Maintaining, Optimizing, and Troubleshooting Windows 9x and Windows Me

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Maintaining, Optimizing, and Troubleshooting
Windows 9x and Windows Me

• Chapter 15

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Overview

• In this chapter, you will learn to
• Maintain and optimize a healthy Windows 9x/Me
  system
• Install and configure devices on Windows 9x/Me
  systems
• Troubleshoot Windows 9x/Me problems using key
  tools and procedures

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Maintaining and Optimzing Windows 9x/Me
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Maintaining and Optimizing Windows 9x/Me

• There is little you can do to make a Windows
  system run faster or better by tweaking the
  system!

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Service Packs/Patches/Windows Update

• Patches are EXE files provided by Microsoft for
  fixing specific problems
• A service pack is a group of patches
• Microsoft later sold Win95 with Service Pack 1 as
  OEM service release 1 (OSR 1)
• A year later OSR 2 combined newer patches
• Win98 had one major update called the Customer
  Service Pack (Win98 SE includes it)

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What do I need?

• Windows Update (on the Start menu) will determine
  what updates you require and will list them,
  allowing you to decide which ones you want
• For Win95, download QFECHECK from Microsofts web
  site

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Drive Maintenance

• Disk scanning, defragmentation, and disk cleaning
  are the critical parts of drive maintenance
• Start ? Programs ?
  Accessories ? System Tools

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Disk Defragmenter at Work
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Disk Cleanup

• Disk Cleanup will delete files that are no longer
  needed such as
• Application temporary files that failed to
  delete
• Installation temporary files that failed to
  delete
• Internet browser cache files
• Files in the Recycle Bin
• Internet cookie files
• Identical files in separate locations

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Drive Maintenance

• The Windows Me hard drive Properties Tools tab
  includes Error-Checking (ScanDisk), and
  defragmentation

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Task Scheduling

• The Windows Task Scheduler can be used to
  automate the processes involved in
  drive maintenance

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Virtual Memory

• All versions of Windows use virtual memory
• Windows swap files are used to implement virtual
  memory
• WIN386.SWP in Windows 9x/Me
• PAGEFILE.SYS in Windows NT/2000/XP

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Virtual Memory

• Windows sets the initial size of the swap file
  automatically according to the free space
  available on the C drive
• The swap file size can be altered and it can also
  be moved onto another drive according to memory
  needs

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Virtual Memory Windows 9x/Me

• Alt-Click My Computer and choose Properties

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Virtual Memory Windows 2000

• Alt-click My Computer, and choose Properties ?
  Advanced tab ? Performance Options button ?
  Change button

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Virtual Memory Recommendations

• Default settings for swap files are usually far
  larger than needed
• The recommendation is to set the size of the swap
  file to two to three times the amount of RAM
• If you have 256MB of RAM, then set the swap file
  to 512 MB to 768 MB
• Set the minimum and maximum sizes to the same
  value
• If you get the error Not Enough Memory, then
  increase the swap file larger

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Disk Cache

• Every version of Windows sets aside a small
  amount of RAM for a disk cache
• Vcache, Windows disk-caching program, keeps track
  of the files requested by the CPU it then tries
  to guess what the CPU will be needing and keeps
  in in RAM this makes access much faster
• Disk caching that comes with Windows installs
  automatically and is virtually maintenance free
• The size of the disk cache is roughly one-fourth
  the total size of RAM
• Windows automatically sets the size of the
  disk-cache holding pen based on the settings
  given at setup

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Disk Cache Settings

• Alt-click My Computer, and choose Properties ?
  Performance tab ? File System button

How much RAM to set aside for the disk
cache. Setting to Network server may help
performance.
How many clusters to read ahead when the system
goes to the hard drive. Best to set at Full.
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Resource Tracking Tools

• One of the most common problems in performance
  relates to too many programs trying to run at the
  same time
• Many programs and processes run in the background
• There are tools that help to track resource usage
• System Resources
• System Monitor
• System Resource Meter
• Task Manager

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System Resources Percentage

• Alt-click My Computer, and choose Properties ?
  Performance tab

Many systems can run down into the low 20s
without a problem.
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System Monitor

• Start ? Programs ? Accessories ? System Tools ?
  System Monitor

Not installed by default!
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System Resource Meter

• Start ? Programs ? Accessories ? System Tools ?
  System Resource Meter

Substantial system slowdown results from
overfilled heaps. Low Resources is your
indication. Once installed, the Resource Meter
will let you keep an eye on heaps.
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Task Manager

• Access Task Manager by pressing CTRL-ALT-DEL
• Shows all running programs, including hidden ones
• Useful for closing unresponsive programs
• Do not close Explorer or Systray (Windows needs
  them!)

