Although Windows XP is arguably the most stable and reliable version of Windows thus far, occasionally you might hit a few digital potholes that throw XP out of alignment.To ensure a smooth ride and eliminate common XP problems, follow the tips in this article in addition to using CA’s PC Pitstop Optimize software. Close an Unresponsive Program Occasionally, a program gets caught up and won’t close. When that happens, you can force it to shut down by using the Task Manager, as follows:

   1. Simultaneously press the Ctrl, Alt, and
   Delete keys on your keyboard, which opens
   the Windows Task Manager. (However, if
   your version of Windows is configured  differently,
   pressing these keys might open a
   Windows Security box. In that case,  simply
   click the Task Manager button.)
   2. Click the Applications tab.
   3. Click the name of the unresponsive program.
   4. At the bottom of the Task Manager, click the
   End Task button.
   5. If the troubled program doesn’t close immediately, a message
   alerts you that the program is not  responding. Click
   the End Now button.
   6. If the program still does not respond, or if Windows feels
   sluggish, shut down your computer and  restart it.
   Delete an Undeletable File

Sometimes files can become corrupt, in which case Windows XP prevents you from deleting them and displays an error message that says the files cannot be deleted because they are currently in use. Even if you restart your computer and try to delete the files again, usually you see the same error message.To force Windows to delete the files, try the following steps.

Warning Be careful when editing the registry. Deleting or editing the wrong entries could cause more problems. To delete common files:

   1. Close all open documents and programs that are currently
   running.
   2. Shut down your computer, and then reboot it.
   3. Return to Windows and try to delete the file again.
   4. If you still can’t get rid of the file, shut down your computer.
   5. Turn on your computer and immediately press the F8 key
   on your keyboard several times until the  Windows
   Advanced Options Menu screen appears.
   6. Use the up or down arrows on your keyboard to select Safe
   Mode, and then press the Enter key.
   7. The next screen displays the message “Please select the operating
   system to start.” Assuming you have only  Windows XP
   installed on your system, press the Enter  key. If you have
   more than one operating system installed,  use the up or
   down arrows on your keyboard to select  Windows XP, and
   then press the Enter key.
   8. Windows loads some software, which could take a minute
   or two. Depending on how your version of  Windows is con-
   figured, a login screen or the Welcome  screen appears. If
   you see the login screen, type your  account name and password
   (if you have one), and then press Enter.  If you see the
   Welcome screen, click the icon for the  account labeled
   Administrator or an account that has  administrative privileges,
   and then type your password (if you have  one).
   9. A message alerts you that Windows is running in Safe
   Mode.To proceed, click the Yes button.
   10. You can use Safe Mode in much the same way that you use
   the regular Windows mode. Locate the  undeletable file, and
   then try deleting it again.
   11. If you are successful, reboot your computer and return to
   the regular Windows mode. If your efforts  are not successful,
   seek the help of a computer professional.

To delete videos with the file extension .avi:

   1. Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows.
   2. Click the Run button.
   3. A window opens.Type regedit in the blank and click the
   OK button or press the Enter key.
   4. Click the OK button or press the Enter key.
   5. The Windows Registry Editor opens. In the left
   window pane, double-click the registry  key labeled
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE. If you can’t find it,  do
   the following:
   a. In the left window pane of the Registry  Editor, scroll
   to the top.
   b. If any of the HKEY registry keys are  open—as indicated
   by a minus sign (-) on their left  side—close
   them by clicking that minus sign. When a  registry key
   has been properly closed, it will have a  plus sign (+)
   next to it.
   c. Repeat this process for the remaining  HKEY registry
   keys until the only things visible in the  left window
   pane are the five HKEY keys.
   d. Double-click the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE  registry
   key.
   6. A new column of registry keys appears. Double-click the
   Software registry key.
   7. Open the Classes registry key.
   8. A long list of registry keys appears.
   9. Another long list of registry keys appears. Scroll down and
   double-click the one labeled  {87D62D94-71B3-4b9a-
   9489-5FE6850DC73E}.
   10. Right-click the InProcServer32 registry key and select
   Delete.
   11. You are asked to confirm the deletion. Click the Yes button.
   12. Exit the Registry Editor by clicking the X button in the
   upper-right corner.
   13. Shut down your computer and restart it.
   14. When you return to Windows, you should now be able to
   delete the .avi file.

Restore Windows to a Healthy State

In a pinch, the Windows XP System Restore feature is a reliable way to recover from a software crisis. In a sense, System Restore sends your computer back in time to a day when it was working properly. If Windows seems like it is undergoing a complete meltdown, try restoring it back to a healthy state, as follows:

   1. Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows.
   2. Click All Programs.
   3. Select Accessories.
   4. Select System Tools.
   5. Click System Restore.
   6. The System Restore window opens.
   7. Click the Next button, located near the lower-right corner
   of this window.
   8. A calendar appears. In it, click a day when your computer
   was working properly, and then click the  Next button.
   9. To confirm your choice, click Next.
   10. The System Restore process begins. Moments later, your
   computer automatically restarts itself.  When it boots up,
   follow the on-screen instructions.
   11. To make it easier to access System Restore the next time
   you need it, you can “pin” it to your  Start menu (but only
   if your Start menu is in XP mode rather  than classic
   mode), like this:
   a. Follow steps 1 through 4 in this  procedure to access
   the System Tools folder.
   b. This time, right-click System Restore and  select Pin to
   Start Menu.
   c. A shortcut to System Restore is placed on  your Start
   menu. From now on, whenever you need to  restore
   your computer to an earlier time, simply  click the
   Start button and click System Restore.

