I get variations on this question a lot. The specifics of the error message changes - usually referencing a different file, but the error is always the same: something about an inability to load or launch a program after logging in.

The most common cause is malware of some sort, or incompletely cleaned malware. Incompletely or incorrectly uninstalled software in general can also this error.

There are several steps you should probably take.

Continue reading: "How do I get rid of this loading error on startup?"

Posted August 27, 2008 | Category: Windows Configuration

OK, I admit it, I'm a geek. And part of reason I say that is because I actually have Process Explorer as an auto-start entry on my two primary machines. It runs automatically whenever I boot up. Not only do I find that I refer to it that often, but I'm just the kind of person who likes to know what's going on inside his computer. You know, a geek.

Now, you may not need or even want to know what's going on under the hood. Let's face it, for most computer users you shouldn't have to. Computers are supposed to "just work", and you should never need to be bothered with things like processes or resource utilization or what not.

And we all know how well that's working.

This is where process explorer comes in. Process Explorer - or frequently just "procexp" - provides a window into the world of all the programs running on your computer, and offers up a level of detailed information that Task Manager could never hope to approach.

Continue reading: "Process Explorer - A Free Powerful Replacement for Windows Task Manager"

Posted August 25, 2008 | Category: Software

There are actually typically three different types of backups: full, incremental, and differential. Understanding which is which, and how they should be used it pretty important to making sure you're appropriately backed up while not simultaneously eating up disk space at an exorbitant rate.

Continue reading: "What's an incremental backup?"

Posted August 23, 2008 | Category: Maintenance and Backup

Everything Java is not infected.

I know that reading all the dire warnings you might see every day might make it seem like just turning on your computer is an exercise in dangerous futility, but it's just not that bad. With a little caution on your part (and perhaps a better security system), you can use the internet, including Java, quite safely.

Continue reading: "If everything's infected, how do I get anything done?"

Posted August 22, 2008 | Category: Viruses and Malware

This is actually a synthesized question that reflects an extremely common line of thinking I see in questions and comments I receive.

I can kind of understand the thinking; it might make sense to rely on something called "System Restore" to restore your system.

Unfortunately, that's not even close to what it does. Add a couple of additional pitfalls, and relying on System Restore without completely understanding what it is - and more importantly what it is not - could lead you down a very dangerous path.

Continue reading: "Why can't I rely on System Restore for backups?"

Posted August 21, 2008 | Category: Maintenance and Backup

I can certainly sympathize with Windows Vista's complexity. This isn't a simple operating system any more, and it's not something that can be "pared down" to just a couple of running programs. Vista will always have lots of processes running. It's not a good thing, it's not a bad thing, it's just a thing ... a reflection of a large and complex operating system that's trying to do a lot.

But the point you raise is a good one. Virus writers often try to obfuscate what they're about by naming their virus files the same as system executables. As you've seen, csrss.exe in one place is critical to system operation, and yet csrss.exe run from some other place is most likely a virus.

How do you know which is which?

Continue reading: "How can I tell from where an EXE file is being run?"

Posted August 20, 2008 | Category: Windows Oddities

It depends on the email program you're using, but I'll show you how in Outlook Express and you can probably find the equivalent in your own email program.

Then I'll tell you why you don't want to change it; this behavior is exactly what you want. Honest.

Continue reading: "Why are some pictures blocked in email, and how do I stop that?"

Posted August 19, 2008 | Category: Email Privacy

Window XP SP3 has had a fairly reasonable success rate, but it definitely causes some people problems. While I don't think it's a long term solution, you can indeed prevent Windows Update from trying to install SP3.

Continue reading: "How do I block Windows XP Service Pack 3?"

Posted August 11, 2008 | Category: Windows Installation

I don't have anything specific to that error, but what I'll do instead is outline the various steps I take when attempting to diagnose and repair a problem of this nature.

Depending on the underlying cause, this could be a simple fix, or a disaster waiting to happen.

Continue reading: "How do I fix errors on my hard disk?"

Posted August 10, 2008 | Category: Disks and Mass Storage

Leaving your computer running overnight is one common and easy way to deal with this issue. It's certainly what I do.

But it doesn't have to be the only solution.

But I also have to ask: NINE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS? For starters, it sounds to me like you're doing more maintenance than you need to.

Continue reading: "How do I reduce the amount of computer maintenance I'm supposed to do?"

Posted August 09, 2008 | Category: Maintenance and Backup

Perhaps.

Long time readers will know that my opinion of Outlook Express, and its Vista equivalent, Windows Mail, is not very high. That's based mostly on problem reports I see every day.

The two programs are nearly identical, but in this case there's a difference that, if you're lucky, might serve you very well.

Continue reading: "How do I remove a pesky message in Windows Mail?"

Posted August 08, 2008 | Category: Windows Mail

First, I want to commend you on realizing that a reformat of your machine erases everything. Sadly, many people don't realize or overlook this aspect.

There are two approaches that I recommend, and the choice boils down to understanding exactly how confident you are that you won't miss anything.

And for the record, I'm never that confident, myself.

Continue reading: "How should I save files before reformatting my computer?"

Posted August 07, 2008 | Category: Maintenance and Backup

"definitely not connected."?

I beg to differ. That's exactly what that little balloon means.

And depending on what you mean by "cleaning program", I'm not at all surprised they didn't help.

Continue reading: "Why am I being told I'm connected when I'm not?"

Posted August 06, 2008 | Category: Windows Networking