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Auto-Starting Programs

• Some auto-starting programs such as antivirus
  softwares are essential
• Most auto-starting programs consume valuable
  physical memory and can be done without
• Unnecessary programs should be removed
• Go to the System Tray Alt-click on the various
  icons and decide whether to disable each one

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Auto-Starting Programs

• Additional auto-starting programs may be turned
  off using the System Configuration Utility
• Start ? Programs ? Accessories ? System Tools ?
  System Information, then open the System
  Configuration Utility under the Tools menu
• Check the Startup tab (dont turn off the System
  Tray)
• Check the Win.ini file for Run and Load under
  the Windows folder
• Check autoexec.bat and config.sys

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System Configuration Utility
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Installing Software

• One poorly written software program installed on
  your computer can trash your system
• Some versions of Windows now allow you to return
  your system to its previous state
• A recommended third-party program is Q-Recovery
  from Hyper-Q

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Device Installation
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Before You Buy

• Know what you need
• What do I expect this device to do?
• What are the expectations of the device?
• Can I or the customer afford it?
• How much do we care about this device?
• Never trust techs with all the answers!
• Physical compatibility with the system
• Do I have an open PCI slot, a needed serial port,
  etc.

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Before You Buy

• System compatibility
• Check the makers web site, FAQs, email tech
  support
• Check on restocking charges, return shipping
  costs
• Insist on at least a seven-day return policy
• Availability of drivers
• For your OS the latest drivers

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Installing PnP Devices

• Create a startup disk
• Backup the Registry
• Use proper anti-ESD procedures, and retain the
  packaging
• Read the Read Me file
• You may need to delete the old device if you are
  replacing it with another
• You may need to hold off connecting the unit to
  the USB port

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Installing PnP Devices

• CMOS Issues
• Generally, you wont have to worry about CMOS
  settings
• Activate the serial or parallel port if needed
• Use Assign IRQ to USB for USB devices
• Driver Install
• Windows will look for an INF file
• Once the device is physically installed, check
  the device

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Creating a Startup Diskette

• Always have a Start Up Disk in case of an
  emergency
• Start?Settings? Control Panel? Add/Remove Programs

These directions apply to Windows 98. Support for
most CD-ROMs is included.
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CD-ROM Support

• If you create a Startup disk using Windows 95 or
  with DOS, you will need to add CD-ROM support as
  follows
• Add the following line to config.sys
• DEVICEHIGHa\SBIDE.SYS /DMSCD001 /P170,15 /V
• Or DEVICEa\oakcdrom.sys /DCDROM
• Add the following line to autoexec.bat
• a\MSCDEX.EXE /DMSCD001 /V /M15 /LD
• Or a\MSCDEX.EXE /DCDROM

Oakcdrom.sys is the Generic driver found at
www.computerhope.com/drivers/cdrom.htm.
MSCDEX.EXE may be found in the \Windows\Command
folder.
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Backing Up the Registry

• The Registry is critical to your OS functioning
  properly
• When you install a new device, Windows changes
  the Registry, so always make a backup right
  before installation
• There are many ways to backup the registry
• Using REGEDIT, select Export Registry File on the
  Registry menu

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The Device Manager

• Device Manager is a primary tool for dealing with
  devices and device drivers in Windows
• If Windows detects a problem, a red x or a
  yellow exclamation point is displayed
• Devices are organized in special groups

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Applications

• Hardware is useless without an application that
  uses it. Applications can be broken down into
  five groups
• Built-in apps come with Windows
• Enhanced apps add more functionality or features
  over those provided by Windows
• Supplied critical apps must be installed for the
  hardware to work
• Supplied helpful apps are not required but may be
  useful to you
• Supplied optional apps are things like an AOL CD

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Plug and Play Problems

• Failure to find the correct device driver is a
  common PnP installation issue
• A bad or an incorrect INF file can cause
  problems. Hardware makers may hide the INF file
  in a Setup program
• Device Manager can be used to locate the
  installed device to verify installation or to
  troubleshoot issues
• Legacy devices may require additional
  configuration

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PnP Cant Find a Driver

• If Windows cannot find a driver, the Add/Remove
  Hardware Wizard will pop up this screen
• Just point Windows to the right location for the
  driver based on your operating system
• It should be somewhere on the CD or diskette that
  came with the new device

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Plug and Play Problems

• Removing and reinstalling the device may be
  required if Windows is not able to detect the PnP
  device
• Windows may fail to see a PnP device if other
  devices are using all available resources
• Upgrade the system BIOS if necessary
• Ensure that the system has installed the required
  chipsets for new motherboards

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Device Manager Errors

• If a device has a problem, it shows up with an
  exclamation point surrounded by a small yellow
  dot
• A small red x on a device indicates that the
  device has been disabled by Windows

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Device Manager Errors

• A majority of problems can be grouped into one of
  the following areas
• Failure to follow installation procedures
• Corruption/incompatibility with drivers or the
  INF file
• Outdated support drivers
• Outdated BIOS
• Resource conflict
• Corrupted registry
• Bad device

