C:\Document and Settings\<user>\cookies" folder, where <user> is the name of your account used to log onto the computer.

Other Internet Explorer users may locate the cookies in one of the below directories.

·         Windows 95 / 98 users - C:\Windows\Cookies

·         Windows NT users - C:\WinNT\Administrator\Cookies

Disabling cookies

·         Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.x users can disable or warn for cookies by clicking the "View" menu, "Options", "Advanced" and select "Never accept cookies" or "Warn me before accepting cookies".

·         Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.x users can disable cookies by clicking the "View" menu, "Internet Options", "Advanced" and select "Never accept cookies" or "Warn me before accepting cookies".

·         Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.x users can disable or manage their cookie settings by clicking the "View" menu, "Internet Options",  and selecting the "Privacy" tab.

Enabling cookies

·         Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.x users can enable cookies by clicking the "View" menu, "Options", "Advanced", and unselecting "Never accept cookies" or "Warn me before accepting cookies".

·         Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.x users can enable cookies by clicking the "View" menu, "Internet Options", Advanced" and unselecting "Never accept cookies" or "Warn me before accepting cookies".

·         Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.x users can enable or manage their cookie settings by clicking the "View" menu, "Internet Options",  and selecting the "Privacy" tab.

Mozilla Firefox users

Deleting cookies on your hard drive

Mozilla Firefox 1.0 users can delete the cookies on their hard disk drive by clicking the "Tools" menu, "Options", clicking the "Privacy" button, and under "Cookies" click the Clear button.

Disabling cookies

To disable Mozilla Firefox 1.0 cookies, click the "Tools" menu, "Options", clicking the "Privacy" button, and under "Cookies" uncheck the "Allow sites to set cookies" option.

Enabling cookies

To enable Mozilla Firefox 1.0 cookies, click the "Tools" menu, "Options", clicking the "Privacy" button, under "Cookies" check the "Allow sites to set cookies" option.

Netscape users

Deleting cookies on your hard drive

Netscape 7.x users can manage and delete cookies by clicking the "Tools" menu and then "Cookie Manager".

Disabling cookies

·         Netscape 4.x users can disable cookies by clicking the "Edit" menu, "Preferences", "Advanced", and select "Warn before accepting cookies".

·         Netscape 7.x users can disable cookies by clicking the "Tools" menu and then opening the  "Cookie Manager".

Enabling cookies

·         Netscape 4.x users can enable cookies by clicking the "Edit" menu, "Preferences", "Advanced", and unselect "Warn before accepting cookies".

·         Netscape 7.x users can enable cookies by clicking the "Tools" menu and then opening the "Cookie Manager"

Opera users

Opera users can manage, disable, and enable their cookies by clicking the "File" menu, "Preferences", and selecting "Privacy".

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6.  How Do I Prevent Windows Messenger Pop-ups?

A.  Not to be confused with Internet pop-ups, messenger pop-ups are pop-up windows that appear without your browser being opened in Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, and Windows XP. Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows ME users will not experience this issue. These pop-up windows are generated by users or companies utilizing the Windows net send command. 

Possible Solution:

Disable Microsoft Messenger

Note: Disabling the Microsoft messenger will not cause any problems with MSN messenger. This service is commonly used to distribute text messages between computers and commonly only used in a business to distribute messages between employees.

To disable Microsoft Messenger service, follow the below steps. 

Windows 2000 and XP users

1. Click Start, Control Panel, and open the "Administrative Tools".
2. Within the Administrative Tools window, open "Services".
3. Locate "Messenger" and double-click the icon to open "Messenger Properties"
4. Within the "Messenger Properties", set the "Startup Type" to disabled and click the "Stop" button.
5. Click the "Apply" button and close out of all windows.

Setup firewall to block UDP and NetBIOS

If your computer needs messenger, the alternate solution to the above recommendation is to disable all incoming UDP and NetBIOS on your firewall.

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7.  How Do I Stop Pop-up Or Pop-under Internet Ads?

A.  Pop-up ads are a form of intrusive and non-intrusive advertising found on web pages today that have been designed to bring the user's attention to a particular product or service. However, today, popup ads have become nothing but a complete nuisance, and for many new users can cause a lot of confusion, especially when multiple pop-up ads open at once.

Although many pop-up and pop-under ads may have good intentions of driving visitors of a website to advertisers to help generate a source of revenue for a web page, pop-up ads have become too intrusive. We highly recommend users who have become annoyed with these ads and/or is setting up a computer or Internet connection for a new user to install one of the below software utility programs designed to help stop or block pop-up and pop-under ads and windows.

Possible Solution:

There are hundreds of different software programs that are designed to help stop, block, and/or prevent pop-up, pop-under, and other types of Internet intrusive and annoying advertising on the Internet. Below is a listing of some of the more popular and widely used programs we would recommend trying.