Use System Restore When Windows Won’t Start

When your computer is going haywire, System Restore can be a virtual lifesaver. But what if your high-tech troubles are so severe that Windows can’t even start up? In that case, try using the Safe Mode with Command Prompt to access System Restore:

1. After turning on your computer, press the F8 key several times until the Windows Advanced Options Menu screen appears.

2. Use the up or down arrows on your keyboard to select Safe Mode with Command Prompt, and then press Enter.

3. The next screen displays the message, “Please select the operating system to start.” Assuming you only have Windows XP installed on your system, press Enter. If you have more than one operating system installed, use the up and down arrow keys to select Windows XP, and then press the Enter key.

4. Windows loads some software, which could take a minute or two. Depending on how your version of Windows is con- figured, a login screen or the Welcome screen appears. If you see the login screen, type your account name and password (if you have one), and press Enter. If you see the Welcome screen, click the icon for the account labeled Administrator or an account that has administrative privileges, and then type your password (if you have one).

5. Next, a command prompt appears.Type %systemroot%\ system32\restore\rstrui.exe in the blank and press the Enter key.

6. After several seconds, the System Restore window appears. Click the Restore My Computer to an Earlier Time button.

7. Click the Next button, located near the lower-right corner of this window.

8. A calendar appears. In it, click a day when your computer was working properly, and then click the Next button.

9. To confirm your choice, click Next.

10. The System Restore process begins. Moments later, your computer automatically restarts itself. When it boots up, follow the on-screen instructions.

Protect Windows from a Botched Software Installation

Before you install any new program, you should create a “restore point.” Doing so will enable you to undo any problems or damage caused by the software installation. Here’s how:

   1. Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows.
   2. Click All Programs.
   3. Select Accessories.
   4. Select System Tools.
   5. Click System Restore.
   6. The System Restore window opens. Click the Create a
   Restore Point button .
   7. Click Next.
   8. Under the Restore Point Description heading, type some
   words or sentences that will help you to  remember why you
   are creating this restore point. For  example, if you just
   bought a new anti-virus program, you  could label this
   restore point “Before Installation of New  Antivirus
   Software.”
   9. Click the Create button.
   If a Program Won’t Start
   or Run Properly

If you suddenly discover that one of your programs will not open or run properly, it could be the result of a software conflict. Occasionally—for some unknown reason—certain programs cannot coexist peacefully on the same computer. In that case, there are some remedies you can try.

Download a Newer Version

Many companies release new versions of their software on a regular basis that offer improved features and resolve problems that were discovered in the previous versions.To update a program:

1. If you can successfully open the troubled program, search for an option with a name like Check for Updates. Usually this can be found in one of the drop-down menus located at the top of the program.

2. If you find this option, you must connect to the Internet so the program can update itself.

3. If you can’t update the program, or if the update doesn’t resolve your problem, check the program manufacturer’s website to see if a newer version is available. If you own a legal copy of the software, you may be able to download the newest version for free.

Download a Patch

Often companies offer small patches that can be downloaded from their websites to fix problems or glitches in their software.To locate and download a software patch:

1. Connect to the Internet and visit the website for the program’s manufacturer.

2. Near the top of the website’s main page, search for a link with a name like Support or Customer Service.

3. After clicking this link, look for a section labeled Updates or Downloads.

Temporarily Disable Anti-Virus or Anti-Spyware Software

Although anti-virus and anti-spyware software are essential for the protection and security of your computer, sometimes they can interfere with the actions of other programs. If updating or patching your troubled program doesn’t solve its problems, try temporarily disabling or shutting down your anti-virus and/or anti-spyware software. Here’s how:

1. If you are connected to the Internet, disconnect from it. For users of dial-up services like AOL, MSN, or Earthlink, this is done simply by logging off your Internet service. For users of high-speed Internet (DSL or cable), this is done by engaging the Internet lock feature of your software firewall or by unplugging the Ethernet cable from the back of your computer.

2. Right-click the icon for your anti-virus or anti-spyware program, which is usually located in the lower-right corner of Windows near the clock.

3. Select the option to Close or Disable or Shut Down.

4. Restart your troubled program to see if it works properly. If it does, keep your anti-virus or anti-spyware program turned off until you are finished using the troubled program.

