microsoft

I have finally finished my latest eBook, entitled, "Windows XP Service Pack 2 Install Guide: A fail-safe guide for new and intermediate computer users." Reminder: What is Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2)? Service Pack 2 is Microsoft's latest -- major ... -- update to Windows XP. It's not just a collection of security patches; it is also a significant upgrade to the operating system itself and contains elements which cannot be obtained as separate downloads via the Windows Update web site. The Buzz surrounding the Release of XP Service Pack 2: Do or Don't? Service Pack 2 (SP2) began ... (view more)

Yesterday, I came across a very interesting article posted by p2pnet.net which details a recent exploit in MS Windows, called "jpeg of death.c v.05". In summary: on September 17th, 2004, a proof-of-concept exploit was discovered that could ... potentially execute malicious code on the victim's computer when viewing a JPG file image file using Internet Explorer; at the time, however, the exploit only crashed Internet Explorer. On September 24th, a new variant of the exploit appeared, responsible for running potentially malicious code if an infected .jpeg file was downloaded from the ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Dilsia M. writes: " Dear Dennis, Something happened to my Search companion in Windows XP that allows me to search for files and folders in My Computer. When I try to use the Search function, Windows tells me that a file necessary ... to run the search function cannot be found and that I have to run setup to fix it. Rover the doggie doesn't appear, either. Do you know how I can resolve this issue? " My response: I get asked this question from time to time, so it's worth answering once more. RE: When I try to use the Search function, Windows tells me that a file ... (view more)

Continuing on with our Feature Article on Registry Mechanic, here are some top Frequently Asked Questions about the Windows Registry, courtesy of WinGuides.com: Q: Do I really need to fix registry problems? A: In short, yes. If you don't fix ... registry problems when they arise or try and prevent them from even happening at all, then you may soon find yourself faced with sudden crashes, system stalls, or a severe degradation in operating speed. Working to fix registry issues and prevent system crashes should be a top priority whether you use your computer for business or pleasure, and you'll ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader 'Tom' asks: " Somewhere, someone told me about a website that allowed users to download a windows 98 Second Edition full CD that included all the critical updates. I also heard that you needed to use the original CD key to use ... this install. Do you happen to know if this is true, and if so, what is the web site? " My response: As far as I understand, it would be illegal to distribute any Microsoft product that is normally for sale (I.E.: the Windows Operating System itself -- Service Packs , on the other hand, are free). On that note, I happened to stumble across ... (view more)

Can OEM software be sold at ridiculously cheap prices? That was the question which Infopackets Reader Pete N. pondered last week: " Dear Dennis, My email box has been bombarded lately -- as I'm sure most of your readers have -- with solicitations ... for OEM Software (sans the box and manual) available at ridiculously cheap prices. The deal is very tempting, but can you tell me the pros and cons of buying and using this stuff? I find it hard to believe that the only difference [when purchasing OEM software] is that you don't get the manuals and boxes. Can you explain? " After composing ... (view more)

Recall -- Infopackets Reader Marie 'ChameleonsGirl' asked if it was possible to use the same copy of Windows XP that came with her new computer and install it onto her second computer. My response was that Microsoft has designed Windows XP so that ... it can only be activated on 1 computer (per copy). This is a form of copy protection and is aimed at stopping software piracy, and works something like this: You buy Windows XP on CD (or it comes with your computer) and includes a registration number. The Windows XP activation program looks at each hardware component inside your computer, gathers ... (view more)

Die-hard Infopackets Reader Colette C. writes: " Dear Dennis, I love your newsletter! It's very informative and gives us 'technologically challenged' folk a chance to understand what the heck is going on in the world of computers. Speaking of 'What ... the heck is going on?'... Occasionally, an error message appears in Internet Explorer when I try to print out something. It reads: 'Internet Explorer Script Error: An error has occurred in the script on this page. Error: Access is denied. Line: 93 Char: 1, Error: Access denied: 0, URL: res://C:\WINDOWS \ SYSTEM \ SHDOCLC.DLL / preview.dlg. Do ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Pam S. writes: " Dear Dennis, I love your newsletter and it has helped me very much! One problem I've been having with my computer is the inability to run Java Scripts over the web. When my computer tries to initiate Java, a ... Window appears and tells me that it is missing shortcuts and cannot continue to run. I was told by a friend that I will have to reformat and possibly change operating systems ... I found that Windows 2000 was too difficult to use, so at this point, I reformatted and installed Windows XP Pro. Will I have to reformat again? " My response: As I ... (view more)

This feature article is just a quick note to let you know that Microsoft has released 4 critical updates and 1 "important" update on October 15, 2003. Each critical exploit can allow a hacker to execute arbitrary code and gain access to your PC. ... Affected machines are those which are running Windows ME, NT, 2000, XP and 2003 Server (source: MS Bulletins MS03-041~44: October 15, 2003). Yikes! If you haven't already downloaded the patches via Windows Automatic Update or the Windows Update Web site, you can visit the Microsoft web site to learn more. http://www.microsoft.com/security/ ... (view more)