Microsoft Internet Explorer users
Mozilla Firefox users
Netscape users
Opera users

Microsoft Internet Explorer users

Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 users

Users who are using Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 can be thankful that Microsoft has decided to include a popup blocker in the browser. By default this option should be enabled if you wish to change the settings of how this feature works or want to verify if it is enabled or not you can follow the below steps.

1.     Open Internet Explorer

2.     Click Tools

3.     Click Options

4.     Click the Privacy tab

5.     At the bottom of the Privacy tab you should have a Pop-up Blocker section. If you wish pop-ups to be blocked check the "Block pop-ups" option. You can also set additional settings such as disabling the sound when a pop-up is blocked or disable the information bar displayed when a pop-up is blocked by clicking the Settings button.

Users running earlier versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer

Users who are running earlier versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer also have options to block pop-ups in their version of Microsoft Internet Explorer. Below are a few recommendations.

Google Toolbar

If you are using Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer, it is highly recommended that you try the Google Toolbar, which includes a free popup blocker.

Third-party programs

There are numerous third-party programs that can be downloaded that also help prevent pop-ups from occurring. Below is a short list of some of the more popular solutions.

Mozilla Firefox users

A big reason a lot of Microsoft Internet Explorer users switched over to Firefox before Microsoft released MSIE 6.0 was because Firefox included its own pop-up blocker.

If you're running Mozilla Firefox and with to adjust or change how Firefox handles pop-up follow the below steps.

1.     Open Mozilla Firefox

2.     Click Tools

3.     Click Options

4.     Click the Web features button on the left hand side of the Options window.

5.     By default this feature should be enabled if you wish to disable the feature, uncheck "Block Popup Windows". If you have allowed popups on a site you wish to now block you can also click "Allowed sites" in this window and remove any sites you wish to block any popup on.

Users may also wish to disable any popups from from any browser plug-ins, a tactic for bypassing many popup blockers. To enable this feature in firefox follow the below steps.

1.     Open Mozilla Firefox

2.     In the URL field type "about:config" and press enter.

3.     This should open the Firefox config window.

4.     Right-click on a black portion of the window and click "New" and then "Integer"

5.     For the preference name type "privacy.popups.disable_from_plugins" and click Ok.

6.     For the value type "2"

Finally, I also suggest you locate the "privacy.popups.firstTime" option also in the about:config screen and change the value of this setting to "false"

Netscape users

If you are using Netscape 7.1 or higher, the browser already has its own pop-up stopper that is enabled by default and can be adjusted or changed by following the below steps.

1.     Open Netscape

2.     Click Tools

3.     Click Popup Manager

4.     Within the Popup Manager you can adjust the settings of how you want popups to be blocked. 

Opera users

The latest version of Opera also includes its own popup blocker and has it enabled by default. You can adjust how popups are blocked or allowed by following the below steps.

1.     Open Opera

2.     Click Tools

3.     Click Quick preferences

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8.  How Do I Enable And Or Disable The Microsoft Windows XP Firewall?

A.  Microsoft Windows XP comes pre-installed with a software firewall utility, although by default this feature is not enabled. Below are steps that can be followed to enable or disable this feature in Windows XP home and professional.

Enabling the Windows XP firewall

1. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel and open Network Connections.
2. Within the Network Connections window, right click the Local Area Connection and select properties.
3. Within the Local Area Connection Properties window, click the Advanced tab.
4. Finally, check the Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet option.

Disabling the Windows XP firewall 

1. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel and open Network Connections.
2. Within the Network Connections window, right click the Local Area Connection and select properties.
3. Within the Local Area Connection Properties window, click the Advanced tab.
4. Finally, uncheck the Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet option.

If you are attempting to disable the Windows XP firewall but this option is already unchecked, it is possible that another developer's firewall program may be installed on the computer. See document IF01060 for a listing of firewall programs.

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9.  Can’t Find A Lost Windows Product Key?

A.  In order to install or reinstall Microsoft Windows you must have access to a Product Key for that version of the operating system. The product key can typically be found on a yellow sticker on the CD case of the installation CD, or on a small Microsoft sticker on the outside of the PC's case (if the OS came preinstalled on the machine). If you no longer have access to the product key then you will effectively "lose" a Windows license if you ever have to reinstall the operating system.

Possible Solution:

There are several methods you can use to uncover a lost product key for a version of Windows that you currently have installed.

For older versions of Windows you can extract the product key from the Windows Registry. Click Start | Run and then type regedit and click OK.