5. When you are ready to resume normal computer activities like using email or surfing the Internet, remember to turn on your anti-virus software by right-clicking its icon near the Windows clock and selecting Enable or Restore.You should always have your anti-virus and anti-spyware software turned on when connected to the Internet. If the anti-virus icon is not there, you must manually restart the program by doing the following:

a. Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows.

b. Click All Programs.

c. Select the folder containing the name of your antivirus software. For example, if you use CA Anti-Virus, select the folder labeled CA.

d. Click the shortcut to launch the program.

CUSTOMIZING WINDOWS FOR YOUR PERSONAL PREFERENCES

Certain features of Windows XP may not be set to your liking.To customize Windows to meet your personal preferences, follow the tips in this article.

Prevent Windows Messenger from Loading

The popularity of instant-messaging (IM) software has soared in recent years. Built into Windows XP is an IM program called Windows Messenger that by default loads when Windows starts.You can prevent it from loading when Windows starts, as follows:

1. Open Windows Messenger by double-clicking its icon located in the lower-right corner of Windows.

2. Click the Tools drop-down menu.

3. Select Options.

4. A window opens. Click the Preferences tab.

5. Under the General heading, remove the checkmark from the Run Windows Messenger When Windows Starts box. Next, remove the checkmark from the Allow Windows Messenger to Run in the Background box.

6. Click the OK button.

7. Close Windows Messenger, and then open Outlook Express.

8. Click the Tools drop-down menu.

9. Select Options.

10. A window opens. Under the General tab, remove the checkmark from the Automatically Log On to Windows Messenger box.

11. Click the Apply button.

12. Click the OK button.

Hide or Disable Windows Messenger Even if you tweak

Windows Messenger so that it no longer loads when your computer starts, there are still some occasions when it may load anyway. If so, you can hide or disable it. There are a few different ways to do this, each of which is equally effective. Remove Windows Messenger from the Start Menu This quick fix hides Windows Messenger from sight by removing it from the Start menu. However, no changes are actually made to Messenger, so it remains intact and can be manually located and opened at any time.

Follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows.

2. Click the Control Panel. (If you don’t see this option, your Start menu is in classic mode. In that case, click Settings, and then select the Control Panel.)

3. Double-click Add or Remove Programs.

4. A window opens. In the left window pane, click the Add/Remove Windows Components icon.

5. A new window opens. Using the scroll bar on the right, scroll down and locate Windows Messenger. Next to it, remove the checkmark from the box

6. Click the Next button.

7. Windows begins the process of hiding Messenger from the Start menu, which could take a minute or two. When it has completed, click the Finish button.

8. Exit the Add/Remove window by clicking the X button in the upper-right corner.

9. Although Windows Messenger is now hidden, its shortcut may linger in the lower-right corner of Windows (near the clock).To make this shortcut disappear, right-click it and select Exit.

10. If you change your mind and want to use Windows Messenger again, simply repeat these steps, but this time put a checkmark in the Windows Messenger box. Rename Windows Messenger’s Folder Another way to disable Messenger is to rename its folder, which prevents Windows from locating it.

Although this fix is very rudimentary, it successfully stops Messenger from launching.To use this fix, follow these steps:

1. Double-click the My Computer icon on your desktop. If this icon is not available, click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows and click My Computer. If you can’t find the My Computer icon anywhere, do the following:

a. Right-click in the empty space on your desktop.

b. Select Properties.

c. A window will open. Click the Desktop tab.

d. Near the bottom of the window, click the Customize Desktop button.

e. Another window opens. On the General tab, beneath the words Desktop Icons, place a checkmark in the My Computer box.

f. Click the OK button.

g. You will be returned to the previous screen. Click the Apply button.

h. Click the OK button.

i. The My Computer icon appears on your desktop. Double-click it.

2. A window opens. Double-click the icon for your C: drive (unless you installed Windows in a different location, in which case you would double-click that drive letter).

3. Double-click the Program Files folder.

4. Locate the Messenger folder and right-click it.

5. Select Rename.

6. Give the folder a name that is easily recognizable, such as MessengerDisabled.

7. If you change your mind and want to use Windows Messenger again, simply rename this folder Messenger.

Force Windows to Use a Different Instant Messenger Instead of hiding or removing Windows Messenger, you can change the settings in Windows so that it recognizes another program as your default instant messenger. The advantage of this is that it keeps Windows Messenger intact and ready to use whenever you want it.

Note This option works only on Windows XP computers that have a minimum of Service Pack1 installed. To designate a different instant messaging program:

1. Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of Windows.

2. Click the Control Panel. (If you don’t see this option, your Start menu is in classic mode. In that case, click Settings, and then select the Control Panel.)

3. Double-click Add or Remove Programs.

4. A window opens. In the left window pane, click the Set Program Access and Defaults icon.

5. Click the Custom button.

6. Scroll down until you see the Choose a Default Instant Messaging Program heading. Click the Use My Current Instant Messaging Program button. Next, put a checkmark in the Enable Access to This Program box.

7. Click the OK button. Change the Windows Registration Name If you bought a previously owned computer, there is a good chance that Windows still says it is registered to its former owner.