Help Line: Two ways to fix bug in Windows XP
By JAY LEE
Q: My wife and I run Windows XP Home Edition on our home laptop computer, and we have a problem with our printer connection to the PC.
We unplug the printer from time to time to take the laptop downstairs, and when we plug the printer back in and turn on the PC from a hibernated or completely off state, the Found New Hardware wizard appears and looks to load the printer software again, even though it is already loaded. How can we stop this irritating computer behavior?
A: Microsoft acknowledges that this is, in fact, a bug in Windows XP. According to Microsoft's online knowledge base, this is caused by one of two things: either the printer does not use a Plug and Play driver or there is a damaged registry entry.
The first thing you should try is contacting the maker of the printer to see if they have a newer driver available. You can do this via its Web site.
If an updated driver does not correct the problem, you can try making a registry edit to see if you can correct the problem this way.
Keep in mind that modifying your registry incorrectly can cause severe problems with your computer and may force you to reinstall your operating system. Backing up your registry is recommended if you are the slightest bit uneasy about editing it.
If you believe that editing your registry is the option you must take, the affected key is HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SY
STEM\CurrentControlSet\En
um\LPTENUM. Find this registry key and delete it. Restart your computer, and it will detect your printer and install the support for it.
Q: I somehow ended up with an annoying downloaded file/program/pop-up, Aurora. I tried to delete it using Add/Remove programs on Control Panel. It takes me to the Web site www.mypctuneup.com and says that I have to download the uninstall program from them to get rid of it. It looks like they want you to take down your firewall and anti-virus first, so I'm naturally concerned. Is this safe to do?
A: The makers of spyware and adware are making it more and more difficult and involved to remove their parasitic malware.
I have seen required steps that involve having to fill out questionnaires and/or enter specific key codes all the way to what you are seeing, a need to download and execute a third-party uninstall application.
I don't like this at all. I have used it, as it seems to be the most effective way to remove this particular piece of spyware.
I would not disable any firewalls or deactivate your anti-virus right off the bat. Try using it with those tools still enabled and see how it goes.
Q: Can user names and passwords stored in Internet Explorer be accessed somewhere?
A: These passwords can be retrieved with third-party applications like Internet Password Recovery Toolbox by Rixler Software.
•In my column last week I answered a question regarding compatibility issues between versions of Microsoft Office. I received numerous e-mails suggesting I mention a free application called Open Office.
Open Office is an open-source office suite like Microsoft Office and can handle most file types associated with its counterpart. You can learn more about it at www.openoffice.org.
HoustonChronicle.com - Help Line: Two ways to fix bug in Windows XP
Q: My wife and I run Windows XP Home Edition on our home laptop computer, and we have a problem with our printer connection to the PC.
We unplug the printer from time to time to take the laptop downstairs, and when we plug the printer back in and turn on the PC from a hibernated or completely off state, the Found New Hardware wizard appears and looks to load the printer software again, even though it is already loaded. How can we stop this irritating computer behavior?
A: Microsoft acknowledges that this is, in fact, a bug in Windows XP. According to Microsoft's online knowledge base, this is caused by one of two things: either the printer does not use a Plug and Play driver or there is a damaged registry entry.
The first thing you should try is contacting the maker of the printer to see if they have a newer driver available. You can do this via its Web site.
If an updated driver does not correct the problem, you can try making a registry edit to see if you can correct the problem this way.
Keep in mind that modifying your registry incorrectly can cause severe problems with your computer and may force you to reinstall your operating system. Backing up your registry is recommended if you are the slightest bit uneasy about editing it.
If you believe that editing your registry is the option you must take, the affected key is HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SY
STEM\CurrentControlSet\En
um\LPTENUM. Find this registry key and delete it. Restart your computer, and it will detect your printer and install the support for it.
Q: I somehow ended up with an annoying downloaded file/program/pop-up, Aurora. I tried to delete it using Add/Remove programs on Control Panel. It takes me to the Web site www.mypctuneup.com and says that I have to download the uninstall program from them to get rid of it. It looks like they want you to take down your firewall and anti-virus first, so I'm naturally concerned. Is this safe to do?
A: The makers of spyware and adware are making it more and more difficult and involved to remove their parasitic malware.
I have seen required steps that involve having to fill out questionnaires and/or enter specific key codes all the way to what you are seeing, a need to download and execute a third-party uninstall application.
I don't like this at all. I have used it, as it seems to be the most effective way to remove this particular piece of spyware.
I would not disable any firewalls or deactivate your anti-virus right off the bat. Try using it with those tools still enabled and see how it goes.
Q: Can user names and passwords stored in Internet Explorer be accessed somewhere?
A: These passwords can be retrieved with third-party applications like Internet Password Recovery Toolbox by Rixler Software.
•In my column last week I answered a question regarding compatibility issues between versions of Microsoft Office. I received numerous e-mails suggesting I mention a free application called Open Office.
Open Office is an open-source office suite like Microsoft Office and can handle most file types associated with its counterpart. You can learn more about it at www.openoffice.org.
HoustonChronicle.com - Help Line: Two ways to fix bug in Windows XP
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