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Verifying the Driver Version

• Alt-click My Computer ? Properties ? Device
  Manager tab ? Select device and choose Properties
  button ? Driver tab

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Error Codes

• Error codes may give you a clue on how to fix the
  issue
• Alt-click My Computer ? Properties ? Device
  Manager tab ? Select device and choose Properties
  button ? General tab
• Microsofts Knowledge Base lists these in article
  Q125174

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Corruption Incompatibility

• Corruption
• Errors related to the driver
• Delete the driver, reboot, and try again
• Download the latest driver from the manufacturer
• Check the hard drive

• Incompatibility
• Unknown device error
• Unsupported device error

The attitude gotta have the newest invariably
puts you on the bleeding edge of
technology. Good techs know when to try to fix
something and when to call tech
support. Newsgroups may help. Try
news//alt.certification.a-plus.
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Outdated Support Drivers BIOS

• Outdated Support Drivers
• Theres always a chipset, controller, or some
  other device between the CPU and the device you
  install
• Well-supported devices always have detailed name
  under System devices compare the left and right
  screens on the next slide

• Outdated BIOS
• If you have all the latest drivers and still get
  errors in Device Manager, see if your motherboard
  maker has an updated BIOS

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Default vs. Proper Drivers
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Device Manager Errors Concluded

• Resource conflicts
• These are clearly reported by Windows
• Well talk about resolving them in a few slides
• Corrupted Registry
• This is clearly reported just reinstall
• Bad device
• If you can try the device in another PC, do that
• If not and you are 75 sure it is a bad device,
  replace it your time is worth more!

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IRQ Steering

• With IRQ steering, PCI devices share one or more
  IRQs, depending on the chipset, and on the
  function of the PCI device
• Systems must have IRQ9 or IRQ11 available for IRQ
  steering
• See the next few slides for further explanation

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IRQ Steering
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IRQ Steering
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IRQ Steering
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Memory Concepts

• An address space is the total amount of memory
  the CPU can address
• Memory is simply all of the permutations of 0s
  and 1s that the CPU address bus can generate
• Its not really RAM or ROM its a system
  resource defined by a list of 0s and 1s, usually
  represented in hexadecimal
• Any permutation on a modern 32-bit address bus
  can be represented using eight hexadecimal
  characters

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Memory Resources Used
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Installing a Legacy Device

• Critical questions that must be answered before
  installing a legacy device are
• What resources are available on the system?
• What resources can the legacy device use?
• Is there driver support for the device?

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Determining Available Resources

• Device Manager shows all available resources

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Reserving Resources

• Reserve resources in two possible places
• CMOS
• Device Manager

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Reserving Resources in CMOS

• Turn off unused serial, parallel, or USB ports in
  the Integrated Peripherals menu in CMOS

Set this to Yes
Many CMOSs have dropped this option leaving
Device Manager as the place to go. If you have
this option, set it to Manual youll see the
next slide of information
Set to Enabled when installing an ISA device. It
will reset itself back to Disabled at the next
reboot.
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Resources Controlled by Manual
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Turning Off Unused Resources
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Reserving Resources in Device Manager

• After reserving resources in CMOS (or making sure
  PNP OS Installed is set to Yes and Resources
  Controlled By is set to Auto), reserve the
  resources in Device Manager

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Installing the Legacy Device

• Once resources are reserved, install the device
• Either set the proper jumpers based on the
  device, or run the software utility that came
  with the device to set it to the proper
  resource configura- tion

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Installing the Legacy Device

• Windows does not look for legacy devices when it
  boots up
• After rebooting into Windows, run the Add New
  Hardware Wizard in Control Panel
• Windows will find the legacy device usually and
  help you install the driver
• After installation check Device Manager to make
  sure the device is working properly

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Resource Conflicts

• If a newly installed device shows a black
  exclamation point or a red x in its properties,
  it indicates a resource conflict
• The error shows both the conflict text warning
  and the device with which the legacy device
  conflicts
• The Resources tab, in the properties dialog box
  of the device, enables manual configuration of
  the device

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Resource Conflict Shown
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Resolving Resource Conflicts
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Troubleshooting Windows 9x/Me
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Backup

• Backup means to copy a file and place it
  somewhere else in case a problem arises.
• Always backup important data before installing a
  new device
• You should also schedule regular backups of
  important and critical information
• Every version of Windows comes with a Backup
  program

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Backup

• Windows uses the archive bit to determine if a
  file has changed since the last backup
• Backup types are
• Full
• Backs up every file and folder
• Turns the archive bit off
• Incremental
• Backs up only files and folders with archive bit
  on
• Turns off the archive bit
• Differential
• Backs up only files and folders with the archive
  bit on
• Does not turn off the archive bit
• Copy

