TaurArian

Miscellaneous

FixIt Solution Centre
http://support.microsoft.com/fixit/


Internet Explorer 8 or 9 times out when downloading especially at 99% -

The download process stops at 99 percent when you try to download a file in Internet Explorer 9
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2566258

Internet Explorer error "connection timed out" when server does not respond
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/181050  


What Windows Version do I have?

Click Start, Select Run, now type in: WINVER
Press Enter
or
Press Windows key + Pause Break key

To find out if you have a 32 bit system (x86) -
Click Start, Select Run, now type in: msinfo32

How to determine whether a computer is running a 32-bit version or 64-bit version of the Windows operating system
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827218

32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions

What does it mean if my version of Windows is no longer supported?:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/help/what-does-end-of-support-mean

For Vista

Click Start button, click Control Panel, click System and Maintenance and finally click Welcome Center.
The edition of Windows Vista you are running is displayed with your computer details near the top of the window.


Lost your Product Code Key

If Windows XP is still installed on the computer:

ProduKey - Recover lost product key (CD-Key) of Windows/MS-Office
http://nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

or

Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

If you purchased WinXP retail, the Product Key is on an orange label on the back of the package. If you don’t have the package, contact Microsoft:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/295539

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246 

If you have an OEM version of WinXP, the Product Key sticker should have been placed on the computer tower by the retailer. Note, Microsoft will be unable to assist you with an OEM version.


Adobe Reader

Adobe Reader Update errors
http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/852/cpsid_85258.html

Forum for Adobe Reader (you may wish to ask your question there):
http://forums.adobe.com/community/adobe_reader_forums/adobe_reader


Startup Programs

All about disabling programs at startup
http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.php
http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist.htm

Also see:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/Autoruns.mspx


Security -

Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by third-party software
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

Microsoft NEVER sends Email with attachments.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/news/patch_hoax.mspx

Protect your computer
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/default.mspx

Windows Defender from Microsoft
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Kaspersky Virus-fighting utilities
http://support.kaspersky.com/viruses/utility

Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 2010
http://support.kaspersky.com/faq/?qid=208280890

Kaspersky Rogue Security Software: http://support.kaspersky.com/viruses/rogue

Microsoft Security Essentials:
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

Online scanners:

ESET online scanner
http://www.eset.com/online-scanner

Symantec
http://security.norton.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym

Trend Micro House Call:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

McAfee FreeScan:
http://home.mcafee.com/store/Product.aspx?productid=mss

Kaspersky Labs On-line Virus Checker:
http://www.kaspersky.com/scanforvirus

BitDefender Online Scan:
http://www.bitdefender.com/scanner/online/free.html


Virus Scanning Recommendations - preventing corruption of the softwaredistribution\datastore folder

Virus scanning recommendations for computers that are running Windows Server 2003, Windows 2000, or Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/822158


Free software

I've provided a list of products that are free for convenience. It's up to decide whether or not they are of interest to you.