For Windows 95 and Windows 98, browse to this key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ProductID

For Windows NT 4.0, browse to this key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProductID

Alternatively, there are also some free scripts and freeware software programs that can help you:

            • Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder: This is probably the best tool for this task. In addition to finding and identifying product keys for Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP, it can also uncover product keys for installed versions of Microsoft Office.

            • Windows Key Finders: This is actually a group of tools that can be used for unearthing product keys for different versions of Windows.

            • Belarc Advisor: This free utility builds a detailed profile of your installed software and hardware.

Whichever method you use, make sure you write down the product key and put it in a safe place for future reference.

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10. Hyperlinks Not Working In Internet Explorer 6.0.

A.  If you click on a hyperlink in a web page and only a blank window appears,

1. Go to Start / Run
2. Then enter regsvr32 urlmon.dll
3. Click Ok when finished
4. If that single change does not resolve the problem, repeat the process by running the following additional entries:
• regsvr32 Shdocvw.dll
• regsvr32 Msjava.dll
• regsvr32 Actxprxy.dll
• regsvr32 Oleaut32.dll
• regsvr32 Mshtml.dll
• regsvr32 Browseui.dll
• regsvr32 Shell32.dll (Windows XP and Windows 2000 only)

There have been several instances where the previous tip using regsrv32 does not solve the problem with hyperlinks not working.

In this case try:

1. Open Internet Explorer
2. Go to Tools / Internet Options
3. Click on the Programs tab
4. Click on the Reset Web Settings button

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11.  Your Windows Installer Could Not Be Accessed Error (Windows XP).

A.  When you are trying to install, uninstall or repair a program, you may receive an error that says Windows Installer could not be accessed and that the Windows Installer files are missing damaged or have become unregistered.

Here are a couple of things to try:

Re-register the Windows Installer components.

1. Open My Computer or Windows Explorer
2. Browse to the Windows\System32 folder and make sure that the application file msiexec.exe is there.
3. Start the Registry Editor. Click on Start, Run, type in regedit and click Ok.
4. Expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\MSIServer.
5. Select MSIServer, then make sure the value ImagePath contains C:\WINDOWS\system32\msiexec.exe /V
6. Restart your computer in Safe Mode.
Click on Start, then Run and type msiexec /regserver and click Ok.
7. Restart the computer.

If that doesn’t work then you can try to reinstall the Windows Installer.

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12.  How Do I Create A New User Account Profile In XP.

A.  User profiles are a convenient way of enabling other people to use the same PC while retaining their own privacy, settings and desktop layout. A profile also enables the user to password protect their particular settings, thus preventing other user's, unless they too know the password, from viewing or changing the current user settings. Profiles also enable the system administrator to restrict what each user can change on the system. For example, installing software or changing hardware configurations, etc. As a general rule it is wise that each user profile has its own password.

To create a new user account proceed as follows:

1. Make sure you are logged on to your PC as Administrator

2. Click the Start button

3. From the Start Menu click Control Panel

4. In the Control Panel Windows click the User Account Icon

5. In the User Account Window under the Pick A Task section, click Create a New Account

6. On the next screen type into the New Account dialogue box the name you want to call the account, i.e., Gary, and then press the Next button

7. The next screen enables you to Pick and Account type. There are two types available: Administrator and Limited. If you want to give the user full control select Administrator. If, on the other hand, you have children or don't wish the user to have full control select Limited instead. Now Click the Create Account button

8. Your new user account profile has now been created.

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13. Using System File Checker In Vista.

System File Checker checks that all Windows files are where they should be and that they're uncorrupted. If you've done all your virus and spyware checking, error checking and defragging, and Windows is still doing strange things, then SFC can avoid a reinstall.

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14. To Take Ownership of a System File In Vista.

If you are trying to tweak or modify your Vista system, you will run into a barrier when it comes to replacing or changing system files. You can take ownership of the file and then grant your username full control of the file. After you have made your changes and/or modifications, you can then remove the permissions.

First you will need to access an elevated command prompt, to do this:

1. Click the Start button.

2. Click All Programs.

3. Go into Accessories.

4. Right-click on Command Prompt.

5. Select Run as administrator.

6. When the UAC Prompt appears, click Continue.

Once you have your elevated command prompt, follow these steps:

For our example, we are going to use the Bubbles screensaver file (Bubbles.scr)

1. At the command prompt, input takeown /f filepath (takeown /f c:\windows\system32\Bubbles.scr).

2. Press Enter on the keyboard.

3. A message will be displayed that this completed successfully.

4. Now input icacls filepath /grant yourusername:f (icacls c:\windows\system32\Bubbles.scr /grant gcham01:f).

5. A message will be displayed that this completed successfully.

You will now be able to modify or replace the file. When you are done, simply remove the permissions to keep the file secure.
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