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System Restore

• Windows Mes System Restore utility allows you to
  return your system to a recent working
  configuration when something goes wrong
• Me creates restore points each day automatically
• Me also creates restore points anytime you
  install an application, update a driver, or add
  hardware
• Start ?Programs ?Accesories ?System Restore
  ?Create a Restore Point

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System Restore Screen
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Antivirus Protection

• A virus is a program with two main functions -
  proliferation and activation
• Some of the common types of viruses are detailed
  on the following slides
• You should always run virus protection software
  and keep it up to date

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The Computer Virus

• Boot sector
• Changes the code in the master boot record
• FDISK /MBR will fix if you dont have a disk
  overlay program
• Executable
• Resides in executable files and copies itself
  into other executable files
• Macro
• Auto-starts when an application is run

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The Computer Virus

• Trojan
• Free standing program that represents itself as
  something else and then may cause severe damage
• Worm
• Makes copies of itself on to the other systems on
  a network
• Bimodal/Bipartite
• Uses both boot-sector and executable functions

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Antivirus Programs

• Antivirus programs use different techniques to
  combat different types of viruses
• A library of signatures (code pattern of viruses)
  is used for detecting executable viruses
• Antivirus programs create a checksum on every
  file in the drive to combat unknown polymorphs
• A polymorph attempts to change its signature to
  prevent detection
• Stealth viruses use various methods to try to
  hide from antivirus software

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Virus Prevention Tips

• Antivirus programs can be installed to
  automatically scan floppies and downloads
• Bootable antivirus floppy disks can be used to
  eliminate susceptible viruses

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Sluggish Systems

• Usually caused by many autostarting programs
• Run the System Configuration Utility (msconfig)
• Scan for viruses
• Shut down unwanted programs

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Windows Boot Problems

• No OS found
• Use Sys to restore IO.SYS, MSDOS.SYS, COMMAND.COM
• Bad or missing COMMAND.COM
• Copy command.com back to the hard drive
• Error in CONFIG.SYS (line XX)
• Device referenced in SYSTEM.INI not found

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Windows Boot Problems

• HIMEM.SYS not loaded or missing or corrupt
  HIMEM.SYS
• Results from a hard drive needing ScanDisk badly
• Copy himem.sys back to hard drive and add to
  config.sys using devicec\himem.sys
• Boot normally and then use ScanDisk

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Windows Boot Problems-Wont Boot GUI

• Corrupted swap file
• Boot to safe mode, disable virtual memory
• Reboot, turn swap file back on, reboot again
• Step-by-step configuration from boot menu
• Restore registry from a backup
• If not available, replace system.dat and user.dat
  with system.da0 and user.da0
• With Win98, boot to startup disk and Windows
  Registry Checker tool
• C\Windows\Command\Scanreg /fix
• Resolve resource conflicts

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Windows Boot Problems-Wont Boot GUI

• Bad driver
• Run Automatic Skip Driver (ASD) tool in Safe Mode
• Under the Tools menu in System Information tool
• Or use Start ?Run ?ASD
• Corrupted core Windows files
• Run System File Checker to restore any corrupted
  core files automatically
• SFC /scanboot /quiet and then reboot

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Lockups/Reboots

• All system lockups fit into one of the following
  two groups
• Lockups that takes place immediately after a new
  program or device is added
• Check for resource conflicts or incompatibilities
• Lockups from nowhere
• Point to virus attacks or to hardware problems
• Power Supply, CPU, fan

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Errors

• General protection faults (GPFs) occur when a
  program tries to use another programs memory
• Windows protection errors take place when a
  special driver file, called a virtual device
  driver (VxD) fails to load or unload
• Device may be getting the same device driver from
  multiple places (config.sys, system.ini,
  Registry)
• Fatal exception errors are caused by hardware or
  software that sends an error not recognized by
  Windows

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Dr. Watson Utility

• Dr. Watson Utility
• It generates a detailed and highly technical
  report on the status of the system and the time
  the error occurred
• Provides a critical insight to a high technical
  level.
• Start ? Run ? drwatson

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Shutdown Problems

• Bad drivers, a corrupted registry, and faulty
  page files, all cause shutdown problems
• Try disabling Fast Shutdown (Win98 only)
• Start ? Programs ? Accessories ? System Tools ?
  System Information, then open the System
  Configuration Utility under the Tools menu. Click
  the Advanced button on the General tab. Check
  Disable Fast Save
• Application not closing
• Use Task Manager to shut it down
• Sound file
• Use Sound applet in Control Panel to turn off the
  shutdown sound

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Tweak UI

• Tweak User Interface (Tweak UI)
• One of the PowerToys written by Microsoft
• Provides access to system settings that are not
  exposed in the default user interface, including
  mouse settings, Explorer settings, taskbar
  settings, and more

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